Image Bank
Hartlepool
Station Dance
Finding entertainment could be difficult during the war. Petrol was rationed so it was difficult to travel and the Blackout caused problems going out at night. You could not go to the seaside because the beaches were laid with mines in case of an enemy invasion. Instead, children walked or cycled into the countryside, or played in the streets with homemade games such as hoops and whips.
The cinema was very popular, though the films were often interrupted by an air raid. Adults used to enjoy dances at the local dance hall. In Hartlepool this was called the ‘Queen’s Rink’. They danced to live music from swing bands and listened to famous local singers such as Chick Henderson. This photograph shows an RAF dance. Many people met their future husbands and wives at these events.
Activity: Connections
Look at the picture and read, listen to, or print the story.
Now think about how any of the pictures might connect, save the Connections Write Sheet and use your imagination to explain how you think they could connect.