No. 389 Summer 2017 The Association of Wrens (Women of The Royal Naval Services) PATRON: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal PRESIDENT: Cmdt. Anthea Larken CBE VICE PRESIDENTS:

Mrs Patricia A Jenkin BEM Miss Eleanor Patrick Mrs Marion Greenway Mrs Janet Crabtree Mrs Anne Trigg Mrs Pat Farrington Mrs Elsie Baring RD Mrs Beryl Watt Mrs Patricia Wall Mrs Julia Clark Mrs Marjorie Imlah OBE JP Miss Rosie Wilson OBE Miss Julia Simpson BSc CEng MBCS Mrs Mary Hawthornthwaite

CHAIRMAN: Mrs Carol Gibbon VICE-CHAIRMAN: Miss Jill Stellingworth HON. TREASURER: Mrs Rita Hoddinott EDITORIAL TEAM OF THE WREN: Mrs Georgina Tuckett Miss Jill Stellingworth Mrs Rita Hoddinott PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: Mrs Celia Saywell MBE ADMINISTRATORS: Mrs Katharine Lovegrove Mrs Lin Burton TRUSTEES: Mrs Janice Abbots Mrs Linda Mitchell Mrs Kathy Carter Mrs Rosemary Smith Mrs Sue Dunster Mrs Vicki Taylor Mrs Nancy Hill Mrs Georgina Tuckett Mrs Dorothy Masters Mrs Fay Watson SUBSCRIPTIONS: Membership renewal for 2017/18 payable 1st April 2017 Annual membership for UK members £12.50 or 10 years for £100 Annual membership for overseas members £15.50 or 10 years for £120

All correspondence for the Association of Wrens should be sent to: Association of Wrens, Room 215, Semaphore Tower (PP 70) HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LT Tel: 02392 725141 email: [email protected] If a reply is required, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope

Registered under the Charities Act 2011 — Registration No. 257040

The contents of THE WREN are strictly copyright and all rights are expressly reserved. The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Editorial Team or the Association, and accordingly no responsibility for these will be accepted. Whilst the Editorial Team has high regard for all advertisers, readers are recommended to seek appropriate financial or legal advice before entering into any binding agreement.

IMPORTANT – DATA PROTECTION ACT Please be aware that all items submitted to THE WREN magazine may also be posted on the AOW website (www.wrens.org.uk) and the AOW Facebook page (not the Wrens Facebook Group). Personal information i.e. addresses, e-mail addresses or telephone numbers WILL BE INCLUDED in the magazine, on the AOW website, and on the AOW Facebook page unless members indicate they do not wish their personal details to be included. The Wren 1 Enclosed inside your Summer Magazine AOW WRNS100 BBQ Application Form Saturday 9 September 2017 Xmas Fundraising Dinner Form Friday 8 December 2017 Trustee Ballot Form to be returned by 12 September 2017 President and Chairman at Yeovil Branch Dinner Christmas Catalogue FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

CONTENTS

2 Chairman’s Letter 3 Important Information 6 Trustees Corner 6 Veterans Corner

Back row l to r: Georgina Tuckett (Hon Editor), Rita Hoddinott 7 PRO Report (Hon Treasurer) and Katharine Lovegrove (Administrator). Front row l to r: Jill Stellingworth (Vice Chairman) and Lin 7 Standard Bearer’s Report Burton (Administrator) As the WRNS centenary year progresses exciting 8 Branch Reports and interesting entries for the magazine continue to arrive in the office and finding space for them all is not 11 Events always possible but we are sure you will agree that 12 WRNS100 the magazine is packed with colourful reminders of the many special events which have taken place across 27 Book Reviews the country. If there is a downside to the enthusiasm over these events it is sometimes the quality of the 30 Letters accompanying photographs and sadly we have had to reject quite a high number because they are out 34 Where are you now? of focus or people are quite simply not facing the camera. When taking photos of events it increases 37 Anniversaries your chances of having them published if people can be asked to look at the camera! We always do our 38 Obituaries best to include as many articles as we can so please 42 Deaths don’t stop sending in reports of other events and your memories of service days. Many of you post super pictures on Facebook, Front cover: Wrens Walking Wales final day 21 May 2017 in Cardiff Bay particularly of recent WRNS100 events. We cannot l to r: AOW members: Annette Penfold, Larraine Cox, download and use these without your permission and Annie Lagrue and Barbara McGregor not everyone is on Facebook so if the photograph is Photo FRPU West worth publishing in the magazine do email it to HQ Back cover: WRNS100 Event Greenwich 15 July 2017 together with a caption and report. Apologies for the omission of Front Cover Phot credit of the Keep enjoying this special year and the many articles Spring 2017 edition which should have read: RN Copyright 8 Mar in the following pages. WRNS100 Launch Portsmouth. 2 The Wren CHAIRMAN’S LETTER I hope when your copy of The Wren magazine arrives in the WRNS before they became fully integrated into we will still be enjoying some seasonal sunny weather. the Royal Navy. One word I would like to emphasise, This year has been dominated by WRNS100, and that bridges that gap between the old and the new from my perspective it has exceeded all expectations. ,is the word CONNECTIONS and to me this is what I know there are going to be many references to all the WRNS100 is all about. Remembering the past and all events that have happened so far but as we go into the those people connected with former years, but also second half of the year it is certainly going to be one looking to the future to include the Women of the Royal to remember. Many people have worked really hard to Naval Services today. We have been very fortunate make this year happen and representatives from the in being invited to many naval establishments which Association have been fully involved in the planning of have kindly put on events and several of our members all these events. It has been a privilege to work with the have experienced life on board a modern warship. various members of the project team and I have been As we look back to the early planning of this year we fortunate to be able to attend many of these events. I started with a few events on the calendar. This has would like to congratulate WO1 Barbara McGregor RN risen to nearly 100 which is amazing. Even now more and WO1 Annette Penfold MBE RNR and their team events are being planned as so many people want for their achievement in walking 100 miles in 9 days to be involved so the calendar is looking incredibly from Newport, Pembrokeshire to HMS Cambria, the full which is very encouraging especially as these RNR Unit at Sully, Cardiff where we celebrated their events are taking place all over the country enabling arrival with a superb garden party. See page 18 for the more people to take part. We are also very grateful to full report. the Royal Navy for their support. They have provided What has been special about this year is that we have leaflets and other PR material for WRNS100, are very involved many of our more mature members and they keen to emphasise the role of women in the Navy have very much been part of remembering our history. today and are using the Centenary as a recruiting They have been interviewed, photographed and much vehicle. valued as we look back on their earlier service lives. As we come up to November and Remembrance We salute all our senior members and honour their Day, 100 wreaths will be laid on 100 war memorials commitment to the WRNS and how they have been throughout the country and abroad to remember part of the history of this very special service. One former Wrens. The Dauntless Association is funding such event was the Not Forgotten Association Garden WRNS100 tally bands for each wreath and we are Party held recently in the company of HRH Prince very grateful to them for providing these cap tallies. Harry. I was invited to present 10 of our most senior We will be losing at least 3 of our trustees at the end AOW members ranging in age from 89 to 104. Sadly of the year so we are looking to recruit new trustees one of the members wasn’t able to make it at the last who I hope will be able to help the Association plan minute owing to illness. What an amazing group of for the future. I am very pleased to inform you that ladies and they were so thrilled to have been presented we have 11 nominations so there will be an election individually to Prince Harry who addressed them all in ballot and I urge you all to send in your completed turn. Those ladies did us proud and I felt equally proud ballot papers by the closing date. Please look at what to have also been presented to the Prince who was as these potential trustees have to offer as a Trustee, as delightful as ever. we need a wide range of experience and expertise to When I think about that occasion I am reminded that help with the running of the Association. along with all the hard work that being the Chairman So as I end my report I, as always, wish to thank my of the Association entails, it does come with some team in their support for the work that they do in helping wonderful privileges and the garden party comes very me to fulfil my role as Chairman. It is a huge privilege high on that list. to represent the Association at all these events and Many of the events that I have been involved with have I know I will end my term of office on a really high also included several serving Royal Navy women and note having been part of such a memorable year. this I feel has been very important as they have got We also look to the future, to when the Association to hear all about the service life that our members will be celebrating our centenary in 2020. We have experienced and how far we have come from those already started to think of how we can mark the year early years when the jobs held down, although very with a special event or maybe a few! Let us capitalise important, were somewhat limited compared to the on this year and use the publicity to spread the word opportunities that the girls have today. I hope that and hope that we can attract many more members in as this year progresses, more of our modern day order to carry the Association forward into the future. women will have the chance to meet with former Wrens to learn more about what it was like to serve Carol Gibbon - Chairman The Wren 3 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HQ Association of Wrens - Room 215, Semaphore Tower (PP 70), HM Naval Base, Portsmouth P01 3LT Telephone number: 02392 725141 HQ email address: [email protected] Editor’s address: [email protected] Public Relations Officer’s address: [email protected] Website: www.wrens.org.uk Office opening hours: Monday to Thursday 0900 – 1700 and Friday 0900 – 1230 In order to avoid a wasted journey, please contact HQ before arranging to visit because security passes will need to be obtained beforehand.

CORRESPONDENCE & PAYMENTS All communications for the Association should be sent to HQ with a SAE if a reply is required. All cheques and postal orders must be made payable to the ASSOCIATION OF WRENS. Overseas members are requested to send sterling money orders or pay by credit/debit card. Payments may also be made using debit or credit cards by telephoning HQ or via the website. Please do not send cash through the post. There is also no need to send separate cheques for a donation, member’s subscriptions and insurance etc. As long as the individual amounts are clearly stated it can all be on one cheque.

