Newsletter
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2026
Happy New Year to you all!
Ben Rhydding Walk – despite the grey day we were pleased to welcome over 30 to explore the Ben Rhydding pathways. At the get together in the Wheatley afterwards we were able to see the original glass windows depicting the Cow and Calf - the hotel’s original name.
Ilkley Civic Society was formed in 1966, and during this year a variety of events will be held to mark this 60th milestone.
Forthcoming Dates
24 January will be the first meeting of the year for the Local History Hub. This will be a zoom meeting, starting at 2 pm, to discuss the Ilkley Hydros and their effect on Ilkley.
For a link to join the meeting please email Alex on
28 February is the opening day of this year’s Exhibition on the Hydros in the Manor House. This will run until 5 April.
At 2 pm on 28 February there will be an in person Introduction to the Exhibition in the Western Gallery.
Last year Members and friends volunteered to act as Welcome Stewards to visitors to the Exhibition on the Saturdays and Sundays – mornings from 11 am – 1.30 pm, and afternoons 1.30 pm – 4 pm. If you are available to help again this year we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact Alex on
A date for your Diary:
On Thursday 18 June we will celebrate our 60th anniversary as a Society with a meeting at 2 pm at the Craiglands Hotel for a look around the outside and then inside at some of its original features.
This will be followed by a Cream Tea - £5 per head for Members and £10 per head for friends and visitors. It is essential to book for this event so that we know how many to book for. Please contact Kate, on
The Friends of Ilkley Cemetery continue to meet weekly, weather permitting. Please contact Jan on