When you have finished with this Magazine please pass it on to someone who is not a Cadet member.
A very happy New Year to you all.
And what a wonderful year this is going to be what with the Coronation, our great Camp and lots of other big events !
We hada lovely party at St. John s Gate last month, and once again I was so pleased to make many more new friends as well as meeting old ones.
In this issue I have very great pleasure in printing some of the winning entries in the Arts Competitions and, my goodness; how splendid they are. By the way, there were rather few entries from the Ambulance Cadets though those who decided to have a go did remarkably well.
Come on now, boys, don t let the side down.
By the way, I have a new office now 10 Grosvenor Crescent, London, S.W. 1 and I'll be very happy to see you any time you are passing this way.
Yours sincerely, THE EDITOR.
ERE are the names, ages, and Divisions of the winners in the Arts
Competitions :
Glenda Wilkins, 1st prize, 15, Derby. Glenys Wheeler, 2nd (tied), 15, Brecon, Wales. Muriel Jobbins, 2nd (tied), 16, Brecon, Wales. Dorothy Davies, 2nd (tied), 17 and 5 months, Hainault, London. Marion Hansford, 3rd, 16 and 4 months, Highbridge, Somerset.
Barbara Speakman, Ist prize, 16 and 11 months, Derby. Norma Camp, 2nd (tied), 15 and 4 months, Chingford, London. Lola Wilmshurst, 2nd (tied), 13 and 11 months, Killinghall, W.R. Yorks. Judith Spink, 3rd (tied), 15 and 6 months, Eltham, London. Jeffrey Grant, 3rd (tied), 16, Airscrew, Surrey. Margaret Higton, special prize, 14 and 10 months, Long Eaton, Derby.
Yvonne Eldred, Ist prize, 138 and 5 months, Oxford Central Girls School. James Avery, 2nd, 14 and 10 months, Guildford, Surrey. Carole Robinson, 3rd, 14 and 8 months, W. Wickham, London. Dorothy Barnsley, 4th, 12 and 9 months, Upperthorpe, W.R. Yorks.
Anne Fraser, Ist prize, 15 and 10 months, St. Audries, Somerset. Graham Godfrey, 2nd__ (tied), 17, Romford, London.
Margaret McGlennon, 2nd (tied), 19 and 7 months, Bangor, N. Ireland. Patricia Handley-Davis, 3rd, 15, Barry, Wales. Gillian Oldham, special prize, 14 and 2 months, Whitstable, Kent.
Patricia Greaves, Ist Prize, 18 and month, G.E.C., Birmingham.
E felt it in the darkness, Strained and stretched his hand In the darkness, the grey, illimitable space Of husky, fleeting shadows and deep pools Of silence and hidden perfection. Sometimes in the strangeness A figure moved, swaying to the distance, Like a figure in a fog, or on a night Of sudden storms and quivering hushes. Sometimes the knowledge reached him, The full and satisfying knowledge
That all was there, watching, feeling Only to slip away, as a seal slips Into the cool green water, silent And as a dream, half dreamed, Untasted, slips between the ending Of the night and the dawning day. Then he knew that he could never While his human body hindered and prevented, Pierce the unknown world he longed for, And search the everlasting truths he wanted.
!E wind is strong to-day, and the sun, Shines in the sky, And clouds skud by, White as the spray
On the waves in the bay. And like splintered glass On the rocks as they pass The waves leave fragments of the main.
But the pool is calm to-day, and the wind Leaves scarcely a trace On its sun-flecked face, With its milky hue Of duck egg blue, Where the swimmer cleaves through the water and leaves The clean cut of adiamond ona flawless pane. 76
HE garden is alive and all the leaves Are dancing, welcoming the rain. The trees
Rejoice and shake and swirl their boughs To cool their leaves which glisten in delight.
The dust is gone, the green betrays new shades rai and blue. The flowers now are im, Their colours fade in Nature s cleanliness. The red rose and the hollyhock are one.
The leaves do feed the flowers and breathe that they May be resplendent. Now, awhile, reward Is given. The leaf may dance while flowers bend Their heads.
The shower s. passed and peace, Uncanny silence, stills the earth. Then as One waits, a bird, a herald of the sun, Explores the sweet new air with thankful voice.
The flowers feel the warmth and rise as if In rivalry. The leaves become their slaves Once more, who drop their beauty to the Earth.
There s but a few drops left, couched in the heart Of some fresh bloom a tiny glint of light, A silver gleam. How it becomes the rose
HY Wee are the heavens
Those little winking specks of light That sparkle at us thro the night ? They are planets like our own Spinning thro the space unknown. Who made the heavens God made the heavens and all the stars Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars
He made the sun the sun so grand, The sun that lights up every land, The sun that burns thro countless years Still is the cause of many fears.
When moon blots out the sun so wild It frightens every little child.
A child is weak, but God is strong And to him they sing their song
To God who made the heavens so bright And put us in the sun s great light
To gaze up at the sky s great height, And wonder what we mean to him.
But, when our thoughts, with sleep, grow dim
We start to think of wondrous things, The things of which the poet sings Of rivers and of streamlets cool, The minnows swimming in the pool, Fed by rippling stream serene
Within the starlight s gentle gleam, The stars which cause the child to ask The questions which it is your task To answer, with the utmost care To show the child what s good and fair.
AY and free like a mountain stream
With life s adventure new, Future a rosy tinted dream, Falacy fades and is true
As yet lifted high from the slough Of declining years, free from how The world struggles he does not bow To kings, but lives as Spring lives now With life s adventure new.
Hope, trembling now, is gone, Is life so very dear ?
A deeper folded cloak does Nature don ; As death grows daily near.
Life's blest Chapter is turned a page Towards the end of days you cannot gauge, Life s battle seems trivial to death's awful rage, Dark bars engulf you, the tomb s own age ; Is life so very dear
T had been a cool summer, very blustery, with sudden gusts of wind that sent men s hats bowling down the street like balls. The old folk had shook their heads at the weather. * Arr, they said, t will be a muckle bad winter, I fear, ? and as the nights grew darker and longer they bolted their doors securely, and did not venture abroad.
I had scoffed at their superstitious ways, but I found that my aunts, with whom I was then living, were as superstitious as the old country folk. Why don t you go out to the theatre to-night ? had asked one October evening.
Aunt Matty had slowly turned her head from the range fire, and looked at me slowly and inscrutably: Tis a fine thing to ask! she retorted, when Hallowe en draws near, and she gave one dread look towards the curtained window.
But why ? I persisted.
Aunt Matilda remained silent, so I turned to Old Aunt Belinda, who was regarding me solemnly.
Her blue eyes twinkled strangely as she softly hissed one word Witches , and then relapsed into silence again.
I was so surprised that I didn t even laugh at their superstitious ways, and I solemnly bid my aunts good-night and climbed upstairs to bed.
My aunts house was old, dark, and musty, full of old curios and trinkets, yet it was not an unfriendly house, and as I mounted the stairs I looked round at the old timbers and stared at the grim portraits, as if for the first time.
Nothing more was said about the evil ones until a week later the day before Hallowe en. Aunt Belinda had caught cold, and we were very busy looking after the frail old lady. She sat in the corner seat by the fire, sipping hot barley water and warming her toes, very quietly until tea-time.
We had made some hot buttered toast, very crisp and brown, I remember, and as we all sat round the 78
fire, the flickering flames sending weird shadows round the walls, and the gaslight dim behind us, Aunt Belinda began to talk
When I was about your age, Jane, my dear, she said reflectively, in her old voice which was still soft and sweet, T was going out with a young man called David. He was a fine well-built one, was David. How well I remember our walks on the downs. Me in my best lilac gown and bonnet, and David in his black suit and tall hat.