DEATHS YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER It is most important to inform the Administrator of a Your membership number can be found on your mem- member’s death. Records have to be amended and bership card or on the address sheet which comes delivery of the magazine stopped. Failure to inform HQ with The Wren magazine. can easily result in unnecessary distress to surviving If your membership number starts with an A – you relatives and friends. There is no charge for a death are an annual member and need to make a payment announcement or an obituary entry in The Wren. The on or before 1 April annually. informant will be sent a notification containing the If your membership number starts with an L - you death announcement. Email notification of deaths are a life member and do not need to make a payment should be sent to: [email protected]. unless you wish to make a donation. A copy of the issue containing the death notification If your membership number starts with a T - you and/or the obituary is available to the deceased have paid a ten year subscription. You do not need to member’s next of kin on request. Further copies can make a payment unless you wish to make a donation. be obtained for a donation of £3 each to cover postage. We will remind you when your ten year subscription expires. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Notification should be sent to the Administrator at: [email protected] ANNUAL RENEWAL BY BANK PAYMENT The current membership fees are £12.50 for UK MEMBERSHIP CARDS residents and £15.50 for overseas members. Please Replacements are available from either the ensure you renew your membership on time each Administrator or via the website at £1.00 each. (Please year. Reminders and individually posted magazines note it is not necessary to send in your card when cost the Association a great deal of money and renewing your subscription). unnecessary administration time. If paying annually by standing order please ensure you have notified MEMBERSHIP YEAR your bank of the correct amount and the payment The membership year runs from 1st April to 31st March. date (on or before 1 April). Please ask your bank to The membership year will apply to all members who include your name and membership number as an join between 1st April and 31st December. With their identifying reference. If you have a standing order membership enrolment letter they will also receive set up to make this payment please check your bank a copy of a previous edition of The Wren magazine statement to verify that the subscription has been paid. (subject to availability). Members who join between 1st If renewing by a credit/debit card please ensure that January and 31st March will have their membership the details of the card are written clearly, the customer expiry date extended to 31st March of the following copy of the transaction slip will be retained by HQ year to allow them to be allocated a full year. They will unless a SAE is included. also receive a copy of a previous magazine (subject to availability). 4 The Wren BRANCHES & GROUPS INVITATIONS TO EVENTS If you are finding it hard to recruit for your Branch, The AOW is fortunate to receive invitations for please contact the Administrator who will be very members to attend some very exciting events happy to write to non-Branch members in your (Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, visits to area to see if they would like to join you. Highgrove House, canal trips, Founders Day There may be a charge for this to cover postage at the Royal Chelsea Hospital and Christmas costs. parties in various locations to name a few). Details Many members who do not belong to a named of events are forwarded to all Branches and Branch continue to meet up with other members Informal Groups. If you don’t belong to a Branch on an informal basis. It would be very helpful to or Group but would like to be made aware of these have a record of these groups with a contact name opportunities please contact HQ to ask for your and telephone number. name to be added to the list. Some events are The names of any members in the area who have exclusively for members who are in receipt of a expressed an interest in joining the group will be War Pension or an award from the Armed Forces forwarded to the contact. Please send details Compensation Scheme so if you are in receipt of of your Informal Group to the Administrator who either of these please let us know. (Please note will keep them on record both at HQ and on the that preference will be given to War Veterans). website. Members of Informal Groups should ideally be current Association members. WIMBLEDON TICKETS A number of tickets are available to members for DISSOLUTION OF BRANCHES & GROUPS this event each year courtesy of the Lest We Forget Branches who become Informal Groups are, and The Not Forgotten Associations. If you are under the Constitution of the Association, in interested in attending please contact HQ. Tickets effect dissolved and should therefore take action are available to current Association members only. in accordance with Section 9j of the Constitution Only one ticket can be allocated per member. Due which states: ‘In the event of the dissolution of a to the popularity of this event, tickets are allocated Branch, all assets of the Branch shall be realised via a lottery type draw and all debts and liabilities discharged, any remaining funds shall be disposed of as agreed by AOW MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL MARITIME the Branch membership’. CLUB (Formerly the Home Club). The advice of the Association Headquarters The AOW has an Annual Membership of the Royal should be sought regarding the ultimate disposal Maritime Club; mention it when you book and of relevant archives and women’s service you will get a discount. The current discounted memorabilia (WRNS and RN). rates are £92.00 per night for a standard room and £102.00 for a superior room (double or twin). BRANCH INSURANCE The cost of a single room is £50.00 per night. Branches are required to pay £12.75 annually (Children aged 3-9 are charged at £9.00 per to provide Public Liability insurance for Branch night and those from 10-15 at £19.00). All rates business and social activities wherever held - include breakfast. Prices quoted are correct up Limit of Liability £5,000,000. Where appropriate to and including 1st December 2017. For further this includes parading the Standard but not the details please contact the Club direct on 02392 Standard itself, see below. Informal Groups 824231. requiring Public Liability Insurance should contact the Treasurer for entitlement on payment of the PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD required premium. The Association has arranged for a discounted ticket for members. If you show your AOW INSURANCE OF BRANCH STANDARDS membership card (credit card type) at the ticket Insurance for Branch Standards is available from office you can buy a DAY ticket, giving entrance HQ, through the RNA,at a cost of £8.00 per annum to the Museum of the Royal Navy, all historic ships (running 18th March to 17th March inclusive). This (including the Mary Rose) and Harbour Tours, for covers fire / loss / damage anywhere in the world £10 each for yourself and up to a further 4 friends. whilst in transit and includes both the Standard You must visit together. For example, you and 2 and the ceremonial equipment. An excess of £100 friends would pay £30.00 in total, i.e. £10.00 each. will apply to any claims made. Day tickets are not usually sold to the general Please apply by completing the relevant section public. on your Branch Return or contact HQ. There is no discount on yearly tickets which are sold to the general public. The Wren 5 THE WREN All items for consideration for the next edition DONATIONS (due out in December) must be with the Editor no Heartfelt thanks for your kind donations to the later than 9th October 2017. All items submitted Association. Each one is greatly appreciated and for The Wren magazine are considered by the helps the Association work for the benefit of all the Editorial Team and inclusion in the magazine is members. at their discretion. It is regretted that no personal Please accept this acknowledgment in appreciation communication will be entered into. Submissions of your generosity. Individual letters of appreciation can only be returned if a SAE is enclosed. Please will only be sent for donations over £25.00 due to send to [email protected]. the rising cost of postage. All donations can be gift-aided if you are a UK tax BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY NOTICES payer, thus increasing the amount donated. Notices are charged at £5.00 per entry. LEGACIES ADVERTISING RATES Like the life-blood of any charitable organisation, Adverts are charged at 15p per word. There is the Association of Wrens relies heavily on no charge for ‘Where Are You Now’ requests or subscriptions and donations to fulfil its role obituaries. of celebrating past achievements, preserving history and traditions, fostering esprit-de-corps, TALKING WREN supporting the work of the WRNS Benevolent A recorded version of The Wren magazine is Trust, and assisting with the relief of necessity and available free-of-charge to members who are distress amongst both serving and retired female registered blind. Please apply to HQ if you would members of the WRNS/WRNR and RN/RNR by like to receive it in this format. It is produced on referring them to the appropriate Service charity. a memory stick by the Portsmouth Area Talking The Association’s main expenditure arises from News (PATN), therefore the appropriate equipment costs in relation to the above objectives – these is required e.g. a computer, laptop, or a speaker are primarily HQ staff costs, meeting costs, and (which is available from PATN costing £15 or £25). costs associated with the production and despatch Please contact the Administrator for further details. of The Wren magazine. Memory sticks are returned to PATN post-free by While costs are constantly monitored and reversing the address label on the wallet. controlled in order to minimise any annual losses to the Association, it is also true that unfortunately THE WREN MAGAZINE & AOW WEBSITE each year subscription income is decreasing and Please be aware that photographs and news we become more reliant on fundraising donations submitted for publication to The Wren magazine and legacies to continue our work. may also be posted on the AOW website (www. By remembering the Association in your will wrens.org.uk) and the AOW Facebook page you can ensure that it will continue to thrive and (not the ‘Wrens Facebook Group’). Personal benefit those who follow in your footsteps in the information i.e. addresses, e-mail addresses Naval Service. or telephone numbers WILL BE INCLUDED in A legacy will also mean that you can take the magazine, on the AOW website, and on the advantage of the tax privileges that are available AOW Facebook page unless members indicate to encourage such support, namely the reduction they do NOT wish their personal details to be or even elimination of the tax payable on the included. balance of any estate and are themselves totally Items offered for inclusion on the website should exempt from inheritance tax. be made initially via HQ at [email protected] or A legacy is a specific sum of money left in your will. 02392 725141. You do not need to let the Association know your intentions as it is understood that the business DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998 of making a will can be a very sensitive matter. The Association database exists to maintain For information a will can be made by yourself, membership details only. Member’s details are only however, we would advise that you consult a those that have been supplied by the individual solicitor or use a will service to ensure your will member when joining the Association and from is valid. subsequent information provided by them to HQ. Please consider leaving a legacy to the Association This information is not used for any other purpose – we do rely on and need your support. and the database is protected by password access. Any member may request a copy of their data by writing to HQ enclosing a SAE. 6 The Wren TRUSTEES CORNER Chairman Elect WOMEN’S ROYAL NAVAL SERVICE The President is pleased to announce that the BENEVOLENT TRUST Association Chairman Elect is Jill Stellingworth, who will take office at the AGM on 8 December The WRNSBT is your Trust and a registered 2017. charity, a completely separate organisation The election process was undertaken in from the Association of Wrens, although both accordance with the Constitution whereby the are now based in Portsmouth. membership were entitled to submit nominations, following which the Trustees considered each To be a member of the Trust you must have candidate’s nomination and held a secret ballot to served in the WRNS and transferred to the RN elect the Chairman. before November 1993, or served in the WRNS Trustee Election since September 1939. The Trust helps both Enclosed with this edition of THE WREN is a officers and ratings across the world. Trustee ballot form. All members are invited to submit their voting paper to HQ by Tuesday The Trust exists to provide relief in cases of 12 September 2017 in an envelope marked necessity or distress amongst its members and their dependants and may also make grants for “TRUSTEE BALLOT”. Please consider carefully assistance with further education for members. who you vote for. Does your preferred nominee have useful qualities and qualifications to support If you wish to apply for assistance or are them in the important role of Trustee to your aware of a former Wren who may need our Association? Are they able to fulfil the wide range help, please contact the General Secretary, of responsibilities of a Trustee? The role involves WRNSBT, Castaway House, 311 Twyford far more than simply turning up for meetings. Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN There are THREE vacancies to be filled from the Tel: 02392 655301 ELEVEN members nominated. The successful email: [email protected] nominees will serve from the date of the 2017 website: www.wrnsbt.org.uk AGM to the date of the 2020 AGM. VETERANS CORNER Royal Naval Cottages - King William IV Naval Foundation The King William IV Naval Foundation provides self-contained Royal Naval Cottages (almshouses) for the widows or orphaned daughters of Royal Navy or Royal Marines officers and chaplains. The cottages are located next to Southwick village with attractive open views over pleasant countryside and are surrounded by lawns and flower gardens; each cottage has a small garden space to the front of it. There is a car park and paved footways for access. The cottages are all at ground floor level. Four have two bedrooms and the remaining eight have one bedroom; all have a sitting room, bathroom, storeroom, hall with built in cupboards and a fitted kitchen. All the cottages were refurbished and modernised in 2006/7, installing double glazing, cavity wall and loft insulation as well as a modern bathroom and kitchen fittings. Furnishings are provided by the incoming resident to taste. The cottages are centrally heated and provided with domestic hot water from a central boiler room. The Centre Block contains a well-furnished sitting room for communal gatherings and meetings, and a bedroom, kitchen and lavatory, which relatives and friends can book to stay for a very small fee. Southwick is small village close to the west of the cottages, with Southwick Park (the former HMS Dryad - currently the Defence College of Policy & Guarding) some 300 yards north-east. The village has a church, post office and general store and two pubs. For more information contact [email protected] or write to the Resident Secretary, Royal Naval Cottages, Priory Road, Southwick, Hampshire PO17 6HE. The Wren 7 PRO REPORT I’ve just returned from a ‘scorchio’ Swansea Air Show where Rhiannon Williams signed up online for AOW while sitting in the shade under a tree! One more to add to the total of over 250 members who have joined so far this year. Standing at the RNR stand we were pleased to show visitors the wonderful WRNS100 eight page supplement in Navy News, and the WWW walkers article on page 18. You can access the issue online, in time. In March I was very pleased to hear from Daphne Jones from York aged 92 (1942- 46) Wren Writer HMS Europa Lowestoft, HMS Rosneath Dumbarton, and HMNB Helensburgh. She has been to every Cenotaph Parade for the past thirty four years, except 2015, when she was unwell. For thirteen of those years she had travelled from Australia, with friends from the Perth Branch, Australia. Daphne has donated Celia Saywell her AOW photos, UK & Australia, a video, and photos from the RN Patrol Service Public Relations Officer Association. She hopes to be at the Cenotaph in November. Amazing! Another interesting letter and enclosure was received from Mabel Ginns, who having read that the Girls Nautical Training Corps are included and recorded as being part of the ‘women’s naval services’ kindly sent me a commemorative booklet (50’s) about the Worthing Unit GNTC. Mabel wasn’t aware how delighted I would be to find out more about a visit to the Unit by ex-WWII Despatch Rider P.B. McGeorge BEM. More about that, next time, I love a good story! Can anyone else add more? Most of you will have read enough about the Wrens Walking Wales project but just thought I’d mention that I did walk two 10 mile sections, one of which included a visit to All Saints, Oystermouth to read the memorial book for CPO W/T Madeline A Cooper, who was one of those lost from SS Aguila in 1941, en route to Gibraltar. We also stopped at the Castellamare restaurant, Mumbles, which was once the Wrennery for WWII Signal Wrens based at the station overlooking the Bristol Channel. Whilst there I was handed a copy of ‘Friends of Yours’ by the Lord Lieutenant’s wife, Mrs Hilary Lewis which featured a reunion between her late mother, Doreen Morgan (Fry) and her friend, Joan Muirhead (Morgan) who first met when joining up in 1942. We Wrens get everywhere! Keep up to date with AOW and RN news & photos via the website & Facebook page (thanks Vicki Taylor for your support) Celia Saywell [email protected]. 01792 641747. STANDARD BEARERS REPORT I feel as though I have been marking time waiting for things to get going and now it has all started. I attended the OOT meeting at Guildford in May where I nearly had some ceiling tiles on top of the Standard as the ceiling was so low. By the time you read this I will have taken part in Armed ForcesDay at Exeter on 17 June, followed by National Armed Forces Day in Liverpool on 24 June. I will be attending the Seafarers Service and parade in Plymouth on 9 July and the next weekend I will be at Greenwich for the WRNS100 weekend. On Sunday 10 September it is the RNA Biennial in Whitehall London and I have arranged to have our photo taken at the Women at War Memorial in Whitehall. It would be great if as many AOW Standard Bearers and Wrens could attend the Biennial at Whitehall, muster at 1000, so they can be included in this photo. The next Standard Bearers competition will be held on Saturday 12 May 2018. A busy and exciting year for WRNS100. I wish all concerned the best of luck. Chris Walker

Wrens from Devon area at Exeter Armed Forces Day on Saturday 17 June. We were following the Royal Marine Band. A great day! 8 The Wren Branch Reports Branch reports should consist of no more than 120 – 130 words not including details of meeting arrangements. Exeter

Last November our WWII Veteran Pat Jarvis celebrated her 95th birthday, and in May our President Audrey Vinnicombe will be 90. Jeanne Ranford has not been at all well and has moved to a residential care home. Over the past year we have taken part in Armed Forces Day, the Annual Trafalgar Day Service in the Cathedral, marched at the RBL Festival of Remembrance and laid a wreath during the Civic War Memorial Service. We enjoyed our Christmas party and Sue Briggs and I were guests at the Not Forgotten Association December lunch. We meet on the first Thursday of the month (not Jan or Aug) at 1230 in the White Ensign Club, South Street. New members and visiting Association members always welcome. Sylvia Lodge, Chairman Exeter Branch members and Devon300 Informal Group members South Dorset before the march at Armed Forces Day Exeter - 17th June 2017 We sadly lost 3 members which included our 100 Stafford and District year old and one of our founder members/former standard bearer, at age 97, but we have welcomed We attended Trafalgar Night Dinner with the RNA, 1 new member. The ageing process is inevitably Remembrance Services and Parade in November, causing many health issues with many members, but Christmas Party in December and the annual Mayor we soldier on together continuing to enjoy monthly making ceremony in May. Two of our members meetings, coffee mornings and luncheon outings. attended the Midlands WRNS100 event at Derby in We have continued to have interesting speakers April. We have enjoyed a lunch at Stafford College in interspersed with our members standing up to recount January and another in June. Our speaker in February their service days which is proving fascinating and gave an amusing talk entitled ‘Memories of the Corner sometimes hilarious. Our acknowledgement of Shop’ from the time just before the end of WWII. She WRNS100 includes a wonderful floral display by talked of ration books, meals made from those rations, the local council in one of the Borough Gardens on and sweets bought for a ha’penny or 1d. When you Weymouth seafront; plans are in hand for a float in read this we will have also enjoyed a cream tea on Weymouth Carnival with members wearing various a narrow boat and trip along the canal from Stone in different uniforms and a trip to visit the exhibition at July. Because the Royal British Legion Club in Stafford RN Museum, Portsmouth. We continue to meet on can no longer accommodate us we now meet at Asda the third Wednesday of the month (except August and Community Room in Stafford on the third Tuesday of December) at Hotel Rembrandt, Weymouth. the month (September to May) from 1300 – 1500 with Sec: Jean Glover [email protected] outside activities in June and July. Elaine Smith 01305 785023 Sue Johnson (Chair & Secretary) 01785 220891 Ed Note: All members - Please do go and see this wonderful display if you are in the area!

Correction Rhyl Informal Branch Report. Apologies for a mistake in the Spring 2017 edition of the magazine which referred to an article about Margaret Read and Margaret Street. This should have read the article was in the June 2010 issue. The Wren 9 West Cornwall INFORMAL GROUPS

The Branch has gained seven new members in the Cardigan last year but sadly our secretary and 2 ex-members Just had our June meeting with the usual six but have died. There has been an interesting programme this time a new member joined us - Master at Arms with talks on West Cornwall Women’s Aid, fire safety, Julie Ward who has served in bases/ships including modern-day piracy from a local Master Mariner, first Collingwood, Nelson, Ark Royal, Illustrious and aid demonstration, and the history of Humphry Grylls Endurance. We look forward to Julie being able to and the Grylls Monument in Helston. An outside join us on regular months. One great surprise a few meeting was held in the sunshine at Roskilly’s Farm - weeks ago when I had a phone call “Anne Trigg - just had my Wren magazine and you are still alive and delicious food and ice cream – and the Christmas party 94.” This was Joan Colcombe who left Cardigan some was enjoyed with self-catered food and games. Some years ago to live in Abergavenny. I have since met meetings were devoted to reminiscing and planning with Joan and her daughter Christine. How important for the WRNS100 celebrations at Culdrose and in our our Wren magazine is and that we all contribute to own Branch. Members have attended the Cenotaph keep our service alive and Branches strong so that the Parade and various reunions. Association of Wrens continues to flourish. Branch meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each Anne Trigg month at 1400 in the Culdrose Community Centre. New members always welcome. Fareham There is also an informal group which meets occasionally on a Saturday for lunch. Coffee mornings are still well attended and tend to be For more details of both, contact the secretary: noisy affairs! Another full year of activities included a Frances Townsend [email protected] trip to the Salisbury Playhouse last May to see Singing in the Rain which proved to be a huge success, sitting far enough back in the theatre to avoid getting Wellingborough, Kettering wet despite the efforts of the cast kicking ‘rain’ into the audience! In September we had a trip to Wilton and District Shopping Village for lunch and shopping. Some ladies got in the Christmas mood by attending the Our small Branch sadly lost one of its members but we Annual Royal Marine Band Christmas Concert at the Ferneham Hall at the end of November. The Annual have managed to recruit two more, younger ladies. Christmas Lunch was held at the Ferneham Hall for We enjoyed our get-togethers about once a month the first time; this proved to be a big hit. Our Annual with a trip to one member’s Boat Club for afternoon Skittles Evening was enjoyed by all who attended. tea, a barbecue at the farmhouse of another member We meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the and lunch at one of our newer members. We enjoyed Ferneham Hall at 1000. Newcomers and visitors are our Christmas lunch at Knuston Hall with our Bedford assured of a warm welcome. Wren friends. We visited a few hostelries for lunch and also enjoyed coffee mornings and a cream tea. Two ladies attended Derby to celebrate WRNS100. We laid a wreath in one of the towns in our Branch area to remember all those Wrens lost in war and joined the parade. Some of our members are looking forward to the Dauntless Reunion and the WRNS100 Service in Portsmouth Cathedral. We are a very friendly group and would welcome any new members so if you would like to join us please contact: l - r: Barbara Mason, Deborah Robinson (Headway), Sue Veronica McCurdy 01832 735206 Stephens email: [email protected] Members of the Fareham Informal Group hold monthly raffles and loose change collections at our Coffee Mornings. After donating to the AOW, WRNSBT and CENOTAPH CEREMONY WRNS100 we were able to donate a staggering £650 The list for applications to march at the to our chosen charity of the year, ‘Headway’. At the November 2017 event has now closed. February Coffee Morning we presented a cheque to Application details for the 2018 event will appear the local Headway branch and learn more about what in the Spring 2018 magazine they do and how and who they treat; this does include Service people. Barbara Mason 01489 600031 [email protected] 10 The Wren The Wren 11 EVENTS & REUNIONS Coalhouse Fort / HMS St Clement

Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Essex would like to pay The Association of Wrens tribute to the Wrens that served at the fort in World War Celebrates WRNS100 II at their open day Sunday 24 September. Any ex- Wrens would be most welcome to attend. Coalhouse Fort was known as HMS St Clement, a Degaussing Monitoring Station from 1942–1944. BARBECUE We at the Coalhouse Fort Project would like to obtain any names, photographs and details of any Wrens who served at the fort. Most of all any of those ladies and that are still with us. Please contact Ken Levy, 23 Thames Crescent, Corringham, Essex SS17 9DT or [email protected] DISCO Fountains Hall to be held at the Cleveland Branch will be laying a wreath at the me- morial to Wren Vyner and her brother S/Lt Vyner on Cheltenham Chase Hotel Saturday 7 October 2017. (Brockworth, Nr Cheltenham) Time 1345 for 1400. Entry may be either by the main on Saturday 9th September 2017 entrance to Fountains Abbey which involves a walk or by the lower entrance which is close to the Hall. 1830 ‘til late Ladies who have been before often enjoy a light lunch Husbands and Partners Welcome in the visitor centre before the ceremony but we cer- tainly all go to the Centre for ‘stand easy’ afterwards. Huge Discount for Members Numbers please to Shirley Murphy (Secretary Cleve- For more details see www.wrns100.org.uk or www.wrens.org.uk land Branch) [email protected] by 28 or tel: 02392725141 September. The National Trust is very kind and allows us free entry for this occasion but do require numbers in advance. Association of Wrens CELEBRATION OF WRNS100 Wednesday 18 October 2017, 1400 – 1700 AGM 2017 The AGM will be held on Afternoon Tea Friday 8 December 2017 at Warrant Officers’ and Senior Rates’ Mess, at 1400 in The Union Jack Club, London. JFC Chicksands Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5PR Fundraising Dinner and Carol Service Tickets £15 The Association of Wrens fundraising dinner will Ticket includes: be held after the AGM on Friday 8th December at o Welcome glass of Prosecco on arrival the Union Jack Club, London. Application forms are (non-alcoholic options available). included with this edition of The Wren. o Afternoon Tea: a selection of open and The Association of Wrens Carol Service will take place closed sandwiches, cakes, scones and at 1330 on Saturday 9 December at St Mary le Strand assorted pastries. Church, London. Followed by tea at Kings College o Entertainment including music from courtesy of the Dauntless Association. musicians of the Royal Marines. All welcome - no tickets requried for the Carol Serivce but tickets will be issued at the door for tea. o A raffle ticket and Commemorative gifts. A Raffle will be held; all proceeds will be divided Out of Town Meeting 2018 between WRNSBT and RNRMC. The Association of Wrens Out of Town Meeting 2018 Dress code: smart attire, no jeans. will take place on 12 May in Eaglescliffe, Near Yarm, Medals optional. Hats may be worn. Stockton-on-Tees. In order to judge how many to Service Personnel: No 1s with medals cater for please contact: [email protected] if you are planning to attend and if you require For more information, please contact: overnight accommodation. Put a note in your diary terri_ [email protected] or 07789 008134. now! 12 The Wren

WRNS100 Update WRNS100 Events 2017 31 August - 3 September WRNS100 / AOW / WRNSBT stall at the Commemorative Stone Appeal Bournemouth International Air Show. We have been quite overwhelmed by the generosity of former members of the WRNS, Royal Naval 9 September personnel, their families and friends and the total The Association of Wrens will celebrate on 1 June 2017 was a magnificent £27,000. To WRNS100 with a Barbecue and Disco at the save on administration costs, if you didn’t provide Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Brockworth GL3 an email address, only donations over £25 were 4PB. A sumptuous menu of different barbecue acknowledged by letter. Please accept this notice feasts, accompanied by an array of salads. as our appreciation of your donation. Hotel accommodation on offer for those wishing to stay at the venue, but many other options locally. Ticket subsidy for Association members. Portsmouth Cathedral Service Please see event application form enclosed and Guildhall Tea with this magazine. Saturday 4 November 2017 All those attending the Cathedral Service and 9 September tea should have received their tickets. Mill Rythe RNAS Culdrose and the West Cornwall Branch attendees – your tickets will be at Mill Rythe with events including afternoon tea and evening Top your booking-in pack. Those on the reserve list will Table. Facebook CPO Lorraine Osman or Max be informed if and when we have a space. If you Warburton - Burgess find you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that tickets can be reallocated. 29 September - 1 October WRNS100 celebrations HMS Nelson - to include Cathedral ceremonial sunset and a formal mess dinner Security will be high on the day and your patience followed by a church service. Contact CPO Sue and understanding of ID and bag checks is Emery at [email protected].. requested. Only handbags will be allowed in the Cathedral – larger bags can be left in the cloakroom 7 October at the Guildhall. Remember to bring two forms of HMS President - WRNS100 afternoon tea party identification with you and remember, no ticket or ID = no entry. 11 October After the service, there will be a shuttle bus service The Annual Service for Seafarers at St. Paul’s, to the Guildhall for those who requested it. Please St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD will follow the marshals. feature the WRNS100 anniversary. Contact for tickets is [email protected] or phone 0207 Guildhall 9320000. The Guildhall café will be open from 1030 for drinks and cold food. Please have your tea ticket available 15 October for the Guildhall staff on arrival after the service. If Annual Service for Seafarers - Portsmouth you have advised us of a dietary requirement it will Cathedral at 1030. Will feature WRNS100 and be noted on your tea ticket and the Guildhall have the retiring collections will be donated to the been advised. WRNSBT. (No tickets are required) There will be numerous serving points within the Auditorium to allow for 800 guests all arriving within 18 October a short space of each other. WRNS100 celebrations in the WO and Senior Details of all the attendees and those who have Rates Mess at JFC Chicksands. Contact donated to the Commemorative Stone will be Heather Yendle at [email protected] available at numerous locations around the Guildhall. 4 November The venue is booked until 2000 should you wish to Service at Portsmouth Cathedral and tea at catch up with friends, although you may be asked Portsmouth Guildhall. There are waiting lists for to relocate to the bar. All those attending this event both events. Contact details are portsmouth@ from the Dauntless Association Reunion weekend wrns100.co.uk or tel: 07393 393470. will depart at 1830. Please do not ring the AOW office. The Wren 13

12 November AOW will parade at the Cenotaph. Over 100 WRNS100 – Original Hand Tinted WRNS100 wreaths will be laid on 100 war ‘Joyce Courtney’ memorials worldwide. Prints and Notelets ebay and AOW and WRNS BT Fundraiser 24 - 26 November Friday 24 - Reception and dinner on-board the Dinner Auctions Former PO Wren Joyce Courtney has produced Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh. Event full and waiting/reserve list closed. six beautiful drawings and six packs of notelets Saturday 25 - Supper & dance at HMS Scotia, (containing six notelets, one of each print). Rosyth. Booking form available which must be Each picture depicts a humorous scene to returned with the minimum deposit to book a celebrate 100 years of the WRNS and women in place. the Royal Navy. Sunday 26- Church Service at Canongate Kirk, Joyce has very kindly donated these prints to be Edinburgh. No need to book, open Service. sold to raise funds for the WRNS100 Project. Please contact Karen Elliot by email: kelliot@ One print and one pack of notelets will be paywizard.com or telephone 07795 463366 about auctioned at the AOW and WRNSBT Fundraiser any of these Scottish events. Dinner in December 2017 at the Union Jack Club in London, and the remaining prints and notelets 29 November will be auctioned on ebay. The date of the ebay WRNS100 events at RNAS Yeovilton for guests auction will be 15 September 2017. The reserve including tours, lunch displays, helo demonstration bid for the print will be £10.00 and the reserve bid and a visit to the FAA Museum, afternoon tea and for the notelets will be £5.00. a mess dinner. Facebook Jane West. Please locate the auction under the title of: If you are interested in organising an event WRNS100 Joyce Courtney Prints – No * (* = please advise the WRNS100 team by email: print number being sold). The auction will run [email protected] and the for 10 days. Project Group will contact you. WRNS100 EVENT - RNC GREENWICH 15 JULY 2017 The Wren 15 WRNS100 EVENT - RNC GREENWICH Not Forgotten Association 15 JULY 2017 Buckingham Palace Garden Party 30 May 2017 Invitations were received from the Not Forgotten Association for veterans and we were all first timers!! A wide spectrum of ages up to 90’s plus. Security was heavy with no access to the Palace railings for tourists. With the warm sunny weather our excitement mounted as we entered the Palace for our special day. Gladys, Joyce and Peggy were to be presented to HRH Prince Harry. The conversations were happy and relaxed, we were thanked for our attendance and complimented on how lovely we all looked. 20 Wrens from the AOW attended with one member being 104 years young! The colours of the Army, Navy and RAF uniforms l to r: Kate Sutton (Manchester Branch) with Cleveland with medals shining in the sunlight formed a bright backdrop to the Branch members: Peggy Bentley, Angela Richardson (standing behind) Pam Love, Joyce Salmond (served scarlet colours of the Beefeaters, Chelsea Pensioners, the Irish WWII), Liz Taylor, and Gladys Hobson (Served WW2) and Scots Pipers and bandsmen providing popular music for our enjoyment. The food was delicious and the iced coffee was to die for! The ladies’ hats were a feast of artistry and colour! A wonderful day in good company. Our thanks to everyone involved for their help with this memorable occasion. Pam Love

A group went from the Cardiff Branch to the Not Forgotten Association Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 30th May. We had such a lovely day. One of the Yeoman of the Guard told me that it was a small garden party for a change which was more enjoyable for them! It was Prince Harry’s first time as host. When he met the Wrens he was just lovely, bending right down to meet the ladies. Dilys Beckett

Courtesy of the NFA, Wrens from Cleveland Branch were invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Everything was arranged for us down to the last detail. The highlight of the day was meeting Prince Harry who remarked on how smart we all looked. We had a lovely tea with our friends from other Branches but the icing on the cake was talking to the Prince! l to r Cardiff Branch members - Gladys Hobson née Ford Served WW2 Teresa Hurley, Dilys Beckett and Margaret Moorcraft who was presented to HRH Three of the ladies, WWII Wrens, found out they were to be presented to Prince Harry. They were thrilled. We were all lucky enough to be with them when this happened. Prince Harry took time to speak to all the ladies, and they were over the moon. This was definitely the best part for us all. Some celebrities had been invited, and we saw and spoke to Fatima Whitbread, the javelin champion and the DJ and first king of the jungle Tony Blackburn. We also saw other celebrities in the gardens. Everyone was dressed in their finest, civilians and military personnel alike. What a great day! Angela Richardson

Thanks to all who looked after us: Angela, Liz, the staff of Virgin East Coast for their excellent assistance on the journey and the care of the staff at the Victory Services Club, and at the Palace itself Cmdt Anthea Larken CBE, President of the AOW and Carol Gibbon AOW Chairman. HRH invites Wren to join him on the dance floor! Thank you all very much, we had a great time. Joyce Salmond née Gregg Served WW2 16 The Wren Yeovil and District Branch 40th Anniversary After answering an advert in the Western Gazette, 27th April 1977 saw the inaugural meeting of the Yeovil and District Association of Wrens. Over 60 Wrens turned up, and the Branch was formed. 2017 saw us celebrating 40 years. It is still a vibrant and proactive Branch with some 60 members on the books. The very first secretary, Mollie Slee, is still an active member. A 40th Anniversary committee was FAA Church Doorway – Mollie Slee (founder member of the formed and the members worked hard to put the event Branch) flanked by Sandy Walton and Shirley Melligan in WWI together. The committee members were Ann Jennings, uniforms and Jenny Simpson-Dawson Kathy Rolls, Lisa Snowden and Wendy Gonzales; they were thanked during Trudy’s speech. To celebrate the Yeovil and District 40th Anniversary a dinner and cabaret was held at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, joined by 129 Wrens and Women of the Royal Navy from the UK and abroad. Guests were welcomed with a drink and Jess Dalwood playing the harp. After a three course dinner and traditional toast to HM The Queen, speeches were made by Yeovil and District Chair, Trudy Cronin and President of the Association of Wrens (AOW), Anthea Larken. Anthea presented the Branch with a certificate to mark this milestone. Each guest had a handmade bag containing a Bristol Four WRNS Officers on a night out! – Blue glass pendant with a Wren farthing attached. Rita Hoddinott, Sue Graham, Jenny Moys and Carrie Hands Everyone had a port glass engraved with the Wrens Crest for the toast and guests were given their glass at the end of the evening as a memento of their night. The 40th birthday cake was cut by Trudy and Anthea. A cake to mark WRNS100 was cut by Association of Wrens Chair Carol Gibbon and Yeovil and District Vice- Chair Liz Mills. After dinner guests were entertained by Martha d’Arthur, a drag artist, whose mother is a member of the Branch. Each table chose a song from Martha’s juke box list and enjoyed his performance. During the cabaret interval the raffle was held, with over 40 prizes donated by local companies. £700 was Members and guests enjoying themselves (DVD of members in the background) raised for two charities: Mermaids and WRNSBT. Sunday 23rd April saw 80 ex-Wrens join the congregation of the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church for a service to mark the 40th Anniversary and to commemorate 100 Welcoming guests years of the formation of the WRNS. Reverend Eddie – Carole Watkins, Wills RN, conducted the service, Mollie Slee read the (Secretary,) Liz Mills Liturgy of the Word and Sandy Walton the prayers of (Vice-Chair) and intercession. An oak bookshelf, complete with carved Trudy Cronin (Chair) Wren, made by John Sheldon (husband of one of our members), was blessed and placed in the church as a permanent reminder of the event. Four members of the Branch wore replica costumes of the WWI Wrens uniform. Yeovil and District Branch wish to thank everyone who attended both the dinner and the church service. From the overwhelming number of messages we have received about the event a good time was enjoyed by all. Liz Mills The Wren 17 Derby WRNS100 Weekend The end of April saw the Dauntless Association move northwards to Derby for the WRNS100 Midland Event. Just under a hundred Wrens and friends moved into the Aston Court Hotel for a weekend of ”fun without fundraising”. The hotel was easily visible from the station as a WRNS100 flag was proudly flying from their flagpole. The weekend started with the arrival of Radio Derby who interviewed my “super sub” Rita Sayers for their Saturday Breakfast show. I think Rita has forgiven me for not being there but I was genuinely stuck in traffic. Throughout Friday afternoon more and more Wrens arrived and of course the noise level rose accordingly. Reg Chief Wren, Sheila Houghton, Rita Sayers A display of previously unseen memorabilia was and Rosemary Smith assembled in a separate side room and the WRNS100 slide show ran on a loop. Leaflets on First World War Wrens and WRNS Puzzle pages were also available. We had the whole hotel to ourselves. Friday evening was the official start to the celebrations a hot buffet of unbelievable proportions was served, you know there’s enough food when you go to a table and ask them to go get seconds only to be told “we’ve been round three times already”. Following the buffet we were entertained by Ollie Butler who had us in stitches with her stories aimed at a female audience. The disco that followed, someone told me was the best they’d been to which made me happy because it meant that all the time spent discussing the play list Rita Sayers and Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB OBE was worth it. Following Saturday breakfast, people amused themselves and drifted off to the various places of interest surrounding Derby. The BBC arrived in the afternoon and did three interviews, then filmed us at the afternoon tea which again was huge as well as being excellent quality. A team of heavyweight boxers would have struggled with the amount of food we were served! The formal part of the weekend started at 1830 with complimentary cocktails in the bar. For once we were not all there too early, because the BBC broadcast the recording of our afternoon tea at 1820 and we all stayed in our rooms to see it, this resulted in a bit of a Cmdt Anthea Larken CBE President of AOW rush down the stairs and a queue for the lift. and Malcolm Knight of Diamond Freight Our VIP guests had arrived, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar and Malcolm Knight, of Diamond Freight. Diamond Freight are decorating a truck in celebration of the Centenary. The room had been decorated in white and blue and WRNS100 flags decorated each table. On every chair was a blue cotton shopping bag containing a commemorative box of fudge and pin dish engraved with the WRNS100 crest. I would like to publicly thank our sponsors for providing the goodie bags, but they have asked not to be named. And we settled down for, yes you’ve guessed, an enormous but delicious meal. The Admiral spoke and proposed a toast to the WRNS and Anthea Larken replied on our behalf. Another evening of dancing followed the meal and that concluded the celebrations. l to r: Rosemary Smith, Irene Slater, Sheila Houghton, Ruth I hope everyone had a good time I know you all had Gundry and Kate Sutton enough to eat. Andrea Wrigley 18 The Wren Wrens Walking Wales – a Lesson for Community Outreach!

