More than 150 John Adams Society members, families and friends joined US Embassy colleagues on a trip to the home of the codebreaking, Bletchley Park.
The trip, which was hailed a tremendous success, was organised by JAS at the invitation of Sir Dermot Turing, who welcomed the crowd at the start of the day and spoke about the history of the site, and the vital work that was done there to break the German codes and shorten the war. Unbeknown to many people who went on the trip, Bletchley Park is also renowned to be where the special relationship between the US and UK actually started, which gave the trip even more importance for JAS.
JAS chairman, Richard Stephenson, said: “To see the ‘Turing Bombe’ in action was incredibly special and to have the chance to tour the spot where the special relationship started with our colleagues from the US Embassy was fantastic. There is no doubt about the importance of the work that was carried out at Bletchley Park and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to see it and I would like to thank Sir Dermot for the very kind invitation and to our committee member, Saima Williams, for organising the event.”
JAS is now planning more events for later in the year and we would always welcome members suggestions for trips, tours and talks that we could add to our future plan.
(Left) Sir Dermot Turing
JUN
About the Author:
Samantha Watson is a trained journalist and digital communications specialist. Her career spans working as a local reporter to writing for national and international publications including the historical New York Amsterdam News. She has worked extensively with a number of charities to develop communication strategies, and implement digital media plans to enhance engagement and campaigning. As a former participant on the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) she has a keen interest in how international communities campaign and engage both socially and politically. Twitter: @peeksawa www.samanthawatson.org.uk