My 1947 Bentley Mk VI was placed in pride of place in front of the Bletchley Park Mansion, the home of World War Two code breaking and I have to say what a magnificent building it is, however it was not as well received by some of the wartime staff members, especially one particular American architect, Landis Gores. He declared the building to be, a maudlin and monstrous pile probably unsurpassed, though not for lack of competition, in the architectural gaucherie of the mid-Victorian era…. hopelessly vulgarised by extensive porches and solaria as well as by batteries of tall casements in intermittent profusion….. altogether inchoate, unfocused and incomprehensible, not to say indigestible.
Personally, I think it’s a rather wonderful building but you can judge from the following image whether you agree or not.
It’s quite amazing to think of all those who may have passed through this door and together with Alan Turin and others may have shortened the war by as much as two to four years. All of those employed had to sign the official secret act and some who had never met during their time at Bletchley even married only finding out what each of them did some many years after the war.
As usual we were too busy meeting friends and generally enjoying ourselves to think about taking hoards of photos but here is one with our friends outside the front door together with the iconic griffin gatekeepers. Another great day out and even the worst of the weather held off, as the wartime comedian Tommy Trinder used to say, “you lucky people” and I think we are.
I am a retired actor, although to be honest I only retired because I wasn't getting any work due to losing my agent when I became a full time carer to my mother who had dementia. and the option of becoming an unemployed actor/waiter at my age was ludicrous, especially as my waiting skills are non-existent.
Having said I’m retired, I don’t think there really is such a thing as a retired actor for I am still available for work, I just don’t have an agent or any connections with regards to obtaining any worthwhile work.
I have over the years done student films when there is nothing else available, always low paid (if at all) the only incentive was always the promised copy of the finished film for your show reel which nine times out of ten always failed to materialise.
I spent many years looking after my aged mother and shortly after her death I was lucky enough to run into an ex-girlfriend of many years ago and our romance blossomed once again, resulting in us getting married in 2013.
My move to the countryside inspired me to write The Diary of a Country Bumpkin which tells of my continuing dilemmas in dealing with the rigors of the countryside from the unexpectedly large number of pollens, fungal moulds and hay products waiting to attack the unsuspecting townie.
I enjoy writing, see my play Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori on The Wireless Theatre Company, The Plays Wot I Wrote and The Battle of Barking Creek both available on Amazon.co.uk and am very fond of classic cars so my ideal occupation would be acting in a film I had written set in the 1930s/40s, we live in hopes.
I am delighted to say that since venturing to the countryside where space is not quite the premium it is in town, I have due to the availability of two double garages acquired more classic cars to form a small collection the pride of which are a 1947 Bentley Mk VI and a 2000 Bentley Arnage.
My various blogs and websites are continually evolving and I’m sure that by following the appropriate links you will find something which will edify or amuse.
I have written a number of different books all available on Amazon, so don't be shy should you feel the urge to purchase. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Joe-Wells/e/B06XKWFQHT/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
I think the building is absolutely magnificent and to have all the code breaking history there as well makes it a great day out. There were a goodly number of people dressed in forties outfits and when a group of us were standing chatting or walking about it looked just as it must have done all those years ago in the war.
The Diary of a Country Bumpkin 
Superb photos Joe.
Thank you, all the better as it was not pouring with rain as was forecast.
Love the photo and it looks like great fun 🙂
Thanks, it was a great day out.
It sounds like a lovely day out. I like the building too.
I think the building is absolutely magnificent and to have all the code breaking history there as well makes it a great day out. There were a goodly number of people dressed in forties outfits and when a group of us were standing chatting or walking about it looked just as it must have done all those years ago in the war.