She paused, lost in the past, and as I gazed into the fire I seemed to see two figures slowly roaming over the hills into the mist. I sighed, and Aunt Belinda went on: My parents forbade me to meet him, but he seemed to have some peculiar fascination over me, with his bright blue eyes that always seemed to be looking far far away over the hills, to where I could not follow.
T was so happy to be with him and yet never thought of marriage. Our love had no future for us, only the present time was ours, and we held on to it firmly.
Then one night, sixty years ago today, it would be, we had been walking and David had seemed strange and remote all evening, and as we parted he took hold of my hands and said softly in his sing-song voice
Tisten, Belinda, do not grieve for me, must go. We have no future together we have both felt that, and to-night I have heard the call and must go. You will not marry promise me that, and he looked into my face pleadingly, yet with that far away look in his eyes. I could only nod again and again, too unhappy to speak.
«Then do not weep, he said, soon, very soon, we shall meet again, and turning quickly, he ran down the hill shouting Hallowe en, Hallowe en ! as a sudden gust of wind swept past my head and my new bonnet went
bowling down the hill, after him, and I turned sadly for home, with the sound of low laughter in my ears.
Here Aunt Belinda stopped, and looked up as two shining tears coursed down the wrinkles in her face, falling on to her stiff white apron. There was a silence whilst the fire crackled and spluttered, then as a log burst into flame Aunt whispered softly, joyously, To-morrow is Hallowe en
The following day Aunt Belinda was very flushed and excited. The day passed uneventfully in the usual round of cleaning and cooking, and looking after Aunt Belinda, who was very feverish.
As night drew on, Aunt Belinda became calmer and sat looking steadily through the window at the velvet sky and the clear stars twinkling high above us. It was a beautiful night. The moon was nearly full and she shone with a fierce light upon the ground, turning the dying leaves to silver, and making a sea shimmer as it rocked lazily to the shore. The clouds were as soft tulle draped between the moon and the sea, all was calm and still.
It grew late, and Aunt Matty and I went to bed, leaving Aunt Belinda sitting by the fire, as she refused to go upstairs. She sat there in the corner, softly murmuring, David, David, and gazing out of the window I felt very sad as left her sitting there alone.
Aunt Matilda whispered, Don t bother her, I ll fetch the doctor tomorrow. Good night, Jane! and she crept softly along the passage to her room, the light of her candle gradually dying away. I felt very restless as I climbed into bed and blew out my candle, and as lay there with the moon shining in silver strips through the window I suddenly realized that the old house was waiting for something. The furniture no longer creaked, and the window winked unceasingly in the moonlight. Don t worry!
I whispered to it, I'll be here with you, and I seemed to hear the oak chest creak a grateful reply; and so sinking down into the pillow, I slept... Suddenly I awoke. It must be late, I
thought anxiously, and wondered what had awakened me. There was something wrong something different. Then I noticed. The moon had gone in and the house groaned as a sudden crack of lightning lit up the sky. The windows shook, the door rattled, and the big chimney moaned and whistled as the high wind blew into the room.
Then remembered Aunt Belinda sitting there by the fire. I bounded out of bed and hurried downstairs, groping my way in the dark hall. Sudden flashes of light showed the trinkets and silver chattering on the table. I looked at the grandfather clock, and with a shock I saw that the hands pointed to midnight. The stroker boomed out one by one, mingling with the thunder and wind.
With a sudden bang the front door opened, and there was a whoosh as the wind flew in, propelling me towards the kitchen. The kitchen door was wrenched open, and I was pinned behind the table, and instinctively I crouched down as a gust of wind cackled in my ear. I peered under the table, and I could just see the dead embers of the fire and Aunt Belinda s pointed shoes.
Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the storm died on a low moan of wind, and the kitchen was once more calm, as the moon shone down turning Aunt s feet to silver. But were they Belinda s feet? They were young and strong, and as I peered over the table I faced a young girl with golden hair, wearing a lilac gown; she floated above the ground her hands outstretched towards the window, which flew open, and as she floated through, the air was filled with singing, and I saw her running down a steep hill.
Running after her straw hat, which, ribbons flying, was rolling away, away towards a tall young man in the distance; and even as I looked the moon was obscured by a cloud, and the air was full of raucous laughter and rushing winds.
The windows banged and all was calm again, and as I turned towards Aunt Belinda the grandfather clock ticked, All s well, all s well, and gazing upon that dear face so still and calm, I knew that all was indeed well for Aunt Belinda.
This
This picture was taken at a Cadet Enyolment Ceremony held at the Town Hall, Westonsuper-Mare. (By courtesy, Bristol Evening Post.)
Pte is always early at the farm and it was a good thing for January days are short and Jack was eager to be off into the fields. We strode across the yard, through the wide gate, and then went more cautiously keeping close to the hedge.
Jack spoke quietly: he knew from past experience that when one wants to observe wild life in its natural haunts and attitudes one must be quiet in every way, for eyes are sharp and ears are keen.
So he whispered, I can t think we shall see much. January isn t a good month to go ranging around hoping to see a lot, is it? It isn t like April or May when there s heaps of things to interest a budding naturalist that means me, of course. We might see a rabbit or a rook or two, but when birds are building and there are youngsters it is rather an exciting time.
We had reached almost the end of the Vernon s land. Crouching low we almost crawled up the bank before us. If there should be any living thing on the other side of the hedge we were going to see it if possible.
When we cautiously peered over the top there wasn t a sign of life. All was still but for the murmur of the stream on our left below the copse. Two fields away, however, a tractor was busy churning up the red earth.
What a following that man has, I remarked, watching the great flock of gulls and rooks wheeling and screaming after the tractor, picking up worms, grubs, and beetles from the newly turned turf.
Do you notice any difference between the gulls and the rooks, Jack?
They both seem to be greedy customers, he answered, but I notice the gulls are doing most of the flying while the rooks seem to be content to spend their time on the ground.
Right, Jack! We started off towards the man with the tractor. As we went along I said, You know that gulls are really sea birds: at least they were once and they still have webbed
feet. Such are not comfortable feet with which to walk this earth, so they swoop and pick up the grub or worm and fly on or they alight and feed and move ona little way with the help of their wings. You are likely to see more gulls inland now than at any other time of the year, although at all times there are gulls about the fields. Inland during the winter and rough weather they are better assured of their daily bread .
I m never without company on this job, the farmer said smilingly, as soon as I start a furrow one of these gulls or rooks spots me and before can get to the end of it the one has multiplied to fifty. There must be a sort of wireless communication between. birds.
The tractor moved off and the screaming began again as new fields of operation opened up before the birds.
Those birds don t seem a_ bit afraid, Jack said.
Afraid Not a bit. They know by instinct that the farmer has neither the time nor the inclination to molest them. Maybe they know he wants them to help him. They eat leather jackets, wire worms, larvae of the crane fly, and all sorts of noxious insects that no farmer wants on his land, I explained.
Jack looked puzzled. But dad goes off with the gun to scare them when he has sown the corn, he replied.
You are right. These birds, especially the rooks, are both a help and a hindrance to the farmer. Most naturalists, perhaps, believe they do more good than harm, but think the farmer will have it otherwise. Rooks probably do most harm after the corn is sown but as gulls will eat almost anything they are by no means blameless. There is one certainty, however, and that is at this time of the year the birds do a lot of good.
