St John Cadet Vol. 6 No. 3 (October 1951)

THE ST. JOHN CADET

When you have finished with this Magazine please pass it on to someone who is not a Cadet member.

YOUR EDITOR S MESSAGE

ae THERE !

NOTES

think you would all like to know about the ever-growing interest in our magazine.

The Summer Number was completely sold out I hope this one will have just as enthusiastic a welcome.

I should like to thank all who sent in contributions for this issue. I have done my best to include as many as possible but unavoidably some had to be left out because of shortage of space. All the contributions received were of a very high standard.

I know that all my readers will want me to offer congratulations and very best wishes to Mr. Guthrie Moir, Chief Officer Ambulance Cadets, who was married this month to Miss Shiela Ryan. Miss Ryan (sorry, Mrs. Guthrie Moir!) is a nurse by profession.

As most of you will know, Cadet Officers held a conference at the Butlin Holiday Camp, Clacton-on-sea, at the end of September. I was there, of course, and I can assure you that despite all the attractions of a holiday _ camp, the officers really did a lot of work

Yours sincerely, THE EDITOR.

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE CADETS

by JON HOPE

MRS. GEOFFREY SHAW, M.B.E.

Staff Officer to Chief Officer, Nursing Cadets

RS. SHAW joined the St. John Ambulance Brigade in 1934 and was appointed Divisional Superintendent of Daventry Nursing Division, Northamptonshire.

In 1942 she became Assistant County Superintendent. The following year Mrs. Shaw was appointed County Cadet Officer. An indication of the tremendous work she accomplished was provided by the very remarkable rise of more than 50 new Nursing Cadet Divisions in three years. During this time Mrs. Shaw was an active member of the Education Committee of Northampton.

In 1944 she was admitted to the Order of St. John as a Serving Sister and in June, 1945, was awarded the M.B.E.

Mrs. Shaw resigned as County Cadet Officer in 1946 owing to her leaving the County and going to live in Norfolk. She was appointed County Cadet Vice-President (Nursing Cadets) for Northamptonshire. This appointment she still holds to-day.

She has been Staff Officer to the Chief Officer Nursing Cadets since August, 1946.

Mrs. Shaw is the representative for the St. John Ambulance Brigade Cadets on the Standing Conference of National Voluntary Youth Organizations. nt a ae

ARTS COMPETITIONS ARE HERE AGAIN !

HE season of the Arts Competitions has come around once again, and it is hoped that entries will pour in from every Division for each of the Competitions.

It is not laid down in the rules that competitors should have had any previous experience and it is expected that, as in other years, many hidden talents will be brought to light.

Entries will be judged above all on their originality and any form of copying will be strictly barred.

So here is your chance to show what you can do. The Cups and Prizes will be presented at a special Christmas party at St. John s Gate, in December.

CADET MUSIC CUP

(Presented by Miss Jan Kerrison and Sir Adrian Boult

Compositions may be for (a) piano solo, (0) voice with piano accompaniment, (c) violin, cello, or any other instrument with piano accompaniment, (d) any chamber music combination not exceeding four instruments, (e) vocal number having not more than four different voices with or without piano accompaniment.

CADET AUTHOR S CUP

(Presented by Miss Barbara Cartland)

An entry, if a story, must not be less than 1,500 words in length, or exceed 2,500 words; if a play, it must run for 15 minutes.

By Miss Virginia Cunard, M.B.E., Chief Officer, Nursing Cadets

Migs violh sl © CANADA

Se years ago on my way to New York to look after ex-Prisoners of War coming home from the Far East, I spent twelve hours in Montreal and I promised myself then that one day I would return. My chance came this year when I flew to the United States to attend the first General Assembly of the World Assembly of Youth and was invited afterwards by the Priory in Canada to visit the Dominion.

The Superintendent-in-Chief - Miss McLaren was my Hostess, so, as you can imagine, not only did have a wonderful holiday and visit some of the great cities and places of interest, including Niagara Falls, but also met many Cadets and their Officers.

52

CADET PAINTER S CUP

(Presented by Mr. John Rothenstein)

Entries may be :

(1) Landscape, portrait, composition in colour. These should be executed in either oils or water colours. The minimum size for paintings is 14 in. by 10 in., but a size about 24 in. by 20 in. is desirable.

(2) A Cadet poster suitable for recruiting purposes. (This will be judged as Commercial Art, and will carry a separate prize.) A Poster should be executed in either oils or water colours, and must be either 15 in. by 10 in. or 30 in. by 20 in.

CADET POETRY CUP COMPETITION

(Presented by Mr. C. Day Lewis)

Poems may be on any subject, either serious or funny. They may be written in any form, that is, in blank verse or in rhyme, as the competitor chooses. Any work up to 50 lines in length will be considered, though it is as well to remember that a brief concise poem is often better than a long-winded one.

CHANCELLOR S ESSAY PRIZE

(Presented by Colonel Sir Edwin King, KCB CIC DaDy Ac) @s)

A prize of £10 is awarded for the best essay written on some aspect of the Order (the subject is chosen each year by the Chancellor), and for 1951 it is The Order of St. John as a Naval Power . Entries may not exceed 4,000 words.

The first thing that struck me about the Canadian Cadets was theiy very smart and neat uniforms, and their keenness and enthusiasm for the Brigade. Quite a lot of the girls in Ottawa had been awarded the Special Service Shield; some of them were helping in the First Aid Posts and Hospitals, while another duty about which they were particularly keen was acting as guide to the blind. was very proud to present the Grand Prior Badge to Shirley Cain, who was the first Cadet in the Province of Ontario to win this award.

In Montreal and Quebec, where the majority of the Cadets are Frenchspeaking, there are special textbooks, etc., in French and a badge with the words P25 ealeemnstcadmOlmesou ma) Olunudnis worn. was most impressed in this part of Canada by the beautiful handicraft work produced by the boys and girls. We were fortunate enough to arrive in Toronto at the time when the Canadian National Exhibition was in full swing. This is one of the most popular events of the year, and people from the United States as well as Canada travel for thousands of miles to visit it.

The St. John Ambulance Brigade runs four First Aid Posts for the Exhibition and Cadets are on duty every day. I asked one of the Nursing Cadets what she intended doing when she left school and I received the same reply that do from so many of our own Cadets; I am going to be a nurse. There was also in the Exhibition a special St. John Booth for publicity and recruiting. Here I saw Cadets being kept very busy answering questions and taking down names and addresses of interested inquirers.

The biggest attraction in the Booth was a marionette show with a puppet

Ambulance-man, Nursing Member, and Cadets. These figures not only moved but a special record had been made so that they could tell the audience about the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Cadet Movement, to the background sound of a street accident with ambulancebell clanging. It was certainly very effective and attracted great crowds. Some of you might like to try something of this kind for your next display.

