NOSTALGIA: Life in Kendal during the Great War

Being set in quiet rural countryside, the town of Kendal did not suffer unduly at first from the effects of the Great War - aside from the tragic loss of its young manhood to provide cannon-fodder for the battles in France. Life continued on its way.

The Westmorland Gazette continued to report on local events such as harvest festivals, sales of work, weddings and obituaries.

Cricket and football matches were described and comments were made on the delights of motoring.

There was still crime, and wool-stealing was considered a serious offence.

Simpson’s advertised daily coach trips to places like Kentmere, Levens and Sizergh.

But not all felt that it was right to enjoy oneself while the soldiers abroad were suffering.

In a parish near Ambleside, a dance was held in aid of the local Belgian refugees. The vicar scolded his flock for their iniquity in holding a dance - even for such a charitable object - while so many of their brethren were shivering and perishing in the trenches.

Patriotism was at its height. John Taylforth said that our soldiers were giving their life blood and that children should be instructed in patriotism and self-denial.

Children at Troutbeck made an effigy of the Kaiser and marched it on a handcart round the village, raising £1.13s.4d for Belgian refugees.

Children of a Grange Sunday school forwent their annual treat and money was donated to the British Red Cross.

A penny collection for the sick and wounded was promoted by the St John Ambulance Corps.

Girls at a Burneside school went from house to house asking for 3d or a penny to provide comforts for soldiers and sailors - raising £4.16s.0d. This might seem to be a small amount but has to be seen in terms of the difference in money value over a century.

The people of the town tried to ‘do their bit’ to help the war effort and provide comfort for the troops. The Westmorland Gazette published reports of how they were doing just that.

A Kendal wool shop offered khaki wool and instructions for knitting helmets, scarves and bed socks “for our brave soldiers”.

A smoking concert was held for the new recruits in the parish hall, and a cake and apron sale was held in St Thomas’s Mission Hall.

Gawith Hoggarth sent some 90 parcels of tobacco to the forces and one to a prisoner of war in Germany.

A half-pound British Christmas pudding was sent to each soldier on active service and, on Christmas night, soldiers in Kendal were entertained with meat pies, mince pies, coffee, music and cigarettes.

A Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital was established in Stramongate to provide nursing assistance, dealing with the wartime sick and wounded. In just four days in 1915 there were 24,000 casualties!

Under the ‘Tubs for Tommies’ movement, Windermere and Bowness sent out 16 units each, consisting of five baths and washing materials for a hundred soldiers to have a hot bath each day.