In 2007 Andrea W asked Notcutts Nurseries to provide a rose named “The Wren” to mark the 90th Anniversary of the forming of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. It was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show that year. After the event Andrea wrote

“I visit Chelsea every year but this was the first time I had been involved on Press day. Rita S and I were there for the launch of “The Wren” rose. Charlie Dimmock launched the rose and what a star she turned out to be. Lots of press photographers came when they saw her and she was so friendly, posing for photos with the two girls in uniform: CPO Jenny N and Nicole A-M. Afterwards we visited many stalls to help drink their champagne; all in all a very good day!”

 

Alan Titchmarsh predicted correctly that every Wren would want one and by the end of June there was hardly one to be had but by November more were available and since then hundreds of Wrens have bought them.

Thirty five Roses were planted in the two special beds which were created in the Wrens’ Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum. They have given much pleasure to visitors during the intervening years.