Bletchley Park code-breaker from Rutland celebrates her 100th birthday in style

A Second World War code-breaker celebrated her 100th birthday in style - with Champagne, cake, family and friends.

Mary Cramp, from Langham, also received a special card from the Queen to mark the occasion on Thursday (July 30).

She worked at Bletchley Park where genius mathematician Alan Turing famously cracked the Nazis' ‘unbreakable’ Enigma code.

Their work is said to have cut short the war by up to four years and saved millions of lives.

Mary’s daughter, Judith Green, said the family were incredibly proud of her achievements, which also saw her recently complete both a GCSE and A-level in art.

Judith said: “I wanted to thank people for their kindness and say that the day was really all about chocolate, cake and Champagne because anything goes when you’re 100!”

She added: “But really the whole point of the day was the celebration of life and community and, once again, I was taken aback by the generosity and kindness that went into each visit, card, present and well-wisher.

“We really have been overwhelmed by people’s kindness. It’s further proof that, despite the aches and pains of ageing, there’s still hope.”

She said the first bottle of fizz popped open at 9.30am and was followed by chocolate, cakes, biscuits and more fizz throughout the day.

“The Queen’s card was a real speciality and we spent a while trying to work out whether or not it was hand signed!” said Judith.

She said visitors were able to socially distance as Mary’s annex at Judith’s house opens up onto the garden.

Her brother Peter had decked the place out with flowers and restored photographs from Mary’s past, much to everyone’s delight.

Mary, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, was looked after by staff from Home Straight as well as her beloved granddaughters Cassandra and Miranda.

For more about her life, click here.