St John Cadet Vol. 9 No. 3 (October 1954)

SPECIAL RALLY NUMBER

[Photo: Sport and General

HR.H. Princess Margaret presents the AmericanCup for Gallantry to 18-year-old John Price 8 y y

ARTS COMPETITIONS

Are you a budding

AUTHOR ARTIST MUSICIAN ?

Why not enter for the annual Cadet Arts Competitions and make use of your talents? No previous experience is necessary, entries will be judged above all on their originality but any form of copying is strictly barred. Here are the competitions you can enter...

CADET MUSIC CUP. (Presented by Miss Jan Kerrison and Sir Adrian Boult.) Compositions for: (a) piano solo; (6) 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 for not more than four different voices with or without piano accompaniment.

CADET AUTHOR S CUP. (Presented by Miss Barbara Cartland.) Stories between 1,500 and 2,500 words; plays to run for 15 minutes.

CADET PAINTER S CUP. (Presented by Mr. John Rothenstein.) Landscape or portrait in oils or water colours. Minimum size, 14 in. by 10 in. but about 24 in. by 20 in. is desirable.

CADET POETRY CUP. (Presented by Prof. C. Day Lewis.) Poems may be on any subject, serious or funny. They may be written in any form blank verse or rhyme. Any work up to 50 lines in length will be considered but remember that a brief, concise poem is often better than a long-winded one.

CLOSING DATE for entries is Monday, November Ist. They should be forwarded through the usual channels to Cadet Headquarters, 8 Grosvenor Crescent, London, W.C.1.

PRIZES will be presented at the Cadet Christmas Party at St. John s Gate on Saturday, December 18th. Apart from the Cups and prizes, many of the other entries may win Highly Commended, Commended and Mentioned certificates. These certificates will not be presented at the party but will be forwarded later.

Tne st lOmN CADET

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE CADETS

Editorial Offices: 10 Grosvenor Crescent, London, S.W.!. Editor; RONALD LEES

OCTOBER, 1954 PRICE SIXPENCE

[Photo: I.N.P.

PROUD MOMENT: Princess Margaret congratulates Barbara Goodyear

Greatest Day

First, because it must be typical of the stories of many cadet units, we give an account of the day s happenings sent to the Cadet by Cadet Superintendent N. F. Blyth, of the Fareham (Hampshire) Nursing Cadet Division. Here is what she has written. ...

Nurse Cadet, Nurse Cadet, Such happiness, We've been up to London To see the Princess.

Nurse Cadet, Nurse Cadet, Blithe as a lark, We've seen Princess Margaret In London s Hyde Park.

Was there ever such a day as this for thrills and excitement? Fifteen youngsters just overflowing with happiness, 4

of the Year!

yet too awed by it all to be anything else but good, and one excited but anxious adult. For Linda it was the very first train journey of her young life; for Irene, Anne and Linda it was the first visit to London.

The greatest thrill of all was the Underground with its maze of passages, platforms and tunnels and the escalators!

Then there were the shops almost too big to be believed. Half an hour of thrill upon thrill for fifteen country lasses when they were released in Selfridges.

Back to earth (well, nearly) and on to Hyde Park. Picnic lunch over and headsquares fixed at last, we made our way into the centre of the park for the Rally itself. Photos were taken, friends

@ Continued on page 6

AL life-saving medal for Cadet Cpl. Robert Clelland, of Leicester from the hands of Princess Margaret

[Photo: Sport and General received a warm handshake as he stepped up for his life-saving medal

Princess Margaret, accompanied by Lt.-Gen. Sir Otto Lund, Commissioner-inChief, leaves the mobile Exhibition Trailer after looking round it 5

Continued from page 4

greeted, and the mascot was admired, then we took up our positions.

Soon the companies were moving on to the field, but oh, dear! what had happened to those nines Some lines were ten deep while others had only eight. Girls, please stay in your nines. Officers at the rear please, yes, in nines. All set ?

Have to be, we were moving. Now how did Kathleen get there? All the others were at the front.

Mounted police were taking up positions by the entrance to be used by the Princess. The Parade Commander made himself known and explained the orders to be given. All eyes watched keenly for the first glimpse of Her Royal Highness and comments were passed about the Maltese Cadets and Award Winners who were being positioned near the dais.

There she was up on the dais and ready to transfer to the Land-Rover. The review had begun! The first companies were drawn to attention, shoulders went back an extra inch, heads were held high, and hundreds of cadets stood proudly erect as our own Princess smilingly went by. It was at this point that the sun decided that he could not remain in obscurity any longer he had to come out to see what was going on below him. No. 13 Company Attention. There she was, in her Land-Rover, happily ap

TRAFALGAK SQUARE A_ snap

that will be treasured in the albums of these Cadets from Fareham as a souvenir of a wonderful day

conversing with her companions. No. 13 Company Stand at Ease and About Turn. Everyone was so keyed up that it was difficult to sit still and watch. At last she was back at the dais and we could hear her voice, as Her Royal Highness made her speech. There were many breathless silences and whispered comments as the citations were read and the justly earned awards were presented to the brave and resourceful boys and girls of the Cadet Movement. March past in eighteens! I m sure Princess Margaret will never forget how Nos. 12 and 13 Companies scrambled past. know won't. Tea, orangeade, buns a welcome

sight indeed. Our three lookers-on, Margaret, Irene and Brenda, not forgetting Lesley, our mascot, rejoined the party and Kathleen went off to find her sister.

Of the various cadet bands parading round the field while the Princess had her tea, none was more popular than the mixed Pipe Band from Farnborough, Hants, which played last of all. Underground again. Please, may we go the wrong way again? Pigeons were fed in Trafalgar Square, postcards and fruit bought in the Strand, another snap taken, then back to Waterloo. Real shock treatment came in the form of icy cold water from the buffet which ended our tiredness for a time.

