The Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service, WRCNS (WRENS) was formed in 1942 by Order-in-Council, making the year 2002 their 60th Anniversary.

Considering that in 1942 the average age of Wren recruits was 20, this makes the average age of our veterans 80. Many of these women are still very active in their communities working for their local Associations, Legions, Churches and Charities. A goodly number still march in parades and some of us will be performing at our reunion August 30 to September 1, in Edmonton, sponsored by the Edmonton Wren Association.

Wren Associations across Canada will be involved in various events at which this 60th Anniversary will be celebrated. The Wren Association of Toronto is being given special recognition at this year's Battle of the Atlantic ceremonies, May 5, 2002. We and other Naval veterans will parade with the Toronto Naval Reserve, H.M.C.S. YORK, Ship's Company and Band, from H.M.C.S. YORK to H.M.C.S. HAIDA - an ex-Wren will take the salute.

A scroll from the City of Toronto will be presented to us at our Annual Tea and Sale, May 25, 2002 at the Naval Club, 14 Hayden St., by City Councillor, (Hon.) Capt. Chris Korwin-Kuczynski. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to attend.

Question Period (Rough draft of statement by Mr. JOHN O'REILLY, Liberal)

The Bata Museum, courtesy of (Hon.) Capt. Sonja Bata will showcase the Wrens in a special display at the Bata Museum.

The Wren Association of Toronto will parade in the Honour section, Warrior's Day Parade, Canadian National Exhibition, on August 17, 2002.

The WRCNS will receive special recognition at the Massed Band Concert, at Roy Thompson Hall on Sunday, October 27, 2002.

Beverley Covington
Publicity Chair [2002]
Wren Association of Toronto
 

Excerpts from The Jenny Wren Times (their monthly newsletter), are used with permission from the Wren Association of Toronto.
Email: torontowrens@thewrens.com