I In honour of Betty O’Connell (nee’ Oliver) who would have been 97 years old in July.

Betty in 1944 wrote a poem celebrating seven of the WRNS she worked with at Bletchley Park codebreaking in the Second World Word that was discovered by her family and has been shared with our museum.

Thousands of women like Betty kept Bletchley’s codebreaking machines running but they didn’t talk about their work during or after the war, meaning their families had no idea what they’d achieved.

Betty’s poem honours those she worked with - bright individuals with an inner strength striving towards a shared goal and united by a common spirit.

As we emerge from lockdowns, we’d like to hear from young writers with a poem of their own on the theme of community spirit, individual achievement, unsung heroes and those who inspire them.

Hear from author Philomena Liggins on the lives of the WRNS at Bletchley Park and the untold story of Bletchley Park's Secret Hospital.

Bletchley Park is known for as a crypto-breaking factory staffed by thousands. One of those on campus was 23-year-old Sister Barbara Dean of the Queen Alexandra’s Navy Nursing Services who in 1943 was drafted to HMS Pembroke V – P5, the Navy’s term for Bletchley Park and its out stations. Her orders were to provide medical care for the members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service working at P5, and run a 50-bed hospital, of which she later said: “For all intents and purposes did not exist...”

Join us on 23 July to find out more.

Schedule of the Day

Visitors can explore the museum from 10:30 -17:00- Gallery demonstrations- stem activities - New Gallery display in the Colossus

11:30- 12:15 New exhibition opened - Photos

12:15- 12:45 - Break - TNMOC to offer tea, coffee and cup cakes

12:45-14:00 - Philomena Liggins to give a talk 45 mins 15- mins questions.

14:00- 14:30 Book signing - Philomena Liggins - Networking

14:30- 17:00 - Visitors can then explore the museums & the Exhibition