Bradbury's Band of Hope

Graham Forsdyke

it was during the mid and late Victorian periods that the anti-booze Temperance movement in Britain was at its height.

Temperance Hotels, theatres, and even billiard halls were opened, all dedicated to the downfall of the demon drink.

Nor were workplaces immune. Most large organisations had thriving Band of hope Guilds with regular evening meetings at which the saved gave their witness to having put the curse behind them.

Manufacturers were keen to promote such ideals. Drunkenness was a real problem. Not only were wages spent in the gin palaces and porter parlours, but obviously that morning after feeling didn't improve productivity.

With the sewing machine trade the Bradbury concern was known as the Temperance Company, having a far greater percentage of workers who had sworn "not to touch, taste, or handle the accursed cup" than any other of the major manufacturers.