Can Twitter Save Bletchley Park?

Dr Sue Black

Senior Research Associate

Software Systems Engineering

University College London

Neglect of Bletchley condemned

Early Day MotionEDM 1935   FUNDING FOR BLETCHLEY PARK20.07.2009

Willis, Phil

That this House recognises the signficance of Bletchley Park, historic site of secret British code-breaking activities during the Second World War and birthplace of the modern computer; acknowledges that the use of the intelligence gained at Bletchley Park and subsequent related actions of the Allies is said to have shortened the Second World War by two years, saving countless lives; and calls on the Government to provide operational funding whilst the museum is developed for long-term sustainability, securing the site for future generations to visit, appreciate and understand.

Closed with 82 signatures

Bletchley Park's codebreakers get glimpse of lottery fundingThe wartime site near Milton Keynes will receive £500,000 to help seek a £4.1m

grant - but campaigners say more is needed

Charles Arthur and agencies guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 29 September 2009 12.28 BST

Supporters of Bletchley Park, home to crucial code-breaking work during the Second World War and birthplace of the computer, expressed delight today after outline proposals to overhaul the site were given

approval by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Bletchley Park Trust has been awarded development funding to help prepare an application for a £4.1 million grant towards a £10 million restoration project including repairing key buildings, improving visitor facilities

and expanding educational programmes.

However Sue Black, a campaigner who has sought to gain heritage status – and funding – for the site, said that the award was "the end of the beginning for Save Bletchley Park, not the beginning of the end".

On the social networking site Twitter, she pointed out that the site "needs £10 million plus £250k per annum operational funding for five years. HLF [Heritage Lottery Fund] funding gives £500k plus hopefully £4m to

come..."

What *you* can do........

Please visit Bletchley Park (only £10 for an annual pass)

Write about Bletchley Park: there are so many amazing stories that have not been told: Joan Clarke, all veterans have many stories

Have a look at the Bletchley Park website: www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Read about my campaign: savingbletchleypark.org

Watch the BCS ‘Women of Station X’ video

Follow @bletchleypark and @Dr_Black on Twitter, search term #bpark

Put me in touch with your wealthy connections who might be interested in corporate sponsorship

Thanks for listening, any questions?

@Dr_Black

www.sueblack.co.uk

sueblack@gmail.com

DrBlack.posterous.com