On to the train, Kathleen, souvenirs, mascot and all. What a journey! Talk, laughter and games all the way.

Fareham station, Anne, there s your Mother; Linda, your brother has come to meet you.

One more bus, then home sweet

home, where two ecstatic dogs and one smiling Mum said Glad you are back.

So am J; tell you all about it in the morning. Bed, here come.

Message from our Superintendent-in-Chief

On the day of the great Rally in Hyde Park, Lt.-Gen. Sir Otto Lund, Commissioner-in-Chief, received the following telegram from Countess Mountbatten, Superintendent-inChief, who is in Malta:

* My thoughts and warmest wishes are with you all on the occasion of our great Cadet Rally, at which I am sadly disappointed not to be present. The very best of luck for a happy and successful gathering and greetings from all St. John colleagues here in Malta. Edwina Mountbatten of Burma.

6

In her Land-Rover, Princess Margaret passes along the front rank of nursing cadets and officers. With Her Royal Highness are Col. G. F. Page (Commissioner, London District), Sir Otto Lund, and Miss Cunard

The Cadets pipe band from Hampshire, with their swirling kilts, were the most colourful unit on parade

{Photo: Barratts

Another view of the Royal Land-Rover as it passed another section of the parade 7

% RALLY HIGHLIGHTS x

For each of the award winners

Princess Margaret had a word of praise and a smile, especially, perhaps, for brave Barbara Goodyear, of Morecambe, who had had a leg amputated to enable her to continue, as closely as possible, her chosen career of becoming a nurse.

When she had completed the presentation of awards, Princess Margaret stepped to the microphone. These were her words:

It is a great pleasure for me, as your Commandant-in-Chief, to be with you here this afternoon. was most disappointed to have been prevented from attending your Coronation Camp last year; heard much about it, and was delighted to know that cadets from all over the Commonwealth joined with you in making that great camp the success it was.

** It is most heartening to see so many cadets on parade, and to learn from their bearing and appearance that the high standard of turn-out which has long been customary in the Brigade is still safe in your hands.

Por eleven hundred years the name of St. John has been honoured for its charitable and Christian work, and here today we are assembled to give expression to our mottoes For the Faith and For the Service of Mankind.

The boys who are on parade today will soon be doing their National Service. am sure that their experience as cadets will enable them to bring an increased usefulness to their service and credit to themselves.

Those who enrol themselves in the St. John Ambulance Brigade may count themselves the Crusaders of today. Their purpose is to relieve suffering, and to help those who are less fortunate than themselves, and this was the ideal of those old Crusaders to whom they are the successors.

JT am proud to be their Commandant-in-Chief, and to be able, now, to present your awards. No fewer than seven lives have been saved by cadets in the past year, and such an example of courage and of unselfish devotion should be an encouragement to all in the Brigade.

I wish to them, and to you all, every good fortune in the years to come, and happiness in the service to which you have dedicated yourselves.

Since the Rally, Sir Otto Lund, Commissioner-in-Chief, has received a letter from the Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, saying the Princess was deeply impressed at the smooth-running organisation of the Rally. She was delighted to have the opportunity of seeing so many of the cadets and officers.

Hereisa list of the main award winners: The American Cup for Gallantry: Student Cpl. John Price of Grays Ambulance Cadet Division, London District. Aged 18.

Life Saving Medals of the Order in Bronze: Cadet Leonard Reynolds, Roehampton Cadet Ambulance Division, London. Aged 16. Cadet Cpl. Robert E. Clelland, of George F. Browne Ambulance Cadet Division, Leicestershire. Aged 12.

Cadet Meritorious Certificate: Cadet Jacqueline Bird of Rochester Nursing Cadet Division, Kent. Cadet Patricia Wright of 134 Manor Park Nursing Cadet Division, London. Aged 13. Cadet Margaret Foster of Scunthorpe Nursing Division, Lincolnshire. Aged 16. Cadet Barbara Goodyear, of Heysham Nursing Cadet Division. Probationary Cadet Mary Cheshire of Briley Hill Nursing Cadet Division. Aged 11. Student Member Marie Armitage, of Elland Nursing Cadet Division, West Riding, Yorkshire. Cadet Dennis Robins, of Donisthorpe Ambulance Cadet Division. Leicestershire. Aged 15.

FOUND... FOUND...

Did you leave anything behind at the Hyde Park Rally? Here isa list of things which were found afterwards. If you wish to claim any of them as your own, apply to the Cadet Office, 8 Grosvenor Crescent, London, S.W.1.

One grey cardigan, two indoor caps, one storm cap, one beret (marked * Ashton ) and one small green purse containing one shilling.

ENROLMENTS OF THE YEAR

vening Te

Most disappointed cadet at the enrolment ceremony of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Nursing Cadets (Cleethorpes Division) was 13-year-old Vera Newman (right) who could not enter for the exam because of an injury to a leg, but undaunted she attended the ceremony with her crutches. Above, she is being shown the best senior girl cadet trophy by her friend, Sgt. Freda Freshwater, who won it

ROTHWELL S FLAG

IS BLESSED

Early this year the Rothwell Nursing Cadet Division purchased a Cadet flag, which was used for the Review in Hyde Park, leading the Northamptonshire contingent.

Last month, the flag was blessed in the local parish church, and this was followed by an enrolment of 18 cadets in the same church, and the presentation of two Grand Prior badges, to Sgt. M. King and Cpl. W. Baxter, by County Cadet Officer Miss Grant Lawson. Later, at Tresham Hall, County Superintendent Mrs. G. F. P. Gibbons presented certificates, and cadets heard talks by Miss Grant Lawson and Canon G. F. Turner.

