NOT such a Merry Christmas: Historian Roger Bingham scans the local wartime festive season of 1914.

Contrary to the patriotic optimism expressed on the outbreak of hostilities with Germany in August 1914, the war was not 'over by Christmas'.

Consequently, at Endmoor and Milnthorpe it was noted that, during the festive season, 'with ten per cent of the population under arms, the district was very quiet' and 'around the vacant chairs are lingering regrets at the absent boys at the front'.

Already it was realised that some boys would never return. In a doleful letter to his aunt in Grasmere, Trooper Goodall stated that following the Battle of Ypres in October his battalion's roll had dropped from 1,100 to 362.

More cheerfully, at Burton-in-Kendal the carol singers visited the principal houses; at Kirkby Lonsdale a depleted town band played in the Square and some territorials on a Christmas furlough gave a zest to the spirit of good fellowship.

Here, also, charity money ranging from 5s to 30s was doled out to the deserving poor.

In Kendal 400 persons were entertained at the 34th annual Old Folks Treat in the town hall.

Special parties were arranged for Belgian wounded soldier and refugees at Calgarth Hall and for refugees at Holly Croft and Prospect House, Kendal.

But the main recipients of seasonal benefactions were soldiers' families. At Holme they were given two pounds of best quality tea, while at Milnthorpe dependants received a plum pudding varying in weight according to the number in the household.

Seasonal benevolence was, however, not total. When the cost of eggs doubled to 2s a dozen, a poor law guardian Alderman Monkhouse reduced their supply to Kendal Workhouse as he himself could not afford to pay two pence halfpenny for an egg.

More culpable was the matron of the Howard Orphans Home, Miss Caldicott, who soon after being warmly appreciated for her efforts in organising the children's Christmas party was sent to gaol for helping herself to the charity's funds.

Patriotic fundraising abounded. A total of £20 2s 6d (over £1,000 in modern values) was collected in Beetham and Milnthorpe to buy materials for a working party which was making soldiers comforts at Dallam Tower.

Meanwhile, cashing in on demands for Christmas presents for our Brave Defenders, Blacow Bros of Kendal advertised Khaki shirts 4/6, Khaki mufflers 5d to 1/11 and also knitted helmets.

but, for gallant friends actually on the firing line - metal chest protectors were available from local iron mongers priced 15 to 25 shillings.

Inevitably, war time pressure strained the postal services. Seven thousand parcels were sent to the troops from Kendal Post Office. Nevertheless two daily deliveries continued even on Christmas Day. But, fewer Christmas cards had been sent - a trend which a Windermere 'scrooge' hoped would persist after the war.