Much
of the traditional farm work gradually disappeared after the end of the Second
World War due to increasing mechanisation and agrochemical farming methods.
Corke's
Meadow in the 1950s
By the mid 1960s
all hops were picked by machines and herbicides had dispensed with the need for
hand weeding. Gradually the fruit farms that still needed extra labour at harvest
time were beginning to employ students from abroad rather than the Travellers
and other local people.
During this period Travellers continued to resort to their traditional
over wintering sites on the edges of major urban settlements where
some casual employment could be gained.
As the farm work dried up, so did the impetus to keep travelling and the winter
stop overs gradually became large permanent settlements.
The nomadic life was further hampered by successive legislation aimed at preventing
roadside stopping and caravan dwelling.
With decreasing work and the increasing harassment, many families gradually stopped
pulling down into Kent to follow the work and remained permanently on the winter
stopping places near towns. Many eventually made the move from caravans and trailers
on these sites into nearby houses.
Settling
down 
