This year Ilkley will host the county's Yorkshire Day celebrations. Many of those coming to the events will arrive by train, which is perfectly fitting because 1st August also marks the 160th anniversary of Ilkley Station opening and a new exhibition looking back.
It was on 1st August 1865 that the joint railway companies the Northern and the Midland started their services to Leeds and Bradford.
The history of the line from the 1860s to the present-day features in a new exhibition being held at Ilkley Manor House. The exhibition, organised by the Friends of Ilkley Rail Station (FOIRS) brings together a fascinating collection of images from across the different eras telling the story of the station and some of the people who have worked on the local railway.
Also, on display will be copies of the architect's plans for the viaduct, built in the 1880s to carry the Skipton line over the western portion of Ilkley, and a piece of decorative ironwork salvaged from the bridge that once spanned Brook Street.
Stephen Thornton, Chair of FOIRS commented:
“As a small team we are very proud of the material we have assembled for this exhibition. We believe the event will be of interest to all age groups and brings alive this vibrant asset of the town. I want to make a personal thank you to the team in particular to Mark Hunnebell a local historian who has dedicated 100’s of hours researching and preparing the material.
“The Friends of Ilkley Rail Station are also very grateful to everyone who has contributed to the exhibition. Particularly F.W. 'Bill' Smith, Mike Dixon, Sally Gunton, Jason Newman and Aimee Maxwell-Stewart (madebyaim.co.uk).”
The free exhibition will be open for viewing at Ilkley Manor House, 11am to 4pm Saturdays, Sundays, bank holiday Monday and Yorkshire Day between 1st and 25th August.
In addition, FOIRS will be holding an informal evening at the Manor House with an illustrated talk about the station's history on Thursday 21st August, 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are £10 and available at www.ilkleymanorhouse.org/event/talk-keeping-track
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