THIS attractive picture was taken at an enrolment ceremony in June of 26

(Photo: Keighley Keighley (West Riding) cadets. On the left is Area Commissioner J. Prentice and (behind) Ambulance Cadet Superintendent J. McManus and Nursing Cadet Superintendent Miss McNish, both of Keighley

PRIZEWINNERS ON PARADE

Challenge to Youth was the title of this tableau, entered

and Nursing Cadets, which won first prize in a Youth Week procession at Selby

(W. Riding). The characters are (left to right) Research, Endurance, Service,

Courtesy and Culture. These characters were arranged in the four corners of the lorry, with the globe and cadets in the centre. Flowers and bunting decorated the sides, with the flags of every nation over the title.

At the third time of entering for the British Legion Pageant in Stafford, the Stafford Odeon Cadet Division won first prize with this tableau. Last year the Division won second prize, so hats off to them for a wonderful achievement 10 11

[Photo: Cable Photographic Service

At Barking Carnival the Ambulance and Nursing Cadet Divisions won first prize (Photo: P. Harland with this clever display. They decorated the lorry and divided it in half with a banner.

by the Selby Ambulance One half showed the past with Florence Nightingale s assistants treating two

soldiers. The other half showed the present with cadets treating two accidents, while

four other cadets held the banner

{Photo: William Fos

At the Willington (County Durham) Carnival and Show in June, the Willington Nursing Cadet Division took first prize with this tableau

ALL SMILES AT DEVON PARTY

Did you ever see so many happy smiling faces? And they'd good reason to smile at this garden party at Tipton St. John, Devon, last month, for the sun was shining. The party was held by the cadets of East Devon, and among those pictured here were cadets from Bradminch, Exmouth, Honiton, Axminster, Sidmouth, Exeter and Ottery. There were lots of games, including a tug-of-war which everyone enjoyed immensely.

EDMONTON SHOW

What do YOU know? See if you can answer these questions without looking them up or asking Father. Answers will be found on page 23.

1. How many kinds of hemorrhage are there ?

2. What is. the object of First Aid treatment of fractures ? 3. Which knot should be used in tying a bandage ? 4. How many arm Slings are there ? 5. What is the patella? 6. How many bones are there in the forearm? 7. What is the name of the thigh bone ? 8. With what would you cover a wound ?

Medical Mix-up

SPIT GALE N

Can you rearrange these letters to spell a word?

Memory Test

How many Grand Prior subjects begin with the letter C?

Well done, Diane!

Ox evening in June, at the Ilford indoor swimming baths, a boy jumping from the diving-board accidentally fell on a 15-year-old girl who was rendered unconscious under water. She was brought out in an asphyxiated condition. The baths attendant started artificial respiration, and Cadet Diane Stewart-Rattray, a member of C.N.41 (Ilford) Nursing Division, took over when he went to *phone for the ambulance. She applied Silvester s method for five minutes and when the attendant came back, she helped him bring the patient round. The girl has since made a good recovery after a few days in hospital.

Diane used Silvester s method because in view of possible injury to the spine it was not thought wise to turn the patient from the face upwards position.

The Principal Medical Officer, Major A. C. White Knox, comments as follows: This is well-considered reasoning, and Diane must be congratulated on her forethought and successful application of her teaching.

Photo: Western Times ad

Edmonton Carnival on

and

of

H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent inspects Cadets in Wales

At the Royal Review, Brecon, on July 18th, Cadet D. Williams of Carmarthen was filled with pride when H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent spoke to her

Oldham's Cadet Queen

HE crowning of the first annual Cadet Queen of the Oldham Corps (Duke of Lancaster s District) took place on July 10th, and in the picture above we see the radiant queen, Marjorie Hughes, being crowned by Mrs. W. E. Schofield, wife of the Chief Constable of Oldham. Marjorie s black and white satin robe, bearing the emblem of the Order of St. John, was much admired as she walked in procession, carrying a cachet of cream roses.

Sedately behind the queen, holding her robe, walked six ladies-in-waiting, dressed in deep gold full-length dresses, with white flowered head-dresses and white mittens.

A week after this ceremony, the queen and her entourage were entered for the Oldham Charity Carnival, in which they gained first prize.

Many pictures and reports of cadet activities, excluded through pressure of space, appear in the October issue of THE REVIEW.

Being a Cadet Superintendent is A MATTER OF DISCIPLINE

Says Miss M. VENABLES (Swinton and Pendlebury Division)

HE technical requirements of a Cadet Superintendent can be found in the General Regulations of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. They are very simple, but how much is hidden beneath those words.

This article is meant for Superintendents newly appointed to divisions, but perhaps much advice and ideas can be passed on to Superintendents of longer standing.

The best place to learn your job is with your cadets, and if you show your ability to learn whilst leading them, you will slowly but surely gain wisdom and understanding. The cadets will continually be asking questions and coming to you to decide the rights and wrongs of things. Try to answer if you can. If you are unable to do so try to refer them to someone who can, or tell them you will try to find the answer to their question.

If you feel self-conscious at first, as many Cadet Superintendents do, it will usually be because you are thinking, How can run my meetings? Think instead of the cadets what do they need and leave your own success or failure to the future. Think, What would be best for this child or that, and what does he or she like to do? You will find you will forget yourself and gain confidence and all will go well.

