Ilkley Good Neighbours charity celebrates its 50th birthday

Clients, volunteers, local dignitaries and businesses who supported the charity over the years attended the special event, along with an appearance from several of the original founders from the charity when it started up half a century ago.

The party, which was held at the Clarke Foley Centre, featured posters and old newspaper articles about the charity from its early days, with a History of Good Neighbours display, along with information on its work today and its future aims.

Ilkley Good Neighbours celebrated its 50th birthday (Image: UGC)

“Looking at these old newspaper articles brings back some very special memories” said Heather Chapman, who helped found the original charity along with local businessman Geoffrey De Vere MBE.

“We could never have known then that it would develop into the great charity it is today,” she added.

Other original founders attending the party included Elizabeth Hughes and Margaret Cook, who paid tribute to the continuing work of Good Neighbours in helping vulnerable people in the community.

Ilkley Good Neighbours celebrated its 50th birthday (Image: UGC)

Chairman Ed Duguid said: “Apart from being an enjoyable event, our 50th birthday party was also a great opportunity to bring together individuals from the past, who helped build the charity’s foundations, and our present team of volunteers and staff who play such an important part in our work today.

“Our charity has undergone many changes in the last half century but our aims have never altered, and I thought it was particularly heartening to meet Heather and Margaret, two of the original founders, as they celebrated with our staff 50 years on.”

Ilkley Good Neighbours celebrated its 50th birthday (Image: UGC)

Charity stalwart Judy Hutton, who is stepping down from her role as trustee after 20 years, said: “I feel very privileged to have been part of this special organisation which has helped so many people. I’m proud at the progress the charity has made, and how it has coped with the many challenges it has encountered over the years.”

One of the dignitaries attending the party, Bradford Council Leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “It was really impressive to see Heather Chapman, who helped found this charity a half century ago, attending the event. Ilkley Good Neighbours is an important part of the community and I was delighted to be invited to be part of its special 50th anniversary. I wish it well for the future.”