Wrens complete 100-mile walk to celebrate WRNS100

Wrens Walking Wales was an inspirational idea from WO1 Barbara McGregor RN to raise awareness of the WRNS Centenary celebrations and as a fundraiser for Naval charities.

Barbara persuaded colleagues WO1 Annette Penfold MBE RNR, former CPO Wren Radar Annie Lagrue and L/Wren Radio Operator Larraine Cox to join her in walking 100 miles in nine consecutive days starting from Newport on 13 May and ending at HMS Cambria Royal Naval Reserve in Sully, Cardiff on 21st May.

The walk was carefully mapped out to engage with local groups and personalities en route; ex Wren Branches, Community and City Councils, local schools, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Naval and Royal British Legion personnel, naval wives, rugby club supporters, the Dean of Llandaff Cathedral, Aberfan Wives Club, the RNLI, and the Swansea University URNU.

On completion of the WRNS100 walk, a garden party celebration at HMS Cambria was hosted by the Unit Commanding Officer, Cdr Steve Fry RNR. Senior women naval officers of the Royal Navy and Maritime Reserves were also joined by WRNS veterans, the broadcaster Roy Noble, current naval service personnel, and families and friends.

Barbara said “We achieved the aims of our 100 mile challenge; we exceeded the target of raising £3,000 for the WRNS100 centenary project, all the while integrating with local communities and spreading the message; the importance of women in the military.”

Many other WRNS100 Celebrations are being held during 2017 throughout the UK and overseas. The exhibition, “Pioneers to Professionals – Women and the Royal Navy”, is on show at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth until the end of the year. For more information on forthcoming events visit:

WRNS100 website: http://www.wrns100.co.uk/

RN website - WRNS100 feature page: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/features/wrns100

Fundraising link: http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=WRNS100WalkingInWales&isTeam=true

We achieved the aims of our 100 mile challenge; we exceeded the target of raising £3,000 all the while integrating with local communities and spreading the message; the importance of women in the military.