How did people spend their free time after

How did people spend their free time after the 1950 s in London? BY TOMA MONTVILAITE, COREY FURNESS AND SELMA AJAZI

Holidays and Hobbies In the 1950 s, the country had recovered from the poverty and hardship experienced from the Great Depression and the war and people were enjoying the beginning of an economic boom. This also meant that during the 1950 s people were beginning to become more carefree and enjoy their new found freedom. People began to enjoy new hobbies such as going to local dance establishments, visiting movie theatres and skating rinks where children commonly celebrated their birthdays or just simply gathering around their television sets as a family while their children played nearby. As many people in the 1950 s lived in the suburbs of the post-war housing boom, they had to find their entertainment close to home and most of the fun of the 1950 s was family oriented. Many families attended to drive-in movie theatres and watch the favourite films of the era like “Rebel without a Cause” or “Giant”. Going to see a movie was a common form of entertainment for teenagers in the 1950 s, who would either visit theatre or go by car for a trip to the drive-in. Rock music captivated the younger set, although their elders disapproved. Elvis Presley became famed and highly recognised in the 1950 s. Children celebrated their birthdays with parties at skating rinks. Hula Hoops, Barbie dolls and electric train sets are representative toys of the 1950 s. All ages enjoyed dancing and dancing lessons.

FASHION Once World War II and rationing ended, a new variety of different types of fabrics and larger quantities became available allowing a new type of fashion to bloom during the fifties, especially in the United States. 1950 s fashion saw the introduction of many new as people were beginning to feel a little more freedom when it came to their fashion choices. People no longer felt like they had to fit into certain look for certain situations. 1950 s welcomed a more sleek and slender elegant style — both young and sophisticated at the same time. Women's dresses in particular exploded with excess fabric, showing off intricate gatherings multitude bright and bold patterns and colours. For men, fashion changed very little throughout the decade. Common choices were suits, sport coats, slacks, sweaters, or casual wear all in similar fabrics and styles but occasionally bolder patterns might emerge for casual wear.

FOOD Throughout the Second World War, food was rationed in Britain, and this did not end with the war. Although more foods were coming into the country, there were still shortages and rationing did not completely finish until 1954. Food shortages and rationing brought in newly created processed foods and foods that could save you time in the kitchen. In the 1950's many families sat down to a table of simple cooked meals of meat, vegetables, homemade desserts and fruits in season. Sources: www. historia. ro/sectiune/actualitate/articol/how-thebritish-spent-their-spare-time-during-the-ww 2 http: //www. bbc. co. uk/history/british/modern/overvie w_1945_present_01. shtml We also used personal opinions and memories of several teachers who volunteered to tell us about the common hobbies after WW 2.