Wrens Walking Wales 3rd day breakfast ‘Granny and baby came too!’ l to r Celia Saywell, Annie Lagrue, Gina Wilson, Ellie Mae Fleming, Annette Penfold, Barbara McGregor, Larraine Cox

This all began as an inspirational idea from WO1 Barbara McGregor RN, who persuaded WO1 Annette Penfold MBE RNR (Command Maritime Services), former CPO Wren Radar Annie Lagrue and Leading Wren Radio Operator Larraine Cox to join her in ‘doing something for WRNS100 and for the Welsh community’. Nothing too energetic, like running or cycling, just the challenge of walking 100 miles in 9 consecutive days from Newport, Pembrokeshire to HMS Cambria RNR Unit at Sully, Cardiff! The walk was carefully mapped out to engage with local groups and personalities en route; ex Wren Branches, Community & City Councils, schools, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, RN, RM, RBL personnel, naval wives, rugby club supporters, the Dean of Llandaff Cathedral, Aberfan Wives Club, Part 2 Raleigh trainees, the RNLI, ratings from HMS Dragon, Swansea University URNU, plus too many more to mention. Much appreciated was the send off from Cardigan Informal Group, a welcome break with Pembrokeshire and Swansea Branches, and seeing so many members en route. WO1 Barbara McGregor RN is the longest serving ex Wren (Radio Operator and MAA) who is still serving in the naval services, currently as the Regional Development Manager (Operations) Wales and Western England. She says: “Wrens Walking Wales has achieved all the aims of our 100 mile challenge; we exceeded the target of raising £3,000 for charity, all the while integrating with local communities and spreading the message; the importance of females in the military. We managed to smile, and sing, throughout despite the weather. We estimate that we had contact with over 700 people on our journey, these included old friends, family and the public who were curious as to what we were doing. You wouldn’t be surprised to know that everyone seems to have had a relative who had served as a Wren! Our humour was propped up in no small part by the unbelievable support offered to us along the way”. The finale for the campaign was a celebratory garden party by kind permission of CO Cdr Steven Fry RNR on 21st May 2017 at HMS Cambria, attended by many VIP guests including Commandant Anthea Larken CBE, Director WRNS (1989-91), Capt Ellie Ablett MBE, CO of New Entry Training HMS Raleigh, Capt Mel Robinson, CO Maritime Services, Chair WRNS100 Cdr Rosie Wilson OBE, Chair AOW Carol Gibbon, WWII Leading Wren Armourer Margaret Moorcraft, and last but not least BBC Wales broadcaster, Roy Noble. A sumptuous supply of refreshments was provided by Tesco and ably served by HMS Cambria Ship’s Company who had also supported with pre-party planning and logistics. In pride of place was a large iced cake created by Jon Boreham, Wardroom Mess Manager, HMS Excellent, and topped by an amazing sugarcraft panorama of ‘Wrens at work and play’! Celia Saywell The Wren 19

Wrens Walking Wales Party Celebration Cake by Jon Boreham Wardroom Mess Manager, HMS Excellent at HMS Cambria 14 May 2017 Photo Tracey Lintern

100% Good Time Wrens Meet with the It’s been a long time since the Weapon Analysts Sheriff of Nottingham (previously known as Range Assessors) have been officially able to report 100% Good Time! Part of On Tuesday, 11 April 2017, a group of Wrens from the transition to give Wrens equal opportunities and the East Midlands were entertained to tea by the allow Wrens to sea, meant that as there were no Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Jackie Morris, at the male equivalents to WA’s the Branch was slowly Council House overlooking Nottingham’s famous Slab disbanded. But the pride of the WA’s still lives on and Square, to celebrate the centenary of the formation on Thursday, 16 March 2017, 32 WA’s attended the of the WRNS. We were from the Nottingham AOW MCTA Annual Dinner at the Wardroom, HMS Nelson and the newly formed East Midlands Informal Group at the invitation of Captain MCTA, Maritime Capability and we encompassed the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s but Trials and Assessment. The Guest of Honour was we all became 20 again as we reminisced, compared the Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Ben Key, CBE. notes and shared experiences. We were comprised As weapon practice remains a core element of the of several Writers (G), two Radar Plotters, two Writers work of MCTA where the measurement and analysis (P), two Switch Ops, a Cook, an Officer Steward, a of the Fleet’s capabilities still takes place, Captain Writer (S) and an MT – a very broad spectrum but Mike Meagan RN, Captain MCTA was keen to have with so much in common. There was a special WRNS WA’s there to show that the importance of their work 100 cake which was cut by the Sheriff and the oldest lives on and is just as vital. It was a privilege for the AOW member present, 94 year old Doreen Searby, Weapon Analysts to be included and thanks must go and Sue Dunster presented the Sheriff with a WRNS to Anne Richardson and Joanne Barr for getting so 100 engraved tray. It really was a very enjoyable many WA’s there, as the Weapon Analyst Branch are afternoon and we felt very honoured and immensely celebrating their 50th Birthday as well as being part of proud. the overall WRNS Centenary. Carol Southall Ex CPO(W)(WA) Jo Hopkins (Walters) (née Fisher L/Wren Writer S) Ed note :Why wasn’t our Hon Treasurer invited as she was on Course No 1 for Range Assessors to become Weapon Analysts in May 1967!!?

This image is copyright 2017 J H J Loaring, All rights reserved 20 The Wren Range Assessors Reunited - Annual Lunch - WRNS100 On Saturday 10 June, former Range Assessors gathered for their Annual Lunch and to celebrate WRNS100. Along with some husbands and friends we met at a member’s house in Beaconsfield for a lovely lunch. Afterwards we had a most interesting talk from Mrs Jean Rooke (née Valentine) about her time in the WRNS. Jean joined in 1943 in Scotland and did her initial training at Tullichewan Castle. In her application she had written that one of her hobbies was doing cryptic crosswords. She assumes that this must have influenced the recruiters, who interviewed her, saying that they were sending her to London, but they didn’t know what she was going to do! She was sent off, on her own, having never travelled to London before. She finally arrived at Bletchley Park, where she worked as a de-coder. Being rather short, she had to stand on a box to reach the top of the machines she worked on! After some months there she was sent to Colombo, where she worked on de-coding Japanese messages until the end of the war. When the details of the work at Bletchley Park were finally revealed to the public and the Museum was set up, Jean worked there for some years as a guide and was frequently in demand to take parties of Wrens around. Now at 93, but still a very sprightly, interesting and witty lady, she has retired from being a guide, but she Range Assessors Lunch for WRNS100: retains her sense of humour and back row, l-r: Janet Hall (Newell), Anne Hawes (Robbins), Rosemary Riddell (Freebairn- has a fund of fascinating stories to Smith), Anthea Larken (Savill), Brenda Forward (Fordham) front row: Brenda McKee tell. Julia Clark (Hicks), Shirley Scott (Bond), Rosemary Saunders (Smith), Guest of honour Jean Rooke (Valentine), Julia Clark (Boughton), Angela Mitton (Johnson), Tish Askins (Beadie) Swindon Wrens Celebration of WRNS100 Swindon Wrens, and some friends, enjoyed a very pleasant lunch at Chiseldon House Hotel to celebrate the centenary. It was a beautiful day and we all had a lovely time. The food was excellent, and together with the wine, we had a very pleasant afternoon. Lots of fundraising was done to enable the Branch to subsidise the cost of the meal for our members. They are all very supportive of the Branch and it was our way of saying thank you. Janice Abbots (Chair) The Wren 21 Mountbatten Festival of Music 24 March 2017 I had the good fortune to be invited to the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall, performed by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines and including a celebration of the WRNS. I served in the WRNS from 1943-45 and was stationed at Yarmouth, Isle of Wight on a Signal Station. D Day took place and the sea around us was filled with boats and personnel en route to Normandy and the invasion. My brother was there but sadly he was killed at Caen. I found the concert very nostalgic – the Marines bands were superb and the drummers spectacular. My son took the photo and I felt a midget with the two Marines. A lovely evening and great fun. Doreen Dew née Terry. Ed Note: Agree the evening was wonderful!

Hull WRNS100 Commemorative Event

The event was attended by over 120 people including Ann Singleton and Barbara who Manchester WRNS100 both joined up in the 1950s. 23 Standard Bearers, HMS Explorer and Hull Sea Cadets supported the event too. Sheila Ellson

RHS Chatsworth

Manchester and District Branch Diana Levy, Ali Gott and Lyn Gannon at the Wrens Installation celebrate WRNS100 with Chatsworth with Kate Sutton and Flo Shaw the Lord Mayor of Manchester.

Cheltenham Mayor’s Tea for Wrens On 5 May our Standard Bearer, Chris Walker, proudly carried the Standard into Cheltenham Council Chamber as the Mayor of Cheltenham welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, and some 40 former members of the WRNS living in the area to the Chamber to mark the Centenary of the formation of the WRNS. Our Chairman, Jo Storey, formally thanked the Mayor. Amongst those present were six World War II Wrens and a young member who recently retired from the Royal Navy. Between them, those present had served for a total of 236 years. A slideshow of Wrens through the ages played in the background while all present enjoyed a sumptuous tea. Mary Hawthornthwaite 22 The Wren Buckingham Palace Garden Party – 16 May 2017

We all enjoyed a brilliant day with new friends made and saw several members of the Royal family - from a distance! All this whilst listening to the Royal Marine Band and enjoying a lovely afternoon tea in the beautiful Palace gardens. With many thanks from all of us to the AOW for arranging the invitations.

l to r: Jacky Davies (Communicator) Stafford and District Branch, Anne Doran (Cook) Yeovil Branch, Shirley Murphy (Telephonist) Cleveland Branch, Sarah Holmes (Stores) Solent Branch.

WRNS100 - Photographic Interpreters Reunion To mark WRNS100, a reunion of former WRNS Photographic Interpreters who had served at the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC), together with current Imagery Analysts, took place in the Officers’ Mess RAF Wyton on Saturday 24 June. Twenty five met on a warm summer’s day to roll back the years ranging from service in the 1960s to today, helped by a range of photographs and memorabilia from individuals and the Wyton Heritage Centre. Most came from within the UK, although some distance travellers joined us from the USA and Australia. We were able to catch up with news and remember absent friends in the familiar setting of the mess where most had stayed when under training. A lovely surprise recital by the Wyton and Brampton Military Wives’ Choir was followed by a very convivial lunch. Admiral the Lord West of Spithead was the guest of honour and praised highly the contribution to the Intelligence community made by the PI Branch and its successors. Commandant Anthea Larken CBE, herself a former PI, also spoke. Commander Carol Peilow (Tyrrell) presided; she, together with Lt Cdr Julie Vitali (Plant) were the joint organisers. Although we think our list of PIs is reasonably complete, if any member of the Branch was not contacted and would wish to get in touch, please contact Carol [email protected] or Julie julievitali@ icloud.com.

l to r standing: Rosemary Filtness (Curtis), Caroline Fuller-Webster (Coates), Anita Johnson (Roope), Alison Pittaway (Heywood), Peta Maidment, Sue Foreman (Wood), Gill Brisdion (Andre), Jane MacLennan (Pearce), Pat MacDonald (Fitton), Mary-Jane Lambert (Pearson), Jo Wilding (Rusholme) l to r seated: Lesley Clinton, Sue Pierce (Carr), Jan Martin, Julie Vitali (Plant), Anthea Larken CBE (Savill), Admiral the Lord West of Spithead GCB, DSC, Carol Peilow (Tyrrell), Jan Scilly (Walls), Kathleen Martin, Isabel Kent (Markowski), Gillian Chapman (Smith), Jane Guyer (Wiseman) Absent from photograph: Marion Donovan (Greenaway), Liz Hayle, Jenny MacLean (Nunn) The Wren 23 Bristol Branch WRNS100 Afternoon Tea Party After organising a first WRNS100 presentation last year at HMS Flying Fox, LS Alison Wilmott decided it would be a good idea to mark 2017 with an afternoon tea especially to recruit new members for Bristol Branch. Never one to do anything by halves, Alison booked a delightful room overlooking the terrace of the Avon Gorge Hotel, very close to (almost under) the Clifton Suspension Bridge! Not to be outdone the first arrival was Chair Connie Gregory having driven herself to the venue withher electronic keyboard. Connie is a WWII Veteran and took the title of the eldest Wren at the party – ninety four AND A HALF years. The buffet tea was absolutely scrumptious, and dainty, with the thoughtful staff providing doggie-bags for those too full to finish, or even ‘gorge’! Sarah Royston (Lt Cdr HMS Flying Fox & former RN Marine Engineering Officer) created nine very pretty table decorations complete with WRNS bunting amongst other plants, bugs and flyers! Connie played a selection of show tunes and old favourites during the afternoon as a pleasant background to the mixed company of five WWII Veterans, local members and visitors from Plymouth & Reading. Congratulations for a very successful afternoon. I understand that there will be a members’ survey to identify what, where, and when, for future events. Celia Saywell

