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The new year brings new roadworks, with motorists warned of delays on Coutances Way between Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale from Monday. From 5th January 2026, Bradford Council Highways improvement works will include new footway and drainage, and the use of temporary traffic controls. The works are close to the McDonalds restaurant on the A65 and will require a footway closure, with pedestrian chaperone provided for access through the site. Delays to bus services can also be

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. A coordinated drive led by Ilkley Great Get Together (Ilkley GGT) volunteers drew contributions from schools, clubs, businesses and residents across Ilkley. Donations included Christmas cakes from the Ben Rhydding and Sacred Heart bakin

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. Both popular events will take place on Sunday 12 July 2026, offering participants a summer race day through the stunning Wharfedale landscape. With the New Year traditionally a time when many people set fitness and wellbeing goals, organisers say now is the perfect moment to

📋| ILKLEY CHAT JOBS BOARD |📋 30.12.25 every Tuesday with Right at Home Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton - recruiting CareGivers to provide quality care in a client’s home: www.rightathome.co.uk/ilkley-jobs 🖱 To add a vacancy next week or view the Jobs Board on our website visit ilkleychat.co.uk/jobs-board There are three sections - main jobs, apprenticeships and volunteers. ■■■ MAIN JOBS ■■■ COMPANIONS – LADIES IN WAITING, ILKLEY Are looking for mature minded candidates to cover

Ilkley resident Henri Murison receives an MBE for services to the Economy Local people are once again recognised in the King's New Year Honours announced today. Ilkley resident and former Ilkley Town Councillor, Henri Murison, the Chief Executive for the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, receives an MBE for services to the Economy. Henri joined the Northern Powerhouse Partnership in 2017 and became Chief Executive in 2022. Speaking to Ilkley Chat, Henri said: “Amongst many oth

[Photo: UWFRA] A woman suffered a fall on Ilkley Moor Sunday afternoon [28 December 2025] and first on the scene were the volunteers from Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) who after assessing the casualty determined she was suffering from stage 1 hypothermia The UWFRA team were called out to assist Yorkshire Ambulance Service following reports of a lady who had fallen at the Cow and Calf and sustained a lower leg injury. A spokesperson for Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescu

Troutbeck on Crossbeck Road [Google Maps] The renovation of the former Troutbeck care home in Ilkley has begun with the new owners aiming to bring it back to life as a high-quality care home. The historic building on Crossbeck Road, Troutbeck was once a hotel and welcomed guests such as King Charles and even hosted live music in its famous ballroom, including a short appearance by Jimi Hendrix. Previous owners, Maria Mallaband Limited, closed the home at the start of 2024 fol

The New Year’s day plunge at White Wells on Ilkley Moor takes place on Thursday 1st January 2026 between 10am and 5pm. Since 1995, people have queued up to take a refreshing dip in the stone bath. Previously the age range of dippers was between six and seventy-four and the furthest visitors were from New Zealand, Tasmania, South Africa and New York! Mark & Joanne, who run White Wells, said: "Plunging is free but we do request that visitors support the cafe and buy a drink or

📋| ILKLEY CHAT JOBS BOARD |📋 23.12.25 every Tuesday with Right at Home Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton  - recruiting CareGivers to provide quality care in a client’s home: www.rightathome.co.uk/ilkley-jobs 🖱 To add a vacancy next week or view the Jobs Board on our website visit ilkleychat.co.uk/jobs-board There are three sections - main jobs, apprenticeships and volunteers. ■■■ MAIN JOBS ■■■ CLASS TEACHER – SACRED HEART, ILKLEY The Governors wish to appoint an inspirational cla

Ilkley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club marked the close of another successful year with a Christmas Lunch held at The Lister Arms in Ilkley. The event was well attended despite the busy festive period, reflecting the continued strength and popularity of the club within the local defence community. Members gathered to recognise the importance of connection, mutual support, and camaraderie that the club provides throughout the year. The club also expressed its thanks t

There was plenty of joyful festive cheer and a feeling of community connection as eighty-five older residents joined Ilkley and District Good Neighbours for their annual Christmas lunches.  Held over three separate afternoons, the charity’s lunches are a highlight of the year, offering not just a delicious meal but a valuable opportunity for companionship and making new friendships. One guest who had recently moved to Ilkley said how the lunches have been a heartwarming intro

The Rotary Club of Ilkley hosted its annual charity Holly Ball on Saturday 13 December, welcoming a sell‑out audience of 200 guests to the stunning King’s Hall and Winter Garden. Guests enjoyed a three‑course dinner before dancing the night away to live music from The Warning Tones and a disco set by Your Ilkley Radio's Nick Babb. A lively auction featuring spectacular lots, alongside a raffle supported by local businesses and organisations, helped raise an impressive £20,000