Bletchley Park is seeking volunteer tour guides

Following its most successful year for visitor numbers in 2009 and with more people expected this year, Bletchley Park is desperately seeking extra volunteer tour guides and stewards.

The World War II code-breaking centre will launch a recruitment campaign at the Park on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 March, where the current team of tour guides will be on hand to meet potential recruits and train them.

Simon Greenish, director of Bletchley Park Trust, said: “We are delighted that Bletchley Park is now attracting a high level of interest and generating such passion for its cause among people from all over the world.”

Overall 2009 was a good year for the Trust and its plans to transform the site into a world class heritage and educational centre.

Although a well-supported petition calling for extra funds failed to move the Government, the Bletchley Park Trust secured a first-round pass with the Heritage Lottery Fund in September.

The Trust received a development grant of £460,500 to develop its plans further. Once these are complete and match-funding of £1,000,000 has been raised, the Trust will progress to the second stage of the Heritage Lottery Fund application process.

It can then apply for approximately £4.1 million to move towards the overall figure of £10 million that is needed for the whole development project.

As work progresses at the iconic code-breaking centre, the Trust expects visitor numbers to continue to grow. The number of visitors to the Park doubled last year from 50,000 per year to 100,000.

This year the number of group bookings is already higher than at the same time last year. So to ensure the smooth running of the Park, a significant number of new volunteer tour guides will be needed.

The Trust said anyone who has a general interest in the past, or a particular interest in World War II, is very welcome to come along on the Friday or Saturday from 11am.

There they can have a no-commitment and informal chat with other like-minded volunteer enthusiasts. To create the right atmosphere, many of the volunteers dress in the fashions of the time. But there is no requirement to and you don't have to know the lindy hop either.

People will also have an opportunity to go on a guided tour of the Park. Full training will be given to new volunteers who may choose how much or little time they are able to give up.

Niki Holmes Bridges, the Bletchley Park Trust Volunteer Co-ordinator, is able to give more information. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can call her on 01908 272675 or email her, or visit the Bletchley Park website.