Association of Wrens

Portsmouth Armed Forces Day
2023-06-17 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)

National Armed Forces Day
2023-06-24 08:00 - 21:00 | Falmouth

List closes for applications to march at the Cenotaph
2023-07-14

Naval Associations' Biennial Parade - The Cenotaph, London
2023-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Whitehall, United Kingdom
The Naval Associations’ Biennial Parade will take place at the Cenotaph on Sunday, 10th September 2023, coinciding with the first anniversary of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Facilitated by the Royal Naval Association, it is an important opportunity for the Naval Community to join together and remember those we have lost.
In recent years, the Parade has been expanded to the wider naval community and its associations including platoons from the Association of Wrens, Association of Royal Yachtsmen, Submariners Association and the Merchant Navy Association. Shipmates will be marching alongside sailors from both HMS COLLINGWOOD and SULTAN.
Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE, will be taking the salute with the Royal Naval Volunteer Band Association providing music and the Chaplain of the Fleet, the Venerable Andrew Hillier KHC, conducting the service.
Shipmates wishing to take part should be in King Charles Street for a briefing at 10:25, the Standard Bearers Brief will take place a little earlier at 10:10. The parade is due to conclude at approximately 11:45 with attendees retiring to the Civil Service Club, in Great Scotland Yard for refreshments and to enable serving and veteran personnel from across the Naval Service to gather together.
If you are an RNA Member and would like to march we recommend informing your branch. If you are part of a different Naval association and would like to march, please could your association register by emailing sara@royalnavalassoc.com. If you have any questions please email comms@royalnavalassoc.com.

Association Weekender - Warwick
2023-10-06 - 2023-10-09 | Delta by Marriott Warwick Hotel, A429 Stratford Rd, Budbrooke,, Warwick, CV34 6RE
Join us for our annual Association Weekender!
After the success of lasts years AOW Weekender in Telford, this year we have decided to try Warwick from the 6th -9th October 2023. We are again using JustforGroups the UK holiday Group to manage our booking. The booking form can be found here or you can contact JustforGroups direct;
Admin: 01603 886742
Sales: 01603 886740
Email: carol.files@justforgroups.com
We will be using the Delta by Marriott Warwick Hotel. On Friday evening after dinner there will be a raffle and interactive games just for a laugh with a chance to win a small cash prize. As with last year, there will be a gala dinner on the Saturday evening with an optional trip to the NMA which will coincide with the Ride to the Wall event, or a free day to enjoy Warwick. Sunday will be free to do as you wish.
There are a variety of options available including 1/2/3 night’s accommodation, Gala dinner, an optional excursion to the NMA on the Saturday or you can just come for the Gala dinner only.

The Annual National Service For Seafarers 2023
2023-10-11 17:00 - 18:00 | St Paul’s Cathedral, The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD
The Annual National Service for Seafarers will take place on at St Paul’s Cathedral at 5pm on Wednesday 11 October 2023.
The Service is an opportunity to commemorate and celebrate all seafarers from across the maritime profession, alongside representatives of all sectors of the seafaring community including the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing industry, nautical colleges, maritime youth groups and veterans’ associations.
If you would like to apply for a ticket, please register your interest by email to office@wrens.org.uk by Thursday 31 August 2023, including your full name (as it appears on your photographic ID) and Association membership number.
Please be aware that names of guests may be submitted to City of London Police and any other agency or organisation managing the security of the event. Attendees are requested to bring photographic identification.
The doors will open at 3:45pm for entry but you must ensure you arrive in good time for any security requirements in place on the day. If you have not entered the cathedral by 4:30pm unfilled reserved seats will be reallocated, and you may be seated at the first available place. Large bags will not be permitted in the Cathedral.

Association of Wrens Annual General Meeting
2023-10-14 13:30 - 17:00 | Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, London, SE1 8UJ, United Kingdom
The 2023 meeting will take place on Saturday 14 October in the Gascoigne Suite, Union Jack Club, London.
Please contact HQ to register your attendance.

