Cadets of Temperance
The Cadets were first introduced in Liverpool as early as 1850. It was Joseph Thomas who first recognized the value of children to the Sons of Temperance. In his report as Most Worthy Patriarch in 1860 he said: "A very important auxiliary to our Order are the Cadets of Temperance, nevertheless, there is very little attention given to it. The Order is destined to accomplish great good, if the Sons of Temperance prove true to the trust reposed in them. Every Subordinate Division should try to institute a section of Cadets, and take them under their control, encourage them by their presence, and in course of time the boys will help to build up your Divisions."
In 1889 it was resolved that the National Division Executive appoint an officer, known as the Most Worthy Patron, to be responsible for the oversight of working Cadet Sections in conjunction with the Band of Hope. From then on the Cadet movement never looked back. The objective over the years has been the welfare of the Cadets in good citizenship and temperance education through the meeting Sections, competitions, and activities.
Hove Cadet Section
The Hove Section held their annual display and prize distribution at the Hove Town Hall, presided over by the Mayor of Hove (Councillor E. J. Thompson). Among the 650 present were the Mayoress (Mrs Thompson), Mrs Stringer (President of Band of Hope Union), Bro Champness, Bro Downer (G.D.E. Councillor) and Bro A. E. Carpenter (D.W. Patron).
The Cadets contributed songs and recitations to the programme.
Sister A. M. Filkins (W. Patron) presented a report that showed progress forty-six Cadets having been initiated during the past year, making a total of 392 children. At the London Eisteddfod last May, Marion Beasley won a silver medal for singing. Medals were also gained by Jean Heasman, Marion Beasley, Winnie Warner and Ivy Page for recruiting. Cadet Jean Heasman was 5th in her class in the Industrial Competition.
The W. Patron thanked all who had assisted to make the year so successful.
A bouquet was presented to Sister Filkins and the Mayor spoke highly of the report and expressed his admiration for the work.
In proposing a vote of thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress, Bro Tatford mentioned their enthusiasm for temperance work of which, in the past, they had taken their share.
Bouquets were presented to the Mayoress and to the Temperance Queen who was present with her Court and gifts from the Division were bestowed upon several officers.
An Organ Recital was given by Bro Edward Waymark.
In the absence of Sister Sebright through illness, Bro Champness presented the sixty prizes to the children.
(Cadet of Temperance, Apr 1931)