It was in Toronto, too, that heard of an Ambulance Cadet Camp which had been held for the first time this year. A special study had been made of Red Indian Camping lore, and some of the boys had even made authentic Red Indian clothes and head-dresses. Next year a much bigger Camp is being planned, and as you can imagine there is no difficulty in finding wonderful sites. Nature study, too, should be a particularly interesting subject in Canada, when it may include as well as birds and flowers, bears, wolves and beavers, although it is not considered advisable to study bears and wolves at very close quarters

All the Cadets to whom I spoke, both boys and girls, were very interested to hear about Cadets in this country and were anxious to have pen-friends. Some of them felt it would be better for a Division in Canada and a Division in England to link up with each other and to exchange albums of photographs, drawings, pressed flowers, and the like. What they would like to do above all would be to have exchange visits with boys and girls of this country in fact one Nursing Cadet told me she was going to start saving for a visit right away.

I, in turn, wished had a magic carpet so that could take many of you out to this wonderful country. But although my visit was all too short, I flew home full of fresh enthusiasm and the proud possessor of a beautiful Maple-leaf brooch presented to me by the Cadets.

(Turn to next page for another interesting article about Canada.)

THE FULL STORY OF A MEMORABLE TOUR

Back home again after completing a journey of more than 10,000 miles, and lasting six weeks, are MURIEL CAIRNS, of Macclesfield, SHIRLEY BURTINSHAW, of Brighton, and SHIRLEY PEARSE, of Camelford, Cornwall, who represented St. John Ambulance Brigade Nursing Cadets on the goodwill tour of Canada, sponsored by Mr. GARFIELD WESTON, the Canadian industrialist.

In all, 51 girls, representing various organizations in Britain, and all aged between 16 and 18, went on the tour, all expenses being met by Mr. Weston, whose object is to increase good will and foster amicable relations between his native Canada and his adopted Britain. At the same time, a party of 50 Canadian girls crossed the Atlantic for a similar tour of Britain.

The exciting story of the tour is told here by County Public Relations Officer A. B. VENNING, of Cornwall, who interviewed Shirley Pearse for The Cadet.

Each girl on the tour was given a blue suit, with white blouse, white shoes, white handbag, and white beret, and each also received a long party frock. Luggage and many other accessories were also provided, and in addition to English money while in this country and on the boat, each girl was given five dollars (34s. 6d.) a week pocket money. At the start they received commemorative medallions, presented to them by Mr. Weston s son, Mr. Garry Weston, and these will be a lifelong treasure. Long to remain in memory, too, will be the fact that the leader of the party was that great heroine of the Resistance, Mrs. Peter Churchill, G.C., better known as Odette.

Added to the thrill of meeting Odette and members of the Weston family in the first day or so, was the fact that film star Anna Neagle, who has portrayed Mrs. Churchill on the screen, and has formed a great friendship with her, came along to see the party off and, of course, to sign autograph books.

The Rolling Sea!

Sailing on the Empress of Canada from Liverpool, many of the girls felt the effects of the rolling Atlantic Quebec was the arrival port, and here the girls stayed at the famous hotel, Chateau Frontenac.

Shirley Pearse has copious. diary entries to aid her memory and she needs it, for with the other girls she travelled thousands of miles and met many people.

Highlights that need no notes to recall them include their reception at the Canadian Houses of Parliament by the Prime Minister, Mr. St. Laurent, who later 54

took them back to his own home for an evening meal, and helped to serve the buffet supper with his own hands; the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto, when the party were introduced en masse to the vast assembly at the opening ceremony, and were thrilled to see their leader, Mrs. Churchill, in a place of honour on the rostrum alongside such famous people as the great American, General George C. Marshall; a visit to the theatre and later a trip backstage to meet the star of the musical show, American comedian Jimmie ( Schnozzle ) Durante the first breathtaking glimpse of Niagara Falls ( I couldn t believe it, says Shirley) taking part in an Indian council-ring and meeting real Indians in the flesh ( but they weren't red, she adds); seeing a drill display by the famous Mounties (They were smart, but some of the girls were disappointed: they weren t all as handsome as on the films, is the comment here).

These and a thousand other memorable incidents fill Shirley s diary and her mind.

But the most wonderful thing of all, Shirley says, was meeting Mr. Weston himself, and his family. His arrival was unexpected, and when we were told that he was coming in to see us, we expected some stately and elderly man. But instead, he turned out to be a slim, youthfullooking man, who greeted us with Hello, girls and put us at ease immediately. He explained to us the object of the tour in fostering goodwill, and how much it all depended on us. Some of the girls were so affected that they could not help crying. He was wonderful.

They were so old!

Disappointment of the tour was the long-awaited hoe down (square-dance party) with young farmers in the Toronto rural area. The dancing was grand, but, to 17-year-old eyes, the young farmers were too old some of them were as old as 25 or 26!

Shirley had the chance of meeting some relatives her father s cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Rundle, who live at London, Ontario. They motored 150 miles to Toronto to collect her when she had a free week-end, and she was able to stay with them in their lakeside home. Mr. Rundle, when an officer in the Canadian Army in the First World War, went to Camelford with another cousin to try and find family connections, and it was then that he met Mr. Pearse, with whom he stayed on several occasions.

And no trip of this nature is complete without its It s a small world episode. When the party of girls were looking at Niagara Falls, a lady also on a sightseeing trip asked who they were. Told that they were English, she- asked if there was anyone there from Cornwall. When Shirley said Yes , the stranger asked, You re not from Gunnislake, I

suppose; I used to live there. Shirley said that she wasn t, and that she came from Camelford, to which the reply was, Why, my husband used to live there. It transpired that the stranger was a Mrs. Rush, who with her husband and family went out from England to Canada last year. They had lived recently in the Tamar Valley area, but some years ago, when Mrs. Rush was a nurse at the Bodmin Hospital, Mr. Rush worked in Camelford, and lodged for four years with Mrs. Seccombe, in Fore Street. This chance meeting led to a visit later on, when Shirley was free, to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rush, and they spent the evening together, with Camelford well to the forefront in conversation.

The tour had to come to an end, however, and the party eventually came back to the St. Lawrence River at Montreal, where they boarded the Empress of Canada, and set sail for home. Shirley s seventeenth birthday fell as the ship was in mid-Atlantic, and it was a memorable one for her. First a cabled greetings from her mother and father, then all the girls of the party singing especially for her, and later the ship s orchestra playing Happy Birthday to You in the liner s ballroom.

The Bond of St. Fohn Stretches Beyond The Seas

UR three Cadets found that the bond of St. John stretches beyond the seas, for they had not been long in Canada, when, in the Laurentiens district, two Nursing Division officers and two Nursing Cadets came to visit them. These four were from two of the Montreal Divisions, and all were in uniform. The English girls found that the officers uniforms were much the same as that worn in this country, but they were very taken with the smart cloak worn by the Cadets over their aprons.

They found their Canadian opposite numbers easy to talk to, and enjoyed a long chat and an exchange of notes on St. John activities, but the tour timetable did not allow them to spend as long as they would have liked with the Canadian girls, nor to visit their Headquarters or accept the kind offers of private hospitality extended.

The girls were also able to examine with an interested eye the Red Cross outpost hospital at Burks Falls. This, they found, was a tiny hospital with only four nurses and no residential doctor. It is for the use of any emergency cases arising in this

out-of-the-way spot in the backwoods. The girls were told that there were many of these tiny little backwoods hospitals all over Canada.

