Workington turns out to celebrate Armed Forces Day

The town has held a popular Armed Forces Day event for more than a decade, but it was forced to be put on hold last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year, organisers were determined to run in some fashion and both members of the armed forces, councillors and members of the public attended Vulcan Park on Saturday to show their respect.

A small crowd gathered to show their respect

Events were smaller this year due to coronavirus restrictions, with only 30 people being allowed at the service in the park.

The mayor and mayoress of Workington raised a flag outside of the town council's building as a mark of respect.

And the service was followed by the usual event held in the town's Royal British Legion club for people to catch up and share what the day meant for the town.

Lesley Jackson, who is one of the organisers for the event, said: “It was lovely to see people tun up at the park and be able to social distance speaking to them and remind them that we haven’t forgotten; you know we still will carry on with what we have set out to do.”

“It was nice to go back to the club and be in our friend bubbles and sit and have a drink and a catch up and just have a good time.

“Things were cut back this year but we didn’t want to forget about the armed forces.

The mayor and mayoress

"We still wanted to carry on and do what we know that the veterans and the people who are serving do appreciate us doing and want to be involved with.”

The event saw remembrance for people who had also been lost over the past year while the events had been postponed.

Tributes were paid to friends and colleagues such as Sue Riach, Harry Right and Bill Pierson among others who have passed away.

Lesley said: ”Our DJ Craig mentioned that through lockdown we have lost a lot of people, a lot of family and close friends.

“We’ve lost some close friends and colleagues throughout this pandemic and it was a real big miss them not being there.”