OWARDS the end of last summer the European Youth Campaign held a European Youth Conference in Edinburgh. Two hundred and fifty delegates representing fifteen different countries attended. Here now is Sgt. Rudderham s special report on the Conference to The Cadet.
During the two weeks of the conference, lectures were given by many well-known speakers from the British Isles and Europe, the most important being M. Spaak from Belgium, the First President of the Council of Europe. Also speaking were Professor Patterson, M.A., Mr. John Oliver, Paul Skadegaard, Secretary to Minister of Social Affairs, Denmark, and several Scottish Members of Parliament.
The subject of the lectures was basically Europe its unity, its culture, institutions, and many other aspects of European problems.
Throughout the conference the delegates held discussions and debates on many important problems, particularly those affecting young people.
The subjects varied from leisure and holidays to the Schuman Plan and immigration and emigration, the delegates choosing the subjects in which they were particularly interested.
The conference did not consist entirely of work.
As it was held in conjunction with the Edinburgh Festival, the delegates were able to enjoy many visits to the ballet, opera, concerts, and to the tattoo.
They had their first thrill when they were the guests at the garden party at
Lauriston Castle, when M. Spaak was officially welcomed by the City of Edinburgh.
There the delegates saw a pipe band and a demonstration of Scottish dancing; the latter they were to see again when a special demonstration of Highland dancing and also singing in Gaelic was given at the camp at the end of the conference.
Many of the members of the British delegation remarked on the goodwill between all delegates, considering the fact that many of the older members recalled that a few years ago they were in all probability fighting each other on opposing battle fronts.
The delegates were most fortunate in being able to see much of the surrounding countryside while at the conference. One coach made a day trip to Loch Lomond and to Glencoe. Four coaches went to Glasgow for a day. Was the conference a success ?
From the point of view of good planning it was excellent. The work behind the scenes and before the conference was magnificently done, and great praise is due to the members of the secretariat and other organizers, including Mr. Guthrie Moir.
But many members of the British delegation asked Was the conference a success as regards decisions reached and problems solved
The opinions vary, but most members of the British delegations agree that we have learned a great deal, and it has certainly brought the necessity for a United Europe firmly to our notice.
Nearly a thousand children sat in the stalls of the Odeon Cinema, Swiss Cottage, London, watching a first-aid demonstration by Hampstead cadets. Then 40 of them stayed behind at the end of the morning s films to enrol as members.
The demonstration was staged as the first part of a drive to set up a Hampstead (Odeon) division.
The children saw four cadets Cpl. George Romer, Cadet Frank Masten, 83
Student Cadet Sybil London, and Cadet Agnes Gardener treat one of their colleagues, Maureen Bowman, for head and arm injuries after she had been knocked down on the Odeon stage by Cadet Robin Willis.
Within minutes the cadets had patched up their casualty and rushed her off to hospital, while Miss C. D. Hyman, Cadet Officer for the Hampstead Nursing Division, gave a running commentary.
Another Splendid Nature Story by County Cadet Officer the Rev. TOM CROSS.Hull Eastern Nursing Cadet Division concluded another year s work by holding their annual open night which proved to be a very successful evening.
During the past year, four cadets have started the first part of the State nursing course at the Hull Technical College. One has become a student nurse at the Kingston General Hospital and two have won a special service shield.
This year s winner of the cup given by Mrs. S. Lawrence (wife of the Chief Constable of Hull) for the best all-round cadet was Nancy Raynor, aged 15, of Cottingham. Nancy has already started her nursing studies at the Technical College.. Last year s winner, Shirley Mussatt, aged 17, of Hull, is now a student nurse.
H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester, Gvand Prior of the Order of St. John, presents the Grand Prior s Badge to Jacqueline Harris of Jersey.
Janet Mowlam, of the Wyke Regis Nursing Cadets (Dorset), who has won her Grand Prior s Badge, has made history as she is the first cadet in her division to win this award.
Janet s ambition is to train as a children s nurse.
Bryon, have gained the special service shield, having put in 800 hours duty each at the Children s Hospital.
Miss C. Barton who is the Superintendent of this very successful division, started as a cadet in the same division in 1941, was promoted sergeant in 1944, and entered the adult division in 1947. In 1949 she was appointed cadet officer, attaining the rank of Superintendent in
Two girls, Jean Bristow, and Shirley February, 1952.
Eight Cadets of the Camelford (Cornwall) Mixed Division, who were all awarded their Grand Prior Badges during a period of eight months. (Editor's Note. Actually, there weve nine girls but one left the district before this picture was taken,),
Thursday, 27th November, was a red letter day for Newcastle District Cadets, when they were present at a launching ceremony where they were privileged to see their Commandant-in-Chief H.R.H. Princess Margaret, launch the New Zealand Passenger Ship Maori .
An early start had to be made and the Cadets assembled outside the Naval Yard at 9a.m. There were more than 50 Cadets drawn from Newcastle Western and La Sagesse Nursing Divisions, Forest Hall and Wallsend Ambulance Divisions, in charge of the County Cadet Officers, Northumberland Mr. W. Nixon, Miss E. Henson, assisted by Area Offieer P. R. Hills and Cadet Supt. M ss McGow.
It was a bright but very cold morning and the launch was timed for 11.15 a.m. but the Shipyard Authorities thoughtfully allowed the party to remain in part of the office until 10 a.m. and a welcome cup of tea and biscuits were handed round.
The Cadets were given a place of honour near the launching platform in front of the Naval Guard of Honour and when the Princess arrived, she had to pass along in front of the line of Cadets.
After the ceremony was over, the party were taken by special coaches to an hotel in Newcastle where they were provided with lunch by the Naval Yard authorities.
Altogether it was a wonderful experience and one which will live for ever in the minds of those present.
Two Grimsby girls Jeanette Walters and May Hewson both members of the Grimsby Nursing Cadet Division, have joined the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Service.
After three months training at Hindhead, they will have the choice of remaining in this country or going abroad.
The girls joined the division about seven years ago, within a month or so of each other.
Since leaving school Jeanette has been working in a dairy and May in a shop.
Gorse Hill Nursing Division (Wiltshire) have four sisters all Cadets and all in the Division at the same time. They are Wendy, Hilda, Beryl, and Brenda Long.
Dr. John Mackett, Divisional Surgeon of the Ryde School Ambulance Cadet Division, in the Isle of Wight, has achieved the distinction of being appointed divisional surgeon of the very cadet division in which he was formerly a cadet sergeant
That's what the cameraman must have said and the result was this merry group of Cadets and Officers (including the Commissioner) at an enrolment ceremony in Cheadle, Staffs.
(By courtesy Cheadle and Tean Times:)
Youth Exhibition at East Ham. At the youth exhibition, an annual event in East Ham, a stand is allocated to the Cadets. C 13 were able to put on a good show, as also were the girls, in exhibiting models depicting the various subjects taught to Cadets. These aroused great interest among the visitors. We were honoured by a visit of the Mayor and Mayoress of East Ham, who were agreeably surprised at the extent of our activities.
