'THE WREN' MAGAZINE – THEN AND NOW

Image by SIGGA DESIGN

This montage of Association magazines from 1920 to the present day was included in the Commemorative brochure for the 90th anniversary of the Association of Wrens in November 2010.

The first Editor of the magazine was Miss Vera Laughton MBE (ex-L/Wren to Principal Officer WRNS in WWI, then Dame Vera Laughton Mathews DBE Director WRNS 1939 – 1946) and was published in February 1921 at a cost of 4d. The Wren was intended to be issued quarterly, but by October monthly copies were being distributed at a cost of 3s 6d per year. Later, in December 1923 it was decided to combine membership fees of the Association, and the charges for The Wren magazine, at a set rate of five shillings a year.

TODAY the tradition continues - The Wren is posted three times a year to members throughout the world and the cost is still combined with the subscription – a modest £10 for Annual membership, or £100 for Life membership. The contents range from letters from women at sea, to those recalling life in the Wrennery, plus photos, reunion news, research requests and news of members in the regions. Our 'Where Are You Now' page has reunited friends after many years.

NB Those eligible to join the Association of Wrens (see HOME page) can get their own copy of The Wren and a copy of the Commemorative brochure (while stocks last) by completing the downloadable application form on the HOME page.