A group of pensioners were treated to a day out in Barrow that included a behind the scenes tour of the town hall and a preview of a new exhibition at the Forum.
The trip was part of an initiative by Stagecoach Cumbria who had linked up with Barrow businesses to encourage pensioners to make the most out of their free bus passes and visit the town.
The group were greeted in Ulverston by mayor Bob Brown, who also joined them onboard the number 6 bus to Barrow.
On arrival, they were greeted by Barrow mayor Helen Wall, who gave the group a guided tour of the town hall.
The pensioners were also treated to a range of discounts at local cafés and businesses, including the town’s popular Forum café, where they enjoyed lunch at a discounted rate.
They were given a tour of the new Clyde Hopkins exhibition at the Forum, before finishing their day with another guided tour at the town’s popular Dock Museum.
Ulverston pensioner Eddie Knowles, 92, who joined the trip, said: “Barrow is a great town, and I’m really glad I turned up today. My daughter, who lives down south called me to tell me about the trip – she had read about it on the internet and thought it would be a good thing for me to do.
“Like many other people, the last few years have been tough being stuck at home on my own. This is the first time I’ve been out of Ulverston since the pandemic began.
“I particularly enjoyed the tour of the town hall – what a beautiful building. And my fish and chip lunch at the Forum Café was first class. It’s been a brilliant day. Thanks to Stagecoach for organising it.”
Pat Jones, 85, of Ulverston also joined the day-trippers. She said: “I decided to come this morning as the sun was shining so I wanted to take advantage of the good weather.
“It’s been great to get out and about again – a very nostalgic trip for me. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Barrow to others as a good place to visit for the day. It has so much to offer. It’s a beautiful town”
Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria, said: “We’re really pleased to hear such great feedback from everyone that joined the trip to Barrow. We’re delighted that they all enjoyed their day out in Barrow so much.
“Excursions like this show how bus travel has an important part to play in encouraging others to make the most of their free bus passes, and to get out and about and enjoy everything Cumbria has to offer.
