Alex Cann

9:00am - Noon

Email the studio

James

Sit Down

Listen Live Podcasts

Wharfedale Scouts welcomes new Lead Volunteer

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 18:00

Toby Hammond has been appointed as the new County Lead Volunteer

A familiar face in local Scouting has been chosen to take on the top volunteer role for West Yorkshire Scouts, including Ilkley.

Toby Hammond, has been appointed as the new County Lead Volunteer, a role previously known as County Commissioner, for West Yorkshire Scouts and will officially step into the role on 1st May. He brings a deep passion for youth work and an impressive background in both local and national Scouting.

Toby has held a number of key roles in the movement, including County Youth Lead, member of the UK Scouts HQ Team, and Trustee. Outside of Scouting, he also works professionally within Education, supporting schools and early years settings.

His grandparents live in Ilkley, so Toby has spent much of his life in and around the Ilkley area, and taking on the new role, Toby says:

“I am excited to support volunteers and empower young people to take the lead in shaping their Scouting journey. I’m excited to see Wharfedale Scouts growth and go from strength to strength under their brilliant leadership team and it will be a privilege to support them! Wharfedale Scouts has so much to offer young people from Reva, the water sports centre, to Curly Hill Campsite and of course the youth hostel Hag Dyke, to the 10 amazing groups that meet week in and week out”.

Toby takes over from Ian Womersley, who has led West Yorkshire Scouts for the past five years. Under Ian’s leadership, the County has grown, with new Squirrel Dreys opening and exciting new partnerships forged with organisations like Bradford University and the Jo Cox Foundation.

West Yorkshire Scouts supports thousands of young people aged 4–25 and adult volunteers across communities including Ilkley, Keighley, Bingley, Bradford and beyond. With Toby now at the helm, the County looks set for another exciting chapter of growth and opportunity.

More from Local news

Earth Weekend at St. John's Ben Rhydding

For the last 55 years Earth Day has been celebrated annually on April 22nd. This year its theme was “Our Power Our Planet”.
Ilkley Town Council to host VE Day 80 celebrations

Ilkley Town Council has announce a programme of events on the evening of Thursday, 8th May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), joining in nationwide celebrations to commemorate this historic occasion.
Tag tournament raises £7k for Yorkshire families

A tag-rugby tournament hosted by Ilkley Rugby Club has raised over £7,000 for a charity which supports poorly and disadvantaged children.
Double-award success for Wharfedale woman

Judith Ullock, from Burley-In-Wharfedale is celebrating double-success for her personal contribution to the finance industry at the prestigious City of London Wealth Management Awards 2025.
Countdown to extra special Ilkley Carnival begins!

The clock is ticking as the countdown begins to Ilkley’s Past, Present and Future-themed carnival on Monday 5 May.
Wharfedale Scout District annual St George's Day Parade

The annual St George's Day Parade by Wharfedale Scout District took place on Sunday at Otley Rugby Club.
Bolton Abbey to launch Family Cycle Zone this May

Adjacent to the car park, Bolton Abbey will re-launch their Family Cycle Zone, offering a safe place for children to cycle.
Police carry out speed checks after reports of 'vehicles going 80mph'

Police have been carrying out speed checks on Bolton Road in Addingham following concerns raised by local residents.
Judith Cain’s exhibition of paintings comes to Ilkley Manor House

Ilkley Manor House will be hosting an exhibition of paintings by Yorkshire-born artist Judith Cain from Saturday 3 May 2025.
Steve Coogan, Jo Brand and Prue Leith all contribute to Bookmark Project

Many household names have doodled, drawn or painted bookmarks for the 1st Burley Brownies Bookmark Project which is in its ninth year.
Shaunna's taking on two Himalayas feats for Macmillan

Shaunna Burke from Addingham is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support by heading to the Himalayas to climb Lobuche Peak and run the Everest Marathon.
Bradford 2025 volunteer induction session in Ilkley

Bradford 2025 is hosting a Volunteer Induction Session at the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley, and would love for you to get involved!
Silsden parents to cycle Leeds-Liverpool Canal in honour of late son

Cheryl Szulhan and Darren Midgley will cycle the Leeds-Liverpool Canal this May for the late son, baby 'Jack Jack'.
In 25th year Ilkley Bandstand enjoys memorable Easter Sunday

Musical memories on Easter Sunday marked the countdown to the Ilkley Bandstand 2025 season of entertainment in the heart of Ilkley.
Clarke Foley launches a new Corporate Giving Scheme

The Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley is launching its brand-new Corporate Giving Scheme this month, designed to strengthen ties between local businesses and the community they serve.
Find out how a heat pump and solar panels can change your home

Climate Action Ilkley (CAI) will have a stall at the Real Markets Yorkshire on The Grove on Sunday 4 May, with information on the work carried out by the charity.
Designs for the future Ilkley Transport Hub revealed

3D visuals of a proposed new layout and future design for Ilkley’s rail and bus station have been presented to the Ilkley Rail & Bus Board.
Council consultation to extend PSPO covering Ilkley Moor

A public consultation has been launched on the extension of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering moorland across the Bradford district including Ilkley Moor.
Be part of Hollywood Meets Bollywood at Ilkley Lido this summer

Ever dreamed of gliding through the water like a mermaid? Or dancing to the infectious rhythms of Bollywood? Now’s your chance!
Moorland resilience programme for Ilkley moor nears completion

Friends of Ilkley Moor (FoIM) say the moorland resilience programme for Ilkley moor is nearing completion.