Proponents > Thomas E. Sedgwick
Lads' ClubsLads' or boys' clubs were mainly aimed at getting working boys in British cities off the street at nights and on weekends, by offering recreational pursuits. However, some club managers assumed responsibility for all aspects of their members' welfare. |
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The former Beehive Coffee Tavern at 496 High Road, Streatham Common, which served as the Immanuel Church Hall (courtesy David Gray, Immanuel and St Andrew Parish Church) |
They were concerned that once boys were released from school at age 14, they were flocking to 'blind alley' occupations. These jobs, such as messenger boy or golf caddy, offered good wages for juniors, but no long-term prospects or training for a career.
Thomas Sedgwick's colonial farm apprenticeship scheme was posited as a solution that had the dual benefits of removing boys from the supposed degenerative urban environment of Britain's cities and increasing the rural population, and therefore agricultural output, of the Dominions. His committee consisted of fellow managers of lads' clubs and consequently, many boys who participated in the South Australian farm apprenticeship scheme were recruited from clubs in Croydon, Streatham and possibly Sussex.
Immanuel Church Institute
A reference letter on William George CHASTEAUNEUF's South Australian immigration department file shows that he was a member of the Immanuel Church Institute lads' club on Streatham Common, London (see picture above). The map showing the locations of the boys' homes indicates that the following boys were also members of this Club:
- Basil Herbert John ABBOTT
- Herbert BUTCHER
- Stanley Victor CLARKE
- Percival Horace EARL
- Arthur John EASTWAY
- Earnest Albert GREEN
- Edward HARDS
- Charles Thomas PORTER
- Isaac SQUIRES
- Albert SULLIVAN
- William SUSS
- Harry Walter TAYLOR
- Percy William VERRELL
- James WALSH
More information is being sought about this club.
Devas Institute
A reference letter on James QUINLAN's South Australian immigration department file reveals that he was a member of the Devas Institute on the New Road at Battersea. This lads' club is still in operation today but is now known as the Devas Youth Club and meets at a different location.