Rombalds Radio Breakfast with Stuart Clarkson

6:00am - 10:00am

Email the studio

The Verve

Bittersweet Symphony

Listen Live Podcasts

Local charity helps reduce loneliness with Christmas lunches

Friday, 7 January 2022 08:53

In addition to its popular Christmas Parcels Project, Ilkley and District Good Neighbours also organised two special festive lunches for over fifty people during December in what proved to be one of the busiest months for charity.

“Unfortunately we had to cancel our Xmas events in 2020 due to the pandemic, so it was lovely to get together once more and celebrate the festivities” said charity trustee and organiser Anita Dunford.

“Our special lunch events, held over two weeks, enabled some of our older residents to meet up with others and to share a meal and conversation. Many of our guests lived alone and the purpose of the charity’s social events is to alleviate loneliness, improve individual quality of life, and to maintain and increase social interaction. Bringing people together in this setting helped to achieve that. And the venue both lunches – the restaurant at Audley Clevedon Retirement Village – was the perfect place to cater for our guests. The food and service was superb, and we would like to thank all those concerned in providing a wonderful festive occasion for an appreciative group of deserving people.”

The charity’s next festive event will be its annual trip in January with sixty local residents to the pantomime at the Kings Hall to see Goldilocks and the Three Bears, performed by Ilkley Upstagers.

“Funding for this year’s festive events was from a donation by Tesco Ilkley, for which we are extremely grateful” added Anita.

A number of social events are arranged throughout the year by the charity. Amongst its regular projects are social groups such as Moving On, which meets each week at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley, with guest speakers, information sessions and day trips to different locations.

Ilkley Good Neighbours always welcomes new volunteers to help with its schemes. For further information on these and volunteering opportunities visit: www.goodneighboursilkley.org.uk or telephone 01943 603348.

More from Latest local news

Lidl seeks new stores in Ilkley, Skipton and Keighley

Supermarket giant Lidl says it is looking to open new stores in Ilkley, Skipton and Keighley - as well as Otley and Guiseley.
Ilkley Civic Society raises concerns over proposals for Changing Places Toilet

Ilkley Civic Society (ICS) has raised its concerns over the design of a proposed Changing Places Toilet (CPT) facility for the town.
Countdown to “spectacular” Mardi-Gras themed Ilkley Carnival begins!

The clock is ticking as the countdown begins to what is being billed as Ilkley’s “most colourful – and biggest” carnival ever!
Craven Museum shortlisted for major national award

Skipton's Craven Museum has been announced as one of five finalists for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024 award.
Tributes paid to 14 year old killed at weekend in Keighley crash

The family of 14 year old Ellis Lockley say they're devastated by the loss of their 'beautiful boy' who was killed in a road crash near Keighley Tarn.
14 year old boy dies in Keighley road crash

Police say a 14 year old boy died in a road traffic collision on Tarn Lane in Keighley on Sunday afternoon.
New acoustic lineup announced for Ilkley Pride 2024

This year’s Ilkley Pride celebration on Saturday June 29th is set to feature a new lineup of acoustic artists across several genres as part of ‘Pride Unplugged’. These artists will perform in Ilkley’s Winter Garden during the evening.
Skipton events planned to mark D-Day 80th anniversary

Skipton will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a day of events on Thursday 6th June.
Your guide to the elections taking place this week

Voters across the Aire and Wharfe Valleys will go to the polls this week to elect local councillors and county-wide Mayors.
Ilkley Harriers' charity races in Honour of former coach

Ilkley Harriers is hosting two races over the next couple of months in honour of a much-loved former coach and member who died early in 2020 - and both will be raising money for charity.
Anita Lall appointed Principal at Craven College

Craven College has confirmed the appointment of Anita Lall as Principal and Chief Executive after 15 months in the role on a temporary basis.
Police step up patrols after vandalism in Glusburn

North Yorkshire Police say targeted patrols are taking place in Glusburn park after a spate of vandalism caused more than £1,000 worth of damage.
Wharfedale Scout District celebrates St George’s Day

The Wharfedale Scout District held a St George's Day Parade and event last weekend at Otley Rugby Club.
Ilkley dental practice new Principle Trust patron

Ilkley business Specialist Dental Care has declared its support to some of the region’s neediest families by becoming a patron of The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Classical music to stay at Ilkley & Keighley stations

Classical music is here to stay at Ilkley and Keighley railway stations after trials found it can be used to deter anti-social behaviour.
Northern trains named among least reliable operators

Northern trains has been included on a list of the least reliable services in the UK.
One year anniversary for “invaluable” forces Breakfast Club

A local Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club held in Ilkley which attracts members from Bradford district and beyond, is celebrating its first anniversary on Saturday 27th April.
Date set for Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting

Ilkley Town Council has announced The Annual Town Meeting will be held at the Clarke Foley Community Hub on Cunliffe Road on Wednesday 8th May 2024 from 7.00pm.
Medal haul for Ilkley Swimming Club

Last weekend, Ilkley Swimming Club took a twenty strong team to the Harrogate Spa Town Gala, with young people ranging from 8 to 23 taking part.
Be part of this historic moment in Ilkley’s story

After a highly successful exhibition and auction of 30 donated artworks by local artists which raised just under £11,000, Improving Ilkley is now reaching out to individuals and the local corporate community to donate to the Ilkley Fountain Project.