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50th anniversary of Ilkley Over 90's Party

Monday, 13 October 2025 13:40

The Over 90's Party [Photos: Charlie Swinbourne Photography/Ilkley and District Good Neighbours]

One of Ilkley’s most popular charity events – the Over 90’s Party – has treated many of the area’s oldest residents to an afternoon of music, nostalgia, and good food as it celebrates its 50th anniversary year.

Ilkley and District Good Neighbours has organised the unique annual local event for almost four decades, providing many who have passed their 90th birthday with an opportunity to get together with other local residents and share an enjoyable afternoon tea.

Held at the Clarke Foley Community Hub, the occasion was also attended by a number of dignitaries including Robbie Moore MP, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of west Yorkshire Suzanne Watson, Ilkley’s Town Mayor Jane Gibson, the Good Neighbour’s President Brian Mann and his wife Sylvia, and the Town Crier Isabel Ashman acting as MC. 

Helping the party swing along were Andrea Mann and Moornotes Community Choir who provided the music.  Refreshments and food came from Martinez Ilkley Wine, Cheese Shop and Wine Bar and guests had the chance to win an array of raffle prizes supplied by Tesco, Bettys, J. Reserve, Hotel Chocolat and Alpakit.  Making sure those attending were looked after included volunteers from the 1224 Air Cadets (Wharfedale) Squadron. Also supporting the event were  Walker Foster Solicitors.  And recording the happy occasion was Charlie Swinbourne of Charlie Swinbourne Photography, who works regularly with the charity. 

Commenting on the event Suzanne Watson said:

“It never ceases to be an energising, moving and enriching occasion.  While mingling with the guests I chatted to a lady who had campaigned for women’s football and rugby and later went on to support people in Ilkley with impaired vision.

“A huge thank you and sincere appreciation for creating such a welcoming, inclusive and highly valued event for our town and surrounding areas.”            

 Charity Chairman Ed Duguid said:

“Many of our older residents really look forward to the Over-90’s Party.  It’s a special annual occasion when they can meet up with others of a similar age, have a chat, and enjoy music and nice food.  One of Ilkley Good Neighbours’ aims is to bring people who may feel isolated or lonely together. We do this through our various key projects, including social groups such as Moving On Friendship , the Befriending service, and regular events such as our Dales Days Out trips  and the Xmas lunch.

“There is also now, importantly, our recently launched Living with Dementia, with a dedicated Dementia Hub, all made possible due to the kind donations from people and businesses who recognise the role our charity plays in the community.  On that note I would like to thank Ilkley Round Table for their welcome contributions to this year’s Over 90’s Party.  And not forgetting the help provided by Ilkley Community Transport’s dedicated volunteer drivers, who safely drove many of our guests to and from the party.

“Looking to the future, we will always continue to help residents who need it, but unfortunately the annual grant we received from Bradford Council has been cut substantially this year, so the support from other donors has become even more crucial for the charity.”

If you would like to find out more about Ilkley Good Neighbours or make a donation you can contact them at 01943 609906 or team@goodneighboursilkley.co.uk

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