TEDDY bears of all shapes and sizes were brought out to enjoy a picnic with their owners in Haworth's Central Park on Saturday. (August 19)

Organised through the Friends of the Park group, and Haworth Village Hall and Community Hub, the event took place from noon to 4pm and included a teddy bear treasure hunt, teddy tombola, Scouts' barbecue and stalls.

There were prizes to be had and plenty of refreshments.

The event was held as a family fun day for the village and was followed upyesterday with a well-attended concert at the park's bandstand.

Haworth resident Gill Hill, chairman of the Friends of Haworth Park, had first put forward the idea for the Teddy Bears' Picnic.

She said the occasion had been a success, though did not attract as many people as had been hoped due to some indifferent weather on Saturday.

"It was our first attempt at this, though we didn't get the numbers we wanted because of the weather," she said.

"But those people who did come really enjoyed themselves and we've had some very positive feedback.

"This was mainly about having fun in the park and getting as many children as possible involved.

"The teddy treasure tail was a huge success and we were able to give away three home made teddies as prizes they were made by a lady who lives in Riddlesden.

"Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, who is a staunch supporter of the park, was a great help. She and her two daughters ran the teddy tombola.

"Councillor Gary Swallow, chairman of the parish council, judged the best dressed teddy competition. We had one clear winner in this contest, but every child who took part got a prize."

Mrs Hill said the afternoon also featured a children's dance competition, a raffle for the adults, a bouncy castle and a name the teddy contest.

Ian Howard, from Oxenhope, led a family jam session at the bandstand where youngsters could try their hand at percussion and other instruments.

And Alan Watts brought out his selection of children's music CDs to offer some additional musical accompaniment.

Mrs Hill said the following afternoon included a popular concert at the bandstand staged by GMC Jazz Band.

She explained this was one of a series of concerts organised by Bradford Council and supported by the friends group, which is in charge of preparing the bandstand.

She said this coming Sunday, (August 27) from 2pm to 4pm, will feature more music at the same venue performed by Bradford Metropolitan Concert Band.

"It's been a good summer for events in the park, we've had all sorts going on," she said. "Hopefully we'll put the Teddy Bears' Picnic on again next year."

See more here:
Fun at teddy bears' picnic in Haworth Central Park - Keighley News