A Superintendent should have a sense of form. By this is meant firstly, you should know what discipline a Cadet Division needs. Discipline is a much abused word. In a Cadet Division it does not necessarily mean either silence or drill, or ability to form straight lines or to tie bandages, etc. The cadet meeting is often, and designedly so, one of the noisiest events of Brigade activities; remember cadets, particularly juniors, cannot march evenly, as some have long legs and some have short; moreover it is exceedingly difficult for them to keep still for any length of time.

Discipline in a Cadet Division means that each child is so absorbed in being a cadet that anything that interferes with the progress they are making cannot be tolerated. You may often hear of a division where the discipline is lax, enabling one cadet to spoil the whole division by continual interference.

To talk of discipline is one thing, to obtain it is another. How can we best set about it? Do have some recognised means of bringing your division to order. Whatever method you use, whether it be the giving of an order, or the blast of a whistle, make sure that it is heard and its meaning plainly understood and obeyed at once. If you succeed in obtaining prompt obedience, you should never have any difficulty in controlling your cadets.

A Cadet Superintendent also needs a sense of formand proportion in planning his or her programme. Do not concentrate too much on any one particular subject, even though you yourself might like it best, and know that it is a subject that you might be particularly good at. You will find that subjects you do not like are apt to get left out; this is not fair to your cadets. None of the subjects are difficult if you take the trouble to study them a little, and there are always school teachers, town councillors, and the like, who will help out if approached in a proper manner. Keep a true balance, enjoy every bit of your meetings, and you may be sure your children will too.

You will find you will need plenty of patience. Perhaps at first everything will go beautifully, but difficulties will come and doubts will arise. Have the patience to prepare your meetings carefully beforehand. Do spend some time thinking out your activities, but not half an hour or so before you are due to arrive at your headquarters. After your meetings judge your own work. Compare what actually happened with

Id)

{Photo: Western Mail

Pe:

{Photo: S. Wales Evening Post Another scene as the Duchess of Kent inspects Ambulance Cadets at the Royal Review

{Photo: C. Taylor

NEVER MIND THE

On Saturday, August 14th, a party of 23 Ambulance, 7 Nursing Cadets and 2 Officers of the Bridgwater Divisions journeyed by coach to the annual Somerset County Camp, which this year was held at the Bristol Youth Committee Camp, Orcombe Point, Exmouth, and although the weather was not too kind a very enjoyable time was had by all attending, and a great many new friends were made by cadets and officers.

The cooking was in this camp done by the camp staff, and on behalf of the Bridgwater Division we would like to say thank you very much indeed you certainly did us well.

Camp gadgets again were a good feature as far as Bridgwater was concerned, each tent having an N.C.O.

@ A matter of Discipline (continued)

your original programme, and see how much you can improve it. The more you like your job, the more you will wonder and ponder over it. You will probably feel at the end of the first year that a great deal has been accomplished, and that you will be more doubtful about things during the second year. But nothing worth while is ever easy, and to build well you will need the hard work as well as the more pleasant part of it all.

Cadet Superintendents should not be too tender-hearted. If you guard and protect your cadets in every step they take, they will be quite lost when they go up into the senior divisions. Teach them to stand on their own feet. Let the cadets make mistakes while you are still there to put them right, they will then be better placed for making their way in life. Do not clear the way for them and make things too easy. Remember the things most valued are those that have been gained by one s own efforts.

Above all, do try to develop a sense of humour. It is no good worrying in a Cadet Division. Worrying sometimes comes from being in too much of a hurry. You are not working just to push your cadets through examinations, but for 16

WEATHER...

in charge. Gadgets were prepared and taken to camp as it was laid down that no branches must be cut from the surrounding hedges at camp. These gadgets included shoe racks, knife, fork and spoon racks, forked sticks for mugs, pegs to keep cases off the ground and also a broom made from brushwood.

Bridgwater were again proud this year of being the best-tent winners, the N.C.O. in charge of the tent being Student Sgt. G. Storey. The duties performed by cadets were peeling the potatoes and washing the dishes; free time was available between all meals. Campers arrived in Bridgwater on Saturday, August 21st, agreeing it had been a most enjoyable camp.

AROUND AND ABOUT WITH THE CADETS

The Districts No. 1 DISTRICT

character training as well, the results of which will only show three, four, or more years ahead, so you have plenty of time. The progress of your division will be that of your slowest and most difficult cadet; do not for that reason try to go ahead without them, for they need the spirit and objects of the organisation most.

Lastly, keep an open mind. Superintendents must be prepared to have their own opinions violently changed, and have their nice conventions turned upside down, for children have little or no respect for such things. Do not shut your mind to the unpleasant or upsetting things, but keep it open and let it grow. Keep in mind you are framing and preparing children for adult membership and for life in an adult world, and that you will need everything in life to help you. Have faith in your work, your cadets, the Organisation, and in yourselves. Remember if things go wrong it is not the Organisation that is wrong, but the interpretation of it. Knowledge only comes by mistakes, so get on with your job.

The fruits of your work will remain when your cadets have passed on into the senior divisions, and you yourselves have gone.

Sports Meeting The Eastern Area Ambulance and Nursing Cadet annual sports meeting was held at the Old Dagenham Park Sports Arena, Dagenham, Essex, in June. It was opened in wet weather by the President of the Eastern Area Ambulance Divisions, Col. J. D. Sherwood. The entire programme of track events was carried out in spite of torrential rain. The judges were all soaked in a very short space of time but carried on with all good cheer. The competitors having run the race would hurry to the stands to get out of the rain and await their next turn, and in spite of adverse conditions the morale remained as only it can with the Eastern Area Cadets right on top. The winners of the Area Cup were: Fairbairn House Ambulance Cadet Division. Runners-up Cup: Grays Ambulance Cadet Division. The winners of the Nursing Cups were: Romford Nursing Cadet Division. Runners-up Cup: Fairlop Nursing Cadet Division. Trophies were presented by Area Cadet Officer Mr. G. Ware, supported by A.S.O. s A. Atkins and L. B. Willis.

