As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, dozens of Ilkley & District Good Neighbours supporters took a deep breath and jumped into the White Wells plunge pool in aid of the charity earlier this month.
The event, one of many to raise funding to help it continue operating key projects, saw people young and old to take part, including Ilkley’s MP Robbie Moore who said:
“It’s not quite how I would normally spend a Saturday morning but it is in a very good cause. It was also quite refreshing.
“I’ve always been a supporter of Ilkley Good Neighbours and I really hope that they manage to continue helping our community with their various projects.”
The event will help to raise much-needed funding that will help the charity continue operating its key projects such as Shop Assist, the social group Friendship Moving On, and the one-to-one project Befriending. The charity also recently introduced Dementia Hub and Café, which provides possible sufferers and their carers with support.
Vice Chair Pennie Coulthard said:
“It was a great morning and a great atmosphere, the sun was shining and, although a bit chilly, the participants were all willing to don their swimsuits and take the sponsored plunge to raise money.
“Passing walkers heading up to White Wells were surprised and impressed when they saw lines of people, young and old, waiting to go into the Baths. The dippers included two staff from Bettys, who have adopted Good Neighbours as their charity of the year and are helping us fundraise.
“Many of the charity’s staff also took part, which was great. I would also like to thank our team – Manager Lucy, our Co-ordinators Hannah, Helen and Charlotte – and others who helped organise this event, which involved considerable work.”
Chairman of the charity Ed Duguid said:
“This was a fun day which we all enjoyed, but the reality is that our charity is currently facing an uphill struggle to continue serving the community, as it has for the last half century.
“As a result of failing to receive funding from Bradford Council for two of our key long-standing projects, we have had to double down on finding ways to raise other funds. The response of the local community to our latest event has been fantastic and we are grateful for all the support.”
The White Wells plunge campaign has already raised several thousand pounds with donations still being made. To make a donation contact: https://justgiving.com/page/white-wells-dip

Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge


