International Day of Families is an annual observance celebrated on May 15.
It is organised by the United Nations and aims to raise awareness about the economic, social, and demographic issues that affect families all around the world. It highlights how important families are in the fabric of international communities and the foundation of society.
In recent years, the day has commemorated all families, both traditional and non-traditional, to highlight the fact that there is no blueprint for what a family is meant to be. A family is simply a group of people who love and support each other and are connected by a strong bond.
Looking at these archive pictures of Cumbrian families, you can see that this is very much the case. Our first image shows a Carlisle wedding from the 1920s, where the couple are flanked by relatives of all ages.
Above is Fiona Sim from Cumbria Partnership NHS Trust who, in 2017, attended a baby shower and swap shop event at Millom Library, where parents brought items they no longer needed and had the option to swap them for other things donated.
In 2016, owner Phil Kelly (pictured in the red tie) enlisted the help of his family along with CFM deejay Andy Gregory (cutting the ribbon) and staff for the grand reopening of the Carpet Ways store in Carlisle.
The same year, the Maxwell family from Egremont raised money for Danica’s Dream Fund. Dad John, mum Allison, son Devon and daughter Rihanna are shown with a portrait of Danica.
When May Langston turned 100, who else would she have invited to a party at Holmehurst Residential Home but her friends and family?
There was also a party for three-year-old Elsie Kumar following her bone marrow transplant, at Wheyrigg Hall Hotel, again attended by her friends and family. She is pictured at the front with her parents Arun and Helen Kumar.
The Jennings Rivers Ride provided an excuse for Jane and Mark Brierley from Penrith and children Emily, five, and Charlotte, eight, to get on their bikes for a good cause.
Jason Milligan from Carlisle poses with his family, from left to right, mum Sandra Dalgleish, dad Andrew Milligan and grandparents Thomas and Flo Dalgleish at his National Citizen Service (NCS) graduation ceremony at Rheged.
Our final picture shows teachers performing as the Addams family at Workington Academy’s Gruesome Gothic Day.
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