We all had to walk up every hill (From The Westmorland Gazette)

We all had to walk up every hill

4:19pm Thursday 28th July 2011 in Nostalgia

Brenda Lloyd, nee Braithwaite, of Kendal, who grew up in Mealbank, recalls summer holidays in the 1950s.

AS I got older I spent a lot of my summer holidays at Stonehall Farm, at Whinfell, with my cousins.

My older cousin was already at work and quite grown up, but Sheila was much nearer my age.

We were allowed to wander the fields and lanes meeting up with friends from nearby farms although we did our bit to help if we could.

I remember plucking hens and helping at hay time and riding on Blossom, the lovely big carthorse as well as feeding calves and collecting eggs.

There was no electric, only oil lamps and candles, also no flush toilet. Life, of course, was hard for my uncle and aunt but as I was only there a few weeks at a time I thought it was wonderful.

In the early 1950s not many people had a car but Uncle George did. I don’t know what sort because I never have been ‘car minded’ but I remember travelling to Kendal in it.

When we reached a hill we all had to get out and walk while Uncle George took it up to the top and waited for us. Still it was better than walking all the way to Kendal.

Later he changed cars. This one would take us all up the hills, but only in reverse!

• Do you have any childhood memories of growing up in this area that you would like to share? It might be about school, recreational activities, local shops or country life. Write to Nostalgia, The Westmorland Gazette, 1 Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal, LA9 4NE or email andrew.thomas@kendal.newsquest.co.uk