THE popular Yorkshire Dales excursions organised by Ilkley and District Good Neighbours has held its final trip of the year.

Originally scheduled for September, the event had been postponed due to the Queen’s funeral to the following month.

“The date change did mean however that the guests were able to experience the stunning autumnal colours with the orange, yellow and vibrant red showcasing Yorkshire at its best,” said organiser and charity trustee Anita Dunford.

“This was the final day out excursion of the year when some of the charity’s clients were taken for afternoon tea at the Cavendish Pavilion on the Bolton Abbey estate. All of them thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and the opportunity to do something different. Many of them live alone, and these trips can bring people in our community together in a pleasant setting and at the same time help reduce feelings of isolation.”

When covid restrictions were lifted it meant the charity could once again use the services of Ilkley and District Community Transport to take local residents out on trips around the countryside helping them to meet up and socialise with others. Over the past few months three excursions have taken place with over sixty older people enjoying the Yorkshire countryside and an afternoon tea.

Maria Crabtree said of the final trip: “It was absolutely wonderful. I only knew one other lady but everyone was so friendly, and it was just refreshing to get out and see the Dales. To top it all the cream tea we had was fabulous – so much so I didn’t eat till the following day!”

Brenda Whitaker, who was also on the excursion, added: “ I thought the afternoon was better than being at the Savoy!”

Trustee Anita said: “I would like to thank the staff at the Cavendish Pavilion for their help in providing an afternoon tea which was much appreciated and for helping make it a special afternoon.”

The Dales Day Out excursions are scheduled to resume next spring. In the meantime, the charity is focused on its Christmas events, which includes the annual Christmas lunch in December and a trip to the Ilkley Upstagers pantomime in January for its clients.

Ilkley Good Neighbours operates a range of social and practical schemes aimed at improving the lives of older and more vulnerable people in the area, and plays an important role with its projects such as Shop Assist, Befriending, and the Moving On Friendship Group held weekly at the Clarke Foley Centre.

“We have a great team of volunteers," said Anita, “and if anyone is interested in joining us or would like further information on the charity please visit our website at www.goodneighboursilkley.org.uk or call us on 01943 603348.”