ABSTRACT
Frank Adkins (1846–1928) showed early interest and ability in Band of Hope work which led to his appointment as one of the first permanent, full-time agents of the national Union in 1876. He saw this role as his vocation for almost fifty years. Given special responsibility for rural areas, Adkins travelled throughout the British Isles, speaking, giving magic lantern shows, and training workers at hundreds of engagements each year. No writing commitment was included in his manifold duties, but from early sample lessons printed in workers’ magazines, Adkins went on to write poems, song lyrics, short stories, recitations, and several series of entertaining addresses and articles for children on topics from Greek myths to inn signs. For fifty years, he also assisted in the production of the periodicals and other publications of the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union, almost certainly producing much copy anonymously. Adkins provides a prime example of the way in which the temperance press and associated networks offered the able working-class writer opportunities for literary experimentation and development.
