Association of Wrens

Annual Fundraising Dinner 2021
2021-12-11 19:00 - 23:00 (Europe/London) | Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, London, SE1 8UJ, United Kingdom
Join us for our Annual Fundraising Dinner!
Download the application form HERE
Venue: Gascoigne Suite, Union Jack Club, London.
Bar opens at 1800 (also available during dinner)
Dinner Served 1900
Dress Code: Smart
Maximum attendance 100 (10 tables of 10)
Enjoy this fantastic opportunity to have a get together with fellow AOW comrades whilst helping to raise funds for the Association.
The raffle provides great prizes – some made from our very own crafty wrens, making them unique and extra special!
Please do contact AOW HQ if you would like to offer a raffle prize.
£46 for three course dinner

RBLS Christmas Carol Service
2021-12-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Canongate Kirk, Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 8BN, United Kingdom
RBLS Christmas Carol Service
Link: https://www.legionscotland.org.uk/Event/legion-scotland-christmas-carol-service
Join Legion Scotland on the 12th of December 2021 at Canongate Kirk at 4pm for our annual Carol Service.
Cancelled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions we look forward to being able to invite everyone, once again to gather to enjoy a service of thanks with lessons and carols.
Planning for this event will be kept under review throughout 2021 should COVID continue to impact restrictions on events in the latter part of the year.
If you have any queries on this event please contact Brian Ward on 0131 550 1562 or email b.ward@legionscotland.org.uk
Where: Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN
When: 12th December 2021, 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Inaugural Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Carol Service
2021-12-16 19:00 - 20:30 | The Royal Military Chapel, Birdcage Walk, London, SW1E 6HQ, United Kingdom
On Thursday 16 December 2021, we will be holding our first ever carol service in the magnificent Royal Military Chapel in London in aid of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.
With a theme of Commemorations at Christmas, join us and the wonderful Choir of the Guards’ Chapel for carols, readings, and new music from some of the best young musicians of the Commonwealth. With some very special guests attending, including Barbara Dickson OBE – multi-million selling recording artist with an equally impressive Olivier Award winning acting career – and an original, specially commissioned carol by the pupils of the Purcell School for Young Musicians, this promises to be a unique evening of reflection, remembrance and thanks for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars.
Tickets start from £25, with the option to join us for a special private reception including prosecco and canapés in the Guards’ Mess after the event. Capacity is limited to ensure safe distancing, so grab your tickets while you can!

Get your tickets now

On Thursday 16th December at 7pm, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will hold our first ever Carol Service in the magnificent setting of the Royal Military Chapel in London.

We invite you and all your family to share the magic of the season at the Royal Military Chapel for ‘Commemorations at Christmas.’

Join us and the wonderful Choir of Guards’ Chapel for carols, readings, and new music from some of the best young musicians of the Commonwealth. With some very special guests attending, including multi-million selling recording artist with an equally impressive Olivier Award winning acting career, Barbara Dickson OBE. It promises to be a unique and enchanting evening of reflection, remembrance, and thanks for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars.

All profits from the event will go the CWGC’s charity, the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF).

Capacity has been capped to ensure safe distancing at the event, and tickets are strictly limited. You can also choose to join us for a very special after service reception with some bubbles and canapes.

The CWGF, through a range of innovative and inspiring projects, engages and educates people – especially the young – with the work of the CWGC, and the stories of the men and women who died whilst fighting in the two World Wars.

Tickets are non-refundable and limited to a maximum of ten per purchaser. Please note tickets are sold subject to our Terms and Conditions which are available via our website here.

Portsmouth AOW Service of Standard Dedication
2022-02-26 11:00 - 16:00 | Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, High Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2HA, United Kingdom
Portsmouth Branch Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services portsmouthaow@gmail.com
Service of Standard Dedication
Portsmouth Branch of the Association of Wrens invite AOW Branch/IG members to join them for the Service of Dedication of their new Branch Standard at the Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, High Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2HA on Saturday 26th February 2022 at 11.00am and afterwards for lunch at The Royal Maritime Club, 75-80 Queen St, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3HS. Following the service, lunch will be served at the Royal Maritime Club in Queen Street, Portsmouth at a cost of £25 per head.

Members wishing to attend to please email direct the Portsmouth Branch at above email address with the name of their Branch/IG and advise whether they would like to attend a) The Cathedral only or b) The Cathedral followed by lunch.

