A PARTNERSHIP led by Ilkley Manor House Trust has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op Local Community Fund in 2020

The project, being run with LS29 Group and Leeds-based charity, Made with Music, was recently selected as one that will benefit from the fund over the next 12 months.

The initiative, which is to host four fully accessible, relaxed concerts at the Manor House, including the provision of a ‘changing places’ mobile changing unit, has been selected by the Co-op as one of their local causes for 2020.

The free events will provide a focal point for families with children with additional needs to come together to enjoy a variety of music.

Nicola Scourfield of LS29 Group said: “This is such an exciting partnership project that we hope will strengthen relationships within the local area, build confidence and reduce isolation among the children who attend.”

Kathryn Sturman of Made with Music added: “We believe that everyone should have access to live music, so we are excited to design a version of our award-winning Mini-Gigs together with LS29 Group and Ilkley Manor House in 2020.”

One of the goals of the Ilkley Manor House Trust is to ensure the Grade I listed building is accessible and welcoming to all, so this event is a step towards that goal.

“Made with Music has agreed to work with the trustees and volunteers of the Manor House to help us keep the activities going when the fund comes to an end,” said Daisy Johnson, trustee, llkley Manor House Trust. “We held a pilot event with LS29 Group over the summer which was a great success so we are excited about building on that next year.”

To help raise vital funds, the project will be relying on Co-op members. When a member buys selected products or services from the Co-op they earn a five per cent reward for themselves, with a further one per cent for local causes. Co-op members can choose a cause by going online www.coop.co.uk/membership. If you’re not a member you can join at your local store or online at www.coop.co.uk.