The Cumberland & Westmorland County Standard Bearer’s competition was held last month (September 2021) at Newbiggin Village Hall, Penrith. There were two entrants to this year’s competition.

The winner was Gareth Edwards from Egremont & District Branch and runner up was Paul Murray from Brampton Branch. Gareth will now be charged as County Standard Bearer for the ensuing year and Paul, deputy SB, at the C&W County Conference/AGM

The level of skill was high this year and it was evident that a lot of hard work and practice had gone into the preparation by the entrants, both a credit to the RBL.

The competition was honoured by the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, and the Mayor of Penrith, Mr Charlie Shepherd. Prizes of a salver and a certificate were presented to both entrants and the silver cup was presented to Gareth by the Lord Lieutenant.

Deputy County Chairman, Mr Ian Fisher, presented the county standard to the winner.

Two judges were from the Northeast and Northwest with the conducting marshal from Ulverston, Lancashire County: Tony Eglin, the door marshal: Chris Eglin from Bransty branch & Parade Marshal, Rod Eglin from Bransty branch. The two adjudicators were Deputy County Chairman Ian Fisher and Cath Goodwin, Vice Chair of Workington Women’s Section.

The competition had spectators from around the county and much support and encouragement was given to the entrants.

The organisers were very grateful for the help from spectators and family members of the entrants for the assistance in helping the day to be very successful.

There was an excellent buffet lunch after the event.

Individual training/practice will now take place leading up to event to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Gareth Edwards with his father John Edwards (president of Egremont & district)

 Winner Gareth Edwards from Egremont & District Branch and runner up was Paul Murray from Brampton Branch 

 The Lord Lt meets the marshals and judges

L-R  Judges George Woodall and John Lines (RBL Judges) Door Marshal Chris eglin (Bransty Dep standard bearer), Tony Eglin (conducting marshal), Rod Eglin (County Parade Marshal)

Competition winner and County Parade Marshal Gareth Edwards shows the  winner’s silver trophy 

Door Marshal Chris Eglin with Kath Goodwin