The jubilee festivities in Aysgarth on Sunday, June 5 began with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Villagers watched from the opposite side of the A684 as Derrick Pickard unveiled the plaque which has been inset into a wall to join two other jubilee plaques (silver and golden) and that commemorating the coronation of George V and Mary in 1911.
All the jubilee plaques have been donated by John Pickard & Son of Aysgarth.
There is a plaque on a bench on the other side of the road which commemorates the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Platinum Jubilee celebration was organised by the Institute committee and provided the villagers with a great opportunity to once again gather on the village green for fun and games. There was certainly plenty of that thanks to those who led the children’s sports (Keith and Jean Percival and Jill Metcalfe).
The games included such old favourites as the sack race and the egg and spoon race – as well as the tug of war.
During the afternoon the oldest members of the community, Derrick and Irene Pickard and Jean Cockburn, presented the Platinum Jubilee mugs, purchased by Aysgarth Institute, to the village children.
The prize for the best decorated house was won by Becky, David, Arthur and Olly Clarkson, with that for the best hat going to little Lucy Bussey. Josie Dinsdale got the highest score for the Royal Quiz.
As usual the villagers provided a great display of food with visitors commenting on how good the baking was. The pride of place went to the Jubilee Cake created by Jan Vaughan which was cut by Jean Cockburn with Irene and Derrick Pickard.
Lesley Taylor from Newbiggin provided the accompaniment for the national anthem on her cornet – followed by the loyal toast with bubbly provided by the Institute.
Then came a smashing end for all ages with the egg throwing competition.
