Kendal and surrounding towns celebrate 80th anniversary of D-day

June 5 is a significant date for the thousands of veterans who participated in the Normandy landings, which will soon pass from living memory as those from that generation turn 100 years old. 

The Rt Rev Rob-Saner Haigh, the acting bishop of Carlisle, said: "The courage and bravery shown by all those veterans who fought for our freedom is immeasurable. We owe each and every one of them our deepest thanks and recognise that so many paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that we might live free." 

Candles lit at the war memorial in Carnforth (Image: Carnforth Town Council)

Bagpiper Richard Cowie honoured the memory of Bill Millin by playing 'Highland Laddie' in Kendal, Milnthorpe, Ambleside, Penrith and Windermere between May 28 and June 6 at 8am. Mr Cowie played on the deck of the MV Swan the day before D-Day, which has been cruising since June 10, 1938 - the year Germany staged a military occupation of Czechoslovakia in the build up to the war.

Bagpiper Richard Cowie played on the MV Swan, which has been sailing on Windermere since just before the outbreak of the war (Image: Windermere Lake Cruises)

The bagpiper did this to honour the memory of fellow player Bill Millin, who walked along Sword Beach during the D-Day invasion in 1944 and boosted the morale of the troops. 

Bill Bewley, chairman of Windermere Lake Cruises and head of Cumbria Freemasons, which organised the event, said: "D-Day was a defining moment in our history and it is only right that we commemorate it and remember all those who took part.

"Windermere Lake Cruises is honoured to be involved in helping to stage this part of the wider, national commemorations."

On June 6, the Freemasons hosted an anniversary event at Kendal Rugby Club, which included a commemorative parade alongside military vehicles, the Burneside Brass band and a period singer.

Mayor Graham Scrogham with the beacon lit up at the top of the Hoad (Image: Michelle Scrogham)

A beacon in Kendal was lit along with other town and parish councils across the country at 9.15pm. All proceeds benefitted Armed Forces charities. 

In Windermere, a beacon was lit at Orrest Head Summit for the remembrance day. Those in attendance heard speeches from the Windermere and Bowness town mayor Christine Hallatsch and councillor Adrian Legge. 

Mayor Scrogham after laying a wreath at the war memorial in Ulverston (Image: Michelle Scrogham)

Ulverston paid its respects by lighting a beacon on Hoad Hill near the Sir John Barrow monument. The mayor of Ulverston Graham Scrogham laid a wreath during a ceremony at the war memorial at the top of Market Street. 

One of the children from Christ Church Primary School at Carnforth's D-day service was the great-granddaughter of a soldier who fought on Sword Beach. 

After the proclamation from the town crier at 9pm, Carnforth lit its beacon 15 minutes later. The beacon was lit to the sound of 'Highland Laddie.' 

The beacon in Carnforth lights up the war memorial (Image: Carnforth Town Council)

The Bobby Pin-ups led the crowd in singing 'We'll Meet Again' and 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.' 

Other events that happened in the area: 

A beacon being lit at Kirkby Lonsdale. Image: Robin Ree (Image: Robin Ree)

• Ambleside: There was a service of commemoration at St Mary's. 
• Kirkby Lonsdale: There was a short act of remembrance at 7am outside Lunesdale Hall and another at 11am by the War Memorial in the churchyard, followed by bell ringing in the afternoon. 
• Dalton: There was service at 5.30pm in the Market Square outside of the church with the town band, town crier and a peal of bells . 
• Sedbergh: There was a short act of remembrance and wreath laying by the war memorial in the grounds of St Andrew's Church, at 11am.