Ilkley and District Volunteer Awards 2018

32 volunteers of all ages, representing local voluntary groups were thanked for their community work at the Ilkley and District awards ceremony in The Winter Garden on 22 October, organised by Community Action Ilkley Office and sponsored by Ilkley Town Council and Ilkley Round Table.

The number of nominations illustrated how Ilkley is a model example of volunteering, addressing gaps and providing a phenomenal range of volunteering opportunities.

Cllr Stephen Butler Mayor of Ilkley said he was honoured to represent the grateful residents of Ilkley in presenting the Ilkley & District Volunteer Awards. ‘I am proud, but not surprised, that our town and our neighbours have so many hard working and dedicated people in our midst.

Mulling over why men and women take on roles as volunteers? They do it because they see a need. They want to help others, they want to share their skills, they enjoy the work and it gives them satisfaction to know that they have made a difference.

Today we are here to recognise their success in their chosen roles. To say thank you for what they have done , something which we do not do frequently enough. A genuine "Thank you" need not be embarrassing or difficult for the recipient. It can be touching and inspiring and make everything seem worthwhile’.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Zafir Ali emphasised the many voluntary and community groups across the Bradford District. ‘There are hundreds of volunteers in the area and I hope these Ilkley and district awards will emphasise that their work is very much appreciated’.

Dr Soo Nevison, Community Action Bradford and District Chief Executive commented on the range of activities represented, sport, catering, job training, leisure and social activities, driving and campaigning. Services to support our very youngest through to our older residents regardless of ability, services that are open to all. ‘It is events like this that remind all of us of the breadth and range of things that people do for others in a voluntary capacity’.

There were 3 catagories of awards:

Community Involvement 25 and over

Angela Pearson (Addingham Methodist Friendly Hour) has been organising `Friendly Hour’ at the Chapel premises in Addingham since 2001 for elderly residents, some of whom are practically housebound. She arranges transport, books speakers and organises refreshments for the fortnightly meetings.

Rhona Woodrup is an active member of the Ilkley Senior Citizens Group (Clarke Foley Centre), becoming chairman this year as well as helping to run and organise several groups and at present works once a week in the café.

Alex Cockshott (Churches Together King’s Club and Manor House) Alex is a well-known local author and historian whose knowledge is widely respected. She works tirelessly for the church, the Manor House and community. In co-operation with Churches Together she organised a successful summer school (The Kings Club) – an annual event for youngsters.

David Shepherdson has been volunteering with Community Action Ilkley Office for nearly 4 years assist voluntary groups in a wide variety of ways – not least in the design and preparation of leaflets, posters and booklets as well as IT support in the office

Joyce Lowe (Dan’s Den) has been part of Christchurch’s voluntary activities initiatives for numerous years, but has more recently volunteered at Dan’s Den, at the age of 92. Truly proving volunteering is for everyone. Joyce’s life experience, openness and positivity are a genuine benefit to the whole community. Also nominated from Dan’s Den was Trustee Sarah Jowett who played a huge part over the past 3 years in the contribution Dan’s Den has made to the local community .

(Ilkley & District U3A) Committee Members Angie Grain as Groups Coordinator and Gunilla Vriesendorp as Membership Secretary oversaw an exponential growth in the number of groups and members. Without their contribution, the U3A would not have flourished and enriched the lives of so many people in the Ilkley & District area.

Ann Cripps and Clare Smith are extremely committed volunteers for Outside the Box. Not only does Ann help in the café, she is a volunteer job coach, supporting members. Claire started helping the members of our photography group and has recently becoming a mentor for the works project.

Margaret Cook and Judy Dixon volunteered in Christchurch Café since it was established 32 years ago on the committee that ran the café, making decisions about the day to day running, putting forward ideas for improvement and helping to make it the success that it is.

Sheena Bradley (Contact the Elderly) as co-ordinator in Ilkley for 15 years sets up social gatherings one afternoon a month, for people living on their own, or, latterly in care, to meet for company and tea at a home with a host, or host family. Whilst this is a national initiative and Sheena ensures every event is refined to suit local needs and in Ilkley.

Ilkley and District Good Neighbours nominated 3 volunteers Clare Brooke (Befriending), Anita Dunford (Trustee and Moving On) and Alan Wood (ShopAssist)

Blake Hemingway (Real Food Ilkley CIC) has been a loyal and committed volunteer for Real Food Ilkley CIC since the first Fine Food & Local Produce Market was held in March 2016. Blake also volunteers for other local organisations e.g. Ilkley Community Transport and Clarke Foley Centre and Girder Fork and Classic Motorcycle Club.

Tricia Loy (Clarke Foley Centre) took on the Voluntary role of Clarke Foley Treasurer going above and beyond what we asked of her.

Muriel North and Susan Hope were both nominated for their long service and dedication to the provision of car transport for older people by Ilkley Community Transport scheme. Also nominated was volunteer Margaret Meara for her role over 20 years as a transport escort for The Luncheon Club and Addingham Shoppers Bus

Ed Carne (Amnesty International Wharfedale Group) nominated for around 30 years work promoting the ideals of Amnesty International in our community.

John Barker (Ilkley insight) John has served as a volunteer community driver for many years enabling vulnerable people to experience and be part of the wider society.

Karen Goodman (LS29 Special Needs Support Group) was nominated in two categories ‘community involvement over 25 years’ and in the ‘encouraging sporting activity’.

Karen was instrumental in the setting up of the LS29 support group over 10 years ago as well as Outside the Box Café. She puts huge effort and enthusiasm into securing funds so that families with children with additional needs can enjoy a host of activities and short breaks. She enables families to spend time with other similar families and feel included when so

Encouraging sporting activity

Peter Richardson has been a member of Ben Rhydding Sports Club and Ben Rhydding Hockey Club for about 65 years. When he stopped playing hockey and cricket, Peter continued his involvement with the club by serving on the main Sports Club Committee, managing the club’s facilities and bookings. He has also served on the Yorkshire County Hockey Association Committee for many years.

Vaughan Stell has been an active member of Ben Rhydding Hockey Club for about 50 years. He took over the running of the club’s Boys Junior Section nearly 30 years ago when the section was relatively small ad now has around 160 boys in the junior section.

Karen Goodman (LS29) was nominated for her tireless pursuit of positive community involvement for LS29 and her work to meet the needs of all members and maintain a supportive network. Described as an inspirational person who always thinks of ways to help others and does it with a sparkly smile.

Community Involvement 24 and under

Amber Woffindin was nominated by Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action for her positive and caring demeanour and is an inspiration for younger people who aspire to work in Health and Social Care. Understanding how small things can make a difference in improving the quality of life for vulnerable people.

Chris Careford - an exceptional young man who Nell Bank were pleased to nominate to celebrate his contribution to our community and recognise what a fantastic role model he is for other people.

Daniel Hunt supported Dan’s Den over the summer providing an excellent service to families. He is a role model to any one demonstrating what any individual can achieve within the right supportive environment.

Sam Barker responded to a talk given about Ilkley and District Good Neighbours ShopAssist at Ilkley Grammar School. His volunteering in not in pursuit of any award or qualification for a scheme, but to give his time for the benefit of other people.

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