At the Canadian National Fair at Toronto the girls had another contact with St. John, when Shirley Pearse and Muriel Cairns sought out and inspected the St. John Pavilion at the exhibition. They were, of course, warmly welcomed and shown round, and they were particularly struck with the small but fully equipped hospital established to take care of casualties among the many thousands of people flocking to the exhibition. The hospital was equipped to deal with every type cf case, right down to the most trivial injury, and also included a comfortable rest room to cater for people who just felt tired.

At Toronto the party visited the Hospital for Sick Children, and here, of course, the three nursing cadets found much to interest them. The patients ranged in age and size from tiny babies up to children of 14. It was a very fine hospital, with ultra-modern equipment, but among the items kept there for (Continued on next page.)

First an Accident And Then a Recruit

ECRUITS are nearly always wanted at most Cadet Divisions, and I thought the way I obtained one would be of interest to readers.

It all started on my arrival at my Cadet Division Headquarters one Thursday night. I got there at about a quarter to seven and was greeted by a probationary Cadet with the news that his elder brother had been involved in a motor cycle accident two hours previously and that he had hurt his wrist.

rushed along to this lad s home and found his 16-year-old brother complaining of a pain in his wrist. came to the conclusion that he had fractured his forearm just above the wrist. After immobilizing the ihmb we made our way to the Birmingham Accident Hospital. It was quite a long bus ride to the city centre.

As first aiders, we should try to take the patient s mind off his injury, so started to tell him about the St. John Cadets during the journey. I started off by telling him that he could become a student cadet like myself in twelve

(Continued from page 7) display purposes the girls saw the first iron lung ever used in Canada, as well as tiny mobile incubators used in rushing tiny babies into the hospital from outlying parts of the backwoods.

They saw also the padded fruit baskets which were used for this purpose before the incubators came into use.

Another hospital visit came a few days later, when fifteen of the girls on the tour who plan to become nurses were taken on a visit to Sunnybrook Hospital, in suburban Toronto. Described as Canada s most impressive memorial to those who gave their lives on active service , this fine new establishment, built by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is fast taking its place as one of North America s leading healing centres. It at present accommodates 600 patients, but when completed will house 1,450. It stands in beautiful wooded grounds covering 500 acres. Among the modern features which Shirley noted in the wards were specially designed overbed tables, which are easily raised and lowered to suit 56

By Hon. Sgt. P. COLLS

Alston Road Ambulance Cadet Division months or even less. He was quite surprised. I also explained the various subjects we learn besides first aid. (He was under the impression that all we did was first aid every night!) After answering various questions he put to me, and explaining all I knew about the 1951 Cadet camp, asked him if he would join our Division. As expected, he agreed to come along on the next Cadet night.

After arriving at the Accident Hospital there was first the registration, then the examination and X-rays, and finally the lad s arm was set in plaster of paris. (By the way, my diagnosis was confirmed as it turned out to be a Colles fracture.) His arm is now out of plaster and is perfectly normal, again, much to his relief.

After he has attended for a few months and has had the rough edges knocked off regarding first aid, he will take the next Adult First Aid Course and make first class Cadet.

the patient, and the burn-proof tops of which can also be used as adjustable bookrests. The centre portion of each is fitted with a mirror, to enable the men to shave in bed, while bedside tables contain special compartments for individual radios, a magazine rack, and roomy drawers for personal possessions.

Everything I saw here just -reinforced my determination to be a nurse, says Shirley Pearse, who adds that when she is qualified she hopes to go back to Canada and, who knows, to Sunnybrook itself.

All the three St. John girls were impressed with the way in which St. John is a part of everyday life in Canada, even though in the French parts it has the unfamiliar name of Ambulance St.Jean . It made us really appreciate that we do belong to a world-wide organization, says Shirley, and we were proud to be a part of it. With the official tour uniform, the girls could not take their St. John uniforms, but Shirley for one made sure that she took her mufti badge, and she wore it whenever possible.

Have you ever tried MODELLING?

VERYONE will agree, I am sure, that modelling is a very absorbing and interesting hobby, and although certain classes of it are closely associated with work, one has the satisfaction of choosing the subject and method of instruction. It offers a field wide enough to suit all tastes, and a great variety of materials can be used varying from plasticine to metal.

As a member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, it is only natural that in my subjects should take advantage of our history, which goes back to the Crusades.

was rather successful with a model of a crusader galleon with a complement of sailors and Knights and menat-arms aboard. This encouraged me to construct a Knight of the Order in combat with a Saracen, built in metal

fifteenth century, a picture of which turned up in a history book a few days ago.

Thus it becomes obvious that there is no end to the heights one can attain in the modelling field. One thing leads to another, and that leads to something else, and so on, and constantly new discoveries are being made, fresh knowledge being gained, and one s skill is increasing continually.

Modelling itself is pleasant and constructive, but after practising in

IT S A GRAND HOBBY SAYS C.S.M. KENNETH FLOWERS, Birmingham Ambulance Cadet Corps

and plastic wood, which when painted, proved quite effective. have now taken to plastic wood, and as it is a perfect modelling material, I intend to specialize in it.

I ought to mention that in this particular line, the statues are cast in metal, and arms and legs removed and filed, cut and replaced in the desired positions, and the armour and trappings are then added, using plastic wood, which is moulded on while soft and filed and carved after hardening.

To model in this fashion, or in any other complicated subject, involves the necessity of poring for hours over reference books in my case, on history, dress, ancient warfare, and heraldry.

During study one is always turning up things which put ideas into one s head, and provide inspiration for the next job.

For example, shortly I hope to attempt a statue of both Knight and war-horse in full armour of the

several branches the enthusiast may develop a passion for one particular subject, as in my Own case.

It may be ships, planes, cars, locomotives, or even puppets, but whatever the subject, it is always necessary to study and practise continually to obtain correctness, for a modellist dreads having his work criticized as being incorrect.

Thus it becomes obvious that to become a good modellist one must make the hobby a second job that must be concentrated upon, and almost treated as a trade.

Anyone who takes it up wholeheartedly will never find himself with time on his or her hands, and if you are the type of person who likes to sit back and yiew a job well done, then modelling is just your piece of cake. It will increase your knowledge and provide you with a pleasant, constructive, and economical way of spending your leisure hours, and you will find that unlike most pleasures, the pleasure of the modelling hobby is lifelong.

PE OIE IE IN IN IN GIN IN ON IN IE ON IO ON OE AIS OE ON IS AOS OD SO AD a>

PRINCESS MARGARET'S BIRTHDAY GIFI

ONTRIBUTIONS towards the gift to mark the coming-of-age of Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret, Commandant-in-Chief, St. John Ambulance Brigade Ambulance and Nursing Cadets were received from all over the country from Cadet Officers, Students Members and Cadets, and several Adult Officers. Maximum contribution for Officers was limited to a shilling, and three pence for Student Members and Cadets.

A telegram from the Commissioner-inChief, Lt.-Gen. Sir Otto Lund, to Her Royal Highness on 21st August read :

All vanks of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and especially your Cadets in England, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, and Wales wish your Royal Highness many happy returns of your birthday.