Derbyshire Dales Branch Birthday/Trafalgar Lunch Event
2023-10-17 12:30 - 14:00 | The Gate Inn, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FN, United Kingdom
To be held on Wednesday 17 October at The Gate Inn, Tansley, Matlock DE4 5FN
Meet at 12:30 for lunch at 13:00
Lunch menu may be viewed online
Open to members and their guests
Email enquiries to Rita Sayers – serviceswrendered@gmail.com

Swansea Branch Monthly Meeting
2023-10-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-11-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-19 13:00 - 15:00 | The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen, Mumbles Road, Brynmill, Swansea, SA2 0AY, United Kingdom

Dauntless Weekend
2023-11-03 16:00 - 2023-11-06 10:00 | Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park, Hillway Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5PL, United Kingdom

Field of Remembrance - Westminster Abbey
2023-11-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Westminster Abbey
The opening ceremony will be held on Thursday 9 November 2023. Those attending must be in place no later than 10:30.
A limited number of places are available for current Association members. Expressions of interest to be emailed to the office (office@wrens.org.uk) including your membership number.

Cenotaph 2023
2023-11-12 | Whitehall, United Kingdom
The ceremony will take place at Whitehall on Sunday 12 November 2023.
Tickets are essential for those taking part (but not for spectators) and will be available for current Association members only.
The list to apply for a ticket will open on Monday 5 June 2023 and close on Friday 14 July 2023.
If you wish to apply for a place, complete the application form located on the members area of the website. Alternatively you can email HQ at office@wrens.org.uk using CENOTAPH TICKET APPLICATION in the subject field and include your membership number. (By applying to attend you give consent for your email address to be shared with the Royal British Legion (RBL) for the purpose of obtaining a ticket). Please note that the email address you use will be the one submitted to the RBL if you are successful. Please do not call the office to register your interest.
We will let you know by Monday 31 July if we are able to offer you a place and will submit your request to the RBL. The RBL will then manage your application.
Availability of tickets will depend on the Association’s allocation from the RBL. In the case of over-subscription, places will be awarded on a lottery-type basis. Please note that priority will be given to those members who have not previously attended.
Only one application per email please.
(Please note that, this year, the RBL will not be reopening the registration portal again in September to allow for additional association registrations, as done in previous years. Instead, any remaining unused tickets will be offered to eligible veterans who are not members or affiliated to a service or unit association, so that they are afforded the opportunity to march in the Cenotaph Parade.)
E-tickets and joining instructions will be sent to participants on 30 and 31 October.
Individual security checks will take place before entry to Horse Guards Parade. Ticket holders are to bring photographic ID and proof of address with them to gain access.
Please note that tickets are non-transferable.
Update 8 August 2023 – please note that the list to attend is now closed for 2023, with all places allocated and members notified. Details of how to apply next year will be included in the spring 2024 edition of The Wren.

Remembrance Sunday at the WRNS Church
2023-11-12 17:00 - 18:30 | St Mary Le Strand Church, Strand, Westminster, London, WC2R 1ES, United Kingdom
St Mary le Strand will be holding a Sung Evensong on Sunday 12 November at 17:00 which will include an Act of Remembrance when a wreath will be laid on behalf of all former members of the WRNS. Everyone is welcome.

Veterans Voices
2023-12-05 13:30 - 16:00 | St Mary’s Church, Fratton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5PA, United Kingdom
Veterans Places, Pathways, and People South-East (VPPPSE) is hosting a festive event and they want to see you there!

