Former Bletchley Park worker marks 102nd birthday in style

A former Bletchley Park worker and resident at a care home in Newmarket has celebrated a remarkable birthday.

Hermione Wynn, who lives at Care UK’s Kentford Manor on Jeddah Way in Kennett, spent the latest milestone of her centenarian status surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents – and with a delicious homemade cake baked by the home’s talented sous chef.

Hermione celebrated her birthday alongside family, opening cards and enjoying gifts including flowers, before heading out for a special lunch with her relatives.

Hermione is known for her playful and cheeky sense of humour. When asked for the secret to living a long life, she said: “I have not found it just yet, but I will keep going until I do!”

Hermione was born and brought up in Yorkshire. During the war she was a foreign office civilian based at Broadway near St James’s Park in London – one of the Bletchley Park codebreaking outstations. She was also a Personal Secretary in the office of Wing Commander F W Winterbotham, a role which saw her at the centre of the Enigma operation.

Winterbotham had been tasked to handle all German and Japanese signals which had been decrypted, and all signals passed through the office where Hermione worked. As part of the team handling highly sensitive decrypted intelligence, Hermione later received a Bletchley Park commemorative ‘They Also Served’ badge.

Following the war, Hermione married Charles, a Royal Navy Lieutenant, and they had two sons and four great-grandchildren. After his retirement, the family lived in Scotland and Devon, and once their sons had left home, Hermione found a love for travelling – often being found anywhere between Australia, Greenland, the Falklands and the Antarctic.

Hannah Nurse, Home Manager at Kentford Manor, said: “Hermione is a truly remarkable lady, and it is a privilege for everyone here to be celebrating her 102nd birthday with her. She has lived an extraordinary life and continues to inspire those around her.

“Days like today are a lovely opportunity for everyone to come together and honour not only a milestone birthday but also the life of someone who has so many fascinating stories and continues to be such a valued part of life here.”

Designed to enable residents to lead active and rewarding lives, while also promoting independence, Kentford Manor incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The home is thoughtfully arranged into smaller suites to create a close-knit, welcoming community where residents can enjoy spending time together, with shared spaces including a cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon.