Residents in Addingham refused to let Sunday’s rain stand in the way of a right royal celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The village’s Big Jubilee Picnic was due to take place on Addingham Primary School’s fields during the afternoon.

But as torrential rain fell, The Friends of Addingham Primary School (FAPS) managed to get together with members of the village cricket club, civic society, playgroup and Scouts to plan an alternative event on Monday.

More than 200 people attended the hastily re-arranged celebration, where they enjoyed a beer tent, bacon sandwiches, bouncy castles, craft stalls and displays from Ilkley Karate Club, Bollywood dancers, the school samba band and breakdancers.

Richard Hunter Rowe, of the Friends, said: “I can’t believe how such a fabulous day was achieved after the awful weather meant the original event had to be cancelled. It shows what can be done when the local community works together. I would like to thank all the village organisations who made it possible to hold such a great event. FAPS, the school, civic society, Scouts, Guides, senior section, Mann Made Events, Sunshine Scoops, playgroup, cricket club and countless helpers from the village.”

Addingham Cricket Club’s six-a-side cricket tournament had to be cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch, but the planned barbecue and fireworks went ahead in the evening. Organisers of the community picnic were also left saddened by the theft of two generators the night after the event.

The generators had been used to power the bouncy castle equipment and were left concealed in the school grounds on Monday night, as they could not be stored indoors.

“We are devastated,” said Mr Hunter Rowe. “How can someone do that to us after all the hard work and effort that the village has put in to turn such a hopeless position into a great family day out? It's made us wonder why we bothered.”

Mr Hunter Rowe asked anyone with information about the theft of the two Honda generators to call him on 07876 478380.

The theft has also been reported to police. Anyone with information can also contact Wharfedale and Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01274 475301.

School's double delight

There was a double diamond celebration at Ashlands Primary School in Ilkley last week.

Ashlands School had good reason to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in style because 2012 not only marks the Queen’s 60th year on the throne it is also the 60th anniversary of Ashlands School.

The children organised their own tea party making their own sandwiches, jellies, iced buns and to start the fun an ice cream seller visited and everybody had a cornet.

The day had a 50s theme with staff and children coming to school in Make Do and Mend outfits with lots of red, white and blue.

Headteacher Eileen Fitz-patrick said: “The day has been a tremendous success.

“We all had lots of fun and in true 50s tradition we made our own.”

Each class was given a small budget and as well as preparing the food, made bunting and had a concert with ‘turns’ from the young children and some of the staff.

Tables set for party

The bunting was hung and the trestle tables were set out as children from the Froebelian School in Horsforth took their places for an afternoon of Jubilee Celebrations on Friday.

Youngsters wore their own hand-made crowns and tiaras to enjoy sandwiches, Jubilee buns and games - before parading around the playground waving flags they had made in school.

Pupils joined in the National Anthem before each child was given a commemorative Diamond Jubilee coin from the Parents’ Association.

Churches' special Biblical gift

The Churches in Menston have given each child at Menston Primary School a special Jubilee Edition of the New Testament.

The paperback edition is decorated with the Union Flag and includes photos of the Queen’s life with references to passages in the New Testament.

A Bible was given to The Queen at Her Majesty’s Coronation. It was described as the world’s most valuable gift.

Over 655,000 New Testaments have been given by churches across the country, and approximately one in every 100 should have a copy of this New Testament.

The Jubilee Big Lunch was a huge success and attended by over 70 people, a number of whom stayed on to watch the Thames Pageant in London on the big screen. Very many thanks to all the volunteers who worked very hard to make the day such a success.

Tree-mendous donation marks royal occasion

A lasting reminder of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is taking root at Ilkley Grammar School, with some help from the school’s headteacher.

Gillian James and a group of Year 10 students planted a weeping cherry tree at the Cowpasture Road school site to mark the Jubilee. Gar-dener Michael Pinfield, donated the tree and plants the students have used for the raised beds on the front lawn. The head is pictured with Year 10 students in planting the weeping cherry tree to mark the Jubilee.