THE Ilkley Manor House Trust welcomed volunteers and supporters of the house on the evening November 26.

The guests had gathered for the Trust’s annual meeting where they heard what has been happening over the last 12 months and plans looking ahead to 2020.

“We were delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Doreen Lee to our meeting and to share with her what we have delivered so far and what we have planned.” said Sir Rodney Brooke CBE, President of the Trust.

The audience heard from all six of the trustees about the strides the Trust has made in 2019.

Successes such as the Graeme Willson memorial exhibition, the Moon@50 exhibition, and the opening of the sensory garden in June by Alan Titchmarsh all featured in the review.

“There was so much to reflect on from 2019 it was hard to fit it all in,” said chairwoman Sarah Thomas. “We are thrilled to be able to share so many positive messages with our supporters.”

Next year also looks like being a busy one with some great plans ahead, including opening the house for intimate weddings and celebratory events, which will start in the spring.

In addition to continuing to develop the existing programme of events, exhibitions and activities, the Trust is delighted to have been selected to be one of the Co-op’s charitable causes for 2019 and is looking forward to working in partnership with the LS29 Group and Leeds-based charity Made with Music on delivering a series of accessible mini gigs for young people with additional needs.

Sarah added: “We are also working towards returning the artefacts that used to be in the Manor House from Bradford Council, and are about to start collaborating with Museum Development Yorkshire to become an accredited museum by 2023.”

The mid-14th century stone Ilkley Manor House and courtyard sits within the footprint of the Roman fort, Olicana and was opened by patron, Alan Titchmarsh in April 2018. The Trust’s vision is to create an ambitious heritage and creative quarter for the town. For further information, visit www.ilkleymanorhouse.org

Ilkley Manor House always welcomes new volunteers. Anybody interested in getting involved should email volunteer@ilkleymanorhouse.org