WEST RIDING

Annual Parade- The Annual Cadet Parade of the South East Area was held at Thurnscoe on Sunday, June 20th, 1954, and the Hickleton Main Colliery Corps acted as hosts. The parade assembled on the cricket field under the direction of the Cadet Area Staff which consisted of Area Cadet Officer (A.) W. Hargreaves, Area Cadet Officers (N.) Mrs. Crosby and Mrs. Townsend, and Area Cadet Staff Officers J. Howard and H. L. Donald. About 1,000 officers and cadets, both Ambulance and Nursing, were on parade, the number including two Ambulance Student Divisions

and seven Cadet Bands. The whole parade marched through the streets of Thurnscoe, a distance of about two miles, and finally reassembled on the cricket field. A short address of welcome was made by Corps Superintendent F. Dilks, of Hickleton, and Assistant Commissioner Dr. B. Hart, O.B.E., C. St. John, responded. The service was conducted by the Vicar of Thurnscoe, who took as his theme Chivalry. Area Rally. To mark the ending of the St. John Week in the Spen Valley Corps, the cadets of the South Western Area held their Annual Rally in Royds Park, Liversedge. After a parade round Cleckheaton, the salute was taken by Lieut.-Col. Clive, who was accompanied on the saluting base by Assistant Commissioner H. Harrison, the chairman of the Spenborough Council and his lady, Corps President Capt. G. Blackburn, Corps Superintendent Mrs. Speight, Corps Superintendent Mrs. Waterworth and Area Cadet Officer Mrs. M. Balden. The afternoon was devoted entirely to sports, and the division gaining the most points in each event was awarded a shield. This was won by the Dearne Valley Division. The prizes were distributed to the successful cadets by the chairman of the council.

The Counties BEDFORDSHIRE

Firefighting Course. As a result of courses of instruction on firefighting given to Luton cadets by officers of the Luton and Vauxhall Works Fire Brigades, 50 Ambulance and Nursing cadets were successful in examinations on this subject.

BIRMINGHAM

Hospital Visit. A visit to the Birmingham Accident Hospital, by Nursing Cadets of D Corps, is described by two cadets Winifred Waterhouse, of Vicarage Road Division, and Florence Dunn, of Perry Barr Odeon Division: I was most interested in the ambulance and surgical mobile unit. It goes out to those who are seriously injured, for instance, anyone trapped by machinery, who needs an operation and cannot wait until they reach hospital. The unit

is the only one in England. We visited the gymnasium and saw a model of a bus platform and stairs where patients learn to walk up stairs again after an operation. We saw in the workroom, spinning machines and hand looms, where patients could weave, and we also saw baskets they were making. We spent a very enjoyable morning, and lam sure all the girls enjoyed themselves.

BUCKINGHAM

Summer Camp. The excellently equipped St. John camp at Bexhill-onSea was given over entirely to Bucks when some 300 cadets and officers from this county held their annual summer camp there for a week in August. In spite of bad weather they had a most enjoyable and instructive time. Major P. G. Darvil-Smith, C.B.E., County Cadet President, conducted the Sunday service, and Dr. Kipping (Beaconsfield) gave the address. This was followed by an enrolment ceremony performed by Major M. Beachcroft, O.B.E., Knight of the Order.

CHESHIRE

Christine s Award. A Special Service Shield has been awarded to Cadet Christine M. Taylor of the Hazel Grove Cadet Nursing Division. For over eighteen months Christine has assisted at the Stockport Division of the National Blood Transfusion Service, where she has completed over 270 hours of voluntary service. The presentation was made to her by Area Cadet Officer Mrs. A. Lawrence.

HERTFORDSHIRE

Camp. Thirteen cadets and one officer from Letchworth C.A.D. attended the National Cadet Camp at Bexhill-on-Sea from August 21st-28th. The food was varied and plentiful and excellently cooked. The permanent Camp Commander, Staff Officer (Headquarters) Mrs. Rose, made all the 160 campers feel at home within a few hours of arrival. The adjutant for the week was a very happy personality, Area Cadet Officer O. Lake, County of Sussex, assisted by Superintendent R. Clayton of Chichester. There were also six male officers and eight female officers who each had different duties allocated every day. The boys and girls each did a

duty in the camp once during the week. Coach trips, bathing parties, theatre parties were arranged, and an entertainment, fancy dress parade and bonfire were held on the Friday night. Cadet P. Worsley of Letchworth obtained first place for fancy dress as a Dutch girl. The cadets and officers in camp during our week came from Cornwall, Yorkshire, Wales, Hertfordshire, Sussex London and Lancashire totalling 160. All campers had a very happy and instructive week and we feel that our boys have a much greater and wider conception of the cause in which we serve ? for their week at Bexhill National Cadet Camp which we shall certainly visit again.

NOTTINGHAM

Melton Mowbray Camp. On August 7th to 14th, 1954, Sherwood and Carrington Ambulance Cadets (Nottingham City Area) went to camp at Upper Broughton, near Melton Mowbray, and were joined by a few boys from Hyson Green and Newark divisions. In spite of rainy weather an enjoyable time was spent. The camp was inspected by County Commissioner H. L. Bosworth. Camp Commandant was Cadet Officer J. E. Stones.