PS Alison reports that she recruited two new members for AOW, and nine members for the Branch. Bristol Branch and guests WRNS100 Tea Party at Avon Gorge Hotel 10 June 2017 24 The Wren Adelaide Branch Celebrates WRNS100 The Adelaide Branch held three events at the end of March to celebrate the WRNS100. An official reception at Government House on Thursday 23rd, a lunch on Saturday 25th and a church service on Sunday 26th. Although we were at first disappointed that His Excellency the Governor of South Australia, Mr Le, was unable to attend the reception as planned, his wife, Mrs Le proved to be a charming and delightful hostess. She greeted all 38 guests individually, had her photograph taken with each group during morning tea, and then conducted us all on a personal tour of Government House. Our lunch was well supported by our own members and members of the RNA, RMA, BESWA and our Wrens and WRANs with Mrs Le at Government House Australian counterparts, the WRANS. One of our members, Margaret Dolphin, baked a beautiful cake, which was enjoyed by all 56 guests, after a very pleasant lunch. On Sunday chaplain Hilary Reddrop conducted a short but excellent service in the beautiful chapel at the Repatriation General Hospital, which was followed by a very pleasant lunch, put on by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Valerie Freeman

WRNS100 Gibraltar Celebrations NFA Trip on the Bluebell Railway The Not Forgotten Association kindly gave the Association of Wrens, tickets for two veterans to go on a trip on the Bluebell Railway Line which is a steam railway train in Sussex. Myself from the Portsmouth Branch, and Julie Soper, Secretary of the Guildford Branch, were the lucky recipients. We met in the station cafe and then boarded the train at 1315 in reserved carriageways. There were 54 veterans on board including a 98 year old from the Bomber Squadron. We enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch while heading towards East Grinstead, and then we returned to Sheffield Park Station at 1500. We would like to thank the Not Forgotten Association and the Association of Wrens for giving us an enjoyable trip l - r Denise Gaines, Gill Leather (civvie) Janette Crisp, out and an opportunity to meet fellow military veterans. Catherine Gooch, Vivien Davis, Pat Jones, Debs Church Brenda Green

Portsmouth Branch Report It started with St George’s Lunch and a comical address, Continued through to a New Year’s meal, in Nelson’s SR’s Mess New members Coffee on the Warrior, a Bake-Off, two cream teas always welcome at We’ve munched our way through so much food with pleasure & with ease the Royal Maritime Remembrance saw us marching, laying wreathes and feeling proud Club, Our Christmas party saw us acting in a strange Dickensian mode, 2nd Tuesday of each In March Easter Bonnets displayed our crafty side month at 1915 and The talent that our members have, filled us all with pride the 4th Tuesday at We learnt about Street Preachers and a great Titanic dive 1015. Had our usual night of skittles, with more food on the side! portsmouthwrens. We raised funds for our charities, Hounds for Heroes and WRNSBT [email protected] And increased our branch membership to almost one twenty (120) (We donated to HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Cathedral & AOW too!) ALL IN ALL A VERY GOOD YEAR! Tina Lowe The Wren 25 A Walk Down Memory Lane

On 30th April 2017, 49 years to the day I joined HMS Dauntless for my initial training I, with several friends, were in Derby celebrating WRNS100 at the Midlands weekend. How this brought back memories. My joining interview and medical were conducted at Admiral Villas in Green Lane, Derby. All I can remember is brown lino, brown wooden panels, and a big brown table. It was at this table that I sat my written test – a drawing of three different shaped cups filled with hot liquid and the question ‘Which would get coolest soonest?’ Choosing the shallow cup, I still to this day am reminded of the test whenever I see a large shallow cup! The medical then followed. Again a dingy brown staircase into the basement. Stripped to bra and knickers I was measured and weighed - 4ft 10.5 inches and 6 stone. The dreaded jug was then handed to me for a ‘sample’ to be left on the shelf. Now with a raincoat over me to protect my modesty I waited to see the doctor. Another brown room and a doctor who was old and fat. He told me to remove my raincoat, shoes – and to my horror – my bra! With arms outstretched he ran something over my spine and then repeated this while I was bending down. Next came walking with Georgie Peters and Margaret Yates outstretched arms along one of those low school benches, a jump - this is where we joined the WRNS off – after which he listened to my chest, looked into my ears and mouth - and said I could go. Grabbing my raincoat, shoes and bra I fled the scene. To this day I still remember shaking whilst trying to do up my suspenders. All of this flooded back to me as I stood once again outside Admiral Villas. It still looked drab and unwelcoming. Together with me on the steps was Margaret Yates (née Howes) who had done her interview and medical there back in 1960. Travelling from Grimsby she had had to stay overnight in the next door YWCA hostel where a deposit of 5 shillings had been paid. The bed cubicle was awful, the walls seemingly made of cardboard but a lunch was provided for the day of her interview. We both passed our interviews and medicals with Margaret joining as a Writer(G) on 22 November 1960 and I joined as a Switchboard Operator. It was, therefore, interesting to go back to Green Lane, see Admiral Villas still standing (now divided into flats) and let all those memories come flooding back. Georgie Peters (née Blackey)

BOOK reviews Wrens Behind The Lens WRNS – The Women’s Royal Naval - a photographic memory Service by Neil R Storey. Photographers of the Women’s Royal Naval Service This book examines the history and structure of the 1969 – 1995 by Glynis M Shaw. WRNS during the two world wars, and the training Glynis served as a Wren Phot 1973 – 1978. A and wide ranging duties of its members. Includes wonderfully evocative collection of photos which, contemporary photos of the Wrens in action. Neil whether you personally are in the book or not, will Storey is a social and military historian who specialises bring memories to all who served in the WRNS. in the impact of war on society. Covering all branches as well as social occasions A well researched history of the WRNS with both and establishments at home and abroad this book is moving stories (that of the first Wren to lose her life at a must! As Andrea Crook Chairman WRNSBT says sea on 10 October 1918) and facts and data including “this book illustrates how the Wrens fought to have the story of the founding of the AOW in 1920 which the opportunity to prove that they could emulate the may be of interest to all of us planning events for the professional skills of their male counterparts”. ISBN centenary in 2020. Neil Storey covers our history from 978-0-9956326-0-8 the very beginning in World War I to the final chapter For every book sold a donation will be made to the of becoming fully integrated in the RN. WRNSBT. ISBN -13:978 1 78442 039 0 UK price £7.99 26 The Wren Tally Band Collection Between 1957-1959, Christine Sargent (née Henson) was a Stores Assistant working in the Devonport Victualling Office. It was during this time that Christine started collecting tally bands via friends and staff of the Return Clothing Store. Eventually, 40 years later, she put her 150 tally bands together in a framed collection. At the end of last year Christine very kindly donated the collection to the Association of Wrens. In view of their uniqueness it was decided that, instead of hanging them in the HQ Office, they should be hung in a location where they could be seen and enjoyed by a large audience. To this end and, with the assistance of the RNA, the collection is now out on loan from the Association of Wrens and hangs on a wall within Boathouse 7 Restaurant which is within the public area of Portsmouth Dockyard. So if you are enjoying a day out in the Dockyard why not drop into Boathouse 7 and see how many of the tally bands you recognise? Jill Stellingworth

Christine Sargent with donated Tally Band Collection in Boathouse 7, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth The Wren 27 National Military Charity - Blind Veterans UK, celebrates 100 years of the Wrens - 7th June 2017 Losing your sight is difficult and life- changing. This is why Blind Veterans UK has given free practical and emotional support to vision-impaired veterans for more than 100 years. Thanks to the charity’s free support, vision-impaired veterans can learn essential life skills and can discover a life beyond sight loss. The charity currently provides free support to just over 120 Wrens and this year is hoping to reach out to even more. To tie-in with the 2017 WRNS centenary, Blind Veterans UK has released research that estimates there could be as many as 2,500 blind Wrens eligible for the charity’s support, but sadly most of them are not receiving it. Hazel Baxter, 90 and from Southsea, served in the WRNS from 1944 – 1948. She worked as an Officer “It was incredible to hear stories from the Wrens Steward at Mill Hill and Portsmouth. She left as about the difference Blind Veterans UK has made, a Leading Wren and is now a member of her local helping them to enjoy a life beyond sight loss. We branch of the Association of Wrens. It was years after would encourage all vision-impaired Wrens, and other she left the WRNS that Hazel was registered blind due veterans, to get in touch and find out how they can to age-related macular degeneration. Fortunately, her help” local hospital asked her if she had served in the Armed If you, or someone you know, served as a Wren and Forces and put her in contact with Blind Veterans UK. is now living with severe sight loss, find out how Blind Hazel said: “My sight got worse very gradually. Losing Veterans UK can help by calling 0800 389 7979 or visit my vision was difficult but coping with sight loss is all noonealone.org.uk. about having the right attitude. You can give up and stop trying, or you can do your best to stay positive. I was registered blind five years ago and it is amazing HMS Seahawk Culdrose Reunion, York what I can still do.” Having read in recent Wren magazines about all From 15 – 20 May Blind Veterans UK celebrated 100 the happy little reunions which ex wrens hold every years of the WRNS during a special week-long event so often, I thought you might be interested to hear called ‘Women’s Military Week,’ held at the charity’s about ours which was held on 10 October 2016 at centre in Brighton. the Royal York Hotel. It was a smaller reunion than Hazel and eight other vision-impaired veterans took expected as four of us could not attend. We all met part in the week of activities where they had the at HMS Seahawk Culdrose in 1959 and have kept opportunity to share a formal dinner with currently in touch ever since. serving Royal Navy women. Hazel said: “I thought that the week at Brighton was a great success. It was lovely Pauline Tyson (née Swiney) to meet the ladies currently serving in the Navy and compare stories. There was a lot of laughter and many trips down memory lane. It really was marvellous to celebrate 100 years of the WRNS together.”As well as the lunch, Hazel enjoyed a range of activities, including arts and crafts. The ladies decorated foam figures shaped into the number 2,500, shown in picture, to signify the ‘missing’ Wrens who may be struggling with sight loss, and who their fellow Wrens are encouraging to come forward for support. Commander Ally Pollard, who is currently serving in the Royal Navy, said: “We were delighted to join in the special event at Blind Veterans UK’s Brighton centre l – r: Brenda Swinn (née Clouston) L/Wren Quarters, Pat to celebrate 100 years of the WRNS and all women Ripley (née Nichols) Writer, Jeanette Carr-Evens (née Carr) Air who have served in the Armed Forces. Mechanic, Pauline Tyson (née Swiney) L/Wren MT, Alma Reynolds MT

The Wren 29 What is the Connection? Not so long ago if anyone had asked me ‘What She records in her book, connects the WRNS in World War I, the Magna Carta ‘My Life and Lacock and a National Trust property in Wiltshire?’ - my Abbey’, that her application answer would have been ‘Not a clue!’ ‘was supported by a lady Now, following a visit to Lacock Abbey and seeing on the Selection Board a photograph of a lady in a WW1 WRNS uniform, I who had lived in Dumfries know the answer which is Matilda Talbot. and known us all in the Matilda Talbot was born Matilda Theresa Gilchrist- old days’. In March 1918, Clark on 15 July 1871 in Scotland where her father following training at Crystal worked as the agent for one of the Duke of Buccleugh’s Palace, she was appointed estates. She inherited Lacock Abbey in 1916 from her as an Assistant Principal uncle Charles Henry Fox Talbot, the son of William to be the first WRNS Fox Talbot, the photography pioneer, and in 1918 she Quarters Supervisor at the changed her surname by deed poll to Talbot. Royal Naval Air Station As a teenager, Matilda lived in London with her aunt TrainingEstablishment at Rosamond and during this time she visited Lacock Cranwell, Lincolnshire. frequently. She had dreamed of becoming a doctor The first thirty Wrens were but her mother could not afford the training so after expected to report there for duty two days after her leaving school she trained as a teacher of cookery. arrival. When they arrived they had no uniforms so She then taught at various schools in London and Matilda went into Lincoln and bought thirty dark blue later studied at the Cordon Bleu Cookery School in munitions overalls and caps to match. The girls, who Paris. mostly came from naval families worked as cooks, During the first three years of World War I she worked typists, clerks, and domestic workers. Others were with the Red Cross in France and in 1918 she joined in the wireless section and some were employed the WRNS. salvaging usable parts from crashed planes. During her time at Cranwell, she worked hard to improve the living conditions for the Wrens and to provide activities for their off duty hours. By 1919, Cranwell had become an RAF establishment, but the Wrens were allowed to continue wearing naval uniform. In January 1919, Matilda was awarded the MBE but the following month during a spell of severe weather while she was being driven to Grantham, the car skidded off the road and she received injuries to both legs. She did not recover sufficiently to remain in the service and so she was discharged. She returned to Lacock and lived there for the rest of her life. During the Second World War she buried the Abbey’s copy of Henry III’s ‘Confirmation of Magna Carta’ in the grounds for safe keeping and after the war presented it to the British Museum. In 1944 she donated the whole of the abbey, the village and Manor Farm to the National Trust. Matilda Talbot never married but had many friends and enjoyed entertaining. In 1947 she received the CBE. She died in 1948 and is buried in Lacock. It is not difficult to understand why she has been described as a determined and slightly eccentric lady of remarkable personality who mixed freely with people from all walks of life.

