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Reunion Report
The 1998 Wren Reunion is now history - well not completely, for we still have to tie up
loose lines and secure all the hatches before the Reunion is finally anchored, it's voyage
complete!
The Reunion festivities got off to a start right on time with line ups at the
Registration Desks. Joan B., our Registrar Extraordinaire (extraordinary because Joan's
performance went far beyond looking after lists and name tags) had the process well
organized and well staffed. The next port of call was to sign up for a table for the
banquet and obtain a bus ticket for HAIDA on Saturday. This process was slightly less
organized due to space, staffing and the multitude or requests (not to mention the
requests to undo a previous request). All in all everyone had patience and the fact that
everyone at the Banquet was seated by eight minutes past seven was outstanding.
 On Friday afternoon following
the Registration "In-Routine" everyone mixed and mingled in the Registration
Area and the Hospitality Room. The display of memorabilia in the Hospitality Room was
organized and presented by Lillian G. and a small crew of helpers. It was certainly a
credit to Lillian, who true to her maiden name, breezed through this challenge to display
the bits and pieces of memorabilia in a most interesting and effective display. From the
numbers who gathered to look at the displays, I feel that Lillian's efforts were
appreciated by everyone who had an opportunity to visit them. Muriel M, Custodian of the
Book of Remembrance, was available in the Hospitality Room and appeared to keep busy
chatting with everyone about the Book of Remembrance which Muriel so dutifully maintains.
At this point I would like to mention our appreciation to Muriel and her husband, Jim for
their great assistance in the initial preparation of mailing lists (in addition, over the
Reunion weekend Jim was there to help at every corner and everywhere ... the Royal York,
HAIDA and Ontario Place - thanks Jim!)
Friday evening the Concert Hall at the Royal York was abuzz with Wrens meeting together
and finding old and new friends. The Wren Association of Toronto's new flag was unveiled
and gigantic Birthday Cake cut by our President Lil R. wielding the traditional naval
sword for the occasion. (Our thanks to Phyllis J. who kindly loaned us her husband's sword
for the event.)
Saturday morning arrived bright and early. Everyone was ready to depart for H.M.C.S.
HAIDA. The buses awaited at the front of the Royal York and with the help of "bus
Marshal" Pauline H. and her daughter Georgie and the stalwart crew of chaps from the
Naval Club, the buses were loaded. The Memorial Service at H.M.C.S. HAIDA commenced with
the firing of the Noon-Day-Gun by  Florence W. from Whitehorse, Yukon. Florence was a wonderful
sport to accept this duty and was rewarded with the cartridge she fired (embellished with
her name and the date) to carry back to Whitehorse. The Memorial Service, conducted by
Father David M. was brief but memorable. Our thanks go to the Burl-Oaks Naval Veterans for
their assistance in co-ordinating the programme. Following the Memorial Service the group
was moved by buses to the Executive Picnic Area of Ontario Place. Now here was a bit of a
problem! Our registration had indicated that only approximately 500 were interested in
going to HAIDA, the lunch was an additional part of the programme over and above your
registration fee, so between more people than expected (and catered for) there were also a
few at the head of the lines  who indulged a little more than necessary leaving many without food. For
this hang up we apologize BUT no individual is to blame, it was totally a combination of
errors. As someone said at the Sunday luncheon, most of us could manage without a sandwich
once in a while! many returned to the hotel, while others stayed for the band concert at
Ontario Place, It was well worth listening to on an empty stomach. The H.M.C.S. YORK Band
had a selection of music that not only suited the occasion but everyone enjoyed.
The Reunion Banquet Saturday evening was great. The menu and entertainment enjoyed by
everyone. Our Guest of Honour Captain(N) Judith Harper from Ottawa brought greetings and
enlightening details about today's Navy. It was an interesting addition that Captain
Harper's mother was in that audience, a member of the Ottawa Wren Association. The
Banquet entertainment was a treat, the Classic Tappers from London, Ontario, a Barber Shop
Choir brought to us by Bill O., the Kingston Wren "Player's" with a finale by
the Jenny Wren Chorus. A great show enjoyed by one and all!
Sunday morning arrived also bright and early. Outside the Royal York on York Street,
the Wrens began to gather and although it may have seemed a long wait for some ... before
you knew it there  was a parade! Approximately 200 were expected to march along with two
colour parties and the R.C.S.C.C. Ajax Band from Guelph, Ontario. We had between 4 and 5
hundred march and the scene was exceptional. Captain Harper took the salute on University
Avenue and was very impressed with the parade that passed. On to lunch, once more in the
Concert Hall, not quite as crowded as the previous evening but just as noisy! After lunch
the traditional reports were received from the various Associations across Canada. Where
will the next Reunion be? We will have to wait and see!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 1998 Wren Reunion Committee for all
their help over the past eighteen months and in particular over the Reunion weekend. To
all, a well deserved BRAVO ZULU.
P. Thornton
Reunion Pictures
Activities... Dates
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