The Ilkley community gathered at the Clarke Foley Community Hub on Wednesday (19 March) for the Annual Town Meeting which also featured the very first Citizens Awards.
The annual meeting is an important forum for local residents to engage in discussions about the town and the new Citizens Awards, recognises the dedication and hard work of volunteers who contribute to the well-being of Ilkley and Ben Rhydding.
Ilkley Town Mayor, Councillor Damian Kearns, welcomed attendees before presenting the Citizens Awards. The awards celebrate individuals who have made a remarkable impact on the community through their volunteer efforts.
The winners are:
Outstanding Citizen of the Year – Mary Heathcote for over 40 years volunteering
Young Volunteer of the Year – Noah Markham
Environmental Champion of the Year – Karen Shackleton
Runners up:
Environmental Champion – Steve Peel
Outstanding Citizens – Nick Babb, Ed Duguid, Mike Firth, Dam Hammond, Tom Harris, Mary Heathcote, Louise Hepworth-Wood, Brenda Murch, Barney Street and Nick Winterbottom
Voluntary Organisations Volunteer of the Year Awards for:
Keith Appleyard – Ilkley Manor House
Glynis Mowat – Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks
Jean Sheen – CTI2000
Colin Watson – Ilkley Carnival
Ian Wilson – Ilkley Good Neighbours
The event was made even more special with generous support from local businesses. Ilkley BID kindly donated gift vouchers for the award winners and Bettys sponsored the event, providing delicious refreshments, which were enjoyed by all.
Following the awards, presentations were given by Community Action Bradford and District and Ilkley Community Network, showcasing the vital work being done to support the town. The open forum then provided an opportunity for residents to voice their thoughts on local matters.
Ilkley Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jane Gibson expressed gratitude to all who attended and those who work tirelessly to improve the community.:
“It is inspiring to see the commitment and kindness of so many individuals in Ilkley. The Citizens Awards are a small way of saying thank you for their efforts, and we are grateful to Ilkley BID and Bettys for helping to make this celebration possible.”
For more information about the Annual Town Meeting and the Citizens Awards, visit www.ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk.