A centenary commemoration was coming up roses as a military group unveiled their floral display. 

The South Dorset Wrens Association was joined by Weymouth and Portland Mayor, Cllr Kevin Brookes and South Dorset MP, Richard Drax as they revealed the completed display at Greenhill Gardens.

Cllr Brookes said: “It is very important that particularly young people are reminded of Remembrance Day and organisations like this that have been around for a long time.”

The vibrant display was arranged by the Wrens Association with the assistance of the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to mark the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Royal Navy Service, from which the name Wrens comes.

The South Dorset association, originally called Weymouth and District, was formed in 1950 but the national Wrens Association was established in 1920 by First World War veterans to keep the spirit of the service alive. 

Dorset Echo:

CENTENARY: The display features an anchor, a wren and the years 1917 and 2017

The last remaining founder member of the South Dorset branch, Monica Tarrier, 91, said the Wrens association was started to bring Naval women together. 

“When the war finished, people were at a loose end. Girls who came in from away didn’t know anyone. We didn’t have anywhere to live, no money, we all married men who had served in the forces who were coming back from war,” she said.

The Wrens Association welcomes former members of the WRNS and WRNR as well as former members of the RN and RNR. 

Kath Durridge, who served in the Navy for 13 years, said: “The Wrens 100 celebration has been amazing. It’s so important this year as next big anniversary, in one hundred or two hundred years, there won’t be any Wrens left.” 

She added: “I think it shaped the person I am because joining at 18 you make friends who become you family really. We went through upsets and traumas and good times together. We are a strong group as we have a common bond.”

The South Dorset Wrens Association currently has 44 members aged 50 to 90 and in November this year they will have their 800th meeting.

Member Jill Head, who joined the association last year said the group had opened up her life after she was widowed a few years ago. 

She added that the display was absolutely wonderful. 

Member Heather Hicks who served as an air mechanic in the Navy from 1969 to 1976 said she hoped the floral display would let fellow veterans know about the association.

“We’re a very active bunch here. I think there are more ladies out there who could benefit from the joining us,” she said.