From returning trippers to first-time outings, the latest Grand Day Out proved to be a roaring success for all.
In total 20 pensioners from Age UK West Cumbria took part in the latest outing on Friday (October 27), organised in conjunction with Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire.
The scheme aims to get 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 group jumped on board the 29 bus at various stops between Maryport and Whitehaven, as they looked forward to an enjoyable day exploring the harbour town’s heritage – with the promise of a tasty lunch to round it off.
A local historian provided by the museum took the visitors on a 90 minute tour of the Rum Story, helping share the story of the Jefferson family business, based within the bustling Whitehaven seaport.
Founded by Robert Jefferson in 1785 the Jeffersons traded in wines from Spain and Portugal and rum, sugar and molasses from the West Indies. Most of the sugar came from the family estate in Antigua, as well as their famous rum.
The Rum Story is housed in the Jefferson family’s original 1785 warehouse and offices and describes itself as Cumbria’s “most fascinating and immersive indoor attraction”.
They then headed to the Rum Story cafe for an enjoyable lunch courtesy of Stagecoach.
Among those enjoying the outing was first-time tripper 85-year-old Doug Baker, who’d caught the bus from his home town of Maryport.
“Today has been a really enjoyable day. It’s my first time on a Grand Day Out and it’s my first time visiting Whitehaven – other than the hospital,” he explained.
“It’s very good. I was quite surprised [at how easy the bus was] – the main bus service from Maryport to Workington to Whitehaven was a very good service.”
And Doug had only one message for fellow pensioners considering taking part in a Grand Day Out: “I’d tell anyone to just get out and enjoy yourself. It’s been an eye-opener.”
Also taking part was Rita McClure, from Seaton. Unlike Doug, she is a seasoned Grand Day Out tripper, having visited both Keswick and Maryport on previous occasions.
She said: “I’ve never been here before – 81-years-old and I’ve never been to the Rum Story, so there you go! It’s really good and informative and the guide was very good.
“If anyone is interested in this kind of thing and in our history and of Whitehaven, it’s a great day out.”
Unable to pin down one part that she enjoyed – insisting her favourite part was “all of it” – Rita did reflect on the history of the slave trade used to ship the rum.
“My least favourite part was seeing how they were on the ships, the slaves,” Rita admitted, “thinking that people were treated like that.
“But history is history and you can’t change what happened. You’ve just got to make sure that these kinds of things don’t happen in the future.”
Tom Waterstone, Interim Managing Director at Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire said:
“We’re delighted to hear such great feedback from everyone that joined the Grand Day Out to the Rum story in Whitehaven on Friday.
“The Grand Day Out initiative shows how bus travel has an important part to play in encouraging more people to make the most of their free bus passes, and to get out and about and enjoy everything the many amazing places Cumbria has to offer.
For more details about The Rum Story, visit their website.
If you are looking for inspiration for things to do this Autumn, why not consider a day out in the Lakes? Take a look at this guide.
