Norman Emslie has been a dedicated member of the lunch club at Clark Foley Community Centre in Ilkley for the last 10 years.
He said, “It is magnificent and so good in every way. This is the highlight of my life and the only place where I can actually go to talk to other people.”
His friend Leslie Hall is sat across him and they laugh and smile whilst eating their homemade desserts. The two have been friends for over three years and pull each other’s leg every time they see each other.
Leslie who is also local resident used to visit Clark Foley with his wife for several years. “It is the people and atmosphere for me. When you live on your own, it is incredible to spend time with all of these lovely people.”
Stuart Hyde is a retired police officer who has been the voluntary chair of Clark Foley Community Centre, a registered Charity in the heart of the Ilkley for the last five years.
Clark Foley provides all kinds of facilities for the community. From exercise classes for the elderly to toddlers club, the centre comes a full circle. Caroline is the main head chef who provides homemade food for the lunch club which is held every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stuart said, “There are options for everybody from pasta to chicken casseroles. Food hardly ever goes to waste over here.”
The centre relies heavily on volunteers to keep it running smoothly. “We currently have over 50 volunteers across various activities that are organized in the centre.” Recently to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the centre ran a Spinathon fundraising event: cycling 70 hours to mark 70 years.
The charity raised over £1000 pounds which will be sued to wards upgrade of their audio- visual equipment in the rooms and halls to benefit their users and visitors. “93-year-old Norah who is an active member of the charity participated and peddled to raise money.”
Stuart said, “Sometimes people just want to pop in for some quiet time and read a newspaper. For many people, it is the only time they get out of their homes. It is an important function in addressing loneliness and many have found friends or acquaintances here which makes a big difference in their lives.”
The Lunch club provides fresh and delicious food for only £5 which includes a nice meal, desserts and also a cup of coffee/tea.
There are around 30 people or so who regularly go to the lunch club. “Everything that is earned is pumped back into the business. It is a great facility for everyone here, especially those who ”, said Ben.
The lunch club has been life changing for Carl Rostron who lives on his own in a two bed flat in Ilkley. “Clark Foley has opened my eyes and changed my life. I love coming here and meeting new people and it makes me happy to have these lovely homemade meals prepared by some fantastic volunteers.”
Rose Clark, 85 and her friend Barbara Chantry have known each other from when they used to go dancing to Kings Hall in Ilkley. They have been meeting up at Clark Foley every Tuesday for the last four months. “It is an excellent and wonderful facility. I wouldn’t get out of my house if it wasn’t for this.”
The volunteers also run a community bus service that picks and drops some of the people to the centre. The bus is game changing for many of the residents who otherwise would have to pay £9 to get to the centre.
Rose said, “The food is excellent and there are always options for everyone. We have such a lovely time for a couple of hours every time we come here over food and drinks.”