First Ceremony. No. C 128 New Cross Ambulance Cadet Division held its first enrolment ceremony and demonstration at Divisional H.Q: The evening commenced by a uniform inspection by the Area Cadet Officer, G. W. Woodhill, who was accompanied by Area Cadet Staff Officer F. C. Andrews. Divisional Supt. S. Dimitresco of No. 16 New Cross Ambulance Division welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Deptford. Following this, Area Cadet Officer commenced enrolling 15 Cadets. The Mayor presented the cadets with their certificates, badges, and cadet books. He presented a warrant to the officer in charge Cadet Divisional Officer R. A. Davis, and one to his assistant, Cadet Divisional Officer L. J. Robus. The Treasurer, Private M. Levy, and Auditor Private Higgett, were also presented with their warrants of appointment. Cadet S. Corney recently transferred from C.112 Charlton Ambulance Cadet Division was presented with a Special Service Shield for over 200 hours of voluntary duty in hospital. Several Cadets received certificates for their successes at the Area Cadet Sports. The Mayor said how proud he was to be invited to the ceremony. The Area Cadet Officer congratulated the officers and members on smartness and success of the division. The Officer in Charge of the No. 19 New Cross Nursing Division, Mrs. Burden, stressed the point of closer co-operation between the four divisions in the Borough. The Officer in Charge of the Division thanked the Mayor and Mayoress. Div. Supt. S. Dimitresco took the chair for the evening. Cadet Gilbert, youngest Cadet to be enrolled, presented the Mayoress, Mrs. Coppen, with a bouquet.
Cups Presented. The West Wickham Ambulance and Nursing Cadets met on 7th October to compete for two cups presented by Mr. Harry George Tebbenham, a local resident, and one of the founder members of the West Wickham Ambu-
lance Division. Next day the Cadets were stunned to learn of the death of Mr. Tebbenham in the Harrow train crash. The Brigade has lost a keen supporter, and the Calets of West Wickham a good friend. We would like to place on record our very deep appreciation of the kindness and generosity shown to the Cadet Divisions by Mr. Tennenham.
The judges for the cups were A.C.O. Mr. G. W. Woodhill, assisted by A.C.S.O. F. C. Andrews, and for the Nursing Cadets, A.C.S.O. Mrs. Copleston. The ambulance cup was won by Cadet A. Luck from Cadet P. Self, these two Cadets having won their way through to the final from an earlier round. The Nursing Cadet competition was run off in a straight competition, and Mrs. Copleston had a more difficult time. Nursing Cadet A. Knight was declared the winner, having beaten Nursing Cadet B. Andrews by one mark only. Third was Nursing Cadet J. Jolliffe.
The cups were presented at the West Wickham Gaumont cinema on 15th November. The Mayor and Mayoress both complimentel the Cadets on their very fine turn out. The Mayor, A.C.O. G. W. Woodhill, A.C.S.O. F. C. Andrews, and Mr P. Fa mer, Vice-President Cadet Ambulance Division, made reference to the great loss that the Brigade and the West Wickham Cadets in particular had suffered by the untimely loss of Mr. Tebbenham, and all extended sympathy to Mrs. Tebbenham and family. Demonstrations of First Aid and Roller Bandaging were given by Cadet A. Lack and Nursing Cadet A. Knight.
Wallingford Ceremony. An enrolment ceremony of Ambulance and Nursing Cadets took place at St. Mary s Church, Wallingford. The special service was conducted by the rector, the Rev. R. E. Mason. The enrolment of the four Ambulance Cadets and the 17 Nursing Cadets was performed by the Commissioner, Mr. C. A. Poole.
There were also present: The Mayor and Mayoress (Coun. Mrs. F. E. Simmons and Mrs. S. Butcher), Miss D. K. Gibbins (Assistant County Superintendent Nursing Division), Mr. W. G. Thomas (County Ambulance Cadet Officer), Miss Cordery (County Nursing Cadet Officer), Alderman Horace Walters (President of the Wallingford Ambulance Division), Dr. F. A. Barker (Didcot Divisional Surgeon) and Mrs. Barker (a Serving Sister of the
Order), Dr. A. G. Walter (Wallingford Ambulance Division Surgeon), and Miss G. Rogerson (British Red Cross Society).
Prior to the service upwards of 70 members of the Wallingford Divisions paraded at Headquarters under Supt. F. J. Jolley, and marched to church. During the course of his address the Rector said that the work which they would be called upon to do was in direct accord with the will of God. You have become members of a society which goes back down the ages with a glorious record. The ancient Knights of St. John traversed many lands, fighting if need be to uphold the will of God, and their lives were full of christian charity. After the service the Commissioner took the salute in the Market Place.
County Cadet Conference. Over 100 Officers and senior cadets attended another very successful conference at Missenden Abbey. The morning sessions were devoted to county and camp matters. It was announced that Miss Iris Wade had been appointed County Officer Nursing Cadets. In the afternoon a most instructive and entertaining lecture was given by Major A. C. White Knox, Surgeon in Chief, who was introduced by Major Alastair Urquhart, Chairman of the St. John Council for Bucks. This was followed by a very practical talk by County Competition Secretary F. R. Reeder on the organizing of competitions. Miss Parnell, introduced by the Viscount Curzon, addressed the meeting on the World Health Organization after which Mr. Kingsbury, newly-appointed to the county staff as Visual Aid Advisory Officer, showed films entitled Man against Disease and The 1952 Summer Camp . Following on the announcement of the retirement of Major P. G. DarvilSmith, Commissioner, at the end of the year, County Cadet Secretary K. A. Nathan expressed appreciation for all the support and encouragement cadet work had always received from him and asked him to consent to become County. VicePresident.
Fund Raisers. Successful pre-Christmas jumble sales and bazaars were held by Chalfont St. Peter Cadet Nursing Division, Beaconsfield Cadet Ambulance Division, and Amersham Cadet Ambulance and Nursing Divisions. The last named have also held a series of dances at Chalfont and Amersham. The Stoke Goldingham Ambulance Cadets made a profit of almost £10 from a whist drive.
Enrolment Ceremony. Major P. G. Darvil-Smith, Commissioner, conducted an enrolment ceremony of cadets at the Tithe Barn, Chalfont St. Peter.
Sausage Supper. Ambulance Cadet David French was presented with a wallet by Area Officer W. Lunnon at a farewell sausage and mash supper at Princes Risborough. This keen cadet has obtained a scholarship to Christ s Hospital and hopes to become a doctor. Mr. Lunnon encouraged him with the information that two former High Wycombe cadets are already doctors.
Musical Outing. Nursing Cadets from Newport Pagnell, in charge of Area Officer Miss J. Rose, enjoyed attending the 12th concert in the series being given at The Temple of Music, Tyringham.
Course was Fine Success. A very successful training course was held at the Pentire Hotel, Newquay, on Saturday and Sunday, 25th and 26th October. Fortyseven N.C.O.s attended, representing almost all the Divisions in the County. The County Cadet Staff co-operated to produce an, interesting training programme. The course was mainly financed by the County Cadet Fund for which all divisions have been working over a long period and the County Cadet -Staff were very happy to offer these N.C.O.s a little dividend on the work of their divisions. Sir Rowland Jerram, the County Commissioner, gave an informal talk and many other interesting speakers gave their services to the course.
In Camp. Three hundred and thirtythree Officers and Cadets of No.1 Area East Midlands Division, National Coal Board Colliery Divisions, spent a weekend in camp at the Derbyshire Miners Welfare Holiday Centre, Marsh Road; Rhyl. Appointments were: Officer Commanding, Area Cadet Officer P. Hibbard Adjutant, Cadet Supt. W. S. Buck; Medical Officer, County Surgeon Dr. T. Watkins, assisted by Nursing Officer Miss E. Hill; Orderly Officer, Area Cadet Officer R. Millward (secretarial and general camp duties). Area Commissioner W. V. Sheppard presented Grand Prior Badges to Cadet Cpl. A. G. Bramley and Cadet C. Taylor, both of Ireland Colliery Division, making the Grand Priors up to a total of fourteen in the Division. After the service there was a march past on the promenade, led by Rhyl St. John Ambulance Brigade Band, the Area Commissioner taking the salute. At the service the lesson was read by Cadet Sgt. Walpole.
