wrac-association

BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:34:38 GMT

In May 2026 the AGC hosted their annual Triple Crown event which for the first time welcomed veterans from antecedent corps to come and support the teams. It was also an occasion for the AGC Association to sign a Bond of Friendship agreement with the associations of three of its antecedent corps – the WRAC, RAOC and RAEC.

The WRAC Association invited a group of their veterans who were treated to a trip down memory lane with a guided heritage tour around the camp and lots of time to explore the various stands and interactive exhibits. The AGC and RMP museums displayed items from Corps history; artefacts, vehicles and equipment, including a vintage Rolls Royce which gave a few guests a ride around the site.

Whilst the Military Skills competition was underway, many veterans watched and others visited the AGC sports team stands, took part in cricket challenges and hockey games, and hopped on a table for a quick massage. They even had the opportunity to try and pull a Land Rover as part of the Army Strongman & Strongwoman challenge!

Following a delicious curry lunch, Paula Rogers, CEO of the WRAC Association, signed a Bond of Friendship agreement with AG Corps Colonel Stu Allen. The Bond acknowledges the shared goals, common values and interests which exist between the two Associations and recognises a relationship which is underpinned by mutual respect, cooperation and a commitment to support one another.

CRICKET'S THE TICKET!

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:28:26 GMT

With the competition standing at one win apiece from the previous two annual meetings, this year's cricket match between Chatsworth Ladies and the WRAC Lionesses was always going to be keenly contested, as our Lionesses team captain Elaine Smith reports.

As well as celebrating Armed Forces weekend, the Chatsworth Ladies are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, so it was a double celebration. The Lionesses came together on a very hot Friday evening at the Chatsworth Cricket Club for a practice session and afterwards a catch up and a few refreshments at the campsite.

On Saturday morning players and supporters gathered bright and early. We were blessed with good weather, albeit very hot, for a third year running. Chatsworth House offered the most idyllic, quintessentially English backdrop. The scene was set for a perfect day's cricket.

The Chatsworth Ladies won the toss and decided to field first. The customary shot of port was offered to each batter before walking out to the tune of The Lass of Richmond Hill. We got off to a slow, but steady start with Andie Cole and Wendy Summerell and avoided losing any early wickets. Mary Woollard batted at no.3 and played some great shots before having to retire due to the heat. Thankfully she resumed her innings for the 30th over, once everyone else had batted. The pace picked up once Kym Lofthouse and Debbie Sutton came to the crease and the run rate started climbing. Both played brilliantly and retired on the pre-agreed maximum 25 runs. Maxine McQue and Phyl Mattinson continued the progress and together with Kaz Smith and Julie White pushed the scoreboard past 100. Jackie Walton, Lynn Doubtfire and I batted and took the team total to 145 off 30 overs - leaving us feeling we may be just 20-30 runs short of a competitive total.

Following a lunch interval, we commenced the second innings with the Lionesses taking to the field. The fielding was excellent with catches held and the bowling sublime - a definite improvement on last year! The standout bowlers were Julie White with 2-18, Phyl Mattinson with 2-24 and I managed to pick up 3-19. Chatsworth Ladies were all out for 91; a win for the Lionesses by 54 runs and only 20 of the 30 overs played.

Chatsworth were amazing hosts and we appreciate the hard work that goes into organising the event. At the prize giving, every player together with the umpires, scorer and lunch-preparers were presented with a commemorative mug. I was very proud to accept the winners trophy from the opposing captain on behalf of the Lionesses.

Thanks to everyone who came to support the team - it is a true spectacle to see you all enjoying your picnics in the sunshine.

Special thanks to Sandy Saxton-Warne for providing water and to Wendy Hooton, Helen Meades-Davies, Mary Blake and Anne Patterson who raised £578 for the WRAC Association on the day in the raffle.

The Saturday evening is when friendly rivalries are put aside, and to celebrate their 25th Anniversary, Chatsworth Ladies invited some past players to the party. There was more cricket on Sunday with a round robin competition of softball. A special mention to Beryl Sidebotham, an original Lioness cricketer, now 79 years young, who joined the competition.

Thank you Chatsworth Ladies - enjoy the rest of your 25th Anniversary year!

