A Service of Remembrance was held on Friday 15 August at St Margaret’s Parish Church, Ilkley, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (VJ Day).
Organised by Ilkley Town Council, the service was led by Fr Alexander Crawford, vicar of St Margaret’s. Lessons were read by Cllr Jane Gibson, Ilkley Town Mayor, and by Anne Hawksworth, former Bradford District and Ilkley Town Councillor.
Residents had been invited to write down their thoughts and feelings about VJ Day in the weeks prior to the service, and some of these reflections were included in the address given by Fr Alex.
The Ilkley Singers, conducted by Cllr Catherine Cheater, sang the motets Holy is the True Light by William Harris, and For the Fallen by Douglas Guest. The organ was played by Christopher Rathbone, Director of Music at St Margaret’s.
The Act of Remembrance was led by Rev Peter Willox, Vicar of St John’s Parish Church, Ben Rhydding, representing Churches Together in Ilkley. The hymns included O God our help in ages past, Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Eternal God, before whose face we stand and O praise ye the Lord! The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
The service is available to view on YouTube below.

Little Shop of Horrors set to wow audiences
MP launches 2025 Small Business Awards
ELO to Abba, choir and Brass Band come together for Ilkley concert
Airedale rebuild takes first step with multi-storey car park plans
Pub sees increase in business after introducing 'Tax-free Monday'
Ilkley Manor House Christmas Makers’ Fair returns in November
Ilkley's annual Remembrance parade and service this Sunday
New journey for Ilkley's Ticket Office bar
Addingham invites traders for festive Christmas market
Ilkley Rugby Club to host girls open afternoon
Smiles all round after singing workshop
Airedale Hospital launch annual Christmas card competition
Festive sparkle returns to Burley‑in‑Wharfedale
Annual Beer and Blues Festival supports Ilkley Live
Community spirit sparkles at Ilkley’s Christmas Tree Festival
2026 dates announced for the 7th Ilkley Food & Drink Festival
Organisers cancel Ilkley Pumpkin Trail
Limited tickets remain for Ashlands Bonfire and Fireworks night
Ilkley households to get weekly food waste collections
Three more Ilkley 'Real Markets' of 2025