The reply was :

I am most touched to receive your kind telegvam and send my sincere thanks to all who wished me happiness for my 21st birthday. Margaret, Commandant-in-Chief Ambulance and Nursing Cadets. Cs a et er ee ee F RO M

Here is a picture of the gift. The tripod table it is made of mahogany was designed about the year 1760. As you will see, its scalloped shaped top is supported by a column terminating in scroll legs.

NE EE OE EY IPOD GMO eH

And here is the message which the Commissioner-in-Chief received from Her Royal Highness

August 2ist, 1951.

ah 1s \

I should like to thank most deeply all the Members and Cadets of the St. John Ambulance Brigade who have shared in giving me the beautiful antique table.

I am very touched by your good wishes on the oecasion of my 2lst birthday, and I shall always treasure your lovely gift.

(uy Aun

CANADIAN CADETS

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Commandant in-Chief.

BALMORAL CASTLE

TWO SPECIAL PICTURE

Holmes Division, Peterborough, A and B teams, winners of the Mrs. E. O. Daking s cup for first aid and of Mrs. K. G. Fryer s cup for uniforms and first aid oval questions. Back vow Margaret Askew, Christine Vellum, Pat Wright.(A team), Ann Quilter, Brenda Wilson, and Grace Marshall (B team). Seated: Audrey Elderkin (A team captain), Cadet Officer Miss J. Elderkin, Area Officer Mrs. H. V. Gillett, and Jane Biggs (B team captain).

ingapovre Cadets on Parade. His

The Stamford, Lincs, Nursing Cadets, Road and Home Safety Class, with their instructor, Traffic Sgt. Stiff, and Cadet Officer Mrs. Gould.

The Festival of Britain Challenge Cup presented by the Hon. Mrs. Leslie Gamage to Essex Nursing Cadets.

Calling all Cheshire Cadets

Superintendent D. Cozens of the Glastonbury Ambulance Cadet Division is very proud of the fact that in his Division, which consists of 24 members, there ave 6 members with the Grand Prior's Badge. Here they ave, from left to right : Student Cadet M. Crockett, Student Cadet D. Cozens, Cadet Sgt. J. Stanfield, Student Cadet B. Cozens, and Acting Officey M. Treloggen.

Estate ?

BY MISS CATHERINE FROUDE

The Legend of The Blessed

Hi EY there you! The soldier s shout rang out in the early morning air. As the man in front turned sharply the sun glinted on his helmet, his short sword, and his shield with its Crusader cross of red and white.

It s your turn, Pierre, to take men and gather the bread this morning and look sharp Those two messengers Duke Godfrey sent out have come back near dead with starvation.

The other Crusader glanced over to where the walled city of Jerusalem stood waiting for the morning sun to brighten its dull grey. Figures moved on the wall and the men knew they were Turkish sentries, waiting to report any move on the part of the Christian army encamped outside the walls.

Duke Godfrey de Bouillon had been beseiging the city now for fifteen days to try to rescue the Holy places from the Turks. His men were starving, and the summer heat was causing disease and unrest.

But two days before a strange and wonderful thing had happened. A Crusader sent to examine the city wall for the best attacking point had returned with his arms full of fresh loaves and a curious tale of a man in a black cloak who appeared on the wall and threw down bread from a basket, disappearing as quickly as he had come.

Each night and morning since then the same man had quietly appeared and thrown down bread to the besiegers. They were glad to know they had a friend within the walls, but feared for his safety if the Turks should find out what was happening.

GerardMeanwhile, inside Jerusalem this early morning in July, 1099, a man in a black cloak, carrying a basket, had suddenly been seized by Turkish soldiers and taken to their Chief.

This man, Sire, has been seen at the wall night and morning for two days. We believe him to have something in his basket to help the enemy.

Say who you are, man! commanded the Chief.

The man in the cloak stood straight and tall, his face was brave, though kindly.

T Sire, am Gerard, Rector of the Brothers of St. John. We are Christians, and work here in our hospital for God s glory and for the good of all sick people, whoever they may be. God keep you, Sirens

Curious now, the Turkish Chief leaned forward. Uncover his basket! The soldiers quickly tore off the white covering. By a miracle the loaves had changed into stones.

Let this man go free! Why he should choose to throw stones at the besiegers I cannot say, but there is no charge against him.

The Chief s order was, in fact, ignored and Gerard was thrown into prison. But two days later, on 15th July, Duke Godfrey entered triumphantly into Jerusalem. Gerard was released and returned to the Hospital of St. John, where he later formed the Brothers into the Order of St. John wearing the white eight-pointed Cross on their black mantles.

We know him now as the Blessed Gerard, the founder of the oldest Order of Chivalry now in existence.

PROBATIONARY MEMBER'S GALLANT ACTION

A two-and-a-half-year-old Morpeth girl who fell about five feet into the River Wansbeck at Morpeth on Ist September, was rescued by 16-year-old Edward Routledge, who dived from a rowing boat on the river.

Reaching the child as she was sinking, Edward swam with her to the promenade and walked her back to her home at 14 Baysland, Morpeth.

The girl, Elsie Laurie, was walking with

an elder sister when the accident happened, and when Edward got her home she was put to bed none the worse for her experience.

Editor s Note. At the time of the rescue Edward was a Probationary member of Choppington Ambulance Cadet Division, but has since been advised that he has passed the Preliminary First Aid Examination and is, therefore, now a Cadet.

CADETS IN CAMP

BERKSHIRE WENT TO KESSINGLAND

Area Cadet Officer Miss Corderoy made arrangements for a party of Berkshire Cadets with their officers, to spend the week 31st August to 7th September at the Holiday Fellowship Youth Camp at Kessingland. Amb. Officer Mr. Rolfe (Theale) was in charge of Amb. Cadets. N. Cadet Supt. Mrs. Keating (Cookham), N. Cadet Officer Mrs. Brown (Woolhampton), Div. Supt. Mrs. Bowden (Woolhampton), and Amb. Officer Miss Amor (Theale), took charge of the Nursing Cadets.

Kessingland is a hutted camp on the coast, 44 miles from Lowestoft. Mr. Goulden (Camp Warden), welcomed the party. Cadets who had been at Kessingland before were pleased to renew acquaintance with George (the Camp cook) and his staff.

On Saturday afternoon we walked the four and a half miles along the beach to Lowestoft.

On Sunday morning a short service was held in the camp recreation room. Officers and Cadets attended evensong at the Parish Church.

Monday was a perfect summer day, and we spent it at the delightful old town of Southwold. On Tuesday morning our coaches took us to Lowestoft Harbour, where we went aboard a steamer which carried us up the Broads. Wednesday was spent in camp, bathing and playing games.

County Cadet Officer Mrs. Ettridge (Cambridge) came on Thursday to inspect camp. It was the first time she had been to a camp of this description, and she was very interested in all she saw. A last-night social was held in the recreation room. At this gathering a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Warden. At breakfast on Friday morning Cadets thanked George and his staff for providing such varied and enjoyable meals for them.