Karen Nimmo-Scott 30 The Wren A Record Climb! I hold the record for climbing half way up the rigging on the SS Great Britain when I was 91. Last year I climbed Mount Vesuvius aged 93, and Lucy Worsley when being interviewed was asked who she would like to be when she was old and she said ‘I would like to be like Connie who plays the piano on the SS Great Britain.’ I met her when she visited the ship. Needless to say I have been a volunteer on the ship for many years and I am complimented every time I go. Children are amazing, one serious little boy said to me ‘were you about when Brunel was around?’ – I looked and smiled and said ‘no’, he was about 6 or 7. Lucy described me as a WRAC. I must get it corrected; I think it was in the Independent. Taken from an article by Roy Edwards in ‘In View’ magazine 2015:

“Connie plays an active role in the Bristol Branch. When Connie joined the WRNS, her Dad was very proud of her and made a Ships bag, sturdy canvas, rope handles and brass fittings for her. She took off to her training at Westfield, Southsea and HMS Tormentor at Warsash on the Hamble River where she became an Officer Steward and Teleprinter Operator. The work there was on the LCIs and LCBs landing craft being prepared for D Day. Before joining the WRNS in September 1940 Connie was at work Bristol Branch Chair and entertainer WWII Veteran Connie Gregory on the fateful day when German bombers struck the WRNS100 at Avon Gorge Hotel 10 June 2017 BAC. Over 200 people died at Rodney Works, some in one of the shelters which took a direct hit. Fortunately she was in another shelter and remembers she was knitting a child’s vest when the bomb exploded. The man in charge of the shelter just yelled at everyone to get down on the floor. She lost several friends that day.” Connie Gregory (née Matthews) Ed Note: see p23 for the Bristol Branch tea where Connie played her keyboard. The Queen in Panto I have seen the Queen perform in a pantomime - not many people can say that! In 1944 I was in the WRNS, stationed at Windsor, when a notice went up inviting 20 Wrens to watch a pantomime devised by the two princesses. My name was drawn out of the hat and I went to the Waterloo Chamber in Windsor Castle to join members of the Royal Household in the audience. The pantomime was called “Old Mother Red Riding Boots”. Princess Elizabeth was the principal boy and Princess Margaret the principle girl. At one point the two Princesses sang “Sur le Pont d’Avignon” accompanied by the “Salon Orchestra” of the Royal Horse Guards who, after the first verse, jazzed it up a bit. Princess Margaret put her finger in the air and danced a jive. Princess Elizabeth was more sedate. Rita Bradbury (née Fenwick) previously PO Wren Wtr (P) HMS President [email protected] The Wren 31 LETTERS Memories of being an MT Driver “Forever Our Number One” Having read in the last two Wren magazines of the As the daughter of Jane Rossiter it was such a MT Drivers like myself who have fond memories of joy to read the article in the Spring 2017 Wren their time in the Service, I thought I would send you magazine. Thank you for the tribute. mine…. And then I remembered that I already had, I remember well the build up to the l939 war and they were printed in the 1987 Wren which I had when mother was already involved with Dame Vera kept carefully. I realize I omitted to mention that as well etc, at the bank buildings near Admiralty Arch! I only as driving my Captain to Farnborough from HMS Ariel, succeeded in joining the WRNS in July l942, being Worthydown, I also drove him and his wife to a garden posted to the Dundee Wireless College along with party at Buckingham Palace … a very interesting about one hundred others to be trained as wireless experience as I had never been to London before, telegraphists, where are they all now? Eventually (except passing through from Station to Station) but further training to become HF/DF Wrens - what has luckily he knew it well and directed me well through happened to everyone! all the dreadful traffic. I had a great time waiting in Apart from a couple of contacts, and sadly the Cape the Mall with all the other drivers waiting to be called Town Branch of Wrens has closed, there is little contact to pick up their VIPs. One was even a Lord, driving with early memories. I would be so pleased to hear as a part time job; he was very nice! As you can see more of ex HF/DF ops. I am still in contact with some I really did have a wonderful time in my four years’ younger ex Wrens but age is overtaking get-togethers, service but as L/Wren I found it frustrating just sitting because of transport and venue. in an office, giving all the trips out to the other girls Keep up the good work with the magazine! and wishing I could drive myself. I left in March 1963 and got married to a CPO in August 1963. But that’s Jo King (née Rossiter) another story! Pauline Tyson (née Swiney) The Best Days of my Life My maiden name is Allison and I served from 1968 to 1972. I was at Dauntless, then Chatham in Kent. Next I was ship’s company at RNAS Culdrose and RNAS Lossiemouth (now RAF). I was in, when currency was decimalised, when the rum issue was done away with, and when Lossiemouth was taken over by the RAF. I just thought I would share a few pictures with you and to let you know they were amongst the best days of my life. Rosie Maclennan née Allison

Stirring the Christmas Pudding. RNAS Lossiemouth’s ‘Miss Fulmar Beauty Competition’ 10 July 1970 RNAS Culdrose 6 November 1968 Rosie is second from the left in the front row. Rosie Allison aged 17 years. 32 The Wren Peggy May – born 13 April 1926 Served in the WRNS from May 1944 to July 1946 Peggy was born in London but because of the outbreak of war was evacuated to Redhill. When there were air raid warnings they had to go into caves for safety. Peggy then went to Newton Abbot. Peggy returned to London when she was fifteen but again, because of the air raids, was sent up to Cleveleys in Lancashire to obtain her school certificate. She remembers other children saying that “you Londoners are only good for eating jellied eels!” Peggy lived with her aunt and wanted to join the Land Army initially because she loved animals. Peggy volunteered for the WRNS at age 17-1/2 and was accepted at age 18. She went to the Mill Hill Training Depot working in the office of the Welfare Officer. She had to give lectures on different types of gas and was drill instructor twice. Peggy remembers the Wrens getting free tickets for the theatres in the West End and seeing Princess Julianna of the Netherlands take a passing-out parade. Mill Hill had nine floors with four wings and a number of staff lived in the ‘Crow’s Nest’. More staff lived in the ‘Monkey Wing’ where previously the experiments for cancer research had taken place. The parade ground had lots of pots of flowers which Peggy was allowed to take care of along with the gardens. She was introduced to Princess Julianna for the lovely floral displays. Peggy was also responsible for making the huge wreaths to put on the flag pole when the senior officers visited. Peggy remembers wearing bell bottoms, boots and a pullover but couldn’t go into the mess dressed like this so they used to eat in the cooks’ mess where food was plentiful and good! Peggy re-trained in Reading as a Fleet Mail Clerk where she very quickly learnt to sort 107 pieces of mail in 7 minutes. As a Fleet Mail Clerk Peggy was sent to HMS Collingwood to work on the ‘dead letter’ section which was emotional. This was a big office so very busy but she was only there for 2-3 weeks. Peggy also went to RNAS Ford where mail was distributed to the ships via specific mail boats. (RNAS Ford is now an open prison). Peggy didn’t go abroad as she needed her parents’ permission because she was under 21. Her mum wouldn’t give her permission so Peggy left the Service when the guys started to come home from the war. The Wren 33 WWII Enigma Wren Coder really wanted to be a Wren Driver! A veteran of the Women’s Royal Naval Service and code-breaking centre Bletchley Park during World War Two has been awarded the Service Medal. Pug (Patience) Whitwell, 91, of South Molton, in North Devon, was presented with the medal by Commodore Jamie Miller CBE, the Royal Naval Regional Commander (Wales and Western England) at a ceremony at her nursing home surrounded by friends, family and staff. The award has come very late in her life, long after she left the Women’s Royal Naval Service because she was put off applying for it decades earlier by perceived bureaucracy. Cdre Miller said: “This was a very special occasion Pug (Patience) Miller with Cdre Jamie Miller CBE and makes everything worthwhile.” He joked: “I think and WO1 Barbara McGregor I almost managed to persuade Pug to rejoin active service, but this time as an engineer. Pug was very Barbara is a Life member of the Association of Wrens and engaging and a joy to be with, telling lots of very supports South Wales Branch members with visits to HM interesting stories. We are very much looking forward Ships and other naval related events. She is the Regional to hosting her on Bristol’s affiliated aircraft carrier, Development Manager (Operations) Naval Regional Headquarters Wales and Western England. HMS Prince of Wales.” When she joined the WRNS after school she soon became one of the Bletchley Park teams at Eastcote. Warrant Officer 1 Barbara McGregor, said: “Our Leading Wren Win Hannah 99332 meeting with Pug was a resounding success. What a Served 1944 to 1955 - Ships Company at HMS gracious and fun-loving lady she is. I found out she Dauntless, HMS Daedalus, Rosyth, HMS Fieldfare, was athletic and very sporty and took part in all the and HMS Osiris, Egypt. ‘dog-watch’ games the Wrens played. After the daily Win served first as an Officer commitments the Wrens would play games. She Steward but changed to particularly loved playing hockey in school and riding. General as she was happier The pair talked about their experiences in the WRNS in that role. The only choice and Barbara discovered that on discharge she kept when she joined up, Win her uniform, but unfortunately it was destroyed in a says, was Cook or Steward house fire. Pug said she earned, ‘30 shillings’, and in as it was what was required at the past they both remembered attending what was the time. She was educated then known as a ‘pay parade’, once a fortnight where for other categories but Wrens had to put out their left hand and salute with the none were available to her other to receive their pay. in 1944. She goes on to say Pug was also fascinated to know that Wrens joining that as she couldn’t cook she in the 60’s and 70’s were given the same cap ribbon chose Steward. She loved showing only ‘HMS’ as was given in the 1940’s. every minute of her time in Barbara said: “Pug was clearly delighted to see that the WRNS. little had changed in the uniform from the war to the One of the highlights of Win’s career was The Coronation Review at Spithead on the one I wore to meet her. I reminded her about wearing what was known as collar-detached shirts where you 15 June 1953. Win was lucky enough to be chosen to would wash and starch the collar until it could stand represent the WRNS and served for one day on HMS up on its own. The memory made her laugh. She also Superb as the only Wren representative as Queen suggested that stockings were issued from Naval Elizabeth II and Prince Philip reviewed the Fleet. Stores as they were when I joined in 1977, but the The Captain of HMS Superb presented Win with a American service men were generous with the silk certificate and a commemorative badge. version. It was a real treat for me to meet with Pug, Win shared her experience of riding a camel in Egypt although she kept insisting the delight was all hers. with HRH Princess Anne when she was fortunate Her story and life is fascinating.’’ enough to be presented to her at the opening of the For full account see: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news- WRNS100 Exhibition in Portsmouth earlier in the year. and-latest-activity/news/2017/february/01/170201-world- Jan Vanson, Portsmouth Branch war-two-veteran-finally-receives-service-medal 34 The Wren

Calling All Wren Writer Stenographers Where are you now? A member of the AOW Marion Chamberlain and Vice Chair of the Portsmouth Branch and Caseworker for SSAFA, I have been involved with meeting and enjoying events with veterans for some time now. However, I have yet to meet a fellow Wren Writer (ST). We were few and far Outside the Fleet Mail Office in Southampton. c1944-5 between it seems. I joined l to r Joan Day née Davies, Winifred Worrall, in November 1965 at and Marion Chamberlain HMS Dauntless when I My mother Winifred Worrall, joined up in December was just 17 years old, being told I was the youngest 1942, trained at Mill Hill and served in Portsmouth, Stenographer to be taken on at the time. Four weeks Gosport and Southampton, from where she was later off to Part II training at HMS Pembroke in demobbed after D-Day. She reached the rank of Petty Chatham. Unlike the Wren Writer (G) category we had Officer Wren. While in Southampton they lived in the to spend two weeks at a quaint college in Rochester. South Western Hotel. After the war Winifred worked A large private house run by Miss Edevene, never to for Lyons Catering, working at Royal Garden parties be forgotten, and any Stenographer will remember her and Ascot Racing events. In 1950 she migrated to and the large dining table we had to sit round. There Australia, travelling with a Royal Naval friend Bill were only 4 of us as apparently we were difficult to Tebb, a diver and submariner. Mum disembarked in recruit!! Minimum shorthand speed was 100 wpm Melbourne, Bill continued on to Papua New Guinea. RSA/Pitman at the time.I only just scraped in. We then Mum was soon offered a position at the newly opened had to re-sit the speed exam at Miss Edevene’s. I can Royal Hayman Island Resort in the Whitsundays in only recall Christian names. Caroline, Sandy and Liz Queensland. This is where my parents met, my father as well as myself, who was by far the youngest and Bill Kimpton, an Australian born but British bred lad. naïve, for sure. Sandy was the brightest and became He had served during WWII in the British Merchant a good friend although sadly we did eventually lose Navy. They were married in Melbourne in 1953, My touch but we had some adventures together hitch father passed in 2014, my Mum now lives here in hiking to London and Cardiff (not to be recommended) Brisbane, and at 92 she is still enjoying her creative as both eventually drafted to the Portsmouth area. and artistic pursuits. Caroline and myself were taken to the kitchen of Miss Mum always kept in contact with her friend Joan Edevene’s to take the exam and she gave Caroline Day (née Davies), but lost contact with Marion two aspirins, and myself one which she made us take Chamberlain, who also came to Australia, Mum last (imagine that today!!??) Miss Edevene told us it was saw her in Hamilton, Brisbane in 1950. because we were nervous and clearly she felt I was If anyone knows of Marion Chamberlain, Mum would not as nervous as poor Caroline. This was the WRNS love to hear. in 1965. If there are any Wren Stenographers out there Anne Kimpton (Wins daughter) I would be so pleased to hear from them. PO BOX 1392 Toombul Q 4012, Brisbane, Australia Janet Vanson (née Pepper) [email protected] [email protected] MOD SERVICE RECORDS Ratings Pre 1924, WRNS WW1 records, Officers 1756- 1917 & all ship records: National Archives (PRO) Kew, Richmond, Surrey. TW9 4DU. Tel: 020 8876 3444 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/navy.asp

Ratings 1924-72, Officers 1906-1982, WRNS 1939-1971, Reservists WWII: Director of Naval Personnel, Navy Search, TNT Records Management, PO Box 7814, Tetron Point, William Nadin Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. DE11 1EG Tel: 01283 227912 or 227913 email: [email protected]

Ratings Post 1939, WRNS Post 1971: Disclosure Cell, Navy Command Secretariat 4, West Battery, Mail Point G2, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8DX. Tel: 02392 628666/667/672 The Wren 35 Jo Smith née Gowland NATO HQ Oslo 1954 I was a Pro Wren at HMS Dauntless in June 1976. I Was anyone stationed at NATO HQ in Oslo in 1954? joined there 8 June 1976 and left 8 July to go to HMS The photograph shows the nine Wrens stationed there Nelson for category training as a DSA. Whilst at HMS with me. There were 3 Wrens, 1 L/Wren, 1 PO Wren, 1 Dauntless I was in AJAX Division. I have forgotten Chief Wren and 3 Officers. which Division number we were. Looking back on my I am in the back row on the far right as L/Wren Bourner. old Division photograph it just says AJAX Division. Our Next to me is Wren Barbara McCormack. Please PO Wren was Jo Gowland (I hope that’s spelt right) contact HQ if you wish to get in contact with me. she went on to become PO Wren Snaith. Lilian Grout Ex PO Wren Wtr (G) I realise it’s been a long time for me to have waited to check this out, but as it’s the 100 year anniversary of the WRNS I need to know for my own peace of mind and also because I keep being asked by friends, family etc what training Division I was in and I can’t remember. It would also be good to see if anyone remembers the DSA Course number also, at Nelson from 9 July 76 till 19 Oct 76. I would greatly appreciate any help or advice on finding this number(s). It would also be great to hear from anyone in either of my two old Divisions. I travelled to Reading with Lynn Blakely (think that was her surname) from East Croydon station. Jennifer Dickson, previously known as Jennie Bayley Scapa Flow WRNS Boat Crew My boat – a twin engine motor yacht known then as Looking for Memories of the Sunflower II – had been taken up by the Royal Navy ‘Little Ship Elvin’ and saw (humble) service in Scapa Flow as a Work/ John Buchanan would be interested to hear from Post boat – crewed I am told by WRNS. I am keen to dis- anyone (possibly Boats Crew Wrens) who remembers cover any record or memory of any WRNS who might a ‘little ship’ named ‘Elvin’ at HMS Europa, Lowestoft, even now have a during WWII. His father was on board this last ‘little recall or know a ship’ out of Dunkirk Harbour before she immediately friend or colleague. returned to Lowestoft, against orders. There he A slim chance but believes she was used as a tug-boat cum launch for just possible so any the rest of the war being manned by Wrens. He says ideas/suggestions “Any news welcome – ‘Elvin still going strong and would be hugely in fine fettle!” Please contact Celia publicrelations@ welcome. wrens.org.uk or 01792 641747. Dr Paul Arnison-Newgass 01803 834486, Since receiving this email I have had a whole host [email protected] of memorabilia from WWII Veteran Daphne Jones Valerie Mason whom I meet at the Cenotaph Parade every year. No I am trying to contact a member of the WRNS in 1960- doubt her service in Lowestoft and her contact with 61 at HMS Daedalus or Ariel, and later at Whitehall the Royal Naval Patrol Service Association. may give Mansions in Malta. Her name was Valerie Carol Ma- some answers. son. I believe her birth date was February 14th 1938 Celia Saywell or 1939, and she had connections to Hestersway, Jeanie Lee Tester Gloucester. I believe she was in the Writers Branch. I am helping my husband to trace his aunt, who was Please send any information to the email below, I will a WWI Wren. reply to all information. Taken from her marriage certificate 7th April 1919: Anthony (Tony) Stephens [email protected] Jeanie Lee Tester (Wrens Motor Driver) Wrens Hostel, Abbot’s Road, Grangemouth. Married Arthur Pastor Parker, 114 Boness Road, Grangemouth. She was 24 WAR MEDALS Information is available at www.gov. at the time, her father George (Henry Lee) Tester. uk/guidance/the-ministry-of-defence- Any assistance appreciated. medal-office. Alternatively contact HQ for Jean Tester [email protected] assistance. Oxford Branch

The Wren 37 100th Birthday My mother, Peggy Hughes (née Vickery) celebrated her 100th birthday in March with family and friends at Basingstoke. Peggy was a CPO Wren in WWII, serving at HMS Gosling and loved her time in the WRNS. She started as a Wren Writer in the Captain’s Office and then secretarial duties in Chief Officer WRNS Office. Her twin brother, Trevor, joined up at the same time, serving in the Royal Navy as a Chaplain in WWII. After the war she co-founded the Branch in Hereford with lifelong friend Madeline Williams. Pamela Coe (daughter) Anniversaries Diamond

GROUT-BOURNER on 26 October 1957 married in Sandwich Kent. Hugh Keith Grout (PO) to Lilian Bourner (PO Wren Wtr (G), formerly L/Wren Wtr (S). Met at HMS Pembroke, Chatham in 1950 and served at HMS Mercury, Drake and NATO HQ in Oslo Norway. My husband served in HMS Corunna, Med. Reserve Fleet (HMS Tyne and Ranpura) and then HMS Chequers, 1st Destroyer Squadron. We are now living in Ottery St Mary Devon and have been in Devon since 1963.

