Saturday 20th June dawned a beautiful summer’s day, the perfect setting for Ilkley & District Good Neighbours’ (IDGN) Dip & Donate. This event, quickly becoming an annual tradition, encouraged the local community to take a dip in the waters of the White Wells bath house whilst donating to support the work of IDGN. 
IDGN Project Coordinator, Charlotte Atkinson, who organised the event said: “it has been a fantastic event and the sunshine has been a welcome bonus. We’ve had people come to dip, dry out over a coffee and then go in again. No one was volunteering to do that last year when we did it in March!”
Thanks to Mark Hunnebell and Joanne Everall, the White Wells tenants and proprietors, who supported the event and provided refreshments to the hardy souls who participated.
Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, who showed his support again by dipping mid-morning, wasn’t convinced the change of season had made any difference whatsoever to the temperature of the water in the well! “It was freezing” he said, “huge well done to all who took part this weekend and donated funds to this fantastic organisation.”
Not wanting to miss out, IDGN trustee, David Humphreys, whilst on holiday in Switzerland, took a bus, minibus, cable car ride and a walk to the top of Elsigen Alp for a Dip & Donate plunge in a chilly, alpine lake.
David said “While we are away touring in our campervan, I still wanted to join in with the event and help to raise funds. The lake at Elsigen is 1797m (5895 ft) and is overlooked by mountains still holding winter snow so I was a little nervous about the cold factor. Anyway my double layering of swim trunks worked a treat! It was only my hands that really felt the cold and hopefully this effort will have contributed to the monies donated”
Ilkley & District Good Neighbours provide friendship, connection and support for older people across Ilkley, Addingham and Burley and continue to need your donations to ensure these services continue long into the future. Donations can be made at www.goodneighboursilkley.org.uk/donate.