The final event of the Association of Old Worcesters will take place in Portsmouth, UK, on the 19th and 20th May 2026. This will be followed in October by the laying up of the Worcester Blue Ensign on the altar of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, during the Annual National Seafarers Service, attended by Worcester’s ship’s company for many years in the past.
The Portsmouth event will be a Reception in the Mary Rose museum on the evening of 19thMay with drinks and canapes served at various places around the museum while we wander, marvel at the old ship, and chat to the atmospheric backdrop of the Portsmouth Shantymen.
During the day of 20th May heavily discounted passes to the National Museum of the Royal Navy will be available while we prepare for the evening. At 1830 a drinks Reception on the quarterdeck of HMS Warrior will begin which will conclude at 1930 with a Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset by the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth during which the Worcester Ensign will be lowered from Warrior’s ensign staff by the cadet who lowered the ensign from Worcester III as the college closed, assisted by one of our new Worcester cadets.
At 2000 we will begin a formal, black tie dinner on the gundeck of HMS Warrior which will end with the loyal toast and toasts to our ship and our association.
Hotels within yards of the dockyard have been reserved and transport links to Porstmouth are simple. There are a maximum of 240 places available and booking will open in early 2025. It should be a tremendous conclusion to a remarkable phase of history.
