AN ILKLEY charity which supports people with learning disabilities recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a spectacular party at The Kings Hall and Winter Gardens.
Over 150 people, including staff, volunteers, trustees, members, clients, parents, and carers, gathered to mark this major milestone for Outside the Box.
“We launched Outside the Box in 2013 and through the hard work, dedication and support of so many people and organisations, we are delighted to be able celebrate our 10th year,” said Louise Hale, chief executive of the charity Ilkley Community Enterprise Ltd, that runs Outside the Box. “The anniversary party was a great way to say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last decade, to highlight the many talents of our members and to look forward to many more years of success.”
The event kicked off with a series of performances by members of Outside the Box, young people and adults who have a learning disability, Autism or other neurodiverse conditions. This included a group reading of an original poem written by the drama group, a solo song entitled “10 Years” written and performed by singer songwriter Imogen Dickinson a member of the music group and a group rendition of “OTB Baht’ At” – a lyrically rewritten version of Ilkley’s famous tune reflecting the special place the charity holds in the hearts of the local community.
After a presentation by the chairman of the charity, Graham Smith, highlighting the achievements of the charity and hopes for the years to come, guests enjoyed a dinner and disco followed along with a raffle of prizes very generously donated from local businesses and supporters of Outside the Box.
A photographic display illustrated the impressive journey made by the charity since 2013, showing the early years of operation at its premises on Bridge Lane through to its major re-launch in October 2021 in the refurbished new premises at The Arcade in Ilkley.
Louise added: “When we originally set up we could not have imagined that the charity would become such a valuable and valued part of the local community and be making a positive difference to the lives of so many people. We now support 75 members through our various Outside the Box services and deliver leading quality home and community care for elderly people and people with learning disabilities through our care company, Carers and Companions. It was a real privilege for us to be able to celebrate our achievements with so many people.”
Paul Craggs, of the Ilkley Shoe Company and member of the Ilkley BID Board added: “It really was a very uplifting and joyful experience for me, and it was a pleasure experiencing the wonderful talent in the group, the singing and performances were amazing and the care and love in the room was an experience I’ll remember for a long, long time. I’m sure the next 10 years will be just as wonderful.”
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