A pioneering initiative to help older people to get out and about has run its first event in Lancashire, complete with afternoon tea.
The Grand Day Out initiative was launched as a one-off campaign by Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire in 2021 following the Covid-19 pandemic, in a bid to reassure its older passengers that bus travel is safe, comfortable, and convenient.
Their aim was also to try and encourage older people to make full use of their free bus pass, thereby increasing passenger numbers and showcasing attractions and venues across Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Since launching, Stagecoach has now run twelve Grand Days Out, but this was the first in Lancashire and was run in partnership with Age UK Lancashire.
Members of Age UK Lancashire’s daycare service usually meet at Ellel Village Hall in Galgate, about three miles south of Lancaster, but on Monday [August 20], 15 of them gathered to enjoy a rather special meeting.
They walked to the bus stop, close to the village hall, and jumped on the 11.45am bus for a short 25-minute journey to Morecambe. Once there, they took a brief stroll to the stunning Art Deco Midland Hotel.
Staff set up a large table to allow everyone to sit together and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea filled with laughter, while marvelling at the wonderful views out onto Morecambe’s spectacular promenade.
After an enjoyable afternoon making new friends, the group was able to cross the road and jump on a bus back to Lancaster Bus station where they had a five minute wait before boarding a bus back to Ellel Village Hall.
Pam Bryan, Service Manager at Age UK Lancashire, said: “It was a really lovely day, very well organised by Stagecoach who delivered a professional service.
“It’s brilliant that Stagecoach has put something like the Grand Day Out on for our members, as isolation is a big issue amongst the elderly. Today has shown everyone how easy it is to jump on a bus and do something they haven’t done before.”
Among the day trippers was Katherine Robinson, from Thornton-Cleveleys just outside Blackpool, who joined the trip with her mum, Bridie Stubbs.
She was delighted to have been asked along at her mum’s request, and to see her mum interact with other members of the group which she has heard so much about.
Katherine added: “It has been absolutely brilliant. The day has been really well organised and the food has been excellent.
“It’s been such an enjoyable day and lovely for me to see mum interact with other members of the daycare service that Age UK Lancashire run.”
Another tripper, Dorothy Shaw from Lancaster, said: “It was a lovely day. Thank you to Stagecoach for putting it on. We had a lot of fun getting the bus and the food was excellent.
What a lovely treat.”
Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “I’m delighted to hear that everyone enjoyed their day out at The Midland Hotel in Morecambe. It’s heartwarming to hear such positive feedback.
“For many older people, the bus isn’t just a means of transport. It improves their quality of life by allowing them to meet people, make friends and do things and get to places they wouldn’t otherwise see.”
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