Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Just Jack

Starz In Their Eyes

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

Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido

Hundreds of dogs are expected to make a splash at Ilkley Lido when its popular Doggy Days return next month.
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme

A popular community cinema programme is returning to Ilkley following a summer break.
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year

Family-run care provider Spellman Care is celebrating after winning a major prize at the Keighley and Airedale Business Awards.
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Runners taking on this year's Great North Run have raised more than £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event

Sir Gareth Southgate was among a host of sporting stars who helped raise more than £23,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice at Ilkley Golf Club.
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display

Tickets have gone on sale for Ashlands Bonfire as the popular Ilkley event prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley

Drivers are being warned of possible delays as roadworks get underway on the A65 near Ilkley.
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub

The Crescent Inn and Bistrot Pierre have become the latest Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley.
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide

An Ilkley Indian takeaway is celebrating after receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award for 2026.
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours

A branch of McDonalds that opened two years ago has applied to change its opening hours.
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday

An Ilkley care home resident has celebrated a remarkable milestone after turning 106.
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley

Fresh handmade bread is being added to the shelves at Three Little Birds Bakery in Ilkley following growing demand from customers.
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street

The man behind two former Vietnamese restaurants is preparing to make a return to Ilkley town centre.
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event

A new independent travel agency in Ilkley is inviting locals to celebrate the opening of its latest branch next month.
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son

A mental health awareness campaign has been launched in memory of a man who died in Ilkley earlier this year.
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival

Yorkshire's literary talent will take centre stage when Ilkley Literature Festival returns next month, with a third of this year's authors having links to the county.
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital

A charity golf day has raised more than £4,300 to support patients, families and staff at Airedale.
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business

The Ilkley Cow is calling on customers for support after entering a nationwide competition to find the UK's Favourite Local Business.
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment

Verbeia Grange will open on Monday 5th October, providing residential care for people aged 65 and over.
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has taken on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a local children’s charity.