What could be better than one Lioness? A whole pride coming together in comradeship! Whatever our members' interests and ability, we organise events across the UK.
The Grand Reunion
The Grand Reunion of the WRAC and ATS is our triennial gathering for a weekend of camaraderie, including our gala dinner, dancing, and fancy dress.
Hundreds of women gather, meeting up with friends they have not seen in years and reliving their serving years. We parade through the streets of our chosen city accompanied by a full military band, and invite local people to watch Beating Retreat.
The location changes every time as we move it around the UK to make it accessible to as many of our members as possible. The next Grand Reunion of the WRAC and ATS will be in March 2028 so keep your eyes peeled for the details when we announce them.
The Summer Event
On non-Grand Reunion years a WRAC and ATS summer event is held so that our members have the opportunity to gather together and catch up.
Like the Grand Reunion, this event moves around the country each time so that we can be as accessible as possible to all of our members.
Recent years have included an afternoon tea, a day of racetrack driving, a tour of Bletchley Park and a visit to Worthy Down Camp.
Other Events
Alongside events organised by the WRAC Association, we have lots of groups who meet for special interest activities, including cycling, cricket, 10K run and an annual beer festival.
We also hold events with our charity partners, including Mission Motorsport, Turn to Starboard, The Not Forgotten and The AGC.
If you would like any information or to be put in touch with any of these groups, please contact events@wraca.org.uk
Upcoming Special Occasions
As two significant dates approach, the WRAC Association is working with our tri-service partners to celebrate important anniversaries.
The Army's Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) was formed in 1938 during the Second World War and included companies of the women serving with the RAF until the following year, when the WAAF (Women's Auxilliary Air Force) was formed and the first WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service) were admitted to the Royal Naval College.
Women served with distinction during WWII and in the post-war years it was acknowledged that women would be a valuable asset to the Armed Forces. In 1948 the Secretary of State made a formal submission to the Crown which received Royal approval, and on the 1st of February 1949 the WRAC was formed alongside the WRAF, whilst the WRNS was officially established as a permanent branch of the UK's Royal Navy.
We will be marking the 90th anniversary of the formation of the ATS in 2028, and the 80th anniversary of the formation of the WRAC and WRAF, alongside the permanent establishment of the WRNS, in 2029. A series of special events are being planned and will be announced nearer the time.
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