Society News

NEWSLETTER JULY/AUGUST 2026

60^th Anniversary Celebration

Over thirty people came together on 18 June at the Canker Well Garden. The Town Mayor, Cllr Damian Hearns, unveiled the Heritage Notice Board. Alex Cockshott talked about the history of the drinking fountain bath and the old Canker Well.  

Afterwards we adjourned to Outside the Box for tea and cake. The staff provided an excellent and speedy service. A former Chair, Bob Tilley, who now lives in Malvern, cut the celebration cake and said a few words.

Heritage Walks

Saturday 25 July at 2 pm

The Eastern Hydros: meeting on the wide pavement at the corner of Cowpasture Road and Wheatley Road.  We will be looking at the lost Hydros and will finish with a visit to the Craiglands to look at the architecture of the Hydros and to get a glimpse of the Ladies Treatment Room which retains some of its original features. We will finish in the Bar where you can buy refreshments and have a look at pictures of Craiglands in the past. 

Saturday 15 August at 2pm  

 Hydro to Cemetery: meeting at the Ashlands Road Gates to the Cemetery to learn more about those who were involved with the Hydros and who are buried in the Cemetery.  We are hoping that the Beanlands Parade Gates will be repaired by then.  The gates are requiring more work than expected so the cost will be greater.  We would appreciate any donations to support our work.

Advanced Notice – Thursday 17 September

 Dean Brothers – Three Generations of Ilkley Builders This walk is our 2026 Heritage Open Days’ Event - meet at 2 pm at the Railway Station.

Design and Conservation Awards -  Thursday 22 October

If anyone would like to nominate a project for an Award at our October meeting, please contact David  Blackburn on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your suggestions or for further information.  The project must have been completed this year, and can be small or large, environmental, design or conservation.  Closing date for nominations is 31 July 2026.

Facebook

Thanks to a recent volunteer, we now have a Facebook page under the name of Ilkley Civic Society where we will be posting news of events and other information about the Society. 

Website/Membership

It is now possible to join/rejoin the Society via the website.  Full details are available under the Membership tab.

 The Friends of Ilkley Cemetery continue to meet weekly, weather permitting. Please contact Jan on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information