ILKLEY BlueBelles WI made Alan Titchmarsh an honorary BlueBelle during afternoon tea at Ilkley Moor Vaults after his talk at the Literature Festival last week.

Alan Titchmarsh, TV gardener turned author was at the Literature Festival talking about his new novel Mr Gandy's Grand Tour and had promised to visit the BlueBelles when he next returned to Ilkley.

He was given a warm welcome and presented with a framed print reading “Keep calm, I’m in the Ilkey WI” to confirm his new status.

The group is always keen to champion local businesses and commissioned member and jeweller Libby Jubb to make a tie pin to mark the occasion. Made with sterling silver and decorated with intricate bluebells, he was absolutely thrilled with it. He was also given a hand-felted Swaledale sheep soap made by Sarah Turner of Little Beau Sheep, also a member, to remind him of Ilkley Moor.

It was the second time that member; Melissa Morton had met the gardening personality having met him in 2003 after his stint on Gardener’s World. “It was a great opportunity to meet Alan again” she said “especially as I have since set up my own garden design business, he’s a real inspiration.”

President, Gillian Murgytryod invited Alan to come along to a meeting next time he comes home. Anyone who wants to get involved can contact the group at the ilkleybluebelleswi.com website or just turn up to a meeting. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 8, 7.30pm in the upstairs room at Ilkley Moor Vaults.

There is an annual WI subscription of £37.50, and it costs £4 for anyone wanting to try out a meeting before committing.

Photo credit: Suzy Mitchel http://www.suzy-mitchell.com President – Gillian Murgytroyd ilkleybluebelleswi@gmail.com Website - www.ilkleybluebelleswi.com Libby Jubb Jewellery - https://www.libbyjubbjewellery.co.uk Little Beau Sheep – www.littlebeausheep.etsy.com Melissa Morton Garden Design - http://www.melissamorton.co.uk