Enrolment Ceremony. The Sherwood and Carrington Division held their annual parents and friends evening at Haydn Road Schools, Sherwood. Senior officers of the Brigade were present to officiate at an enrolment ceremony which was based on the original mottoes of the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. The following boys received preliminary first aid certificates: David F. Ball, Lewis Constantine, Barry Goddard, Roger Green and Douglas Palmer. Reexamination certificates were also received by successful candidates.

SOMERSET

Enrolment ceremony of 20 Bridgwater cadets was conducted by Area Cadet Officer D. J. Davies. The Rev. Stuart Barrie was also present for the prayers and hymns. Among the 150 present were cadets, seniors, members parents and friends, also the Area Commissioner, A. Wevell, Area Superintendent Miss Gillespie, officers from

Minehead Nursing Cadet Division, officers from Weston Centre Cadet Division.

At the conclusion of the ceremony Area Cadet Officer D. J. Davies spoke a few words to the newly enrolled cadets, and the Rev. Stuart Barrie also said how pleased he was to see so many young people taking such an interest in such a fine movement where the thought was always for others and for the service they could give to others.

The N.C.O.s were presented with their chevrons by Area Commissioner A. Wevell. The ceremony concluded with refreshments served by the Ladies Committee of the Parents Association, which has also a working committee who have in the last two years since formation raised £165, which is indeed a very fine effort.

Bridgwater Division has_ recently made a presentation of a wallet to Cadet Officer K. Marks, who has now left the division to reside at Taunton where we trust he will assist the division in its work. He joined the local division as a cadet in 1941 and has worked his way up to Cadet Officer and was also Divisional Treasurer of the Ambulance Division. Cadet Superintendent H. Dinham thanked him very much for the assistance he had given the division. Area Superintendent Miss Gillespie also spoke a few words on the good work he

had also done for both the Ambulance and Nursing divisions and also the Committee of Management.

EAST RIDING

Hull Ceremony. A pleasant evening was spent at.the National Dock Labour Board s Social Club headquarters last Thursday, when an impressive enrolment ceremony was conducted by the County Cadet Officer, Miss Leppington. Present also at the ceremony were the County Commissioner, Dr. Dearn, Area Officer Mrs. Jackson, Mr. A. Watson, the Deputy Manager of the N.D.L.B., Mr. Letters and Mr. Jarvis, Welfare Officers. Dr. Dearn afterwards addressed the gathering and thanked the officials of the National Dock Labour Board for their valuable help and interest in this new Cadet Division. Matron in charge of the post, Sister Butler, has given great help in the training of these cadets, and she conducted a demonstration of first aid with the cadets, which was inspected by parents and friends present. Later in the evening the County Vice President for Nursing Cadets, Mrs. Rymer, presented Needlework Certificates to the cadets. The Cadet Superintendent, Mrs. Jessop, then thanked all the officers and members of the N.D.L.B. for coming, and for their generous help and support in the division.

* PRIORY FOR WALES *

T seems very early to be writing about Christmas parties, yet the next issue of this magazine will not be out till the New Year, so as have something which feel is quite important to say on the subject think had better get it in now!

It is this rather than have a Christmas party this year why not give ? a party instead?

Really it s much more fun to plan a party than just to go to one which has been arranged for you. The whole division can plan it together and the N.C.O.s can take the responsibility. First you have to decide whom you are going to invite. It may be old people from the almshouses, or children from a home, or cadets from another division, but let me give you a hint here

decide on the age group and stick to it. It doesn t work to invite children of six or seven years of age and old people at the same time, because you cannot arrange a programme to suit both.

Let us say you have decided to invite old people and see how you would go about it. If you have no obvious source of guests, such as an almshouse, the town clerk will probably supply list. Try to stick to one area, or neighbours will know they have not been asked.

Several weeks before the party, start collecting presents so that each one may have a parcel in bright paper with his or her own name on it.

Make the room as gay as possible; put up holly, ivy and paper chains. It makes the room look very pretty if you paint the electric bulbs with red or

orange ink, but let the ink get thoroughly dry before you put on the light or you will crack the bulbs.

Don t expect old people to enjoy themselves balancing cups and saucers on their knees try to give them a knife and fork meal and bring out your very best (if mother will help!) for the meal. Have shining white tablecloths and put strips of red or green paper down the centre. The heads of flowers arranged in low bowls make better decorations than tall vases because they don t get in the way of talking. Lighted candles look very attractive. Wait on the old people very specially and remember to have plenty of tea for them.

When they arrive, have hostesses at the door to show them the way and help them take off their coats.

Now about the programme old people will pretend they like watching young people play games, but it bores them stiff give them plenty to do even if it is sitting down all the time. They love community singing especially old favourites or an entertainment with plenty of songs and dances. Keep it short.

You could have a very successful Have a Go with an amateur Wilfred Pickles. You need a good compére and plenty of prepared questions, but not embarrassing personal ones that will make them shy. Give prizes to those who are brave enough to go on to the platform and take part.

A game they always like is the old one of Passing the Parcel. You tie up a present in about 12 layers of brown paper and string. The old people are all sitting round the room. When the music starts they pass the parcel round the circle, and whoever has it when the music stops starts to unwrap it until the music begins again, when they have to pass it on. The one to unwrap the last layer keeps the present.

Another good game is Nursery Rhymes. Divide them into four groups with a cadet as captain of each. The compére stands on a chair in the centre of the room. The game starts by everyone singing the alphabet as a chorus. Just before the end the comp *re points to one of the groups and they have to start singing a nursery rhyme (the captain has decided which and has whispered it round to each of the

group). Then all sing the choruses, and again the compére points to another group. If any group sings a rhyme which has been sung before or cannot start before the compére counts ten, they are out.