Bucks At Seasalter

The annual Buckinghamshire Cadet camp was held at Seasalter, Kent, from 25th August to Ist September. The camping site, lent by the Church Army, had excellent accommodation, and was near the beach. The organization, as in past years, was worked out down to the last detail, so that everything ran smoothly. Although the weather was mixed, a fine programme of entertainments, sports, competitions, and other events ensured that the boys and girls spent a most happy and healthy holiday.

Ryde Boys Under Canvas

Members of the Ryde Cadet Ambulance Division, Isle of Wight, accompanied by Cadet Supt. Mears and Mr. Dickinson, were in camp at Norton Green, on the Island, from 17th to 26th August. Their first evening was spent in erecting tents, and the Cadets afterwards enjoyed a good meal.

The next day was spent settling in, and during the evening the Commissioner, Dr. F. R. B. H. Kennedy, M.B.E., O.St.J., J.P., paid a visit. On Sunday all the Cadets attended church parade at St. Andrew s, Norton, in the morning. In the afternoon

they received a visit from Supt. L. P. Rider (Ryde Ambulance Division) and Mrs. Rider. Several Cadets walked with Mr. Dickinson from Colwell Bay to Freshwater. On Monday, ex-Sergt. Plumbley, on leave from the R.A.F., joined the camp for three days.

Several Cadets went swimming with him, and others went to Colwell Bay with Mr. Dickinson to fish. During the next day the camp was visited by officers of the Reading Division who were in camp in the neighbourhood. On Wednesday, Cadets, accompanied by Supt. Mears, went to Alum Bay, swimming, bathing, and collecting coloured sand.

Later in the day the Commissioner again visited the camp, and carried out an inspection. Thursday was visitors day, and these included Mr. J. C. Johncox (President, Ryde Cadet Ambulance Division), Mr. Bannister (Secretary of the Parents Association), and parents and friends of the campers. In the evening there was a camp fire sing-song. The following day Cadets enjoyed a trip to Yarmouth, where they were shown over the Yarmouth reserve lifeboat, their questions being answered by Mr. Timms, who was afterwards thanked by Supt. Mears. Saturday there was a shopping expedition with Supt. Mears, after which (Continued on next page.)

a very pleasant evening was spent at the Reading Division s camp, concluding with a final camp fire sing-song.

Sunday morning was spent in preparation for the homeward journey. After midday meal, all Cadets assisted in striking camp, and arrived back at Ryde by 4.15.

Everybody agreed the camp had been a most successful and enjoyable one.

Happy Time in Armagh

Here is a report from a Northern Ireland Officer of Cadet camp held at Tynan Abbey, Co. Armagh.

The site was lent to us by Sir Norman and Lady Strong, who did everything possible to ensure that it was in good order before our arrival.

This year, for the first time, we had English officers and cadets from Northants and Nottingham. They had a large, well equipped, and efficiently run camp.

The English camp ran for three weeks, with a change over half-way through. The Northern Ireland section comprised four camps, two starting on 28th July and ending on 4th August, the second two dating from 4th to 11th August. The first two were in charge of Miss Hill, Bangor and Miss Hessin. The second two were run by Miss Doris Duff and Miss Blair.

Those who camped the first week were much more fortunate in the weather, having only one wet day. We had some bad nights, which necessitated going the rounds fairly frequently. However, if it rained in the morning it was dry in the afternoon, and vice versa, so we got on very well.

We have discovered that the welfare of the camp depends to a large extent on the Quartermaster, and speaking for our two groups, we were most fortunate in our choice, as everything ran smoothly, meals were always on time, and were well cooked and served.

There were some amusing episodes during the week, one being when one of the Commandants sat on the Quartermaster s bed and broke the leg. The Q.M. exclaimed, How provoking, and alas it was borrowed !

One of the Commandants tried to emulate the feline species of animal when her tent leaked. She curled up in a ball, and as she is 5 ft. 9} in. tall, that was no mean feat

We had several outings during our stay, one being to Moygashel, near Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. This was most interesting, as we saw over the factory where the famous Moygashel fabrics are made.

Another trip was to the little town of Monaghan, County Monaghan, Eire. Unrationed sweets were the chief attraction there, and the Cadets arrived back in camp laden with the spoils. may add that there was not much tea required that evening.

We hope to have the pleasure of another visit from the Sassenachs in the near future, as we enjoyed the company, ngsongs, and general camaraderie.

In conclusion, I will repeat a remark made to me by a County Officer: I wonder who enjoys the Cadet outings and camps most the officers or the Cadets ? M. C. B., Belfast.

Southgate Work AND Play

By Student Sgt. Betty Bowkett

On Saturday morning, 11th August, the officers and cadets of the 25 C.N. Southgate Division boarded a train at Paddington, bound for Monmouth.

Whilst at camp, we visited Tintern Abbey. We also visited Chepstow, where the ancient castle provided great interest. Another of our visits was made to Hereford where we saw the magnificent Cathedral. Visits were also made into Abergavenny, as well as frequent trips into Monmouth.

Naturally there are two sides of camp life. Work had to be done, but with everyone pulling their weight, our duties proved very light. Cooking over a wood fire is great fun and even washing dixies didn t seem too bad

On the second Tuesday we were visited by the Assistant Commissioner for Hereford and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Harris. In the afternoon County Cadet Officer Mrs. Harris very kindly consented to enrol two new members, Cadets Shirley Ginn and Linda Barrett.

Two treasure hunts were organized during the fortnight and both proved good fun, although rather exhausting.

Camp Fires played a large part in our camp life. It is such a wonderful feeling to sit round a blazing camp fire under a bright starry sky and sing.

It is very hard to tell which moments will hang longest in the gallery of memories the visit to the Hendre House or the serene beauty of the Tintern Ruins; perhaps the impressive Cathedral at Hereford or the ancient battlements of Chepstow Castle maybe it will be where one can stand on the hill high above the River Wye overlooking the Horse Shoe Bend at Symonds Yat or the point where - the River Severn in the background flows

parallel with the River Wye in the foreground. But to most of us, think the treasure will be the Sunday evening visits to the Church at Rockfield. The lovely walk through the estate, past the Hendre House with its sentinel larch trees, through the avenue of birch trees and lastly down the hill and through the grey wrought iron gates to the Church. And after the services, the rides back to camp in the gathering twilight.

Cadets of Belfast, with Area Cadet Officers Miss Hessin and Miss Hill, escorted the Cadets over the Festival Ship Campania, and were entertained to supper by them before embarking for home after a very happy time.

Beverley At Hornsea

Beve.ley

Northants In Ireland

A very successful camp for Northants Nursing Cadets was held at Tynan Abbey, Northern Ireland, by kind permission of Sir Norman and Lady Strong, County President for Armagh. Cadets from Northampton, Kettering, Peterborough, and Wellingborough Corps attended.

Cadet Superintendent Miss V. M. Leach (Wellingborough Corps) took charge of the Camp, with Supt. Miss N. Barker and Cadet Officer Miss M. Manning as Quartermasters, assisted by Nursing Members Miss G. Moore and Miss D. Leach. Cadet Superintendent Miss D. Gelsthorpe and eleven Cadets from Nottingham also joined the camp.

