Gainsborough’s got Jubilee fever!

But for one Gainsborough woman the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend will be extra special.

Caroline Elizabeth Cammack was born on Coronation Day – 2nd June 1953. And she has a heartwarming tale to tell.

“I arrived early so my mum and dad weren’t prepared,” said Caroline, now 58.

“Dad had to wrap me in newspaper until the district nurse, Nurse Ogden, arrived. She told them off for not calling her sooner, but mum explained she didn’t get much warning and - to use her expression - ‘she just popped out’.”

While the rest of the country tuned their radio and television sets into the Coronation coverage, Caroline’s family had a rather more hectic day.

“Apparently it rained all day and I cried all day and my sister Jill, who was two years old, asked ‘why is pussycat crying in the cradle?’”

Caroline now lives on Limetree Avenue, Gainsborough, but back then her family lived in Blyton.

Her dad worked at Newsums and her mum was daughter of George Edward Hewitt - the miller at Heapham.

Caroline said: “By all accounts Blyton were highly delighted to have a Coronation baby, and I suppose I have always felt a bit special because of it.”

Over the years Caroline has collected quite a few Coronation souvenirs including a china coronation mug and a silver spoon and cup.

But there is one thing that will always mark her out as a Coronation baby - her name.

“Mum didn’t particularly want to call me Elizabeth because just about every girl born that year was called that,” she said.

“But given the day I was born the nurse insisted it ought to be in my name somewhere - so that is why Elizabeth is my second name.”

n PUPILS at Willoughton Primary School have made a start on their Diamond Jubilee celebrations by digging in and planting trees in honour of the special milestone.

The youngsters have planted a wild cherry tree in the school garden with a helping hand from Snitterby-based online business www.treesandhedging.co.uk

Director Zoe Henderson, whose son Oliver is at Willoughton, said she decided it would be a great idea to donate the tree.

Children aged four and 11 quickly got stuck into the planting session and now they are looking forward to watching their jubilee tree grow as they progress through the school.

Head teacher Denise Popplewell said: “Children and parents have worked together to create the garden area, and it is helping the children to learn how to care for their environment.”

“Our pupils are excited about the Diamond Jubilee and a number of other events are planned.”

“But being able to observe and care for the trees as they grow means that the children will have a permanent reminder.”

Treesandhedging.co.uk director Zoe Henderson said: “We are absolutely passionate about encouraging young people to learn more about their environment and the vital role that trees play within it.”

“We have provided attractive wild cherry trees which bear both flowers and fruit, and we hope that the pupils at Willoughton will enjoy these for many generations to come.”

n MORE details have been announced about the big Jubilee events happening in Gainsborough.

Richmond Park will host a fair on Sunday 3rd June from 12 noon - 4pm.

Kids will have hours of fun on the bouncy castles, having their faces painted and playing fairground games like ‘splat the rat’.

Families can also take part in a fancy dress parade with prizes for the best dressed adult, child and family.

There will also be croquet taster sessions, a huge Jubilee cake, vintage cars, and lots of craft and charity stalls.

“There will be a real carnival atmosphere in the park and everyone is welcome to join in,” said Brenda Mills, chairman of the Friends of Richmond Park.

“The event is free and refreshments will be on sale at 1950s prices.”

Up at Marshall’s Sports Ground on Middlefield Lane, Gainsborough Town Council is also organising a family fun day.

Everyone is invited to bring a picnic and join in the fun on the playing fields.

The main attraction will be two vintage buses. One is a 1966 London double decker, the other is a 1949 Leyland.

The buses will take people on a circular ‘sight-seeing’ route around Gainsborough and back up to the playing fields.

Inflatables for children and adults, along with various games will create a fantastic fairground atmosphere on the fields.

And there will be a free raffle with some great prizes.

Entry is £1 on the gate, with proceeds going to Gainsborough Adventure Playground Association (GAPA).