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have proved a great stimulus to the pupils of this school,
and press publicity, although more limited, has also
helped. The chairman has received many letters from other
schools, requesting details of organisation and reports on
results achieved. He also visits schools in the neighbourhood
and advises them on how to start clubs on their own.
Pupils from a school in Wales, in which a club on similar
lines has been started, visited the Camberwell school and
exchanged ideas. The discussion was recorded and broadcast.
Members of the anti-smoking society (all of whom
promise they will not smoke until they are 21) are given
a lapel badge. Many designs were considered but there was
a general agreement that the choice should rest on a
simple design without lettering. This consists of a
kidney-shaped object, in red, with a black dot at one end
(a cancer cell). This token design has had the desired
effect - that of inviting the question 'what badge are
You wearing?'
It is not possible to assess the results of an
experiment of this nature except over a period of years.
Surveys made in the school, however, show a marked decrease
in the number of pupils who smoke, and a large membership
of the anti-smoking society - more than one third of the
2,000 children. Of special significance is the effect on
the new entrants to the school, almost all of whom have
Joined the society.
Following a meeting at the Schoolboys' and Schoolgirls'
Exhibition at Olympia, at which Lord Newton, the then
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, was
Present, a Junior League of Non-Smokers was inaugurated.
(Lord Newton became the first honorary member and was
Presented with a badge). There was considerable enthusiasm
among the children and very many requests for details as
to how a branch should be established. The Medical Officer
of Health was elected the first President of the League.