DEBORAH'S STORY

Fri, 01 May 2026 10:42:58 GMT

Deborah served in the WRAC from 1980 until the Corps disbanded, and went on to serve in the AGC until 1994.

The Benevolent Fund was approached by The Royal British Legion following a sudden and significant change in Deborah’s circumstances. During an incredibly difficult period, we were able to provide practical support including essential household items such as brown goods, white goods, a mobile phone, and other everyday needs, totalling £2,903.11.

In addition, Deborah received a Benevolent Fund Support Supplement of £50 per week for three months to help her adjust and regain stability.

Deborah has shared her story in her own words:

Finding support through difficult times

"In May 2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In September of that year, after surgery and upon starting chemotherapy, I was driven from my home by my alcoholic husband, who told me he could not deal with me and my illness after 32 years.

I also had to leave my job. But the saddest of all, I had to leave my 22-year-old son in the family home, as his life, girlfriend, job and friends were all there. I had to move into a charity almshouse in the middle of nowhere.

I slept on an inherited sofa all through chemotherapy and was alone during this time. It was very tough.

Around November or December 2022, I felt very desperate both emotionally and financially. I knew I needed help and support, so I contacted The Royal British Legion. Very quickly, I was given support.

I was sent a phone and, despite a poor signal and my limited technical skills, I received so much help from a wonderful and caring lady called Caroline Quinn. I eventually got a bed to sleep in, food vouchers, and help and advice with benefits.

Caroline contacted the ATS & WRAC Benevolent Fund, who very kindly made contributions to support me.

I have only just started to get back on my feet health-wise, as it has been a long and uncertain road. I am very, very grateful. Your support has relieved so much stress, and it meant so much to know that you cared enough to help me at a time of need.

Please accept my deepest thanks for your kindness."

If you or someone you know may need support, the WRAC Association Benevolent Fund is here to help. We offer practical and financial assistance to women who have served, providing reassurance and care during difficult times. You can find out more about the support available on our Benevolent Fund page.

WRAC VETERAN, 85, TAKES ON BIRMINGHAM RUN FOR WOMEN’S CHARITIES

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:52:59 GMT

A much-loved member of the WRAC community is set to take on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, raising funds to support female veterans.

Sandy Cawley, 85, who lives in Andover, only began running at the age of 70 after being encouraged to join her local Parkrun. Since then, she has taken part in a number of races and describes running as “a joy”.

Sandy will be running as part of the WRAC Lionesses team, alongside 65 other former service personnel, raising money for the WRAC Association and Fighting With Pride. Together, the team hopes to raise £6,000.

Having served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps after joining in 1959, Sandy has remained closely connected to the WRAC community. She has spoken about the confidence, friendships and opportunities her service gave her, and continues to support fellow female veterans today.

The WRAC Association plays an important role in bringing members together, offering support, friendship and a strong sense of community across the UK.

The WRAC Lionesses will be taking part in the run on Sunday 3 May, proudly representing women who have served, past and present.

This story was originally reported by BBC News. You can read the full article on the BBC News website.

ANNE'S STORY

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:56:59 GMT

Support from the WRAC Benevolent Fund makes a real difference to our veterans, enabling women to improve their circumstances and empowering some to get their lives back on track.

Receiving financial support is something many proud veterans prefer to keep private, however some beneficiaries are happy to share their story with others in the hope that they will inspire more struggling veterans to come forward.

A hand up not a hand out

Anne lives with the lung condition COPD and her breathing problems affect her mobility. The WRAC Association provided the funds for a mobility scooter and Anne was happy to share the difference it has made to her.

"I had been using a wheelchair to go shopping but as my husband is blind in one eye, he does not always see things. We were often knocking into things and saying “sorry”. It got to the stage where I looked for any excuse not to go out.

Having the scooter gave me back my independence and the confidence to go out without spending most of the time apologising. I have quite a lot of hospital appointments, the scooter is so useful as a lot of these appointments are a long way from the car park.

I can’t thank you enough as this really has changed my life and given me something to look forward to."

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:36:14 GMT

Here is a quick overview of events coming up in 2026

If you would like to be put on the list of applicants for any of the above events please email events@wraca.org.uk

Scroll/swipe left/right to view dates.