IN early March a group of ‘willing’ volunteers met to plan the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Delabole, many meetings later during Jubilee weekend they saw the fruits of their labours.

With a generous grant from the parish council and insurance cover, the village enjoyed a variety of events suitable for all ages and free of charge. The village was decorated with festive bunting courtesy of the carnival committee and much handmade by Nickiey Hatch.

Ro Chapman said: “We thank the judges who did a great job making difficult decisions with the competition entries.”

The results were as follows: Decorated Crown (under 8) – Frankie Wills; Cardboard Castle Model (7-12 years) – Tara O’Shea; Plan of the King George V Field Oli Brooker – (12 yrs); Jubilee Pudding fit for a Queen – Rosie Osborne (10yrs); Blooming Lovely winner was Claire Salzmann (over 21). Winners were presented with certificates, although it was such a shame that there can only be one winner.

On Thursday evening at 9.09pm ‘Diu Regnare’ and the National Anthem were played prior to the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon at the Delabole Slate Quarry. Many villagers gathered on the King George V Playing Field to listen to the music and watch the beacon.

During Thursday afternoon there were several celebratory street parties enjoyed throughout the village.

A community walk was well attended and much enjoyed on a fine sunny Friday morning prior to the ‘Over 60s Community Lunch’ at Delabole Methodist Church.

Two concerts were arranged. The first by the TRIGGS Wind Orchestra on May 25 and secondly, on Friday by Stubby’s Jazz Band and Friends who performed in St John’s Church, both served with Pimm’s and refreshments.

Unfortunately, the weather turned for the third day of the celebrations so the community planting in the wildflower garden was postponed. The bouncy castle and go karts could not be set up due to the high winds on Saturday, June 4.

Ro added: “Our thanks to St John’s Church for allowing us to use their premises for races, the Royal treasure hunt, the cake bake sale raising funds for the youth group and other activities. The younger children enjoyed an evening disco with entertainment.”

On the final day, again, the weather was unsettled. The Methodist Church hosted a Jubilee village church service and afternoon activities in St John’s Church included a tombola raising funds for the Christmas Lights, face and glitter painting and the village children collecting their commemorative mugs. The grand finale Royal Derby finished off our programme of events. With Hanger Management providing cream teas, cakes, ice creams, hot food and refreshments.

Angie Page, organiser of the Royal Delabole Derby and Royal Treasure Hunt, said a big thank you to everyone who supported the Royal Treasure Hunt over the last two days.

The Royal Delabole Derby was won by Tom Harrington a late entry in the final. First places went to Lucy Lewin, Andrew Cann and Senglana Hammond, second places went to Sam Harris, Nick Cann and Honor Burnard while third places went to Chris Woodward, Lizzie Cann and Ted Heather.

Ro concluded: “Thank you for great sportsmanship I would also like to thank Lucy Lewin for her help today and a big thank you to for all your help, making Rosettes, pennant and certificate for this event which made it extra special.”