Cockermouth, Workington and Maryport see many mark Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance services and parades were held on Sunday, November 10 with young and old turning out to remember those from the area who have served in war.

Crowds gathered at the Cenotaph in Cockermouth. (Image: Supplied) In Cockermouth, a service was led by Father Tom Singleton at St Joseph’s church. A parade of around 200 was formed outside of the church, and was led by the Mechanics Band down Main Street and up Station Street to the war memorial.

As part of the service, the mayor, Richard Watson, read out the names of the fallen. He said: "I was honoured to be asked to read out the names of the many servicemen (and at least one woman) from Cockermouth who died fighting tyranny in the two world wars.

An aerial view of crowds at the Cenotaph in Workington. (Image: Tom Kay)

"I found it particularly affecting when reading the names of several members of the same family.

"It's hard to imagine how dreadful it must have been for their loved ones waiting at home."

And Cumbria had its place on the national stage, after Cockermouth resident Suzie Cliff was chosen to represent the ENSA Memorial Appeal in memory of her mother, for the annual Remembrance Sunday parade in London on Sunday.

Suzie’s mother - Cockermouth lass Doreen Scott (nee Thompson) - served as part of ENSA (Entertainment National Service Association) entertaining the troops in Burma during Second World War.

ENSA contingent: Alan Woolven, his son Steve, actress Carol Drinkwater, Suzie, Alan Crowe the driving force behind getting ENSA recognised, and Colin Bourdier. (Image: Supplied)

Speaking about attending the parade, Suzie said: "It was thrilling, humbling, amazing, emotional... I was amazed at the volume of spectators, there were 10,000 people marching but also there must have been 10,000 people watching. It's just incredible.

"She (Suzie's mum) would have been absolutely over the moon, because every year she watched it on the television religiously and every year she complained saying 'ENSA aren't there, why can't we be on this parade?'

"So she would have been absolutely thrilled to bits. She was there on my shoulder."

In Workington the annual parade is said to be 'getting bigger and better' every year as the town council thanked the Duke of Lancs Regiment and Royal British Legion for all the help they provide at the event.

Dignitaries wait to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph in Workington. (Image: Tom Kay) A spokesman for Workington Town Council, said: “We were delighted to see so many people turn out for the Workington Remembrance Parade on Sunday. This event gets bigger and bigger every year and it was great to see so many people of all ages come along to pay their respects.

"As always, we are incredibly grateful to the Duke of Lancs Regiment and Royal British Legion for all their help and assistance with the organising and all the volunteers, police and stewards who make sure the event is safe for all.”  

Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph in Vulcan Park by a number of civic dignitaries, as well as Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister.

Veterans proudly march in the Workington parade. (Image: Tom Kay) He said: "It was a great honour and privilege to represent Parliament and the Government for the first time as your MP at the Remembrance Sunday commemoration.

"Remembrance Sunday is a solemn occasion every year which gives us the chance to remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country.

"But we also have a duty to honour those still living. And as your MP I will ensure our veterans get the support they need and deserve, not just at Remembrance but year-round."

The Maryport Veterans poppy ship which has been lovingly restored in time for Remembrance Day. (Image: Supplied) In Maryport, the town's memorial boat, located on Senhouse Street opposite Greggs, was returned to its former glory by David Gilhespy and a group of local veterans just in time for Remembrance Sunday. 

The group have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks to make sure the boat was ready for the day, with David saying he was 'absolutely over the moon with the help and support' given by many in the local community - including the Maryport Scouts and all the ladies who made poppies to decorate the ship.

There was also the annual parade and service in the town, with a spokesman for Maryport Town Council saying: "It was a very good turn and the crowds watching were bigger than in previous years."