During the three weeks, visits were made to the Moygashel and Bairnswear Works. Armagh St. John | Nursing Division escorted the Cadets to the Armagh Cathedral, Museum, and Observatory, and kindly entertained the whole camp to tea. Several visits were made to Monaghan (Eire) where purchases were made. On Visitors Day many notable members of Northern Ireland St. John visited the camp, including Brigadier Davidson, Commissioner for Northern Ireland.

Cadet District Officer Miss E. Garrett camped with the English Cadets. On the return journey, the Nursing

SIX SUSSEX GIRLS

Cadets went to Hornsea

The Cadets in camp were under the command of Cadet Superintendents S. J. Taylor and Mrs. E. Atkinson. Among those who visited the camp were County Surgeon N. Rymer, County Officer C. Jackson, Divisional Supt. Miss W. Plimpton, and Mr. S. L. Fairclough, St. John Ambulance Association Secretary, Hull and E.R. Centre.

The camp was inspected by officers of the Dewsbury Division, who were camping at Bridlington, and at whose invitation Cadet Supt. Taylor inspected the Bridlington camp.

Basingstoke-A New Chapter

This year saw a new chapter written in the history of Basingstoke (Hants) Ambulance Cadets in that the first Divisional Summer Camp was held. The site chosen was at Langton Maltravers, Swanage, and commanded a marvellous view of Swanage and the Bay, and on afine day the Isle of Wight was clearly visible.

Saturday, 28th July, saw the departure of twenty-one campers and arrival at the site at approximately midday. The lorry was quickly unloaded and everyone busied themselves preparing their new home for the next fortnight.

The Camp proved to be a great success and all Cadets had an enjoyable time. Many friendships were made with the South Stafford and Somerset Cadets.

The Cadets are now working for, and looking forward to, next year s Divisional Summer Camp, to be held in Dorset, or we may look further afield, to Devon.

WIN CERTIFICATES

Suffolk Nursing Cadets held an enjoyable camp at Walberswick from 16th to 23rd August. The total number in camp was 55, with representatives from Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Benhall, Bury, Felixstowe, Ipswich, and Lowestoft.

Six girls gained their camping certificate when Mrs. Ettridge, County Cadet Officer from Cambridgeshire inspected the camp.

A number of visitors attended the camp service, which was taken by Mr. Ray Collin, Secretary of the Ipswich Y.M.C.A.

Besides the normal camp training, various competitions and outings were arranged. Prizes were given by County and Divisional Presidents.

Miss Parker, County Superintendent, was a frequent visitor to the camp. Mrs. Close, County Cadet Vice-President, also paid a surprise visit.

CADET ACTIVITIES IN THE PRIORY FOR WALES

Camp was a Great Success

by Miss Zoé D. DRUITT Cadet Training Officer for Wales

Hurrah! Hurrah! We re off to Camp again

Let s hope this year it doesn t start to rain, Send a wire to tell them that we re coming down by train Hungry and thirsty to TALSARNAU! ?

ce Priory Camp for Ambulance and Nursing Cadets seems to be fast becoming an annual event. The chief purpose of it is to introduce camping to Divisions who have never done it before, and to give opportunity to Officers to qualify for the St. John Camping Certifi- cate, which requires that they spend holidays in a recognized Youth Camp.

The first week the camp was entirely filled by Montgomeryshire a county which until last year had done little camping, but which now owing to the tireless enthusiasm of the Commissioner and the County Cadet Officer have a total of five Officers who have completed the qualification necessary for the Camping Certificate, besides two others at least who are on the way.

The second week, Cadets and Officers from Pembrokeshire, Anglesey, Flint- shire, and Glamorgan met at this seashore site, which must command one of the most majestic panoramas of sea and mountain in Great Britain.

Two weeks of exciting incidents, treasure hunts, fishing, bathing, mush- rooming, the circus, trip to Snowdon, Harlech, Portmadoc. To give you any real idea of the thrill of it all would take too long. Here are three pictures taken at random :

Stalking game, Knights and Saracens. Quick, catch her, there she goes behind that bush! The breathless Saracen flung himself over the wall, but it was too late, the flag was already in the hands of the Knight, who held it triumphantly above her head as she demanded an unmolested passage back to the Knight s stronghold, a wall surround- ing a tiny Church in the trees.

The Result ? The game is a draw, declared the Head of the Neutral First Aid Station , because although the Saracens captured one more flag than the Knights, yet the last one was captured

by a Saracen crossing the churchyard, which was out of bounds!

Fishing. No, those are not the right kind of worms, said Jack Williams, the local fisherman. If you Cadets come with me I ll show you how to dig the right kind. See where those people are digging across the sands That s the place to get them.

Oh, goody, thank you, sir, come on boys, shouted Frankie, the Cadet fishing enthusiast, bring the fork, Curly, we re Onis

The Result ? That night 100 baited hooks in the Estuary and 51 campers dreaming of fried plaice for breakfast. Did they get it? Well, that would be telling

The Last Night of the First Week. Fifty-one heads bowed for Evening Prayer round the dying glow of the camp fire on the shore

Go forth into the world in peace ; be of good courage hold fast to that which ts good; strengthen the faint-hearted support the weak...

The Result ? It rests with we 51.

A MEMORABLE AFTERNOON

ICTUREa scene of acre upon acre of woods and downland, a lake to your right, an uninterrupted view of hills and miles and miles of blue sky. You might be in the heart of the country, for that is the feeling which Aberdare Park gives you; yet in reality you are in the centre of industrial South Wales, and if you could only see beyond the trees and the lake, there are factory chimneys, mine shafts, and towns throbbing with hurrying feet.

But the Cadets who gradually appear through a path in the trees marching smartly to the sound of a band, have forgotten all about the streets and factories and shops, and for a glorious afternoon they have. come to make merry. Over 800 of them there are from the County Areas of Aberdare, Merthyr, Rhondda, Pontypridd, and guest Cadets from Barry and Tonyrefail as well.

After an inspection and speech by their Chief Cadet Officer, Sir Michael Duff, who said he was enormously impressed by the great muster, everyone makes their way to a roped off arena, and then follows a lively display, one event after the other in colourful succession Figure marching, Welsh country and national dances, gym, rounders demonstration, and team games.

Yes, it was a good afternoon, but it meant weeks of careful preparation and hard work by keen superintendents and loyal parents. County Cadet Officer Mrs. Harrison-Roderick and all her helpers, so ably supported by the Central Council of Physical Recreation, are to be heartily congratulated on staging such a splendid rally.

CAERNARVONSHIRE

Chief Commissioner Congratulates Gwynfor

From the Secretary of the St. John Council for Caernarvonshire comes a thrilling report of an incident in which First Aid training with the Penrhyn Quarry Cadet Division enabled Gwyntor Williams to act in a very meritorious manner in applying the necessary treatment to a boy who fell into the water at the bottom of the disused Pantdreiniog Quarry at Bethesda in May last.

A party of boys were looking for nests on the steep slopes of the workings of the 180 feet deep quarry, when a boulder on which some of them was standing gave way, causing a boy to fall into the deep water at the bottom. One of his companions scrambled down the slope, and succeeded in grasping the unconscious boy in the water and brought him ashore. First Aid was applied immediately by Gwynfor Williams until the arrival of a doctor.

