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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
This temperance society formed under the aegis of Archdeacon Philpot, the Rector of Andreas, opened on the 2 May 1833. Operating as a moderation society (the members were required to abstain from spirituous liquors, but were obliged only to exercise moderation with regard to fermented liquors), the number of pledged members was originally high.
An extract from the first report of the Ramsey New Temperance Society, by its secretary, William Shirrefs, the printer from Scotland who was a central figure in the Manx publication of radical newspapers for Britain in the period of Manx free postage privileges, kept with the Andreas Club's records, describes how, as the society was in a state of apathy for some time, 'with only a nominal existence' it was re-established as a branch in connection with the Ramsey Society, a total abstinence society, on the 18th January, 1836. Known variously as the Ballakaneen Society, part of Ramsey Society and the Andreas Total Abstinence Society, it was addressed on that date by James Teare, a renowned Manx temperance reformer whose main work was done outside the Island, and who was one of the first missionaries in Britain to accept total abstinence as the only remedy for intemperance. He delivered a 'lucid, pungent and argumentative address which made a powerful impression on the excessively crowded assembly'.
The continuing success of the new Teetotal society is recorded in its minute books and pledges until 1875. A letter from Archdeacon Philpot on 10 October 1836 exposes the difficulties, leading often to schism in the churches of all denominations, experienced through the co-existence of the two temperance systems after this first teetotal pledge in 1832. He regrets that, though its prime mover, he will be unable to take the pledge of the newly revived society. 'Though not a subscribing member, I am in practice one, since I take nothing of an intoxicating nature, except a very small quantity of wine when my stomach needs it, after severe duties - I should have long since have signed, for examples sake; had not the pledge extended to the refusal of what is by some considered needful refreshment, to persons of the higher walk in life, who may call on me from a distance. It is difficult for me at present to withhold this, for reasons which few could enter into;- but if I thought that my not doing so proved a hindrance,I would at once run all risques. I cannot however think that my joining is of any use, I have always considered that my being at the head of the former temperance society was the reason for many holding back.'
M.N.H.L., Temperance Society records M.M.Mss, 1235A, 416C.
A.W.Moore, Manx Reformers, Manx Worthies, (1901);
J.C.Belchem, 'Radical entrepreneur: William Shirrefs and the Manx Free Press
of the 1840's', ProcsIOMNHAS, vol. x no.1.
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Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
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