Joan Humphreys, aged 78, of Kendal, recalls leisure time in the 1950s.

IN THE 1950s leisure time was much shorter than it is today.

Most workers could look forward to only two weeks holiday a year and several of the bigger firms closed down altogether for the first week in August.

K Shoes at Netherfield, Goodacres carpet factory on Aynam Road and Croppers paper mill at Burneside were workplaces which did this – often followed by a similar shut-down in October for a second week’s break.

Saturday morning working was normal. August was a favourite time for getting married, as couples could be assured of a summer break for a honeymoon.

London or Edinburgh were much favoured for this, and not many people journeyed abroad.

Stag parties usually involved a few drinks with pals locally and hen parties were practically unknown.

In fact, well into the 1960s families venturing abroad could travel on one passport, which was in the husband’s name.

His wife and children could travel with him, but not without him.

At some times during the year Kendal would be noticeable quieter.

There was a great following for the Isle of Man TT races, at the end of May and people whose holidays were not determined by the closing of their workplace often spent a week on the island.

Travel was very often by coach to Heysham and then by ferry.

Coaches would take people to the races at Aintree when the Grand National was run in March and often several could be seen picking up passengers outside Woolworths in Highgate.

When more people had television sets, many people stayed indoors to watch the cup final, which was usually held on the first Saturday in May.