Barrow sees return of parade for Remembrance Sunday

Kicking off at 10:30am from the town hall the parade-made up of members of the Royal British Legion, the Ex-Service Associations, Royal Navy, The Army Reserve, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Training Corps, Fire Service, Salvation Army, St John’s Ambulance, British Red Cross, WRVS, Scouts and Guides and similar organisations- was well supported by poppy wearing residents along its route.

Veterans reflected on the importance of the day to remember friends and fellow comrades who were killed or injured serving their country.

Gary Cosgrove served for 12 years in the Royal Corps of Transport.

“It’s to remember all the lads who we all knew when we were in and who didn’t make it back and lads who were injured,” he said.

Richard Hebden, who served in the Royal Corps of Transport for ten years, spoke of his pride in remembering.

“It’s important to remember both the people we knew and also those we didn’t because they’re all our comrades,” he said

“We’re proud to do this.”

Simon Evans, who served in the Royal Air Force for 12 years and is the county representative of the Royal British Legion Riders for Cumbria, said it was good to be reunited with fellow servicemen and women to mark the day after Covid prevented last year’s full service.

“We live in Barrow and we support all the parades,” he said.

“Because of the nature of what we do we still managed to do some form of remembrance for VE Day, Battle of Britain and Remembrance last year because we’re on bikes, we’re social distanced so we still rode round town.

“But it’s nice to be back with everyone else and the town.”

Mayor of Barrow, Councillor Helen Wall, said it was an honour to be a part of the day and that it was ‘amazing’ to see several generations come together to remember.

“It’s the biggest and most significant thing I think you do as mayor,” she said.

“It’s an enormous honour.”