The South Area of Derbyshire Cadet Competition was held at the British Railways Carriage and Wagon Welfare Club, Derby, on Saturday, 6th December. The teams competing and the marks obtained were : Ambulance Cadets: 87
Derby, 336; Alvaston, 306. Nursing Cadets: Derby, 262; Chaddesden, 208; Alvaston, 197. The adjudicators for the competition tests were Dr. S. Dalziel, Dr. W. F. Russell, Dr. W. M. Dinwoodie, Dr. Elsie Dinwoodie, Sister B. O Mahoney. The Area Commissioner (Dr. I. Mackenzie) presided and announced the placing of the teams.
DEVON
County Winners. At the County Competitions for Nursing Cadets, results were Seniors, Ist Paignton 311 points, 2nd Newton Abbot, 247. Juniors, Ist Torquay, 280 points, 2nd Paignton, 247, 3rd Barnstaple, 244, 4th Exeter, 241, 5th Exmouth, 217, 6th Bideford, 168. The County Nursing President, Lady Imbert Terry, presented the awards. Mrs. Stuart Nicholson, County Nursing Cadet Officer, proposed a vote of thanks to Lady Imbert Terry for kindly presenting the trophies. The County Nursing Supt., Mr. C. De ,.B. Dening, thanked the judges, stewards, scrutineers, patients, and Exmouth for making the arrangements. The Senior Team test was judged by Dr. H. Bumstead, and the Junior Team test by Dr. Richard Gray. The individual tests were judged by Mrs. Evans, S.R.N., and Area Supt. Mrs. Bolt.
Newton Abbot Ceremony. A most impressive enrolment ceremony, presided over by Area Supt. Dr. M. Stowe, was held at the St. John Headquarters, Newton Abbot. The Chairman of Newton Abbot Urban District Council extended a cordial welcome to the Sub Dean of Exeter Cathedral, and to all present. The enrolment ceremony was conducted by Mrs. M. Stuart Nicholson, County Nursing Cadet Officer, and prayers were led by the Sub Dean, who also gave an inspiring address on faithfulness. The Commissioner, Brigadier C. E. Hudson, V.C., presented certificates for Preliminary Home Nursing to Jacqueline Wise, Rosemary Tolhurst, Bernadette Griffin, Margaret Ansell, Maureen Towell, Christine Pain, and Marjorie Williams. Certificates for Adult Home Nursing were presented to Marion Ridgeway, Joan Lethbridge, Norah Birke, and Beryl Seabourne. Certificates for needlework were presented to Christine Pain and Ann Boyatt. The following Cadets, the first in Devon to undertake an examination in Aeroplane Accident First Aid, received their certificates: Mary Valentine, Jean White, Rosemary Tolhurst, Hazel House, Beryl Seabourne, and Myrtle Gale. Mrs. Randall, \ice-President, Newton Abbot Nursing Cadet Division, presented the cups and prizes. The Elsie Randall cup for the best student nurse of the year, 88
went to Beryl Seabourne, who has now won it for three years in succession. The Peach " cup to the best nursing cadet of the year, was won by Cpl. Jean White. A photograph of a competition held in March, 1952, in which Cpl. Diane Craig had taken part, was presented to her brother, Cadet Humphrey Craig. Many will recall with deep regret the tragic death of Diane, who fell from the rocks in Bradley Wood. Prizes wcre presented for attendance to Beryl Seabourne, 100 per cent, Joan Lethbridge, 99 per cent, and Jean White, 99 per cent; for junior attendance and general progress to Sandra Bates, Christine Davey, and Diane Rogers. Special bedmaking prizes given by Sister Sacksey and Area Officer Mrs. L. M. Nicholls were presented to Student Nurses Myrtle Gale and Shirley Turner, and to Junior Nurses Mary Valentine and Jean White.
Swimming Gala. Under the leadership of South Devon Area Cadet Officer Colonel C. B. Stephenson, a swimming gala was held at the Torquay Swimming Baths. This was the first gala arranged, and in view of the enthusiasm shown it is hoped that it will become an annual event.
Colonel Stephenson thanked the Paignton Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Association for arranging the gala, and also Cadet Officer Hannaford and Cadet Supt. H. Francis, who acted as Recorder and Assistant Recorder respectively, and their committee for the help and support given.
The County Cadet Officer, MajorGeneral R. Dening, presented the prizes. The club s positions were: Ist, Paignton Nursing Cadet Division, 27 points; 2nd, Paignton Ambulance Cadet Division, 26; 38rd Newton Abbot Ambulance Cadet Division and Torquay Ambulance Cadet Division, 14; 4th, Newton Abbot Nursing Cadet Division, 12 5th, Torquay Nursing Cadet Division, 5. The County Commissioner, Brigadier C. E. Hudson, V.C., paid tribute to the help given by the expert judges, Colonel Stephenson and his committee.
Area Cadet O ficer Miss M. R. Peach was the inspecting officer at the annual inspection of the Dorchester Nursing Cadet Division.
At the Weymouth tudent and Cadet Nursing Division annual inspection, the inspecting oificer was again Miss Peach. Some thirty students and cadets paraded under their Supt., Mrs. E. Day, who was supported by Cadet Ovficers Miss P. Paddock and Mrs. D. Dennis. The President, Mrs. E. Sandford, presented certificates for Handicraft.
The annual inspection of the Weymouth
Ambulance Cadet Division took place at their headquarters. The parade, some thirty strong (including Junior Cadets,) was under the supervision of Div. Supt. A. L. Roberts, who was assisted by Cadet Officer H. Gardiner, and Pte. L. Tanner, of the Ambulance Division. The inspecting officer was County Staff Officer K. H. Mooring Aldridge, who was extremely pleased at the good number on parade. He spoke of the impending retirement of their Div. Supt. Mr. A. L. Roberts, who had worked so unstintingly on their behalf for so long, and said how much he would be missed.
The Wimborne Ambulance Division was invited to supply male attendants to assist in work on the ambulance. The invitation was unanimously accepted.
COUNTY OF
Enrolment at Darlington. The enrolment ceremony and presentation of certificates to the Darlington Cadets was one of the nicest ever held in the County. Lady Starmer, who presided, welcomed the Commissioner, who was paying his first official visit to the unit. Bouquets were presented to Lady Wayman, County Cadet Officer Miss Addison, and Mrs. Surtees, who also received her badge of office as Cadet President. The Nursing Division, who loaned their Headquarters for the ceremony, took the opportunity to ask Lady Wayman to present Home Nursing Certificates to members of the National Hospital Service Reserve. Amongst those present were Lady Havelock-Allen, Area Commissioner Dr. R. Rutherford, County Staff Officer Miss Scurlock, and Assistant Area Cadet Officer H. Coulson.
ESSEX
Harwich Enrolment. An enrolment ceremony was held at Harwich, when there were present the Mayor and Mayoress of Harwich and the Deputy Mayor, and Div. Supt. Bowden. The County Cadet Officer, Lt.-Col. A. I. Sheringham, who conducted the enrolment, stressed the importance of the occasion, saying they were about to enrol the lads before them in an honourable association which dated back hundreds of years, and had members all over the British Commonwealth and Empire. The vows and promises they were about to make would, if they lived up to them, make them useful citizens. He thanked the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and Mr. Bowden for their presence and support. After the ceremony a social evening was held by both Ambulance and Nursing Cadets. Great credit is due to Mr. Bowden for raising two such flourishing Cadet Divisions (Ambulance and Nursing).
