Pensioners are regaining their confidence in using buses again post COVID and enjoying Grand Days Out across Cumbria, thanks to a pioneering scheme run by Stagecoach.
Passenger Annette Collister was one of 20 pensioners who came to Carlisle by bus from Cockermouth to enjoy a visit to the cathedral.
She explained how much the scheme had helped her: “People were scared of – I still am – big crowds. I don’t like big crowds. After the Covid lockdown, I didn’t want to go on the buses anymore.”
Fellow day-tripper Anne Kielland said the excursions offer something to look forward to: “Some days I can’t even get out of bed with my mobility and with my pain.
“I geared myself up to come out because it’s a lot of planning: painkillers and whatever. But we’re excited because someone’s taken an interest in our age group.”
And for Mary Carwell it was the first time she had been to Carlisle.
The trip proved to be a chance to relax under the stars with friends thanks to the specially-curated excursion from Cockermouth.
It was the ninth such Grand Day Out organised by Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, aimed at getting older people to make use of their free bus passes – especially following the Covid pandemic – and taking the opportunity to make friends and explore new places.
It is supported by Age UK and businesses across the county, combining bus travel with unique experiences.The most recent day trip saw the group catch the bus at Cockermouth to Carlisle, for a visit to the city’s cathedral.
Once they had arrived, there was the chance to look at the current art exhibition in the Fratry Hall, before enjoying a lunch in the café, provided free-of-charge by Stagecoach.
After a natter over their food, the group then got crafty in the Undercroft, enjoying a felted star workshop with Daisy.
The rest of the afternoon offered the opportunity to experience the Prism Arts bespoke installation Rest Under The Stars on deckchairs, as well as more time to explore Carlisle Cathedral and the art exhibition in smaller groups.
The cathedral boasts a spectacular history, from the stunning choir ceiling – with timbers dating from 1400 and the decorative scheme from 1853-56 – to the Brougham Triptych, which was made in Antwerp in about 1520.Alternatively, take your time to examine each of the 46 choir stalls and their unique misericords – rarely representing religious designs, but instead unique carvings featuring mythical beasts, birds and animals.
Ali Desovska, Community Worker for Age UK West Cumbria, said: “These initiatives with Stagecoach allow our pensioners to get out and about across Cumbria – which for many of them simply wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
“The Grand Days Out overcome the issue of us not having our own transport, so it’s been fantastic to work with Stagecoach on these days out.
“The feedback from those who take part is always excellent. As soon as we’ve enjoyed one Grand Day Out, they all want to know when the next one is and where we’re going next!”
The first day trip was held in 2021, and the popularity of the excursions has seen a steady increase in the number of people taking part – with one recent trip being so popular, Stagecoach had to put on a double decker bus to accommodate everyone.
Other destinations have included Workington, Keswick, Grasmere and Barrow.
Tom Waterhouse, Stagecoach’s interim managing director, said the initiative was launched after the pandemic, when many older residents were hesitant to use buses.
He explained that people had been continuing to apply for their free bus pass, but fewer people were using them.
The Grand Day Out scheme is helping change that, and instil confidence in the bus again.
The Rev’d Canon Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral, said: “We extended a warm welcome to our visitors from Age UK and hope they had a wonderful time exploring all that Carlisle Cathedral has to offer.
“The initiative with Stagecoach is a fantastic way to encourage socialising with friends, old or new, and discovering our beautiful county of Cumbria.
“The cathedral has plenty to offer to visitors, from daily services and engaging events and exhibitions to an award-winning café and beautiful grounds. We hope the group enjoyed the day’s activities: a truly Grand Day Out.”
