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.
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Lynn Martin from Age UK said: “This is the second time that Stagecoach have run their grand day out in partnership with AgeUK West Cumbria.
Smiles all round at the aquarium (Image: Sheenah Alcock)
“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,” she said.
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.
Searching for fauna (Image: Sheena Alcock)
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,” he said.
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.
Rita McClure, 80, of Seaton said: “The Aquarium was great. I’ve visited the cafe regularly over the past 15 years but have 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,” she said.