Talks by Medical Missionary. Bartestree Cadets met with parents and friends at Bartestree Hall to welcome Miss Burton, a medical missionary from Nigeria, who was formerly a nursing cadet. Her talk proved to be a great inspiration to the audience. Deputy Commissioner H. J. Harris made a presentation to L.-Cpl. Desmond Davies, who was leaving the district. Reference was made to Desmond s fine example and he was thanked for his help in building up the Division. The Superintendent, Mrs. M. Stalham, also spoke of the value Desmond had been to her. A vote of thanks was proposed by Sergt. Ambrose Emerson.
The Vicar, the Rev. A. B. Canning, Mrs. Harris, County Nursing Officer, Mr. R. Ruck, County Ambulance Officer, Mrs. Ruck, and Miss Lea Holmes also attended.
Annual Cadet Competitions. The Annual Cadet Competitions of the Northern Ireland District were held in the grounds of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. The tests, which were most realistic in their staging, were watched by a large gathering of friends and the judges spoke highly of the standard attained by most teams. Air-Commodore H. J. G, E. Proud, who presented the prizes, reminded the cadets of their responsibility to the community but said they were on the right road to becoming mature and honest citizens by being members of the St. John Cadets. The Commissioner, Brigadier T. W. Davidson, said that they should take to heart Air-Commodore Proud s remarks. The District Surgeon, Dr. Muriel Frazer, was in charge of the judging while District Cadet Officers Mr. Chas. Murray and Miss E. Garrett were in charge of stewarding. Results were : The District Surgeon s Cup (Senior Ambulance Cadets (Ist) Windsor B , (2nd) Windsor A ; The Ambulance Cadet Cup (Junior Ambulance Cadets) (Ist) West Belfast, (2nd) Windsor The Girl Cadet Cup (Senior Group) (Ist) Bangor A (2nd) Bangor B ; Mrs. Lockhart s Cup (Junior Group) (lst) Bangor A , (2nd) Cregagh Individual Nursing Cadets (Senior Group) (lst) Patricia McMorran (Bangor); (2nd) Margaret McGlennan (Bangor); Individual Nursing Cadets (Junior) (lIst) Rosetta McDowell (Ballymena); (2nd) Margaret Patterson (Cregagh) (3rd) Elizabeth Brown (Windsor) Garrett Trophy (Uniform Nursing) tie between Ballymena and Cregagh.
Divisional Inspection. The Annual Inspection of the Windsor Ambulance Cadet Division was held in Linfield School, Belfast. This was a joint inspection with Windsor Ambulance Division (J.
Wilson, Supt.). The inspecting officer was Brig. T. J. E. Broadhurst (Deputy Commissioner, Northern Ireland) and he congratulated the Cadet Division on their very smart turnout and he was most pleased to see the apparent spirit and esprit de corps of the Cadets. A feature of the evening was the combined first aid display of the divisional competition teams. The president of the adult division, Mr. H. C. Palmer, presented certificates and awards including the Graham Cup to Cadet Jack McSpadder and the Samuel Alan Squad Trophy to No. 2 Squad (L.Cpl. Jim Peoples).
33 Enrolled. Nineteen ambulance cadets and 24 nursing cadets of the Cleethorpes Division were enrolled at a ceremony in the Bramhall Street School, and handed their certificates by Div. Surgeon V. G. Best. President of the Nursing Cadet Division, Mrs. C. North, presided, and others present included: County Officer J. Paddison, Supt. T. M. Dodds, Div. Officer C. North, Div. Officer E. Delaney, Nursing Supt. Miss M. Ablott, Cadet Supt. H. E. Snelling, Cadet Officer N. Colebrook, Nursing Cadet Supt. Mrs. B. I. Johnson, Nursing Cadet Supt. Mrs. W. Smith (Grimsby Division), Commandant Mrs. E. Delaney (British Red Cross).
High Standard at Competitions. The great interest and keenness taken by St. John Cadets in their training was clearly shown in the annual County Competitions held at Colman Road Junior School, Norwich, when the judges were unanimous that a very high standard was reached in both First Aid and Home Nursing. Ambulance Cadet Trophy was won by Norwich, Cromer second, and King s Lynn third. In the uniform competition, King s Lynn and Sheringham tied. Nursing Cadet Trophy for First Aid and Home Nursing, Thorpe. The cup for Home Nursing was also won by Thorpe, the. runners-up for both awards being Blakeney, while Gorleston was third. The Uniform Cup was awarded to Norwich. The trophies were presented by Dr. May Rutledge, County Superintendent, Nursing Divisions. The competitions were organized by Major-General H. H. Rich and Mrs. G. E. Portal (County Officers for Ambulance and Nursing Cadets). The judges were: Dr. J. C. Johnston (Medical Officer of Health to Walsingham R.D.C.), Dr. G. A. Neil (Holt), Dr. E. I. Puddy (Area Commissioner, Dereham), Brigadier A. L. Kent-Lemon (Commissioner, Aylsham Area), Mrs. Jackson, S.R.N., Mrs. G. Geldard (Divisional Superintendent,
Sheringham Nursing Division), Mrs. A. Ettridge (County Cadet Officer for Cambridge). Among those present were: Rear-Admiral A. H. Taylor (Div. President, Diss), Mrs. G. Shaw (Staff Officer to the Chief Officer, Nursing Cadets), and Mrs. J. H. Yull (County Secretary).
Ex-Cadets Meet Again. In an endeavour to re-create interest among exCadets who have drifted , those in Newcastle whose addresses were available, were invited to a Film Show and Social Evening, the intention of the County Cadet Staff being to persuade as many as possible to obtain their adult certificates and rejoin the movement. About 20 responded and after a brief introduction by County Cadet Officer W. Nixon were entertained with Brigade film Why not you? and the film of Princess Margaret s visit to Doncaster, 1951. Short talks were then given by County Cadet Officer Miss Henson and Area Cadet Officer P. R. Hills, and the evening closed with a comedy film and tea and biscuits. Some of those present volunteered to take up the work again, preferably as Cadet Officers and were prepared, with the assistance of the County Cadet Staff, to explore the possibilities of either reviving certain Divisions who had ceased to meet, or breaking new ground.
Entries for the Southern Area, No, 6 Area (N.C.B.) Cadet art competition were judged in Bestwood Village Hall. The judges were Mr. R. Lyon, director of the Nottingham School of Art, Area Commissioner Alan Hill, general manager, No. 6 Area N.C.B.), Corps Staff Officer E. R. F. Pogmore, Area Superintendent; Dr. N. D. Douglas and Corps Officer Mr. W. L. Ashmore. Mr. E. A. Holton (Area Cadet Officer) was also present. Originally there were about 30 entries, but these had been cut down to ten for the area final. The winning painting in this year s area competition was a recruitment poster for the cadet movement, drawn by R. Hollingsworth, of Newark. The poster bore the words Be a brother of mine, and join the St. John Cadets. B. Siddowns of Sherwood and Carrington Division, was second with a landscape painting, and Frank Charles, of Newark, was third.