The head injuries might have proved

fatal to the rescued boy but for the competence which experience as captain of cadet ambulance teams enabled Gwynfor to demonstrate in the kind of emergency for which cadets have to be prepared.

The Chief Commissioner for Wales (the Hon. John H. Bruce, C.B.E., J.P., D.L.), has sent a personal letter of commendation and good wishes to Gwynfor Williams, who has won the John Hughes scholarship at the University College, Bangor, and intends studying at the Welsh School of Medicine at Cardiff.

EAST DENBIGHSHIRE

Wrexham Again. Wrexham Cadet Division was successful for the second year in the Junior First Aid Competition held at Rhos on the 23rd June, when a high standard of efficiency was shown by all four competing teams in dealing with the following test: A boy aged ten fell on his way home from school, sustaining a nasty gash on his right knee and slight abrasions on the other. His mother was pouring boiling water into the teapot as

he entered the house, and catching sight of his injuries accidentally poured the water over her arms and legs, causing extensive scalding. There was no doctor available, and the nearest telephone was three miles away. Dr. C. E. Salt, J.P., County Surgeon (Cadets) and Dr. Newman judged, assisted by Div. Supt. J. E. Griffiths, Cefn Mawr Division, in the faking of the patients, and County Officer D. Jones had the help of Ambulance Officer G. S. Davies in the Uniform Test. Wrexham team won the Newton Wright Cup, followed by 2nd Cefn Mawr, 3rd Rhos, and 4th St. Martins.

GLAMORGAN

Contests at Maesteg. In_ Bridgend County Area, Cadets of the Llynfi Valley Corps demonstrated to their parents and friends a good standard of efficiency at the annual contests for teams and inividual entrants organized this year by Corps Officer T. Golding.

The Mrs. W. H. Jenkins Challenge Cup was won by the Maesteg Central Girl Cadet Team, each member of which received a medal, the second place, carrying a monetary prize of one guinea (donated by W. D. Heard, Esq.), being gained by Cwmdu Boy Cadets, J. Lawlor, Esq., presenting the awards. Area Cadet Officer I. Richards and Cadet Officer A. Welsby judged the contest.

In the Industrial Competition, Dilwyn Griffiths, Cwmdu Division, won the W. M. Llewellyn Challenge Cup and miniature cup given by H. H. Hunt, Esq., as well as a special prize given by Mr. W. D. Heard.

A medal donated by L. Benyon, Esq., for the best girl cadet, was won by Hilary Fakey, Maesteg Central Division, who received it at the hands of the judge, Dr. Farrell.

Competitors entertained at Aberkenfig. All the teams which had recently competed in the ambulance contests organized by the Anderson (Bridgend) Corps, were entertained at a party given by the Aberkenfig Ambulance Cadet Division. Special guests included Area Cadet Officers T. Richards and Mrs. Pitcher, ex-Superintendent of Aberkenfig Cadets D. C. Stephens, and Mrs. Stephens, and Mr. and Mrs. C. Parry. Mr. Parry, an ex-Cadet officer from Tredegar, who has received a warm welcome from Bridgend personnel in his new sphere, is a member of the St. John Camp Committee for Wales, and had the pleasant duty delegated by Assistant Commissioner E. G. Howells, of presenting a Camp Training Certificate to Cadet Supt. Ronald H. Jones, Aberkenfig. A vote of thanks was proposed by Cadet Supt. Williams to those responsible 68

for the tea, and to Ambulance Sergt. T. Curnock, who was in charge of the games.

Festival of Britain Event. Cadets in the Caerphilly County Area had an opportunity of making a direct contribution to the - official Bestival programme, organized by Gellygaer U.D.C., at whose invitation Area Cadet Officer Idris Jones organized a competition, which was held in the Bargoed Park. Five teams of girls and four of boys entered, and the winners proved to be the Bargoed Ambulance and Nursing teams.

Pontardawe Ambulance and Nursing

Cadet Divisions held their annual presentation rally with the usual co-operation of the Cadets Parents Association, which never fails to infuse the St. John Family atmosphere. Cadet Supt. (M iss) M. H. Sykes welcomed the guests, including Trevethin County Area Cadet Officer (Miss) E. Kinsey, who gave a highly interesting talk, and conducted an enrolment ceremony for three juniors and five cadets.

The proceedings opened with the formation of a tableau by 21 Cadets, and the recitation of some specially written verses. The President, Matron C. A. Evans, Morriston Hospital, in presenting Preliminary Home Nursing Certificates, expressed admiration of the work being done by the Cadets. She presented Corporals Margaret Finn and Shirley Ley with books as tokens of best wishes of their officers and fellow members on the commencement of Nursing Training at Morriston Hospital, where they had given many hours of voluntary service. Proficiency badges in Handicrafts, Clerical Ability, Natural History, Cookery, and Dietetics, Fire-fighting and knowledge of the Order were presented by Div Supt. W. A. Newsome and visiting Officers from neighbouring areas.

MONMOUTHSHIRE

Enrolment Ceremony. Lady TwistonDavies, J.P., Chief Officer Nursing Cadets, Wales, carried out an enrolment ceremony at Cwmbran where Area Commissioner G Tuckwell presided. County Cadet Officer Mrs. F. M. Duke expressed pleasure at the formation of the new unit, which was fortunate in having a most competent Superintendent in Mrs. Wells, who had had 20 years service with the Brigade in London. Other speakers were County Officer Mrs. D. M. Bailey, County Officers J. Wren and A. Dennis, Corps Superintendents Mrs. Coles and Mrs. Pritchard. After a display of bandaging, refreshments were served by Ambulance Sister Mrs. Jones, assisted by the Cadets.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE

The Winners. The cup presented by the County President, the Hon. Mary Davies, for annual competition by junior ambulance cadets in Montgomeryshire was competed for by five teams at Newtown, where the nursing cadet cup presented by the County Cadet Officer, Mrs. Kk. Davies-Jones, was contested by four teams. Dr. J. W. P. Salt, County Surgeon (Cadets), Dr. Brian Thomas (Llanilar), Matron M. A. Edwards, S.R.N., S.C.M., and Mr. J. Blaney judged the events, the Hon. Mary Davies Cup being won by Welshpool, and the Mrs. R. Davies-Jones Cup by Caersws A . Each member of the teams received a personal memento in the form of an inscribed copper mug. Shields for duals , which are held for one year, were won by Corporal G. Lloyd and L/Cpl. D. Gardner and by Patricia Bowen and Carole Jones.

The occasion was a Training Day attended by 100 Cadets from all over the county, the arrangements having been made by the County Cadet Officer with Cadet Superintendents and Officers. Mrs. A. J. Brown, B.E.M., County Superintendent, undertook responsibility in regard to the stewards, all those who had helped being thanked by the Commissioner, Dr. R Davies-Jones.

ABERDARE

Event was most Successful. County Cadet Officers Mrs. P. Harrison-Roderick and A. Davey have been warmly congratulated on the excellent Rally which is the subject of a special article by the Cadet Training Officer printed above. By the generosity of the Cynon Valley Corps, all the 850 Cadets from Aberdare and neighbouring areas were entertained to refreshments, while the Lady President for Aberdare, Mrs. Marion Williams, J P., acted as hostess to the inspecting officers and special guests at her home.