Closing date for names is the 1st February 2022

Tickets will be sent to the branches and informal groups accordingly

Payment options for lunch
BACS Transfer
Sort Code 56-00-64. Account Number 97306738.
Account Name Association of Wrens Portsmouth Branch
Reference: XXSurname
Cheques Payable to AOW Portsmouth Branch – once attendance confirmed a postal address for the cheque will be provided.

Non Branch Member Zoom Meeting
2022-03-07 19:30 - 20:30, 2022-06-06 19:30 - 20:30, 2022-07-04 19:30 - 20:30, 2022-08-01 19:30 - 20:30, 2022-09-05 19:30 - 21:00, 2022-10-03 19:30 - 20:30, 2022-11-07 19:30 - 20:30
All members of the AOW who do not belong to a branch are very welcome to join our monthly Zoom meeting.
We have a Chair and a “duty wren” to ensure the smooth running of the meeting.
We have a quick catch up on any news items, or any feedback from the Trustees, and then we just have a chat and a catch up – normally with lots of laughter and “dit spinning”.
Please contact the AOW office for log in details.

AOW Trustees Meeting
2022-03-19 13:00 - 17:00, 2022-07-23 13:00 - 17:00, 2022-09-24 13:00 - 17:00 | Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, London, SE1 8UJ, United Kingdom
Trustees Meeting.
Please contact a Trustee if you would like any items considered for tabling.

AOW Centenary Finale Dinner
2022-03-26 18:00 - 23:30 | Fleet Air Arm Museum, Ilchester, BA22 8HT
We are pleased to announce the new date for our AOW Centenary Finale Dinner!
All dates and timings subject to Covid rules, and will be confirmed at a later date.
Please return your forms that have been sent (only applicable to those who had registered and confirmed their attendance for the 2020 event)

Programme of Events
1800 – 1845 drinks reception on the Flight Deck
1900 – Dinner under the wings of Concorde
Carriages at 2330

ANZAC and Gallipoli Day Service
2022-04-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Edinburgh Castle, Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Annual service of Remembrance for ANZAC Day, held at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh Castle.
There will be a limited number of tickets for the general public which will be available on a first come first served basis from the Castle Esplanade.
Full details to follow.
If you have any queries on this event please contact Brian Ward on 0131 550 1562 or email b.ward@legionscotland.org.uk

Start: 25th April, 2022 at 11:00am

Standard Bearers Competition
2022-05-07 00:00 | HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1AS, United Kingdom
RNA/AOW Standard Bearers Competition.
Apply to Andy Christie (RNA Ops Manager) andy@royalnavalassoc.com

Wrens Out Walking - Wales
2022-05-13 11:00 - 16:00
Approximately 10 mile walk from the old establishment of HMS Cambria to the new unit in Cardiff Bay.
All funds raised will go to the chosen charities of AOW and WRNS BT
WOW clothing available from https://royalnavyshop.co.uk/collections/wrens-out-walking
Friday 13th May 2022 – Wrens Out Walking
Welsh Coastal Path walk from Sully Sailing Club to HMS CAMBRIA (Cardiff Bay)
Full walk programme is below (all are welcome)
1030 – 1100 – muster at Sully Sailing Club (CF64 5LW) just off Smithies Avenue – step off at 1100
1120 – The Captains Wife Public House (CF64 5UG)
1200 – St Lawrence Churchyard, Lavernock Point (CF64 5UL)
Follow along Cliff Walk onto Cliff Road then onto Cliff Hill.
1250 – Coffee Co, Esplanade, Penarth (CF64 3AU) 9 next to Romeo’s Restaurant
Walk past Penarth Pavilion onto Beach Road up to Penarth Viewing Point
1320 – Penarth Viewing Point (CF64 1BB) 15 minute break to take in the views
1350 – The Old Custom House (CF64 1TT)
Via the Barrage and The Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay to HMS CAMBRIA.
1520 -1530 Arrive at HMS CAMBRIA
All times are approximated, taking into account comfort breaks, photographs and refreshments.

