Communication Breakdown
Communications from the world of, er, communications. And other stuff.
Wednesday 26 August 2009, 12:55 PM
Government rejects Bletchley rescue petition
The petition, which gained just under 22,000 signatories before it shut on 28 May, asked the prime minister to rescue the historic site because it has funding for just two to three more years of survival. "The Bletchley Park Trust receives no external funding," the petition read. "Please do not allow this crucial piece of both British and World culture to disappear."
"If ever an example were needed of Britain leading the world, this surely would be it. To allow it to fall into the hands of developers would be simply unconscionable."
On Wednesday, signatories to the petition received an email from the 10 Downing Street petitions website, linking to the government's response.
"The Government agrees that the buildings on the Bletchley Park site are of significant historic importance and, although recognising the excellent work being carried out there, at present it has no plans, nor the resources, to extend its sponsorship of museums and galleries beyond the present number," the response read.
Number 10 noted that the Bletchley Park Trust had applied again to the Heritage Lottery Fund, having been turned down last year.
"English Heritage, Milton Keynes Council and English Partnerships have worked jointly with the Trust that runs the Park to prepare a Conservation Management Plan for the site," the response added.
"English Partnerships has acquired some parts of the site and will ensure that any development of these areas is planned and delivered in a way that reflects the important historical nature of the Park. English Partnerships has also invested in the core site and contributed funds towards an emergency repair programme on Block D, the largest derelict wartime building in Britain, and is planning to undertake further substantial works to sensitively refurbish this important listed building."
The government turned down extra funding for Bletchley Park in May. In July, the Liberal Democrat MP Phil Willis filed an early day motion calling on the government to help out with the site's operational costs.
PreviousComments on this post
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Gutting isn't it, that a couple of million - maybe less - couldn't be found to make this site into a wonderful example of British ingenuity under extreme duress and tiny resource, while squillions are squandered on the Olympics (which is where the money has and and is going) to produce something that will be used for two weeks and then be a white elephant for decades (the usual fate, as a look at any other Olympic city will attest)?
It hardly bears mentioning that the first computer was developed there, no matter what the Americans say. But saying so might be blowing our own trumpet...
We just got comment in from Sue Black, one of the leading campaigners for the survival of Bletchley Park:
10 Downing Street's response — or lack of response — to the Save Bletchley Petition, signed by almost 22,000 people, is a disgrace and a slap in the face to the thousands of people that worked there. Bletchley Park not only saved countless British lives and shortened the war by two years, but it is also the birthplace of modern computing and a vital site in the UK's 20th Century wartime and scientific heritage. If the Government truly acknowledge the contribution made as significant why are they failing to help secure its future?
The funds already allocated to the park will go some small way to fixing a tiny number of problems, but the whole site, and particularly the huts where the most important work was done, are in a dire state of repair. This setback will not stop us campaigning – despite this response, we still believe that investment in saving Bletchley Park would be hugely beneficial to the UK, in terms of saving incredibly important history, knowledge and fantastic stories for the nation.
Bletchley Park is an icon representing this country standing up, despite overwhelming odds and fighting against an overbearing tyrannical state determined to crush individual liberty forever. Not the sort of example the government wants set these days it seems.
Bletchley is also a really fascinating place to visit. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and the exhibits well researched and well laid out. Suitable for all ages. It is well worth spending the time to see the place. They could also do with the cash!
I Agree it is an absolute bloody shambles! the first minds of computer science where created and grown there and went on to develop and work in other important institutions the world over, both in education and defense of the free world during the cold war.
Even today these great minds still work to educate and enlighten people of various fields not only in history, but also the contemporary work of computer science of today.
The government could save a bloody fortune employing these minds as advisers to tackle the current computer security issues they face today, rather than waisting ten's of millions of pounds on stupid consultancy agency fees, where there biggest claim to fame is how to loose millions of peoples personal data in the shortest time frame possible.
Boy when our government gets it wrong its gets it mega wrong so much so and so often, its actually becoming really scary the more times I start to think about it.
Once again Bletchly park comes up and once again people complain that government isn't supporting it. Personally, I see no reason for the government to support it. The IT industry is not short of cash, just look at the likes of Google, and those in the industry receive a good wage. The money is there within the industry to provide Bletchley Park with the money it requires, but it doesn't. If those 22,000 people hadn't signed a petition, but had actually donated money, say 10 pounds each to Bletchley park, that would have raised enough to get the work done to stop the deterioration of the huts.
How many of those who have posted here about how terrible it is the government is not supporting the place are volunteers? How many are part of the friends of Bletchley Park scheme? If the place is of such profound importance to IT, isn't it about time the industry as a whole started properly supporting them, including you? Our industry has the money to do it, they, including me, just don't bother.
Manek's right in theory. Wrong in thinking. The Government's thirst is for votes at any price. Stripping the Lottery and Sports funding builds infrastructure in East London - a Labour voter heartland. Museum goers to Betchley don't count in the cynical desparation before the next election. Q
@knapper
Mind what you say please. I complain loudly about the government's lack of interest in Bletchley Park.
I visited twice this year, and paid full price. The first time I could have got in cheaper, and I could have used the ticket the second time for a free entry.
I have also made several donations in recent years and no doubt will again as and when I can afford it.
I would be delighted to join up as a volunteer. Now if you'll just tell me a practical way for a full-time employed resident of Kent to make any useful contribution in Milton Keynes I'll get right on it.
@Tezzer
“I would be delighted to join up as a volunteer. Now if you'll just tell me a practical way for a full-time employed resident of Kent to make any useful contribution in Milton Keynes I'll get right on it.”
You are! I asked in my post what people who have complained are doing to help. What you've been doing is just the support Bletchley Park needs, not petitions demanding cash from central government. Let me put it this way, if the support you've been showing the place was common among those within the IT industry, Bletchley Park would have all the money it needs. Unfortunately while you're actively helping, I would still suggest that most people who berate the government for not helping do little themselves.
If you can't volunteer, then they have the friends scheme, you can donate and they have an online shop. If people want to support Bletchley, it's very easy. If you can't donate time, do as you've done, give them money.
Knapper never jump to conclusion's the UK government is renowned in history for not supporting British institutions throughout time, and is one of the main reason's why a lot have being lost.
Bletchley Park is just as important as things like Nelson's ship and even more so than things like the London dome, the government do have a responsibility for it as do others.
