THE annual Over 90s Party was held at the Clarke Foley Centre on Saturday, September 29, 2018. The party was first held in September 1987 and is unique in that it is the only event in the Bradford district dedicated to residents aged 90 and over. Once again there was free entertainment and afternoon tea was served to guests from Addingham, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley and Menston.

HM the Queen was represented by Mr David Pearson, Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire and other honoured guests were: Ilkley Town Mayor Councillor Stephen Butler and Mrs Kate Butler, John Grogan MP, and Councillor Brian Mann and Mrs Sylvia Mann.

The guests were welcomed with a medley of 1940s tunes played by pianist Myra Johnson. Steph Atkinson performed with her vintage saxophone, and Ilkley Moor Notes gave us a selection of songs. Following afternoon tea, the event finished with community singing led by Shirley Britton, who has been singing at the parties since the original one in 1987, and her fellow singer, Michael Loftus. The party was compered by Isabel Ashman, Ilkley Town Crier.

Volunteers came from residents all around the area and included students from Ilkley Grammar School and the Air Cadets. Funding came from the local Co-op Community Fund. Many local groups including Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Community Transport, Community Action Ilkley, The Clarke Foley Centre, Ilkley Flower Club, Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale and Soroptimists International of Ilkley, gave their time and resources to help make this such a successful and enjoyable afternoon.

This was a splendid example of the community coming together, working across all age groups.