Out Of Town, Cardiff
2022-05-14 12:30 - 16:30 | HMS Cambria, Cargo Road,, Cardiff Bay, South Glamorgan, CF10 4LY, United Kingdom
OUT OF TOWN EVENT – HMS CAMBRIA

By kind permission of Cdr Carolyn Jones RNR, CO of HMS CAMBRIA,
this years Out of Town event will take place on
Saturday 14th May 2022 between 1230-1630

Our guest speaker will be Professor Peter Vaughan QPM CStJ
Former Chief Constable of the South Wales Police Force

Refreshments and sandwiches will be made available

RSVP to AOW HQ by Wednesday 4th May 2022
Photo ID and car details if driving will be required
To enter HMS CAMBRIA

WRNS BT 80th Anniversary Annual General Meeting
2022-05-16 12:00 - 16:00 | Merchant Taylors Hall, Thread Needle Street, London, EC2 N1, United Kingdom
The trustees welcome applications from all former Wrens to join them to celebrate 80 years of the work of the WRNSBT at the historic Merchant Taylors Hall, London.
If you are interested in attending this event, please contact the General Secretary at the WRNSBT by email generalsecretary@wrnsbt.org.uk or telephone 02392 655301.
Due to security requirements, access will be permitted with a formal invitation only.

Falklands 40 Commemoration Service
2022-05-25 00:00 | RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, BA22 8HT, United Kingdom
Falklands 40
Commemoration Service

Wednesday 25 May 2022

RNAS Yeovilton

A service of Commemoration for all Fleet Air Arm Falklands Veterans,
whether serving on a front-line or second-line basis,
families of those who lost their lives, or representatives of either group.

For further details and application form, please contact:

Tina Cullen
Chaplaincy
RNAS Yeovilton
Somerset
BA22 8HT

Tel 01935 455257
Email: tina.cullen889@mod.gov.uk

Wrens Out Walking - Derbyshire Dales
2022-05-28 - 2022-05-29
Wrens Out Walking – Derbyshire Dales – Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th May
A 10 mile walk has been organised and planned by our good friends Janice Bush and the ladies from the Derbyshire Dales Branch of the Association of Wrens.
We would welcome anyone to come and join us, The itinerary is as follows:
SATURDAY
* Meet at Matlock Football Club (DE4 3AR) from 0900-0930 for tea and bacon sandwiches. We leave the ground at 0950 for a short walk to Matlock Railway Station – our train departs at 1013.
There won’t be parking at football club as we won’t be back until late afternoon however Derbyshire county hall is 5 minutes walk away and open. ( Bank road, DE4 3AG, not to be confused with pay and display Derbyshire Dales Council). It says permits but its okay at the weekend as there’s no barrier or attendant. No need to bring lunch as Dales’ ladies are doing a bit of a buffet.
* After a 10 minute ride to Whatstandwell Station we walk by country lane to the National Tramway Museum in Crich which should take 40 minutes. The museum is holding an event titled ‘A Great British Seaside’, it should be busy so will hopefully attract some interest. We walk through the museum village to board a vintage tram and ride to the end of the line at Glory Mine to pick up a public footpath to Crich Stand, a memorial to the Sherwood Foresters’ Regiment and a local landmark with expansive views in all directions. From here its down into Crich Village to the Old Comrades Club who are opening early for us to have a lunch break – ETA approx 1230.
* At 1300 we shall set off through the village to cross fields, passing the entrance of the Museum again, then picking up a public footpath into Lea Woods, emerging onto a country lane leading towards Holloway where we will have a view of the family home of Florence Nightingale. By footpath behind the estate we cut through woodland and descend to the towpath of Cromford Canal. This is a flat, made up path, with lots of points of interest along the canal for 1.5 miles. At the end of the canal are the preserved historic Cromford Mills – famous as the site of Sir Richard Arkwright spinning mill – ETA 1500.
* From here its a flat pavement walk of about 1.5 miles along the A6 to the resort village of Matlock Bath, known as Matlocks answer to Blackpool (Candy floss is available here). We head then for Matlock Bath railway station but instead of a train we board an alpine ski lift, up and across the gorge to reach the visitor attraction of Heights of Abraham. Here we stop briefly in the cafe for tea/coffee before a public footpath over fields brings us down into Matlock Town – ETA 1700 approx
** The complete route is 10 miles but there is scope to join or leave at Whatstandwell, Cromford or Matlock Bath using the train line.
** The terrain is mixed so good walking footwear is advised.
** There will be many public toilets available throughout the route.
SUNDAY
*Our Sunday walk will be a gentle affair – a short loop around the historic Chatsworth estate, but will close with a grand finale !
Mindful that many will have long journeys home, we’ll have an early-ish start. We will meet at Chatsworth House (DE45 1PP ) at the car park kiosk 9:00 -9:15. There is a £5 charge for parking.
We walk away from the house passing Queen Mary’s Bower and crossing the stone bridge, following the River Derwent over flat meadows toward Calton Lees. After a gentle climb through the sheep and deer pastures we turn to head back towards the postcard village of Edensor for a quick brunch at the village tea room. We need to depart from here 11:00 at latest but the owner is happy to take a pre order so food and drinks can be ready for us.
Leaving the village we follow the path back to the house and adjacent stable courtyard.
There in the courtyard we have a 11:30 meeting with the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE for ‘a chat and a photo’.
Afterwards, for those who are not in a rush, the park behind the house is free to explore. (The hunting lodge has cannon from the Battle of Trafalgar !) There are a number of sculptures on display. The courtyard has shops and a café and a short drive from here is the gastronomic Chatsworth farm shop.
Please advise Barbara McGregor via the AOW Office if you would like to attend or if you have any questions.
WOW kit is available for you to order – follow the link https://royalnavyshop.co.uk/collections/wrens-out-walking
We are hoping to raise funds on the day for the AOW and WRNS BT.

