Final preparations are officially underway for the grand launch of the Airedale Seniors Collective, with organisers confirming an exciting line-up of live entertainment, complimentary refreshments, and a diverse range of local stallholders for the upcoming inaugural event.
Taking place at Sutton-in-Craven Village Hall this Friday, 26th June, from 2pm to 4pm, the free event marks the official beginning of a vital, mobile social hub designed to tackle isolation and foster meaningful community connections for seniors and carers across the Airedale Valley.
With a major heatwave currently dominating the national news and another remarkably warm, sunny day forecast for Friday, organisers have taken extra care to ensure guests stay safe, comfortable, and thoroughly refreshed. Alongside the spectacular, welcoming atmosphere and a red-carpet welcome, the collective will be keeping everyone beautifully chilled with an abundance of complimentary, refreshing ice lollies and cold treats—providing the perfect, cooling antidote to the summer heat.
The afternoon features a rich programme of live music, beginning with a delightful performance from talented saxophonist Philip Benson to welcome everyone as they arrive. Following the saxophone performance, singer Shane Hamill will take to the stage to entertain guests with a selection of classic hits.
In addition to the cooling ice lollies, attendees can look forward to a delicious array of complimentary refreshments, featuring exquisite home baking provided by Springbank Care Home and a wonderful selection of savoury nibbles courtesy of Steeton Court Nursing Home.
The organisers want the collective to be somewhere its members can go to ‘ASC’ (ask) for support, which is why the launch event will host an array of local organisations and businesses dedicated to supporting older people and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse a wide variety of stalls, featuring friendly faces who are on hand to offer advice, services, and community insights.
Keighley Lions Club, operating locally since 1955, will be sharing insights into their extensive humanitarian efforts and community fundraising work, while the team from Right at Home (Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton) will be available to discuss tailored homecare services, companionship, and specialist support to help seniors live independently.
Spellman Care, the driving force behind the initiative, will be actively gathering crucial feedback from attendees to ensure future events are directly shaped by the community, whilst also being on hand to talk about their local care homes and the wider support they can offer families if needed. They will be joined by the Sutton Village Committee, who are sharing details on their fantastic work within the local area, including upcoming community events.
For those looking for practical lifestyle and home services, Olive & Green local greengrocers will be showcasing their convenient new home delivery service, which brings fresh fruit and vegetables straight to residents’ doorsteps. Friendly legal guidance will also be available from AWB Charlesworth Solicitors, who are providing professional advice on essential matters such as Lasting Power of Attorney and wills. Wiltshire Farm Foods will also be present, rounding out a fantastic line-up of local support.
The collective is also delighted to welcome local councillor, Councillor Wendy Harrison, who will be attending to show her support for the initiative.
Councillor Wendy Harrison commented:
“I am excited to see the Airedale Seniors Collective bringing such a wonderful and much-needed initiative to our older population and those facing isolation. Feedback across Keighley and the wider Airedale region has shown a clear demand for structured, accessible social infrastructure—a need that has become even more acute since the pandemic.
“It is always incredibly inspiring to see our communities come together like this. I am very much looking forward to attending the grand launch this Friday to chat with residents and share more details about my own new initiative, the Keighley Memories Group, which shares this vital mission of connection. I look forward to working closely with the team and supporting our growing Airedale seniors’ community for a long time to come.”
Philippa Young, Project Lead for the Airedale Seniors Collective, shared her excitement ahead of the launch:
“We are absolutely thrilled with how the community has come together to make our inaugural event so special. From the wonderful musical talents of Shane and Philip to the generous support of Springbank Care Home and Steeton Court Nursing Home providing our refreshments, it promises to be an unforgettable afternoon.
“Given the spectacular heatwave we are experiencing, we’ve made sure to have plenty of ice lollies and cooling refreshments on hand so everyone can beat the heat and socialise in complete comfort. Our stallholders represent the very best of local support, offering practical resources and friendly faces all under one roof. This collective is entirely about serving our local residents, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to Sutton Village Hall for a wonderful afternoon of connection, support, and celebration.”
The event is completely free to attend and open to all local seniors, carers, and loved ones. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring a safe, cool, and welcoming space for all.
For more information about the launch event or to get involved with the collective, please visit www.airedaleseniors.co.uk.