The Commissioner, Mr. Emrys James, presided over the annual cadet competitions held at Aberaman, which resulted as follows: Ambulance Cadets (11-14), (1st Aberdare, 2nd Duffryn Amman; Ambulance Cadets (11-16), 1st Aberdare A , 2nd Duffryn Amman; Nursing Cadets (11-14), Ist Aberewmboi; Nursing Cadets (11-16), Ist Abercwmboi. In the individual contests, Colin Francis (Aberdare) and Nancy Clark (Aberewmboi) were successful. Special Service Shields have been gained by four members of the Aberdare Cadet Nursing Division for messenger services, hospital duties, care of invalids, and book collecting for hospital libraries.

CITY OF CARDIFF

A Letter of Thanks. Cardiff Cadets put on a good First Aid demonstration as part of a Festival of Britain Youth Display at the Maindy Stadium. The movements were described over the microphone by Cadet Supt. Mrs. J. Rowles. It was very gratifying to the County Cadet Officer, Mrs. Philip Rees, to receive the following letter from the Director of Education, Mr. Robert E. Presswood :

I would like to express to you, your helpers, and to all your members who took part in the above display, my thanks for the part your organization took in helping the success of this event.

It was gratifying to find the various youth organizations of the city co-operating together so well, and you ave to be congratulated on the good performance given by your group.

RHONDDA

Joint Rally. As part of their Festival of Britain activities, County Cadet Officer Gwyn Morris arranged a Rally of Ambulance and Nursing Cadets of the Rhondda at Llwyncelyn, Porth, when they were joined by a large contingent from Pontypridd (under County Officer Herbert Clift) and Tonyrefail (under Cadet Supt. T. Harris).

The parade of over 200 Cadets, led by the Ynyshir and Wattstown Juvenile Band, with Ambulance Officer W. Williams acting as Parade Marshal, paraded through the main streets of Porth before proceeding to the Llwyncelyn Recreation Ground, where they were inspected by Major Field, M.B.E., the Commissioner for Cardiff, and Miss Zoé Druitt, Cadet Training Officer for Wales.

At St. Luke s Church Hall, tea was provided, the Cadets joining in the singing of the Cadet hymn. Councillor Gwyn, of Porth, presented First Aid Certificates, remarking that it was very heartening to see sO many young people banded together who were preparing themselves to be of assistance and ready to serve humanity. Miss Druitt and Major Field addressed the gathering, and the Commissioner thanked the visitors for their co-operation in the Rally.

A school concert provided another opportunity for a Cadet contribution to a Festival of Britain ? event. County Cadet Officer Gwyn Morris, himself a teacher at the Junior Mixed School, Treorchy, was responsible for the item which figured under the title of Ambulance Demonstration in the programme.

COMMISSIONER UNDER CANVAS

Brig. Hayne, Commissioner for Birmingham, again showed his interest in camping by staying under canvas with his Cadets at Aberdovey and commending the training programme.

SUSSEX CADETS HELPED

Cadets played a fine part in helping to ensure the success of the St. John Exhibition and Fair held in Chichester, Sussex. They presented articles made by themselves for a handicraft competition organized by their County Cadet VicePresident, the Countess Cairns. Their stall attracted a great deal of attention, and was a big factor in the financial results obtuined.

The Exhibitivn and Fair was opened by Mr. Michael Denison, the film star. County President, the Countess of Bessborough, presided.

BERKS SPORTS

Cadets from all over the County competed in the St. John Ambulance Cadets sports day, held on 8th September, at the Reading University athletic ground. The County Superintendent, the Hon. Mrs. Leslie Gamage, who was accompanied by County Secretary Miss D. K. Gibbins, read a telegram received from H.R.H. Princess Margaret, thanking the Berkshire members of the St. John Amulance Cadets for their congratulatory telegram on the occasion of her 21st birthday.

Mrs. Gamage said that she was pleased to report that on her recent visits to various parts of the Commonwealth, she had found all the Cadets doing very useful work for the Brigade, and proving that the slogan The sun never sets on St. John was correct.

Mrs. Gamage, who had to keep another appointment, asked Mr. W. C. Thomas, County Cadet Officer, to present the prizes.

The sports day was also made the occasion for presenting the Festival Cup by Mrs. Gamage, which was won by the Reading South Nursing Cadets in the annual competitions earlier in the year.

HULL S BEST

With a contingent of Cadets from the Hull Northern Division, 14-year-old Denys L. Abba paraded on the stage of the Gaumont Cinema, Hull, to be told that he had been chosen as the most efficient cadet during the past year. He was presented with the Lt.-Col. D. Bellamy Cup by Col. Bellamy, who is chairman of the St. John Council. Replicas of the cup were also presented to Terence Medlam and Brian Allen, winners of the cup for the past two years.

A DAY AT THE SEA

Day Trip to Brighton. Cadets of the two Amersham Divisions went by coach to Brighton. They started off very early in the morning, excited and gay, and returned in the evening tired out, but having had a thoroughly enjoyable time, with glorious weather for their day out.

New Division Sets up Record. At the first annual meeting of the Castlefield and Booker (High Wycombe) Cadet Ambulance Division, it was announced that five Cadets had qualified for home-nursing certificates in addition to first aid, being the first boys to do so in the Mid-Bucks Area.

CHESHIRE ITEMS

The outstanding event of the year has been the visit of the Commissioner-inChief and the Deputy Superintendent-inChief to East Cheshire. Following a visit to Lyme Green Hospital in the morning, Sir Otto Lund and Mrs. Girouard inspected the Headquarters of the Macclesfield Divisions, and the Commissioner-in-Chief presented the Grand Prior Cadet Badge to Student Corporal Maureen Fleming, of the Macclesfield Cadet Nursing Division.

After lunch at County H.Q. Knutsford the Commissioner-in-Chief inspected the Eastern Corps at Dukinfield and commented upon the smart turnout of both the Ambulance and Nursing Cadets.

Western Area. An eliminating competition to decide the team for the County Final was held at Birkenhead. Teams from Chester, Wallasey, Liscard, and West Kirby competed, and the winning team was Wallasey. Dr. Grant McAfee, who judged the Team Test, expressed great surprise at the knowledge held by the Cadets. This was the first Cadet Competition he had attended and he hoped he would be asked again.

Central Area. The County Cadet Officer conducted enrolment ceremonies at Oakmere and Helsby during May. A feature of the ceremony at Helsby was the attendance of the local Girl Guide Company, who paraded with their colours along with the Nursing Cadets.

Crewe. A series of four sketches, written and produced by County Cadet Officer H. N. Beckett were staged at the Odeon Cinema Saturday Morning Children s Cinema Club from May to August.

FESTIVAL DANCE

At a Festival Dance organized by Cadet Superintendent Miss Simpkin, 118 Nursing Division, Upper Hornsey, the Mayor of Islington presented a President s badge to Mrs. Nicolson, S.R.N.

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