Newspapers, radio and the cinema were the main ways to find out what was happening in the war. People went to the cinema to see if they could see their relatives in the films that were sent from the front.

Propaganda posters told people what to do, what food to eat and what not to do and say in case there were secret agents about.

At Christmas, presents were hard to find. Many toys were second hand or home made. Children would make Christmas cards for parents and also made Christmas decorations. Christmas was the only time that anyone would see oranges and if you were lucky you got sweets, biscuits, a knitted garment, or a wooden handmade toy such as a cricket bat. Footballs were made of cloth rags sewn together.

The Americans sent parcels over for Christmas with hair slides, toothbrushes and essentials. These items were difficult to replace in Britain

School dances took place with boys and girls in a line opposite each other and then they had a meal.

If you were in the choir you could go on the train to Southport for a half day. Most children just went on picnics with the school or family. One lucky boy went to Blackpool and saw the war defences on the sands.

Theatre trips to Preston were popular. The cinema was popular with Flash Gordon and the Mickey Mouse Club. At the end of the film you had to stand up and sing God Save the King.

Board games and crafts were good entertainment and children really used their imagination. One lucky boy received a crystal set for Christmas.