An old people s party could well end by a sing-song of carols led by a party of cadets dressed as waits carrying lanterns, and then they could all get into a circle and sing Auld Lang Syne.

do hope some Cadet Divisions in Wales will try to make some old people s lives brighter by doing this this Christmas, and please write and tell me about it so that can send an account to The Cadet.

ZOE D. DRUITT Cadet Training Officer

PRIORY HEADQUARTER NOTES

Congratulations are due to several cadet teams on their success in the competitions held in August at the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales which was held this year at Ystradgynlais. There were four contests for boys and girls under and over 17 years of age and the following teams had the pleasure of receiving shields from the Hon. Mrs. J. H. Bruce, Assistant Superintendentin-Chief for Wales:

Isca Shield (boys under 17) Glynneath.

Gwent Shield (girls under 17) Treharris.

Dr. R. J. Isaac Shield (boys under 15) Duffryn Aman.

Balmain Shield (girls Treharris. under 15) * * *

Priory Headquarters has ordered a copy of the film of the Cadet Coronation Camp and other St. John Cadet activities to be available for hire on the part of cadet officers in Wales. The film is silent with captions, takes 84 minutes if run on a sound projector and 124 minutes if run on a silent projector. * * *

A date to be earmarked by North Wales cadets is December 4th when the first annual competition for teams from the six North Wales counties will take place in Wrexham, Denbighshire.

CAERNARVONSHIRE

First Year Cadets Rise to Occasion. Members of the Penmaenmawr Ambulance and Nursing Divisions attended St. Seriols Church to commemorate St. John Sunday. During the service a member of the congregation became ill and was assisted outside by the sidesman. Nursing Cadets Agnes Healy and Catherine Goodwin, who for personal reasons were waiting outside, came to the assistance of the patient. On learning that she was subject to heart attacks they immediately took action. One cadet ran a quarter of a mile for a taxi, no telephone being available, and the other stayed with the patient. They then took her to the chemist where she usually obtained her medicine for such attacks, and after making provision for the doctor to be at the woman s home accompanied her there and did everything possible to make her comfortable pending the doctor s arrival. The cadets then returned to the church to await the other members of the division who were unaware of the incident until after the service. These two cadets are 15 years of age and obtained their Preliminary First Aid certificates as recently as April 1954.

Ambulance Cadet s Self Help. It is usual to regard learning first aid as an effort undertaken to benefit someone else but a more practical view of its value is seen from the following incident.

Gerwyn Jones, ex-Cadet Sgt. of the Penmaenmawr Division, climbed a spiked fence to retrieve a ball which had been kicked over. He slipped and a spear-shaped spike entered the upper third of a thigh puncturing branches of the femoral artery. Gerwyn s firstaid training came to his rescue and he promptly grasped his thigh and applied digital pressure on the wound, maintaining pressure while walking a distance of 200 yards to the Cadet Superintendent s house. A doctor was immediately sent for and appropriate first aid given. After treatment by the doctor, Gerwyn was taken home in his friend s car. In applying and maintaining pressure he saved himself, the doctor agreed, from serious consequences.

WEST DENBIGHSHIRE

Teams competing in the West DenZi

bighshire Cadet Competitions held in Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, carried out their tests in view of a large audience. There were entries from Llangernyw, Ruthin and Colwyn Bay and the work was judged by Mrs. Evan Hughes, S.R.N., T.A. (Home Nursing), and Cllr. G. H. Ryden (Superintendent, Abergele Division). The Lumley Cup (First Aid), presented by Deputy Commissioner P. W. Lumley, was awarded to Ruthin A team and presented by Mrs. Ryden. The Ryden Cup (Home Nursing) was won by Llangernyw, who received it at the hands of Mrs. J. W. I. Guest.

Mr. J. W. I. Guest congratulated all the teams who had taken part on their standard of work and expressed appreciation of the excellent arrangements made by County Cadet Officer S. Taylor, who presented each member of the winning teams with a medal.

GLAMORGAN

Cadets of the Aberavon Corps accompanied the senior members in the annual church parade at All Saints Church, Porthcawl. The service was conducted by Rey. W. Roach, the subject of whose address was Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance. Ambulance and Nursing Cadets of the Porthcawl divisions took a leading part in the service by reading the lessons and presenting the Cadet Flag at the altar for dedication. Kenfig Hill Ambulance Cadets collected the offertories.

The parade was headed by the Newport St. John Cadet Band, who readily gave their services at very short notice. After leaving the church the divisions marched through the town and were dismissed on the eastern promenade. Area Commissioner E. Howe and Corps Staff Officer W. Churchill were on parade. Corps Staff Officer J. Lewis was in charge. Area Cadet Officers D. Suter and Mrs. M. Thomas supervised the cadet divisions. Arrangements for the service and parade were carried out by Divisional Superintendent L. A. Cottrell, Cadet Superintendents Mrs. M. Wakefield and Mr. I. W. Brockway.

MERIONETHSHIRE

Linking Up With the Past. For the second year in succession members of

the Blaenau Festiniog Ambulance and Nursing Cadet Divisions visited the village of Yspytty Ifan, which lies on the road between Pentrefoelas and Ffestiniog, and figures in the historic account of the earliest records of the Order in Wales. After disembarking from their motor coaches the two contingents lined the roadside, and led by Cadet Superintendent. J. O. Williams and Nursing Cadet Superintendent Mrs. J. Roberts, marched smartly off to the church, where the Rev. Arfon Parry, curate of St. Martha s, Manod, officiated. Mr. Parry addressed the cadets on the connection of Yspytty Ifan with the Order of St. John and showed them various stone statues and relics. The lessons were read by Cadet Officer H. Pierce.

