The Band of Hope

It all started in 1847 when a 72 year old Irish Presbyterian lady was invited to Leeds to speak at a series of children’s meetings. Ann Jane Carlile was convinced that children suffered because of the ready availability of ‘strong drink’.

Ann met a young Baptist minister called Jabez Tunnicliffe, who had been shaken to the core by his experience of a dying alcoholic. Just before he died, the man had clutched at Tunnicliffe and made him promise to warn children about the dangers of drink.

Ann and Jabez discovered their common interest and decided to start a regular children’s meeting. It isn’t clear who thought of the name first, but Ann is supposed to have said “What a happy band these children make, they are the hope for the future.” The UK Band of Hope was born In London in 1855.

Fifty years later, the Band of Hope numbered  3.5  million children and adults. Queen Victoria was its Jubilee patron and it was part of the fabric of Victorian society and the Church.

In 1995 the UK Band of Hope changed its name to Hope UK – inheriting a 150 year tradition of putting children and young people first and encouraging them to ‘live life to the full’.

If you used to attend a Band of Hope group, you are invited to become a ‘Friend of the Band of Hope.’ To become a Friend and receive a free newsletter (called Remember When…) please click here to send us your details.

Further information about Hope UK’s history can be found in a History document and A Walk Through History written by David Edgington, one of Hope UK’s Trustees.

Information about the Philosophy andChristian Basis of Hope UK is also available.

Former Band of Hope members may be interested in the work of Hope UK and consider making a gift.