During the first two weeks of August 2009, Silloth celebrated the 150th anniversary of the opening of the town's docks.

This plaque, created by the local wood-carving group, has been erected on the green to mark the occasion.

There were many events in the town during the fortnight including a street market . . .

. . . with some fascinating bric-a-brac stalls.  An exhibition of pictures, memorabilia and models was staged at the Solway Coast Heritage Centre. . .

. . . which included a model of the docks as they were in the 1920s created by Brian Irwin of Carlisle.

Over the weekend of August 8th and 9th, the docks played host a number of fascinating vessels, old and new. Above the Brocklebank, a restored River Mersey tug, lies at anchor in front of the Jacinta, a Fleetwood trawler built in 1972.

By contrast, the Atlantica Hav, a modern grain carrier, lies in the birth besides Carr's flour mill where she has just unloaded her cargo. Most of the ships were open to the public . . .

. . . and children of all ages had a marvellous time aboard! They also enjoyed displays by the RAF rescue helicopter . . .

. . . and the inshore rescue boats from Silloth and Maryport.

On Saturday, the festivities concluded with a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial flight . . .

. . . and a Vulcan bomber.

Pictures © by Peter Ostle and Gordon Akitt.