Virtual Branch Zoom Platinum Jubilee Social
2022-05-28 19:30 - 21:00
The Virtual Branch will be having a social zoom meeting on Saturday 28th May 2022 1930 – 2100. Bring along a little tipple to toast HM The Queen and to catch up before the main celebrations!
Please contact the office for the log in details.

Annual Association Day 2022
2022-06-11
The Association Trustees have been reviewing the feedback from the recent Survey and using this to help shape some of our plans going forward …… one thing is that we are proposing that we have an Annual Association Day – a chance for us to celebrate our Association and Service.
We appreciate that Branches already hold meetings, Informal groups already meet up, and that there are gatherings planned across the country, indeed the world, all the time, but, this is proposed to be an annual occasion and one that we hope all Members of the Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services will celebrate.
Ideally, we are looking for an individual / group within each ‘region’ / local area to work with the Trustees and to look to organise something in their local area.
The local area event can be absolutely anything – something as simple as a few ladies meeting for a coffee, going for a walk, going for a lunch, or a more formal gathering (e.g. perhaps a Dinner Night) …… whatever works for your area / contacts / network will be perfect! The point is that we celebrate our Association together and help raise awareness of our Association.
We propose that each ‘event’ would be publicised on our Association website, on social media, within the local press, etc., and this should help to raise awareness of the Association and perhaps encourage Membership. If you need help with creating a press release or creating a post for Facebook, please just get in touch and we will do what we can to assist.
We are aiming to start what we hope will be an annual event in June 2022, and we’re planning that our Annual Association Day will be held on / around the second Saturday in June ……. so in 2022, this will be on Saturday 11thJune.
Don’t worry if you can’t hold your event on Saturday 11th June, but if you could try to hold it around that time (a week either side – e.g. from 4th to 19th June) that would be perfect 😊.
Post-event, we are hoping for some publicity too – shout about our successes and esprit de corps! Again, if you need assistance, please do get in touch. Remember, if you are sending in pictures to upload to social media, the web or for The Wren, please ensure you have the permission of those in your pictures and try not to have the ‘backs of heads’, but rather have all facing the camera for a good shot!
If you are interested in being involved, or require more information, please send a note of interest to the Office (E:office@wrens.org.uk) who will pass your details on to the Trustee’s Sub-Committee, and then we will be in touch.

