Barrow Town Council has funded a sailing adventure for 12 members of the armed forces.

Five days aboard The Spirit of Falmouth will see the ship travel down the coast from Fort William to Barrow via the Commando Memorial.

At just over, 28 meters long, The Spirit of Falmouth is a stunning, operational replica built in 1984.

Originally christened The Spirit of Merseyside, the vessel was renamed in 2014 and donated to a charity devoted to supporting Armed Forces personnel called Turn to Starboard.

Today, the charity uses it to offer sailing experience to those affected by military operations and run weeklong voyages for them.

The council has arranged for transport that will take the veterans to Fort William where the vessel will depart.

They will leave Barrow from Ramsden Square at 6am on Sunday August 4 and arrive back at Morrisons Quay at 6pm on Friday August 9.

They will sail back to Barrow, accompanied by three other tall ships, in time to join the Festival of the Sea which is being held at Town Quay on August 10 and 11.

They will make several stops along the way, including a visit to the Commando Memorial, a Category A listed monument in Lochaber, Scotland.

The sculpture of three bronze Commandos in characteristic dress, looking towards Ben Nevis, is dedicated to the original British Forces raised during World War II. It was unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother and remains a busy attraction.

The voyage was suggested by Cllr Niyall Phillips at a full council meeting.
Cllr Phillips said the group will have an opportunity to pay tribute to members of the armed forces past and present.

Current or former Service Personnel living in a LA14 or LA13 postcode can apply.

Cllr Phillips, who is a councillor for Hawcoat Ward, said: “This trip is a little way of saying 'thank you' from Barrow to those serving and ex-service personnel, recognising their contribution to keeping us safe and to our community.

“Those attending will be a mixture of ages, and the takeaways from the voyage will all be different - but the bond which veterans have already through their service will help them come together as a team and sail the Spirit of Falmouth back to Barrow.”

He hopes to have a reception to welcome Barrow’s service personnel back home and hear all about the trip firsthand.

There are places still available, and those interested should contact Cllr.nphillips@barrowtowncouncil.gov.uk.