HISTORY

HISTORY Hello

Visit the home of The Codebreakers this summer

Bletchley Park is a great place to visit during the summer: for adults and children alike!

This local museum and heritage attraction provides much to see and do as you learn about the amazing people who were at Bletchley Park during World War Two, and how their remarkable work impacts us today.

This summer, for the first time in Bletchley Park’s history, visitors can explore Block A, a newly restored wartime building at the heart of the historic World War Two codebreaking site.

This Block houses the new permanent exhibition, The Intelligence Factory, telling the story of Bletchley Park at the peak of its operation. Visitors will learn more about Bletchley Park’s crucial work from 1942 to 1945, as its multi-skilled workforce rapidly increased to meet operational demands. The site expanded hugely to become the world’s largest intelligence factory with a workforce of nearly 9,000, 75% of whom were women.

The exhibition thrusts visitors into the action at the peak of the Bletchley Park operation and shines a spotlight on the personal stories of those who worked to keep the organisation running. From tracking positions of Allied and enemy vessels, to handling millions of items of data, to recruiting, feeding, and housing thousands of staff, the scale and complexity of Bletchley Park at its peak as surprising as it is remarkable. Hands-on interactive displays allow visitors to try their hand at real intelligence-management techniques used at Bletchley Park, and experience some of the daily challenges faced by managers in keeping the operation afloat under wartime conditions. There’s an interactive recreation of the Naval Plotting Room used by naval intelligence officers to track the movements of ships.

A close-up look at wartime machinery, explains more about the processes used to manage the enormous amount of data generated.

Throughout the school summer holidays families will be able to enjoy free drop-in workshops to learn more about codebreaking, free children’s multimedia guides (with stories and puzzles) and a brand-new Top-Secret Mission Pack (available for £1), as well as an outdoor playground and lots of wide-open space for children to run around. With so many different areas to explore, go on an adventure and uncover some surprising stories!

Children under 12 are admitted free and residents living with a 10-mile radius of Bletchley Park can enjoy 50% off standard admission prices all year round! Your ticket also is an annual pass so you can visit Bletchley Park again and again.

With all this and more, you will surely have an astounding time at Bletchley Park this summer.

> Please visit bletchleypark.org.uk for further information and to book your tickets

Now open

Bletchley Park’s largest ever exhibition

9,000 people, working around the clock, producing intelligence on an industrial scale, secretly helping to turn the tide of World War Two.

Discover their story. Book tickets at bletchleypark.org.uk

HISTORY Hello

Take a visit to Delapré Abbey and experience 900 years of exciting and turbulent history in the heart of Northamptonshire, and there is plenty to captivate curious young minds this summer.

Outdoor activities in the Walled Garden will run between July 28 and September 1 and include a medieval themed Knight Trail and battle archaeology.

And every Thursday, history will come to life as you meet figures from the Abbey’s past inside the house.

You can play, explore and touch the items in the historic rooms – try on a helmet, fire a bow and arrow and create a crest. Under 18s go free.

The Abbey aside, there are 500 acres of parkland to explore and unwind in.

Delapré is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Dates of interest include a new adaptation of Wind in the Willows which will air in the Walled Garden (performances Friday, July 8-Sunday, July 10 at 6pm), Funtopia

Step back in time

(Saturday, August 13 & Sunday, August 14, 11am-5pm) with bouncy castles, an obstacle course, inflatable slide, bungee run and more, and Classics on the Lawn (Sunday, September 11, 11am-4pm) with more than 100 vintage, classic and specialist cars parked up in the grounds.

> Visit delapreabbey.org for tickets and to learn more about their talks and tours.

Delapré Abbey has activities for youngsters this summer

Happy Birthday!

J o i n u s t o c e l e b r a t e H o u s e t o H a v e n ' s 1 s t B i r t h d a y

We're delighted to invite you to House to Haven's 1st Birthday! Browse gorgeous home decor and unique gifts whilst enjoying a glass of bubbles, birthday cake, discounts, a competition, a mini Makers Market and free face painting for the kids. We'd love to see you! Show this invite to receive a free goody bag.

Save the Date!

Sunday 24th July, 11am to 3pm House to Haven ,130 High Street Cranfield, Beds, MK43 0BS

@housetohavendecor www.housetohaven.co.uk

Milton Keynes Museum offers lots of hands-on involvement for children and outdoor fun on the playground (below left)

Get hands-on at the history hub

Milton Keynes Museum is open five days a week throughout summer, and the history hub really does have something for all ages – from toddlers to centenarians. Truly.

A gem of the new city, the Museum has so much to see that you’ll want to return again and again, and you’ll be able to; tickets allow unlimited re-entry for 12 months.

From sending morse code, to making and then enjoying hot buttered toast over the range in the traditional farmhouse kitchen, or dialling delight in the fun Connected Earth Gallery, there is much to take attention.

Step back in time with a walk through the street of shops, or enjoy a school lesson the way things used to be in the Victorian school room. Without the cane, though, obviously!

Young motoring enthusiasts will love the Hall of Transport, and before the television, parlour games were the entertainment choice - the Museum will offer you the chance to relive those days gone by.

And the Museum’s hands-on policy will let you show off your skills on the ever-popular pianola, which can make anyone sound like an ace on the keys!

When you feel a bit peckish, a quick visit to the Granary Cafe will do away with hunger pangs – the cafe stocks lots of affordable snacks and delicious home made cakes to tempt you.

You can spend all day, every day on site if you wish, or pop in for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, or simply enjoy a sunny day making use of the splendid outside space.

The Biggest Entertainment Festival in the South of England!

13-14 August 2022

New Bury Farm, Mill Road, Slapton, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9BT www.newburysummerfestival.co.uk

info@newburysummerfestival.co.uk 03333 660757 or 07984 400393 Or find us on Social Media! @newburyparkevents