The Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust (WRNS BT), which has been providing advice and financial relief to former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) since 1942 will, as of the 1st January 2024, officially become a subsidiary charity of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
At a WRNS BT Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier this year, members unanimously voted in favour of a proposal to continue the deliverance of benevolence to those eligible members of the WRNS BT.
This is a major step to protect support for women who served in the WRNS. It strengthens the already strong partnership between WRNS BT and RNRMC; closely intertwined through their shared values and collaborative working
The move is part of the WRNS BT’s strategy to reduce running costs to ensure support can be delivered to the last remaining eligible beneficiaries – the youngest of whom are expected to live for another 40 to 50 years.
Although a subsidiary charity the name WRNS BT will be retained, as will the Trust’s Royal Charter and website. A Board of Trustees will continue to comprise of former members of the WRNS and will include a representative from the RNRMC.
Heather Rimmer, Chairman of the WRNS BT said:
“This change will provide the much-needed support to our members who need it most for years to come, whilst ensuring business as usual.”
Andrew Jameson, Chief Executive of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said:
“This is testament to the close collaborative working relationships across the Royal Naval charity sector and this decision was taken with careful diligence and consideration by WRNS BT’s board. We are very much looking forward to working even more closely with WRNS BT.
They both said:
“We would like to thank everyone from both the RNRMC and WRNS BT for all their hard work in implementing this strategic change.”
If you need to contact the WRNS BT for financial assistance or wish to send a donation, then please note the following new contact details wef 1st January 2024.
The WRNS BT Office
C/O The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
Building 37
HMS Excellent
Whale Island
Portsmouth
PO2 8ER
For financial assistance and advice: Email: grantsadmin@wrnsbt.org.uk; Tel: 023 9387 1522
For general enquiries and donations: Email: theteam@rnrmc.org.uk: Tel: 023 9387 1520