N.C.O. Course. A week-end Training Course for Cadet N.C.O.s was held at County Headquarters, Salisbury. Over fifty Cadets from the Wiltshire Divisions attended. The Commissioner, Mr. H. S. Taylor Young, opened the Course, and a series of lectures was followed by a
practical demonstration, a film show, and finally a sing-song before bed-time. On Sunday morning, prayers and an address were given by Chancellor Dimont, Chaplain to the Order, who spoke to the Cadets on the value of thoroughness and perseverance in all their work. The Cadets paid a visit to the Salisbury Infirmary, where a faked casualty was brought in by ambulance and taken through all departments. Then followed a lecture on the organization of the Order of St. John, a Brains Trust, and finally an address on growing up and moving from the Cadets to join the adult divisions. Arrangements were made by the County Cadet Officers, Mrs. G. E. Moss and Mr. O. E. Hyde, and those taking part included County Supt. Lady Fuller, County Surgeon Dr. Lane, County Vice-President Mr. L. F. Moss, Area Officers Messrs. King and Hounsome, Miss Nowell, and Mrs. G. Lane, and Ambulance Officer Mr. H. Freebury.
At Redditch twelve girls were enrolled by County Cadet Officer Mrs. Hugh Robinson. Also present were Area Cadet Officer Miss Newton from Birmingham, Div. Supt. Mrs. Hodges, and Cadet Supt. Mrs. Harris.
Southern Area Competitions. In the Southern Area Cadet Competitions winners were: Student Ambulance Cadets, Wombwell, Else Silver Cup; Junior Ambulance Cadets, Rotherham, Shaw Cup; Student Nursing Cadets, Sharrow, Lady Pilkington Cup; Junior Nursing Cadets, Wakefield, Norton Cup. Twelve Ambulance and Nursing Cadet teams took part, and the youngest member competing was Cadet Harry Gutteridge, aged 12 years, of the Rotherham team. Other awards were the Beverley Rose Bowl, Rotherham Junior Nursing Cadets, for highest marks in Home Nursing prizes were also awarded for the best uniforms. The presentation of trophies, etc., was made by Dr. Eastwood, District Cadet Officer, in the presence of the Area Commissioner, Dr. J. Main Russell and Mrs. Russell, the Chief Constable, Barnsley, Matron of Becketts Hospital, Barnsley, Staff Officers, and a large number of friends. Judges were: Ambulance, team test, Dr. T. Bird; Ambulance, individual, Dr. C. B. Ball, Area Surgeon Ambulance, uniform, Mr. J. Shaw, Area Staff Officer; Nursing, team test, Dr. D. Vining; Nursing, individual, Miss E. Barraclough, County Nursing Officer; Nursing, uniform, Mrs. V. G. Booth, Area Staff Officer.
Once when I was a member of a large mixed Club, we decided to put on a show in January, and call it A New Year Scrap Book . I thought you might like to hear about it in case you would like to do something similar, but as half the fun was thinking it out for ourselves, I won't tell you all that we did, but just give you the idea so that you can make up your own show.
Sometimes concerts are rather dull because item follows item with no connection between them just a piano solo, then a recitation, then a song, and so on, but if you choose a theme and make all the items fit into it, then the concert becomes something new and different, and one item follows another with a purpose.
Our idea then was to have a New Year Scrap Book in which each page, or item, illustrated something New . There was a compere who we called a Narrator, who stood at the side of the stage with a large volume (the scrapbook), on a stand, and before each item he turned over a page and announced the heading and explained it, and said who the performers were.
I remember the first page was called A New Day and it started off with the gramophone record Daybreak on a Surrey Farm in which a cock crows, then a dog barks, and gradually the farm awakes. This was followed by a recitation of John Drinkwater s poem called A Morning Thanksgiving, which starts :
Thank God for sleep in the long quiet night, For the clear day calling through the little leadened panes, For shining well water, and warm golden Light, And paths washed white by singing rains.
The next page was New Life , and here there were lots of poems and songs about Spring and young children from which to choose. Then there was a page called A New Reign , with an excerpt from Victoria Regina by Lawrence Houseman, where Victoria is told that she
is the Queen. Another page was called A& New Vision , with the scene from R. Berkley s play The Lady with the Lamp, where Florence was out on a terrace at night, and received the call to leave her home and comfort and go out to the Crimea. There were other pages, such as A New Discovery , A New Adventure but you can think of other ideas yourselves. The last page was The New Year , which closed with everyone joining ina New Year Hymn and a prayer of dedication.
I cannot end this article without wishing all Cadets everywhere A Very Happy New Year , and I hope 1953 will be one of the happiest and most memorable years for all of us, because we who have made the promise To be loyal to the Queen will want to do all we can to join with her in this most important year of her life by dedicating ourselves to the task of making our little corner of her land a worthier and happier place.
Zokr D. Druitt, Cadet Training Officer.
Inspiring Ceremony at Nantyffyllon.
Sixty ambulance and nursing cadets of the Maesteg Central, Nantyffyllon, Cwmdu, and Caerau Divisions will ever remember their enrolment at the New Hall, Nantyffyllon, at a ceremony which the Cadet Training Officer described as one of the most outstanding she had seen. The programme opened with a presentation of the flags St. John, the Red Dragon, and the Union Jack which were borne by three boy cadets and a retinue of 12 girl cadets. As the flags were positioned the enrolment service opened with a rendering of the hymn entitled The Banner of the Cross, which was announced by nursing Cadet Ann Furlong. The verses were sung by Maureen Jones, after which the 82nd Psalm was recited by O. Bowen and K. Bickle. This was followed by the hymn entitled Hosanna, which was announced by Joyce Vincent and sung by Sally Boyes. Prayer was offered by Hilary Boyes and all the cadets present joined in the recitation of The Lord s Prayer. The Psalm, The Lord is my Shepherd, announced by Olive Owen, was rendered by Nursing Cadet Marion Davies. The choir was conducted by Nursing Cadet Nesta Lewis and accompanied at the pianoforte by Cadet Michael Byrne. Then came the enrolment of the cadets. Miss Druitt gave an appropriate address of instruction and explained the significance of the white cross of St. John. As each cadet came forward, he or she was presented with a badge of the Order of St. 92
John and the receipt of it involved a promise faithfully to serve the cause. All were called upon to repeat the Code of Chivalry, following which they offered a prayer for mankind.
An historical pageant was enacted by the following Cadets, Royston Vincent (Moses) Clive Morris, Gareth Brace, and Teifion Williams (Crusaders); Diana Hearsey (Florence Nightingale); Iris Gates (Army Sister); Edgar Phillips (coal miner) and Idris James and Jean Waltham (ambulance cadets).
Responding to a vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. R. Petty, who presided, Miss Druitt said she had been deeply impressed by the sincerity of the Cadets throughout the service which held their complete attention despite the sounds by Guy Fawks night attractions which intruded faintly into the hall. She paid high tribute to the work of the local officers responsible for the excellent production.
A handsome bouquet was presented to Miss Druitt by Nursing Cadet Mair Abbess.
Cadets Compete at Clydach. The annual cadet competitions organized by the Pontardawe County Area attracted no fewer than 15 teams from all parts of South Wales, and as many of the Cadets from Milford Haven, Breconshire, Clydach, and other places had been together in the summer at the Priory Camp at Talsarnau, the gathering at Clydach was in the nature of a campers reunion. The Area Commissioner, Dr. G. S. Phillips, presided over the competitions which were organized by the Pontardawe and District Corps, and the Judges were Dr. G. E. David, Dr. W. Havard Jones, Dr. John Hill, and Dr. Marcus Jones. In the Senior Ambulance Cadets competition, the winners were Milford Haven cadets, who received the Dr. F. R. Phillips cup at the hands of Supt. Rees Evans. Morriston A team gained second place. A Milford Haven team was successful also in the Senior Nursing Cadet contest for the Dr. G. S. Phillips cup, which was presented by Dr. John Hill. Clydach Town Nursing Cadet team came second. In the competition for junior Ambulance Cadets, the first two teams were Cwmtwrch and Yniscedwyn, Cwmtwrch receiving the Miss E. Lewis cup from Mrs. Nesta Evans. Miss Hilda Sykes, who figured for the first time in her new rank of Area Cadet Officer, presented the Miss C. A. Evans shield to the Resolven team, which gained highest marks in the Junior Nursing event, with Milford Haven team second.