Golden DAVIS-BURNS on 1 July 1967 at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast. Writer Christopher Davis to L/Wren Wtr (G) Shelagh Burns. Now living in Callosa de Segura Spain. .

WEDGWOOD-BELL on 8 July 1967 at St Ann’s Church, HM Dockyard, Portsmouth. Lt David Wedgwood RN to Third Officer Pamela Bell (ex Met Observer).

Queen’s Birthday Honours

This year is special - we have two ladies listed in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Marie Taylor of York Branch (pictured) who has been awarded the MBE. Marie has been Standard Bearer for York AOW and also for the RBL and RMA for a number of years. Leading Writer Claire Hughes who is currently serving at HMS Raleigh has been awarded an MBE. Congratulations! 38 The Wren OBITUARIES Chief Wren (Welfare) Iris Knight BEM 1935 - 2017 Iris joined the WRNS in September 1953 as a Wren Writer (G). After training at HMS Ceres she joined the Drafting Office at Burghfield (HMS Dauntless), as Ship’s Company, and became friends with Isabel Kelly and Margaret (Meg) Moreton, both of whom she was still in touch with at the time of her death. In 1965, and by then a PO Wren, Iris transferred to the Welfare Branch and finally retired from the WRNS in 1977. She travelled widely whilst serving, including a spell in Malta and with NATO, as well as touring Europe by car – which in the 1960’s was unusual. Iris also served at HMS Goldcrest and HMS Drake, as well as with the Royal Marines. She was a massive fan of the Royal Marine Bands and her passion for their music was plain to see even though, she couldn’t sing in tune. Her love of travelling continued once she had retired including at least three trips to New Zealand with her great friend Meg Gould with whom she shared a house. Isabel also recounted, in her tribute to Iris, about her telling jokes but that she couldn’t always remember the punch-line. Iris became part of Plymouth Informal Group towards the end of her life and we were privileged to get to know a wonderful gentle lady who always smiled and who is greatly missed at our monthly meetings. The day before she died twenty four of us had lunch out and Iris spoke about it to family and friends that evening relating how much she had enjoyed it. Iris was made a recipient of the British Empire Medal in March 1974 for her welfare work whilst serving with The Commando Forces Royal Marines. Nancy Hill The Wren 39 Third Officer Jane Eldridge WRNS 1920 - 2017 Born Joan Cecily Fidgeon, of Anglo – French stock that may well have come over with William the Conqueror – the surname is still prevalent in Cornwall and Kent, she was bought up in Worthing, moving to the Isle of Wight when a teenager. In 1941, just before her 21st birthday, she volunteered as an M/T driver in the WRNS. Sent to Dover, she was confronted on her first day by a large Chief Wren with the words “We already have several Joans, you must choose another name.” Short pause “What about Jane?” And that is how she became known. Marriage to a soldier changed her surname to Eldridge. Early in 1942 Jane had reached the dizzy heights of Leading Wren (in her mind her greatest achievement), and had been asked if she minded serving in troop ships. The answer was “no”. After the fall of the Netherlands (1942) she found herself at the RN College Greenwich completing first her Officer Training Course, followed immediately by a cypher course. Then suddenly Probationary Third Officer Jane Eldridge and newly qualified cypher officer, was ordered to collect a railway warrant and travel to “destination unknown” - it turned out to be the great liner RMS Queen Mary. Because of that simple “no”, Jane found herself taking part in Churchill’s dramatic dash across the Atlantic which brought the United States in to WWII. A few months later she was to join HMS Renown when it took Churchill to Yalta for the conference with Roosevelt and Stalin, and to Cairo. After leaving the WRNS Jane lived a busy life in the Isle of Wight supporting her husband and bringing up her family. I met her when, in her late 80s and now a widow, she moved to live in the Trafalgar Quarters, a part of the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich site. Blessed with good health and mobility, she was popular both as a resident and as a member of the ORNC Chapel congregation. She filled her life with visits to France and Somerset where her daughters lived, keeping in touch with her son, friends (both old and new) and “seeing London” – but not in general the touristy bits. Jane loved museums and regularly went to the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy. She was a volunteer at the National Maritime Museum, and a keen member of the Greenwich Branch of the Association of Wrens. An utterly charming and delightful lady, generous, kind, thoughtful, with a ready smile and always wanting to see the best in everybody. Jane is much missed. Cmdt Anthea Larken CBE Barbara Cooper MBE 1922 - 2017 Meeting First Officer Barbara Cooper as a brand new young Wren Writer at HMS Mercury in 1975 could have been daunting as this statuesque, immaculately coiffured and smartly dressed lady was my first WRNS Unit Officer or WUO. But she was staunchly protective of “her girls”, stood up for us and ensured we had a fair deal in the life of the establishment, and was a champion for me as a Cadet Wren working towards my AIB. She sought out leadership tasks for me to carry out, guided me through the intricacies of life in the WRNS, and treated me to lunch in the Wardroom once I had passed my Board. Despite a rather fierce exterior, she had a tremendous sense of humour and a real twinkle in her eye from time to time. I was very thankful for her first hand guidance at the beginning of my career in both the WRNS and Royal Navy. HMS DAUNTLESS Mess Dinner - Pennie Burne (née Stinchcombe) Barbara Cooper second from left As a newly promoted P/3/O in her first appointment I couldn’t have had a better L to R 2/0 Liz Frye; 2/0 Barb Cooper; Rev John Stevens; 3/0 Ann First Officer as my Unit Officer. Supportive but never intrusive into my role as A/Sec Scambler; 3/0 Flic Heal she was always there if I needed help or advice when dealing with my divisional duties. I will always remember when one of the Wrens (who was married) became pregnant. Stories abounded of how other Wrens had been made to leave the service immediately but Barbara Cooper insisted that she should first of all use a safety pin to enlarge her skirt and then try to borrow one from a larger friend in order to keep her in the Service as long as possible – before the days of a maternity uniform. I also remember the ticking-off I and the other Wren Officers got for going to the Senior Rates Cocktail party NOT wearing tights under our fashionable long skirts in the heatwave summer of 76! Happy memories – thank you ma’am. Georgina Tuckett (née Scott) 40 The Wren Mary Brown OBE Countess Mountbatten 1923 - 2017 Patricia Edwina Victoria Mountbatten 14 Feb 1924 – 13 June 2017 Patricia Mountbatten was educated in Malta, England, and New York City. At the start of the war she and her sister were sent to the USA for safety but In 1943, aged 18, she returned to the UK, joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service as a Communications Rating and served in Combined Operations bases in Britain until being commissioned as a Third Officer in 1945 and serving in the Supreme Allied Headquarters, Many of you will remember Mary in the years she was South East Asia where she joined the staff serving her the Chairman of the AOW and later a Vice President. father who was Supreme Allied Commander. There When she became Chairman she wrote in the Wren she met Lord Brabourne, later her husband, who was Magazine, “How marvellous it is that our organisation an aide to her father. She and her family became is still flourishing and our numbers are still increasing. targets of the IRA when her father’s boat was blown I do hope you will continue to strive for new members, up. Lord Mountbatten was killed along with one of her and make greater efforts in searching out younger twin sons, a young Irish boy who worked on the boat Wrens, particularly those who have left the service and her mother-in-law. Patricia and her husband were in the last 10 – 15 years.” She then went on to say severely injured. She inherited her father’s title by that she hoped “ in this Jubilee year that branches will special remainder as he had no male heirs. After this celebrate our 60 years, and make special efforts to loss the Countess became the Patron and later the link up with each other for parties and outings”. President of ‘The Compassionate Friends’ a charity I think she would be very pleased if she could see set up to assist bereaved parents in the UK amongst where we are today and could see what we have many other prominent roles she held throughout her achieved with WRNS100. life. Mary joined the WRNS aged 19 in 1942 training first at HMS Excellent in the Whale Island Gunnery School – and became one of the first nine Wrens to become qualified in Ordnance – she was promoted The Wrens’ Prayer to POQOLC doing her training at HMS Excellent and then serving as one of only 22 Wrens in HMS Almighty and most merciful God, Midge in Great Yarmouth on Light Craft. This was the protector of those who where 4 Wrens were killed when their quarters were go down to the sea in ships; bombed. As VE Day approached Mary was posted to Bless we beseech thee, HMS Golden Hind in Sydney, Australia but the war in all the women who serve Europe ended before she arrived so only stayed a few beside their brethren in the Royal Navy. months. Her future husband was waiting on the quay Bless also, we beseech thee, when she returned to the UK – they hadn’t seen each all the members of the Association of other for 3 years. Wrens After leaving the service and marrying she spent and women members of the Royal some time in South Africa where she was happy to Naval Reserve. attend meetings with the Johannesburg Branch and Bind them together in loyalty and also was privileged to go to Canada for the Canadian Reunion in August 1979 which was attended by over fellowship; 700 Wrens from all over Canada. Mary then served in danger protect them; as Chairman of the AOW 1979 – 82 where she and in doubt and temptation guide and Paddy Wall then Secretary of the AOW loved going to uphold them, visit different branches and joining in their meetings. and grant them at all times She was also Chairman of Bromley Branch for many the help of thy grace. years. For her services to the AOW and the WRNSBT Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Mary was appointed OBE in 2009. Until she became frail Mary was a regular attender at Amen all the Council Meetings in her role as a Vice President and always happy to give her advice when asked. She will be missed. The Wren 41 Rosemary Jill Salmon (known as Billee) (née Moore) 27 October 1919 - 14 May 2017 Rosemary Jill Salmon joined the WRNS on 1 April 1943. She was based at Portsmouth Combined Operations Base until January 1945 and was commissioned 8 March 1945. Served as a Cypher Officer at Plymouth for seven months and later joined M.I.9 War Office, Staff on 27 November 1945 and was based in both the War Office and in Beaconsfield. The British Directorate of Military Intelligence Section 9 was a department of The War Office between 1939 and 1945. During the Second World War it was tasked with supporting available European Resistance networks and making use of them to assist Allied airmen shot down over Europe in returning to Britain. M.I.9 infiltrated agents, usually by parachute into occupied Europe. Those agents would link up with a Resistance cell and organise escape and evasion efforts in a particular area, usually after being notified by the Resistance of the presence of airmen who had been shot down. In August 1946 my mother was sent to Athens, Rome and Paris to assist with the closing down of M.I.9 Operations. A lot of the time she travelled on the back of a motorbike whilst in these cities! She was in Plymouth on VE day and remembered everyone dancing on the Hoe! She retired from the WRNS in December 1946 as a Third Officer. At her Cremation service her coffin was covered with the White Ensign and at both that service and her service of thanksgiving the Wrens Prayer was read out. She was extremely proud of her service and as a result supported the Royal British Legion every year by selling Poppies from the age of 18 to 95. Judy Salmon (daughter) Pamela Frances Ayling (née Shaw) Chief Wren Communications (1962 - 1970) Pamela Joy Roberts (née Stiles) Pam finished her training at HMS Mercury in 23 December 1922- 19 August 2016 September 1962 and was a few months into her first Pam served from 1940-46 draft as a new Comms Wren in the Control Tower as a Cinema Projectionist, at HMS Fulmar, RNAS Lossiemouth, when she based mainly in Arbroath. appreciated that there was “a better way of doing Joining the WRNS was things”; she wrote a pamphlet setting out her ideas, a happy achievement for and it was promptly assessed and adopted by the her as she had started war Control Tower. Thus Pam showed at a very early time service as a land girl stage of her career that she was an extremely bright, intelligent young Wren with a promising career and only transferred to the ahead of her. In due course, she went on to become WRNS despite protests the youngest Chief Wren Comms and was the only that this was not possible. Wren rating to step into the shoes of “G1” – the post She told many stories previously reserved for the First Officer Training at of her daily life in Service, manning the projection HMS Mercury. Pam was offered a commission but room for RAF airmen transferring to operations on decided against it, deciding that she would have a aircraft carriers. One of these trainees was Derek far more interesting career as a rating – and, by this Hull, to be her future husband. They were married time she had also met, and later married, Ken. after just six weeks! Sadly Derek passed away in Pam was a very active member of the Fulmar the mid 1960’s. He had always encouraged her Mountaineering Club (organising reunions for love of painting which she continued until her death several years), she walked the boards and painted last year, on the beautiful Gower Peninsula, where the scenery for various drama productions. She also their two daughters grew up. Pam became a keen dived and swam for the Navy. member of the Gower Society and her walks with Pam had a very successful career outside the them inspired her to recreate in her art works, vivid WRNS, taking an MBA (getting top marks) joining scenes of the area’s coastline and countryside. ICL as a temp and then going on to become a Marketing Manager for ICL. Pam was generous Pam was a regular member of the Swansea Branch to the WRNS Benevolent Trust over the years and of the Association of Wrens for many years, until when offered the opportunity by ICL to nominate a she was no longer able to travel to meetings. Right charity to benefit from a substantial ICL award she to the end, in residential care, she was eager to be chose the WRNSBT. kept in the loop with all the local goings on and is Pam had a huge personality, was great fun, loved now much missed. life, was a very generous host - and is sadly missed. Gillian Hull (daughter) Ken Ayling 42 The Wren With all our notices of members passing away, there will be many who have shared years of friendship and others only a short DEATHS acquaintance. Each one will be sadly missed by family and friends ADLINGTON BEM Olive and the Association would wish to record our appreciation of the Annie WWII PO Wren Wireless loyalty and commitment given to the Association. Telegraphist. Served Liverpool. Died 25 February 2017 aged 94. BRAY Elaine Mary (née Tier) 1972- COOPER June Lilian (née 77. L/Wren M/T Driver. Served Stephenson). 1943-46 Wren AHERN Kathleen Mary (née HMS Dauntless, Mercury, RNAS Steward (G). Served HMS Scanlon) 1940-45. L/Wren Air Culdrose and RMTC Lympstone. Spartiate, Victory, Pendragon and Mechanic. Died 17 February 2017 Member of Bournemouth Branch. RNB Portsmouth. Died 22 May aged 94. Died 26 April 2017 aged 63. 2017 aged 92.

