A group of pensioners enjoying a quiz as part of a ‘grand day out’ in Maryport, courtesy of Stagecoach, found themselves sitting next to a descendant of one of the quiz questions.
The Cumbrian themed quiz included the question : If you were in the northern Cumbrian village of Caldbeck and somebody asked you “D’ye ken…” followed by a name, what name would it be?
Those in the know recognised this as the famous Cumbrian hunting song “D’ye ken John Peel”, and curiously a gentleman who was sat next to the group made himself known. It materialised that his name was John Peel and he was John Peel’s great, great, great grandson.
The group, along with 3 members of staff from Age UK West Cumbria had earlier boarded the number 300 double decker Stagecoach bus at Workington bus station and made their way to the historic harbour town of Maryport.
“This is the second time that Stagecoach have run their grand day out in partnership with AgeUK West Cumbria”, explains Lynn Martin from Age UK. “Late last year a group of our pensioners had a brilliant day out in Keswick and had been asking for another trip ever since! It’s great that Stagecoach organise these day trips as they encourage more pensioners to get out and about and make the most of their free bus passes.”
The grand day out initiative was developed by Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire to encourage pensioners to use their free bus passes and enjoy everything Cumbria has to offer.
Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire said, “I’m delighted to hear that the group enjoyed their day out in Maryport. It is wonderful to see people enjoying our beautiful county, especially after the loneliness and isolation many elderly people suffered during lockdown”.
The first port of call was the popular Maryport Aquarium where the group enjoyed reduced entry to see the wide variety of fish and sea creatures. A particular favourite were the stingrays who seemed to perform to their attentive audience.
Rita McClure, 80, of Seaton has helped other members of the group apply for their free bus passes, and was part of the trip. “The Aquarium was great. I’ve visited the cafe regularly over the past 15 years but never been into the actual Aquarium until today, so it was really nice to visit it and see all the various fish on display. Thank you to the Aquarium and all the staff for making us feel so welcome!”
The energetic morning continued with the group taking in the sights of Maryport followed by a delicious lunch at The Golden Lion and a fun Cumbrian-themed quiz, with prizes including a selection of sweets and traybakes and a £10 restaurant voucher kindly donated by Herciti boutique café.
Maryport was chosen as the destination for the grand day out as it’s a much loved and thriving port with plenty to see and do for everyone. As well as Maryport Aquarium, the town boasts the Senhouse Museum, sited on the cliff top overlooking the Solway Firth. The popular “museum with a view” is a former winner of the Cumbria Tourism Awards and boasts many fascinating Roman artefacts including altar stones.
On the harbour side is the Maritime Museum which depicts the history of Maryport and for the energetic there is The Wave Centre which includes the popular Clip and Climb.
The past three years have been extremely tough on Cumbria’s elderly explained Lynn Martin, Age UK. “Lockdowns and fear of contracting Covid have made for difficult and very isolating times for many pensioners and so days like this are very important. They also combat loneliness older people may experience as they bring people together”.
Grand Day Out passenger Rita McClure, “I’d definitely recommend the Grand Days Out to other pensioners, thank you Stagecoach for another great day out.”
To make the most of your free pensioners bus pass and enjoy a number of great local days out, visit the Stagecoach website for inspiration.
More information about the Age UK West Cumbria lunch club can be found on their website.