RBLS F40 Parade - Edinburgh
2022-06-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Edinburgh
VETERANS GUIDANCE NOTES
FALKLANDS WAR 40TH ANNIVERSARY – SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2022
Introduction
Legion Scotland’s will hold a Commemorative Parade flowed by a
Remembrance Service and event to mark the 40th Anniversary of the
Falklands War on Saturday 18th June 2022. A parade will commence at
10.15am from Charlotte Square to St Andrews Square via George St, upon
arrival in St Andrew Square there will be a short Service of Remembrance
which will include a wreath laying Ceremony and Mass Participation event at
11.00am where Pipers all over the World have been asked to Join the Scots
Guards Associction Pipes and Drums in playing the Crags of Tumble Down
thereafter a programme of entertainment will take place.
Aim
Guidance Notes have been produced to provide to assist participation of
Veterans and outlines the administrative preparations for the Service.
Arrival Procedure for Veterans
All veterans are requested to arrive in Charlotte Square outside Bute house no
later than 10.00am on arrival you will be placed into an order of March by the
Garrison Sergeant Major. All veterans are welcome to take part to show
support for the veterans that served during the Falklands War.
Parade
The Parade route will be as follows Charlotte Square to Southern Carriageway
of Gecrge St passing a saluting Dias outside the Assembly rooms at 54 George
St and entering St Andrews Square via the southwest entrance and into
position on the East side of the monument where a service of remembrance
will take place.
The Parade will be led by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines followed
by The Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, Standard Bearers and
Veterans
Refreshments
We have received a grant that will allow us to provide refreshments for all
veterans in attendance on the doy
Prior to the parade stepping off Legion Scotland Staff will distribute
refreshment tickets to everyone taking port in the parade for those veterans
unable to take part in the Parade refreshment tickets will be distributed in the
beer tent in St Andrews Square at 10.10am.
Wreaths
If Associations would like to lay a wreath during the remembrance service
they are welcome to do so the purchase and carriage are the responsibly of
each association, please notify a member of Legion Scotland staff on the day
if you would like to lay a wreath. Wreaths can be ordered from the Lady Haig
Poppy factory on 0131 5501 573 or by E mail to Secretary@ihpfscotland.org.uk

Falklands 40th Anniversary & Freedom Of The City, Portsmouth
2022-06-19
FALKLANDS 40 ANNIVERSARY
AND FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH
On Sunday 19th June, the Association of Wrens is being granted the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth during the Falklands 40 Commemorations.
This event is open to ALL members of the AOW and Women of the Royal Naval Services, not just local Portsmouth ladies.
It comprises a short march to the Falklands Memorial for a memorial service then another short march to Portsmouth Cathedral for a short service, followed by refreshments.
Rough timings for the day are:
0930 – Veterans and Standard Bearers muster near the Ben Ainslie Building. The Parade Commander takes charge
1020 – March off to the Falklands Memorial and form up
1059 – Last Post
1100 – Field Gun fired for 2 minutes Silence
1102 – Reveille
1104 – Unveiling of the new Falklands Memorial, blessing and dedication from the Dean of Portsmouth Cathedral/Chaplain of the Fleet
1110 – Formal Wreath laying
1115 – Presentation of freedom scrolls to the Falklands Veterans, RNA, RMA and the AOW
1130 – Announcement of Twinning agreement with the Falkland Islands
1135 – VIP’s move to Grand Parade, salute to be taken by VVIP
1140 – Veterans march along Battery Row and salute VVIP
1145 – Veterans march around Grand Parade to the High Street to be dismissed and go to the Cathedral, joined by VIP’s.
A short service fill be taken and then refreshments will be provided on close of the Service.
Anyone that would like to take part, please forward your details to AOW Head Office, by Friday 6 May.

Armed Forces Day 2022
2022-06-25 00:00 | Scarborough, United Kingdom
Armed Forces Day will recognised at many local places around the country.
The National Armed Forces Day 2022 will take place in Scarborough.
Further details to follow.

AOW Annual General Meeting 2022
2022-10-29 13:30 - 16:00 | Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, London, SE1 8UJ, United Kingdom
Annual General Meeting
Gascoigne Suite, Union Jack Club
Guest Speaker: Rear Admiral Jude Terry OBE
The Agenda will include the adoption of the Association’s revised constitution.
Please contact the office if you wish to attend.

Remembrance Sunday - Marching At Cenotaph
2022-11-13 09:00 - 13:30 | Whitehall, United Kingdom
Successful applicants will be informed by the RBL. Tickets and instructions will be sent electronically, directly from RBL.
Tickets and identification will be needed on the day to allow entry into Horseguards Parade to form up.

Remembrance Sunday at St Mary le Strand – The WRNS Church
2022-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 | St Mary Le Strand Church, Strand, Westminster, London, WC2R 1ES, United Kingdom
Remembrance Sunday at St Mary le Strand – The WRNS Church
Sung Evensong will be held at 1700 on Sunday 13th November and will also include an Act of Remembrance when a wreath will be laid in memory of former members of the WRNS. All are welcome to join the service.