Ceremony of the Keys
2023-12-08 19:20 - 21:30 | Tower of London, West Gate, EC3N 4AB
Date: Friday 8 December 2023
Location: Tower of London, West Gate EC3N 4AB
Time: Must arrive by 19:20 prompt
Robin Fuller, who is Chief Yeoman Warder at The Tower of London, has kindly offered to host 50 complementary places for former Wrens and Women of the Naval Services to attend the Ceremony of The Keys to be followed by the opportunity to join for drinks in the Yeoman Warders Bar.
(Please note this event is open to former Wrens and Women of the Naval Services who may not also be Association members.)
Should the event be oversubscribed, places will be awarded via a lottery-type process.
Application form here
Closing date close of play November 13th 2023

Association of Wrens Christmas Carol Service 2023
2023-12-09 13:30 - 14:30 | St Mary Le Strand Church, Strand, Westminster, London, WC2R 1ES, United Kingdom
The Annual Carol Service will be held on Saturday 9 December.
This is a non-ticketed event, all welcome.

2023 Christmas Fundraising Dinner
2023-12-09 18:00 - 23:59 | HMS President, 72 St Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1UQ
The Association of Wrens (in conjunction with the WRNS BT) 2023 Christmas Fundraising Dinner will be held on Saturday 9 December at HMS President, 72 St Katherine’s Way, London E1W 1UQ
Complete the form online by clicking here or Download Form

Coffee Morning - St Mary le Strand CANCELLED
2024-01-12 11:00 - 14:30 | St Mary Le Strand Church, Strand, Westminster, London, WC2R 1ES, United Kingdom
Due to various circumstances today’s Coffee Morning has been cancelled
Join us for coffee, cake and a chat at our beautiful church on the Strand

Shrewsbury social group meeting
2024-01-12 12:15 - 14:00 | Churchills Cafe and Restuarant, opposite Shrewsbury bus station, Shrewsbury
We meet for lunch or just a coffee, all are welcome .

Wicked Trip - Taunton Informal Group
2024-01-31 19:00 - 22:30
Taunton Branch trip to see Wicked at Bristol Hippodrome

Taunton Informal Group Coffee and Chat
2024-02-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Cosy Club, Hunts Court, Corporation Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AJ, United Kingdom
If you are in Taunton why not come and join us for coffee and a chat

Coffee Morning - St Mary le Strand
2024-02-02 11:00 - 14:30 | St Mary Le Strand Church, Strand, Westminster, London, WC2R 1ES, United Kingdom
Join us for coffee, cake and a chat at our beautiful church on the Strand

Fareham Informal Group Coffee Morning
2024-02-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Masonic Hall, Fareham, Queen's Road, Fareham, PO16 0NN
Members/non-members: All welcome

LGBT+ Veterans Pride Event
2024-02-10 17:00 - 23:00 | HMS Eaglet, East Brunswick Dock, Liverpool, L3 4DZ
Join Fighting With Pride to celebrate LGBT+ History Month and our LGBT+ Veterans with a celebration in the heart of Liverpool

Service of Remembrance to mark the 80th Anniversary of the sinking of the SS Khedive Ismail
2024-02-12 13:00 - 14:00 | St Mary Le Strand Church, Strand, Westminster, London, WC2R 1ES, United Kingdom
Join us for a service of remembrance for those women of the WRNS, QARANC and FANY who lost their lives on SS Khedive Ismail when she was sunk by Japanese torpedoes on 12 February 1944. The worst mercantile tragedy during the Second World War the WRNS lost 17 ladies, the Women’s Territorial Service (East Africa) formerly First Aid Nursing Yeomanry lost 8
personnel and the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Services lost 51 nursing staff.
Only 3 members of the WRNS and 3 Nursing Sisters were rescued.

Swansea Group - Curry Night
2024-02-13 18:30 - 22:30 | RNA Swansea, Zahfran,Skewen, Swansea

Portsmouth Branch meeting
2024-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Royal Maritime Club, 75-80 Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HS, United Kingdom
Speaker: Life under the Veil Part 3

Taunton Informal Group - coffee and chat
2024-02-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Cosy Club, Hunts Court, Corporation Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AJ, United Kingdom
