THE FRIENDS of Silsden Town Hall are working closely with local groups to organise a range of activities and community programmes for all ages.

Keighley Area Committee recently heard that the volunteers were working in partnership with organisations including Bradford Council’s Keighley area coordinator’s office.

Committee members were told that the Friends have been instrumental in supporting the transfer of Silsden Library – which is in the town hall – from being council-run to a Community Library Initiative.

Another venture at the town hall was a celebration garden and plant produce sale including a Gardeners Question Time attended by Katie Rushworth, from ITV show Love Your Garden. The event was organised by members of the Bolton Road Allotments in Silsden.

The Friends of Silsden Town Hall, set up following the £300,000-plus refurbishment of the building, gained official status in early 2015.

They set out to attract more regular user groups and encourage a wide range of activities from wedding receptions to stage productions.

The refurbishments included new access for disabled people, a lift to the upper floor, new disabled toilets and a ramp on the pavement outside. The upstairs function room was refurbished, with new sound and light equipment available.