Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Scouting For Girls

Get What You Give

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

Get ‘In The Mood’ at King’s Hall Ilkley

The Northern Swing Orchestra, a renowned 16-piece big band, returns to the Kings Hall on Saturday 9 May, for a special tribute to the legendary bandleader Glenn Miller.
Exploring Ilkley Manor House: A morning talk and family fun this Saturday

This Saturday, 11 April, Ilkley Manor House is hosting two events, a talk and free family fun.
Countdown begins to 2026 Ilkley Cycle Races

Ilkley will once again come alive with speed, energy, and community spirit as the much-anticipated Ilkley Cycle Races return on Friday 3rd July.
Ilkley Board Gamers return for Easter

Following the success of the half-term events, Ilkley Board Games is back for Easter, with another afternoon of board games at All Saints for teenagers and children of all ages, plus their parents and carers.
Food waste collections in Ilkley from this autumn

Bradford Council is making changes to its waste management policies including weekly food waste collections starting this autumn.
Local artist announced retirement with ‘the big thank you’

Ilkley-based artist Lucia Smith is hosting her last ever event this weekend at Weaverbird Workshop in Ilkley.
Yorkshire’s premier sportive returns to Ilkley in May

First held 2012, the White Rose Classic Cycling Sportive organised by Ilkley Cycling Club returns on Sunday 31 May 2026.
Ilkley Bandstand announce 2026 programme

In its 25th year, The Ilkley Bandstand 2000 Trust, the charity that runs Ilkley Bandstand, has announced the programme of artists performing during its Jubilee year.
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket to perform in Silsden

"Come'ere There's More", Jimmy Cricket headlines Silsden Town Hall, supported by his daughter Katie Mulgrew, and resident comic, Howard Walker.
Cookery Theatre programme announced for Ilkley Food and Drink Festival

Organisers of the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the full Live Cookery Theatre line-up for their seventh annual celebration, set to take place on the 13 and 14 June at East Holmes Field.
Doctors strikes will 'particularly impact Airedale A&E' bosses say

Strike action by resident doctors will disrupt services at Airedale Hospital from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 7am on Monday 13 April 2026.
Prestigious gold award for One Tivoli Place

The AA recently recognised One Tivoli Place Guest House with two awards for cuisine (Dinner and Breakfast) plus a prestigious overall award of ‘Gold.’
Vacant Ilkley pub & hotel could be transformed into apartments

A former Ilkley town centre pub and hotel, vacant since 2021, could be converted into 10 self-contained residential apartments if plans are approved by Bradford Council.
Northern trains expected to 'run normally' this Easter, passengers told

Northern says the majority of its services will run as normal over the Easter bank holiday, while reminding customers to plan ahead and check before travelling.
Calendar Girls The Musical this April at Ilkley Playhouse

An exciting line-up in April at Ilkley Playhouse includes Calendar Girls The Musical, the thriller Bindweed and music from After Hours Quintet and The Hooliemen.
The Food Carriage is back at The Ticket Office

After 3 long awaited years, The Ticket Office Ilkley welcomes back its food carriage, with a brand-new menu launching this today, 1 April.
Ilkley Bandstand celebrates its jubilee year

It was the year 2000 when the Rotary Club of Ilkley and Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale announced an ambitious plan for a millennium project, the Ilkley Bandstand, to provide a music and performance space in the very heart of town.
Lord and Lady Mayoress to help launch new Memory Café

Greenholme House Care Home is launching its Memory Café this month with help from the Lord Mayor and The Lady Mayoress.
Green Party announces election candidates for Ilkley and Addingham

The Green Party has announced who its candidates will be in the new ‘Ilkley and Addingham’ ward for the forthcoming “all out” elections to Bradford District Council.
Plans for second McDonalds in Keighley get go-ahead

Keighley will get a second McDonalds branch after plans for a new drive thru in the town centre were approved.