Sparkling Diamond Jubilee year to celebrate Queen's reign under way (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Sparkling Diamond Jubilee year to celebrate Queen's reign under way

6:30am Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News By Tanya O'Rourke

The district’s calendar of Diamond Jubilee events officially began yesterday with a civic service in Keighley.

Today marks 60 years since the death of the Queen’s father George VI and her accession to the throne, reported in the Telegraph & Argus of February 6, 1952 (right).

The Bradford district event, at Keighley Shared Church, which was open to everyone, took the form of a Choral Evensong.

Coronation anthem Zadok the Priest was included in the service along with a performance by the Come and Sing choir.

Among the dignitaries invited to the service were the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveeda Ikram, and her daughter; High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Anthony Grant and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the Keighley area Richard Jackson. Speaking before the event, the Lord Mayor said: “This is the first of a number of exciting events happening in the Bradford district to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“We are encouraging local communities, faith groups, businesses, organisations and residents to get together to mark this historic occasion with events, street parties and commemorative projects.”

Bradford Council is working with the West Yorkshire Lieutenancy Office – which represents the Queen in the region – to encourage communities to get involved by organising their own projects and events. More than 60 events are planned so far in the district, with more expected to take place over the extended Bank Holiday weekend in June. Also marking the jubilee this week, trees donated by the Woodland Trust will be planted at Oakwell Hall Country Park in Birstall, including one grown from seed collected from a Royal household estate. It is part of the trust’s Jubilee Woods project, which aims to plant six million trees.

Victoria Hodson, of the organisation said: “We are delighted the Oakwell Volunteers are using our free tree scheme to plant more trees in Oakwell Hall Country Park.

“Communities are transforming their neighbourhoods, growing their own fruits and food, creating shade and shelter, and providing new homes for wildlife.”

An exhibition including photographs and memories of the Queen’s reign is planned to take place later this year. Anyone who wants to make a contribution is asked to phone Bradford Council on (01274) 432276.

Anyone who is planning a Diamond Jubilee event and wants it to be included in Bradford Council’s online calendar, should phone the number above or e-mail diamond.jubilee@bradford.gov.uk.