* This Great Service. - Only those whose heart and mind kindled by the true spirit of real fellowship dedicate their
leisure to this great voluntary service, said Councillor W. H. P. Rogers, Chairman of the Risca Urban District Council at the annual Training Day, attended by 60 Monmouthshire Cadet Officers at the Risca Ambulance Hall, where Lady TwistonDavies, Chief Officer Nursing Cadets, presided.
The guest speakers were the Cadet Training Officer for Wales and Dr. R. Davies-Jones, Commissioner for Montgomeryshire. In connection with the Doctor s first talk on Divisional Training for Competition , demonstrations were given by Valerie Williams, Dorothy Beeks, Tessa Lloyd, Ivy Owen, and Margaret Pritchard, members of Tredegar Nursing Cadet Division and following his delightful talk on Camping which was illustrated with films showing the Montgomeryshire Cadets in camp, Miss Edwina Savage, of Caersws, led the singing of camp songs. Dr. Davies-Jones appealed to all officers to attend the Training Camps to gain experience in the correct way of organizing and running cadet camps and to work for the Camp Certificate.
Ready for Cadet Finals. Cadet teams tried their skill in the annual competitions for the county cadet trophies, and the attendant honour of representing Montgomeryshire in the Final Competitions in Cardiff on 14th February.
The winners of the President's Cup (given by the Hon. Mary Davies for annual competition) were Llanidloes Junior Ambulance team consisting of Gwynfryn Williams, Owen Morgan, Henfin Gwynfor Jones, and Ioan Glyn Meredith, who each received a personal momento of a pen.
The shield for the best Dual Junior Ambulance (pair working together) was won for Newtown by Ivor Rowlands and Roy Morris; Welshpool Junior Ambulance team, last year s winners, were this year first in the team test, but this so far carries no prize.
Owing to shortage of officers in the divisions only one team entered in the nursing section, but with new appointments it is hoped that there will be a good entry next year. Caersws Junior Nursing team included three members of the team that represented this county at the Welsh finals last year, attaining second place there, and again reached a very high standard, and the honour of again representing the county of Montgomery in the Welsh finals.
Hazel Davies and Margaret Thomas made 92 out of 100 in the nursing duals, and well deserved the shield, while the Caersws Junior Nursing team (Hazel Davis, Sheila Evans, Patricia Bowen, and Margaret Thomas) won the County _Cup for the second time.
Judges were, in the nursing section,
County Supt. Mrs. A. J. Brown, and for the Ambulance section duals, Dr. D. R. B. Mathias, Welshpool, Divisional Surgeon. The team test for all teams was judged by Corps Surgeon Dr. D. B. McVittie, Deputy Commissioner J. M. Bond, assisted by A/Corps Officer Miss I. W. Morgan, checked the scores.
Arrangements were in the hands of the County Cadet Officer, Mrs. W. DaviesJones, ably assisted by officers and members of divisions and parents. Cadets acted as patients and helpers. The Commissioner, Dr. R. Davies-Jones, acted as chairman, and thanked all who had taken part, congratulating the winners, and wishing them well at Cardiff. Dr. A. G. Smith, County Surgeon, gave his support.
The largest contingent attending a service of remembrance at St. John s Church, Cymmer, Porth, was the party of 120 Ambulance and Nursing Cadets, under the command of Centre Cadet Officer Gwyn Morris. The service was preceded by a parade organized by the local branch of the Royal Air Force Association, and all who took part joined in a march past and wreath laying cetemony at the Porth War Memorial.
A pleasing event took place at the Ambulance Hall, Tylorstown, where Centre Cadet Officer (A) Mrs. Gwyn Morris, assisted by Centre Cadet Officer (N) Mrs. M. Pugh, presented the Gwladys Richards Cup to the Tylorstown Ambulance Cadets as the winning team for the Rhondda League Competition. Mr. Morris stated that it was most fitting that this trophy, donated by the daughter of the founder of the Brigade in the Rhondda, should be won by the Tylorstown Division on the first occasion since it went into cold storage through the War, since Sgt. Bishop, the captain of the successful team was the son of ex-Cadet Officer Glyn Bishop, who as a Cadet captained the first team ever to win the trophy when it was donated several years ago. He also complimented Cadet Officer J. O. Davies on the splendid work he was doing with the Tylorstown Cadet Division. Mr. Davies not only devoted much time to the Ambulance Cadets, but was also trying to keep together a number of girls who were preparing to form a new Nursing Cadet Division. Mrs. Pugh remarked that now several Nursing Cadet Divisions were being raised in the Rhondda, the time would soon come when there would be sufficient teams of girls to organize a similar League Competition. She was hoping for the time to come when the Nursing Cadets of the Rhondda would overtake the Ambulance Cadets.
Cadet Supt. Miss C. B. Deacon, Derby, writes to tell us that :
Our German friend, Benigna Koch, arrived most unexpectedly at Derby Station one Friday evening at 9.30, with the idea of camping at Barlow, Derbyshire, with the Derby Nursing Cadets.
We were expecting her to arrive at Chesterfield on the Saturday afternoon so needless to say no one was at the station to meet her.
What a reception! To travel alone from Dortmund on afirst visit to ae and
to be met by this! Benny s first impressions must have been very mixed.
However, all was soon settled and we set off on Saturday to what proved to bea most enjoyable camp on the Derbyshire moor, at the home of our County and North Area Cadet Officers Mr. and Mrs. Margerrison.
At first, Benny s knowledge of English was very limited and none of us knew a word of German, but we all made great use of hand signs.
By the end of the week her English was very good; we had even begun to teach her dialect
During the week we discussed different types of First Aid used here and in Germany, and put these to the test in our adventures Benny took a keen interest in the Order of St. John, and asked many questions about our varied activities. She liked English customs and English food.
Benny joined in all our Camp activities, and although this was her first undercanvas camp she was very good allround camper.
Benny was very impressed with camp life, and hopes to join us again.
-Cadet Sgt. Derwen Williams, mM umce Cadet home by Below : Here you see a most effective tableau presented by Whitstable (Kent) Ambulance and Nursing Cadets. (By courtesy Kentish Express.)
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HYGIENIC FOOD HANDLING
Price 1s. (post extra)
The impelling force directing the St. John Ambulance Association to publish this book is the fervent wish to assist the nation-in its desire for a higher standard of hygiene in order to prevent careless handling of things we eat and drink.
Price 8d. (post extra)
A charming publication prepared by Lady Dunbar Nasmith, C.B.E., in the hope that it may be of assistance to Nursing Officers of the St. John Ambulance Brigade.
Natural History price 3d. (post extra).
Cookery and Dietetics price 3d. (post extra).
Revised Price List for Cadet uniforms free. Apply to
The Stores Manager, St. John s Gate, Clerkenwell, London, E.C. 1.
Printed in Great Britain by STEPHEN AUSTIN & Sons, Ltp., Fore Street, Hertford, and published by the VENERABLE ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM, St. John s Gate, London, E.C.1.