ASHWELL Elizabeth Audrey (née BROWN OBE Mary (née Bridges) CORNISH Vi (née Auchinleck) Tate) 1950-54. PO Wren EVT. Died 1943-46. PO Wren Gunnery. Served WW2 Wren. Beloved grandmother 9 February 2017 aged 90. HMS Excellent, Midge and Golden of ex PO Wren Wtr Bev Elston Hind. Vice President, Chairman of (née Horsham). Passed away AYLETT Doreen (née Somerville) AOW 1978-82, former Chairman of peacefully in Warrington hospital, 1943-45. Died 2017 aged 94. WRNSBT and President of Bromley surrounded by family 27 February Branch. Died May 2017 aged 94. 2017 aged 96. BADENOCH Lady Anne Newnham (née Forster) 1942-45. PO Wren. BRYSON Lady Averil (née Curtis- COVILLE Janet Sanderson (née Served Orkneys. Died 13 February Willson) WW2 PO Wren RO. Carswell) 1946-53. PO Wren 2017 aged 94. Served Hailsworth and Warrington. Cook. Served HMS Pembroke, Died 5 January 2017 aged 91. Victory, Scotia, Vulture, Merlin, BARLOW Lady Isabel (née Body). Harrier and Drake. Died 4 January Died 2016. BULLIVANT Mary (née Walsh). 2017 aged 89. Died 21 January 2017 aged 78. BARNSHAW Hanorah Elizabeth, CRANE Gwendoline Clare (née known as Norah (née Turner) CHURCHILL Esmé (née Gillett) Richards). Died 31 May 2017 1943-46. L/Wren Cinema 1943-45. L/Wren SA. Served HMS aged 96. Operator. Served HMS Roseneath, Lucifer, Skirmisher and Mill Hill. James Cook and Tamerton Died 1 April 2017 aged 94. CRINKLEY Christina Calderwood Foliot. Longstanding member of (née Connel) WW2 Wren. Served Aylesbury Vale Group. Died 20 CLARK Mary Elizabeth (née HMS Fledgling and Merlin. Former February 2017 aged 91. Rastall) 1942-45. Wren MQ. Served member of Glasgow Branch. Died HMS Hornet. Died 14 April 2017 18 February 2017 aged 93. BATH Doreen (née Ashworth) aged 92. WW2. Wren Wtr (P). Served Troon CRUICKSHANK Eileen Anne and Ardrossan. Died 21 April 2017 COFFEY BEM Betty Ennis (née Lillias (née Crocker). L/Wren Wtr aged 93. Shepard) 1941-47. 2/O. Served (P). Served HMS Drake, Heron, Portsmouth, Chelsea, RNC Lanka and Highflyer. Died 11 BELL Barbara Catherine (née Greenwich, HMS Turtle, Badger, December 2016 aged 92. Ongley) 1941-44. L/Wren Wtr (P). Badger II and Chatham. President Served HMS Pembroke, Europa, of Melbourne Branch. Died 8 March CURNOW Marjorie (née Hardie). Copra and Pembroke III. Member 2016 aged 95. Wren Air Mechanic (E). Served of Worthing Branch. Died 8 April HMS Heron and Daedalus. Died 2017 aged 94. COKER Wilna (née McPhee). 21 April 2017 aged 84. Wren Cook (O). Served London BENNETT Nancy (née Thomson) and Liverpool. Died 30 April 2017 DANIEL Rosina Violet (née 1943-46. Radio Mechanic. Served aged 95. Watkins) 1943-45. Wren General HMS Pembroke, Ariel, Mercury, Duties. Served HMS Eaglet, and Drake. Died 19 January 2017 COOKE Joyce Anwyl (née Valkyrie and Nightjar. Died March aged 93. Hobson). Wren General Duties. 2017 aged 93. Died 20 January 2017 aged 90. BONSOR Violet May, known as DAWSON Joyce (née Robson). Margaret, (née Webber) 1941-44. COOPER MBE Barbara. 1/O. WW2 Wren. Served Machrihanish. Served HMS Badger. Founder Served HMS Dauntless and Former Chairman of North Tyne member of Bury St Edmunds Mercury. Died 19 April 2017 aged Branch. Died October 2016 aged 94. Branch. Died 12 February 2017 88. aged 99. The Wren 43 EDWARDS Joyce Rose (née KENN Ellen Doreen (née PARDY Cynthia Grizelda Agnew Farrow) 1944-47. Wren Air Townrow). Died early 2017 aged (née Cracklow) 1942-45. Wren Mechanic (E) and Wtr. Served 94. Maintenance and Plotter. Served Tulliechewan Castle, HMS Mill Hill, Bristol, Plymouth, Navy Fledgling, Heron and Fieldfare. KIRWAN Doreen Mavis (née HQ Group RAF, Liverpool and Died 7 May 2017 aged 91. Stewart) 1947-50. Served 1947- Reading. Died 29 January 2017 50. Long-standing member of aged 94. ELDRIDGE Jane Cecily (née Sydney Branch. Died 28 March Fidgeon) 1941-45. 3/O. Served 2017 aged 87. PERRY Kathleen Marion Ford, Dover, Rosyth, Cowes IOW. Died known as Kitty (née Burr) 1943. 7 March 2017 aged 96. KNIGHT BEM Iris Marguerite L/Wren Air Mechanic (E). Served 1953-77. Chief Wren Welfare. Died HMS Pembroke III, Fledgling and FOULDS Florina Anne (née Bye) 26 January 2017 aged 81. Merlin. Died 19 April 2017 aged 94. 1939-42. 3/O. Served Greenwich and Western Approaches. Died 13 KNOWLES Monica Lily (née Rose, PHILLIPS Orita (née Harding) February 2017 aged 99. formerly Taylor) 1942-46. Died 9 1944-46. L/Wren. Served HMS April 2017 aged 94. Pembroke, Heron and RNAS GADSDEN Jean Aileen (née Yeovilton. Died 24 February 2017 Watson) 1943-46. Died 26 January LODGE Babette (née Bouette). aged 95. 2017 aged 94. Served Mill Hill and HMS Excellent. Died October 2016 aged 90. PUGH Beryl Millicent (née GRANT Beryl (née Garratt) 1948. Simcock) 1942-45. Wren Served Scotland. Died 28 March LOUCH Sheila Dora (née Switchboard Operator. Served 2017 aged 88. Buckingham) 1951-55. L/Wren Northern Ireland. Died 15 January Radar. Served HMS Harrier, Fort 2017 aged 92. HARDEN Ena Florence (née Purbrook, RNAS Culdrose. Died 1 Copsey) 1943-46. L/Wren Steward May 2017 aged 84. ROBERTS Pamela Joy (née Stiles) (O) and Fleet Mail Clerk. Served WW2 Wren Cinema Operator. Dartmouth and Devonport. Died MADDOCKS Mona Rose (née Served Arbroath. Died 19 August 21 March 2017 aged 93. Brookes). WW2 L/Wren. Served 2016 aged 93. HMS Valkyrie, Bee and Pembroke. HASKINS Dillis Eileen Edith (née Died 30 December 2016 aged 91. ROBERTSON Jane Eluned (née Chapman, formerly Stenning). Lloyd) WW2 Wren Steward. Died Long term member of Guildford MAGEE Diana Norma Elizabeth 10 March 2017 aged 90. Branch. Died 14 June 2017 aged (née Mayhew) 1955-61. 90. L/Wren Signals. Served RNAS ROBINSON Olive (née Clements) Lossiemouth, Halfar and Yeovilton 1943-45. L/Wren Torpedo HICKMAN Evelyn Mary (née and The Admiralty London. Doctor Operator. Served HMS Vernon and Brenchley) 1943-46. Wren M/T of Egyptology. Died 11 February Beaver. Died 13 April 2017 aged Driver. Served Swansea and 2017 aged 80. 92. Dover. Died September 2016 aged 94. MAYS June Edith (née Skutil). ROWLAND Sybil Mary (née Christmas) 1957-60. WAM(AE)1. HOWE Patricia Minnie (née Young) MEADOWS Audrey (née Edwards) Served HMS Dauntless, Gamecock 1944-46. PO Wren Air Mechanic. 1942-3 Wren Gunnery. Served and Heron. Died 23 February 2017 Served RNAS Hinstock. Died HMS Raven and Daedalus. Died aged 79. February 2017 aged 91. 12 May 2017 aged 92. SALMON Rosemary Jill, known HURST Jean (née Moorhouse) MOORE Jean Margaret (née East) as Billee (née Moore). 1943- 46. 1943-46. Wren PV. Served Met Obs II. Served RNAS Eglinton, 3/O. Cypher. Served Portsmouth, Stanmore, Bletchley and Culdrose and Kete. Member of Plymouth, Beaconsfield, Athens, Collingwood. Died 21 January Cloud Observers Association. Died Rome and Paris. Died 14 May 2017 aged 91. 20 March 2017 aged 85. 2017 aged 97.

JOHNSON Doreen Hazel (née NELSON Joan (née Bradshaw) SAUNDERS Betty (née Bye). L/ Latter) 1952-53. Wren Wtr (Pay). 1943-46. Wren Air Mechanic. Wren Wtr (P). Served Mill Hill, Served HMS Pembroke. Died 6 Served Mill Hill, HMS Fledgling, Highgate, Lochinvar, Hopetown, February 2017 aged 86. Daedalus and RNAS Henstridge. Owl and Condor. Died March 2017 Died in Southport 13 May 2017 aged 94. KANE Joyce (née Box) 1943-45. aged 94. Served Whale Island. Died 27 May 2017 aged 93. 44 The Wren SEARLE Phyllis Grace (née WHEATLEY June Elizabeth (née GOODCHILD Diana Normansell Thompson) WW2 Wren Holland, formerly Pagella). Served (née Harcourt) 1943. Wren Wtr Telegraphist. Served HMS Paisley. Died 6 May 2017 aged 87. (P). Served Southampton and Flowerdown and CINC Portsmouth. HMS Drake IV. Died 28 May 2017 Died 16 April 2017 aged 93. WHITE Joyce (née Cribb) 1943-46. aged 93. Wren General Duties and Drawing SIMPKIN Freda Margaret, known Duties. Served HMS President, HANKINSON Mary Winifred (née as Bobbie (née Holroyd) 1944- Plymouth, Drake, Pembroke and Card) WW2. PO Wren Cook. 45. PO Wren Special Duties London. Died 2017 aged 91. Served HMS Europa. Died 8 PV. Served HMS Pembroke III, February 2017 aged 102. Stanmore Station X and Bletchley WILLIAMS Doreen Mary (née Park. Died 7 October 2016 aged Evans) 1941-45. 2/O. Served CINC HAWKINS Sheila Mary Julian 93. NORE, HMS Pembroke, Wildfire, (née Berey) WW2. Wren. Served Caroline and Dolphin. Died June Bletchley Park. Died 18 March SIMPSON Margery Anne Rattray 2017 aged 99. 2017 aged 90. 1949-64. 3/O. Served HMS Dauntless. Died 25 April 2017 WILLIAMS Mary Elizabeth, HUGHES Margaret Mary (née aged 86. known as Betty (née Isard) 1943- Carmody) 1967-71. Died 31 46. L/Wren Wtr (S). Served HMS January 2017 aged 67 SUTER Agnes Janet, known as Pembroke. Former Secretary . Nan (née McLaren) 1944-46.Wren and Chairman of Bromley Branch KENRICK Brenda (née Holt) Steward. Served Scotland and Mill (1950-75) and former Assistant at 1948-51. Served Plymouth. Died Hill. Died 2016 aged 92. AOW HQ London (1984-1990). 4 June 2017 in Australia aged 87. Died February 2017 aged 91. THOMAS Caroline Hazel Lucilla, KOLLER MVO Sandra. 1960- known as Hazel (née Lock) 1945- WILLMOTT Florence Patricia (née 64 QARNNS. Died 26 April 2017 1947. Wren SDO Watchkeeper. Blackwell) 1954-62. PO Wren aged 75. Served HMS Caroline, Ferret Supply (Victualling and Clothing). and Drake. Member of Swansea Served HMS Cambria, Pembroke, MARSDEN Tracey Amanda (née Branch. Died 22 May 2017 aged Ceres, Drake, Sea Eagle, Condor Townson) 1980-85. Wren Wtr (G). 92. and Heron. Died 2 May 2017 aged Served HMS Excellent, Northern 83. Ireland and Collingwood. Died 17 THOMAS Jean Mildred (née March 2017 aged 53. Stone, formerly Wright) 1942-45. WILLS Anne Stannard (née Wren Wtr. Served HMS Nore and Munday) 1941-45. PO Wren NOUCH Eileen Veronica (née Nemo. Died 2016 aged 92. Steward (O). Served Lowestoft, Savage) 1943-46. Wren Steward Greenwich and Southampton. (G). Served Portsmouth. Died 12 TURNBULL Diana (née St John- Died 20 March 2017 aged 93. January 2017 aged 92. Murphy) 1943-49. 2/O Quarters & Welfare. Served HMS Pembroke, WISHART Helen Smith (née OLIVER Marianne (née Brandon) Victory and Collingwood. Died 3 Logan) 1954-77. Chief Wren Stores Died 2 May 2017 aged 73. May 2017 aged 97. (Clothing). Served HMS Dauntless, Sea Eagle, Malta, Mercury and PORTER Daphne Joan. Died 31 TURNER Ann Christine (née Faslane. Died 6 August 2016 aged May 2017 aged 94. Stevenson) 1954-58. L/Wren DSA. 80. Served HMS Dauntless, Victory, PORTER Rita (née Mitchell) 1944- Fulmar and Gamecock. Died 4 YOUNG Jose Irene Margaret (née 46. Wren Cook. Died 28 March April 2017 aged 81. Kilvington). Died 2017 aged 89. 2017 aged 92.

URION Audrey May. Died February TOLLER MBE Diana Valerie 2017 aged 91. (née Chaworth-Musters) 1939-45 NON MEMBERS Officer Plotter. Served in Harwich, WATSON Rosemary Margaret Greenwich, Gibraltar, Algiers, and Jean (née Roberts) 1946-57. Wren ASHMORE Joan (née Smith) 1943. Naples. Died 11 June 2017 aged Radio/Radar (Air). Served HMS Wren Cinema Operator. Served 95. Ariel, Gannet, Vulture, Falcon and HMS Vernon and Mill Hill. Died Fulmar. Died 13 April 2017 aged February 2016 aged 91. WESTON The Honourable 93. Caroline Cecily (née Douglas- Scott- Montague) 1943-44. Wren. WAUCHOPE Deirdre Veronica. Served Portsmouth. Died 4 April PO Wren Telegraphist. Served 2017 in USA aged 92. Liverpool, SS Orduna and Ceylon. Died October 2016 aged 94.