DAFFODILS planted by Ilkley Soroptimists are putting a bright display this spring.

Ilkley Soroptimist Loraine Powell is pictured explaining to Mrs Wendy McQuillan and son Phil how a small team of club members and friends planted 1,000 daffodils to commemorate 70 years of service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“We first planted King Alfred bulbs here to celebrate the late Queen’s Jubilee in 1977, “ said Loraine. “I suggested to club members it was time to give this grassy bank at the corner of Bridge Lane and Skipton Road a second springtime makeover.”

With the help of the bulb augers, recently donated to the new Library of Thingery and with electric drills, the replacement King Alfred bulbs were all planted in half a day. “I am delighted by the welcome this bright display is giving to this area of the town,” says Loraine, “it is a reminder too of our late sovereign’s remarkable reign.”

Continuing their environmental theme Ilkley Soroptimists have a special request to make to garden owners in Ben Rhydding postcode LS 29 8QZ to open their gardens for an afternoon charity event on July 1 in aid of Zarach, a Leeds based charity which provides beds for children living in poverty. Contact www.sigbi.org/Ilkley if you have a garden of any size and would be willing to let small groups of visitors come and see it.