Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Eurythmics

Thorn In My Side

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

Ilkley Colts celebrate new kit sponsor

Ilkley Rugby Club's junior squad ‘Ilkley Colts’ has a new kit sponsor BusinessWaste.co.uk.
New Ilkley English tutoring service helps students thrive

An Ilkley-based qualified teacher and English specialist has launched a tutoring service to support students through the mental and emotional challenges of education.
Changes to parking charges in Ilkley Town Centre

Revised on-street parking charges will be introduced in Ilkley town centre from Monday 19 January 2026, following a public consultation.
Retrospective "amphitheatre" plans by Burley Oaks

A retrospective planning application to build a small “amphitheater” at a Burley-in-Wharfedale primary school has been submitted to Bradford Council.
When the weather turns, turn to Your Ilkley

With snow in the forecast this week, Your Ilkley Radio is reminding listeners that it’s the place to turn when the weather starts to cause disruption across Ilkley.
Entries to 2026 Ilkley Business Awards close on Friday

The Ilkley Business Awards committee is reminding businesses that the deadline for entries to the prestigious 2026 event is this Friday, 9th January.
Help to navigating NHS and healthcare apps

Ilkley Library is running a hands-on support session for Ilkley residents struggling with the NHS app and online services.
Bus service diversions due to road closure near Bolton Abbey

Bus services in mid-Wharfedale will be diverted until 6th February, due to the closure of the B6160 road at The Scale near Strid Wood Tearooms for bridge repair work by North Yorkshire Council.
Outside the Box joins Tinker Gallery for Printastic

The Outside the Box Print Group has teamed up with the Tinker Gallery to showcase the fantastic talents and brilliant work created by Group members.
Brand new local voucher platform set to launch next month

From spa days to family activities, a brand new website is making it easier to enjoy the best experiences right on your doorstep.
Corriedale: Your Ilkley visits premiere ahead of historic crossover episode

Brace yourself for an incredible hour of drama later today, as the nation’s best-loved characters crossover in an explosive soap special.
The play that coined the phrase – Gaslight - comes to Ilkley Playhouse

Ilkley Playhouse's first production of 2026 is Patrick Hamilton’s atmospheric play, Gaslight.
Vaccines to be made accessible to struggling Yorkshire families

Health visitors in Yorkshire will be taking part in a new pilot scheme that aims to make childhood vaccinations more accessible for families facing barriers to getting to a GP surgery.
Drivers can expect delays due to A65 works

The new year brings new roadworks, with motorists warned of delays on Coutances Way between Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale from Monday.
Ilkley community delivers 100 Christmas food parcels

Ilkley’s community spirit ensured that 100 low-income families received festive food parcels this Christmas, thanks to a wave of local donations, volunteer effort and rapid last‑minute support from individuals, businesses and community groups.
Community come together over festive period in support of hospital patients

Airedale Hospital and Community Charity went above and beyond to bring festive cheer to patients, visitors and staff members across Airedale NHS Foundation Trust in 2025.
Early-bird entries close on Sunday for Ilkley Half and 5K

Runners of all abilities are being encouraged to kick-start their New Year’s resolutions by signing up for the 2026 Ilkley Half Marathon or Ilkley 5K, with early-bird entries closing on Sunday 4 January.
Cold start to New Year with health alert issued

The Met Office have warned of unsettled and wintry conditions as we head into the New Year, with a snow and ice warning issued and more likely to come.
Seasalt Cornwall to open new shop in Ilkley

The clothing store Seasalt Cornwall has announce plans for a new shop on Brook Street in Ilkley.
Ilkley people recognised in King's New Year Honours

Local people are once again recognised in the King's New Year Honours announced today.