Cadet Wins Personality ? Prize. Over 400 girls entered a county ** Personality Competition which was judged at Dolgelley by Mr. E. Trevor Davies (Cardiff) and Miss Rhona Parker (Rhyl). It was highly pleasing to the Brigade to see Cadet Sgt. Emily Roberts, daughter of Cadet Superintendent Mrs. J. Roberts (Blaenau

Festiniog) awarded first place and the prize of a week s holiday in Europe.

ABERDARE

St. John Cadet Sunday was commemorated at St. Margaret s Church, Mountain Ash, where the service was conducted by Canon T. C. Bowen, M.A. The parade marched from Deep Duffryn Colliery led by Deputy Commissioner Dr. H. B. Pierce, J.P., and when all were in their places in church the Colours were presented to the vicar by the Colour Party from Deep Duffryn Cadet Division. The lesson was read by Centre Cadet Officer Arthur Parfitt and the Code of Chivalry by Nursing Cadet Ann Morgan (Mountain Ash Town). At the end of the service the colours were handed back and after the blessing the congregation sang the National Anthem. Together with Centre Cadet Officers A. Parfitt and Mrs. P. Harrison Roderick, were present the Lady President Mrs. Marion Williams, J.P., and Centre Superintendent (N) Mrs. R. M. Prothero. The parade was in charge of Centre Segt.Major George Daniels.

OBITUARY

dp ae many friends in this country of Cadet Officer Robert C. Breen, of Karori Cadet Division, New Zealand, will be shocked to hear of his tragic death on August 24th in a motor-cycle accident in Wales.

Bob Breen, who was attached to No. 100/1 (Borough of Lewisham) Ambulance Division whilst in England, had endeared himself to Brigade members and cadets by the enthusiasm he showed for all Brigade activities, and by the friendliness and charm of his personality.

It is particularly sad that his death should have occurred only a short time before he was due to return home to New Zealand after the completion of his studies here.

Many Brigade members and cadets were present at the cremation, which took place at Honor Oak Crematorium on September 2nd.

The Cleethorpes Nursing Cadet Divyision has suffered a sad loss through the death of Pamela Sayers, who died at the age of 11 last August. She had been a member of the division for about two years. At her funeral, four members of the Ambulance Division were bearers, and boy and girl cadets joined with nursing members to form a guard of honour.

A CHALLENGE IS TAKEN UP!

The challenge issued last month by the Hunslet and Holbeck Cadet Nursing Division has been taken up as we thought it would. And here s the record of Weymouth Student and Cadet Nursing Division, in Dorset, which was formed 15 years ago. We think they ve done jolly well!

Mrs. Day: Cadet Superintendent, Serving Sister of Order of St. John, holder of Service Medal and bar, due for second bar 1955.

Mrs. Dennis: Cadet Officer, Serving Sister of Order of St. John, holder of Service Medal and two bars.

Miss Paddock: Cadet Officer, Grand Prior Cadet, holder of Service Medal.

Number of Grand Prior Cadets: 18. Total number of proficiency badges: 550.

One Cadet awarded two Special Service shields 400 hours duty.

One Cadet awarded one Special Service shield 200 hours duty.

One Student qualified for Special Service certificate 200 hours duty.

Total number of hospital and public duties S,500.

M. Capon: Student commenced medical training.

J. Day: Cadet qualified as bacteriologist.

P. Toop: Student commenced training as occupational therapist.

Twenty Students and Cadets have commenced hospital training, and eight qualified as S.R.N.

COMPETITION RECORD

It is with great regret that we announce the untimely death of Cadet Ralph Harris, aged 14, of Bristol East Cadet Ambulance Division on July 21st. This young recruit had had little service as we reckon time but his officers spoke well of the enthusiastic interest he took in St. John. He was buried on July 26th with full St. John, honours.

Students: Winners, National Finals, 1947, also Individual Cup; winners, Regional Competition, 1947, 1950; winners, County Competition, 1947, 1950.

Cadets: Winners, National Finals, 1948; second, National Finals, 1949, also Individual and Bedmaking Cup; winners, Regional Competition, 1948, 1949; winners, County Competition, 1939, 1945, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954.

ALL THIS IN 34 YEARS...

... And from Wellington (Somerset), where the Nursing Cadet Division is only 4 years old, comes this imposing record:

Jill Webber: training at Heatherwood Orthopedic Hospital.

Rachael Chaplin: training at Musgrove Hospital, Taunton.

Valerie Troake: training at Lyme Regis Hospital, Devon.

Eileen Radford: in the W.R.N.S.

Jean Radford: training at Heatherwood.

Joyce Pike, Pam Randall, Diane Cross: attending full-time pre-nursing course at Taunton Technical School.

Pat Horsley, Diane Cross, Pam Randall, Brenda Wilkins: S.S.S.

Joyce Pike took her Grand Prior s examination in September. In addition, 11 girls do hospital duties and nine do maternity home duties.

Cadets attend blood donation centres in May and September.

What s the record of YOUR Division? Can you beat these? We shall publish more records in the next issue.

DID YOU GET THEM RIGHT?

(Answers to P.13 Quiz)

1. Three: Arterial, Capillary and Venous. 2. To guard against further injury or aggravation. 3. A reef knot. 4. Three: the large arm sling, the small arm sling and the St. John sling. 5. The knee-cap. 6. Two: the Radius and the Ulna. 7. The Femur. 8. should apply a dry dressing, cover with cotton wool and secure with a firm bandage. If a foreign body or fracture is present should bandage lightly. Medical Mixup: Antiseptic. Memory Test: Six: Child Welfare, Camping, Cookery and Dietetics, Cycling, Citizenship, Clerical Ability.

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