Saturday 17th May 2008 saw 270 cyclists take part in the second Acorn 100km bike challenge. Following the same route as the previous year, but sadly not with the same glorious sunshine, the cyclists pedalled hard to raise £25,000. With the support of over 70 volunteer marshalls, and support team providing water and lunch stops and signage the day was a great success. Thanks must go to our numerous sponsors and local businesses who provided refreshments.Once again we had two walkers, Chris Lawrence and Neil Jones from BUPA who set off at 5pm the night before to complete the route.This year the bike ride was officially started by world championship bronze medal winning cyclist, Denise Burton Cole, daughter of the Beryl Burton, one of the greatest British cyclists of all time. The date had already been set for next years bike challenge, Saturday 30th May 2009.

Acorn has supported research into scleroderma for a number of years in Leeds, formerly at the Leeds General Infirmary and now at the new purpose built clinical and research buildings at the Chapel Allerton Hospital . Installed here is equipment donated by Acorn for the early diagnosis and monitoring of scleroderma and Acorns support has led to some important developments. It is now clear that early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference. Leeds is recognised as a major centre for scleroderma in the region, seeing patients from Teeside to Barnsley.

On Thursday September 6th 2007 despite soaring temperatues in the Marquee the Acorn Ladies once again donned their pinnies and washing up gloves to cater for 150 guests at Acorn goes Gardening. Dean Peckett of RHS Harlow Carr very kindly joined us once again to tell us about all his work on the development and improvements at Harlow Carr Gardens. Our thanks must also go to Rosie Brown who provided the delicious coronation chicken, which accompanied the salad luncheon, this was followed by more delicious baking from the Acorn Ladies. This year we also had stall holders offering all sorts of gardening delights, plants and floral arrangements, as well as a raffle. A thoroughly enjoyable event, which despite the heat. raised over £xxxx

On June 2nd 2007 233 cyclists set off on our very own 100km bike ride. Meticulously planned the circular route, which was flat as we could make it, had water stops along the way, with a lunch stop at Sherrif Hutton. Over 70 volunteer marshalled the route in glorious sunshine and technical support was provided by Helsby Cycles and Boneshakers. We even had two walkers who completed the route on foot, their sponsorship of £3200 was generously matched by BUPA which helped boost the total raised to a staggering £45,000, and after lots of requests we decided to repeat the event in 2008.

Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club was once again the setting for the 2007 tournament. Rosie Ellerby won the tournament this year with our very own Caroline Barr as runner up. Thanks agin to Pauline Sharpe for her refereeing and organisational skills.

The Annual Acorn Golf day took place on Sepember 29th 2006 at Ilkley Golf Club. 98 golfers took part in the event which began with a shotgun start, the golf was followed by an auction and dinner. The winning tem were Heath Lambert, and the event raised a magnificent £6,300.

The 2006 Acorn Tennis Tournament took place in Ilkley, at Ilkleys Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. We are grateful to Pauline Sharpe, our referee and organiser, who took charge of the 32 players. The tournament was closely contested with Baibre Higginbottom taking first place, with Cathy Lamb runner-up, in a tie break final

Acorns summer party for 2006 took the form of a glamorous Great Gatsby night. In a marquee generously hosted by Mike and Rosie Brown 140 guests danced the night away to French songstress Celine, enjoying a champagne reception and four course dinner. The auction of generouly donated lots raised £6000 contributing to an overall total of £10,000.

Huby Village Hall was the venue in November 2006 for the Acorn Hog Roast. The evening proved a popular sell out with 150 guests enjoying live music from The Mighty Boris. The Mighty Boris began playing together 30 years ago at Ilkley Grammar School and reformed especially to play at this event, which riased £2,200 for the Acorn Committee.

Known as the Coffin Walk the 42 mile Lyke Wake Walk proved to be a mammoth test of endurance and stamina.The challenge to complete the walk in 24 hours was taken up by 14 members of the Acorn Committee and their famiy and friends. Although the weather did improve the walk started in steady rain, and support teams providing tea and soup, and dry clothing were invaluable. The event could not have taken place without the remarkable Frank Milner and his team of guides, and for those who took part. it was an unforgettable experience. The challenge raised nearly £10,000.

Nearly 500 people attended the Ascot Ball held in a marquee at Beckwithshaw. The glittering evening was hosted by Channel 4 Racing's Derek Thompson and included a Pimms reception, Grand Draw and auction, which raised a staggering £18,200. In total the evening raised nearly £45,000, a tremendous achievment for all of the hard working Acorn ladies, who put an enormous amount in to making the evening such a fabulous success.

The annual Acorn Golf Day teed off at Ilkley Golf Club on 9th sepember 2005. The event was won for the second year running by Peter Walker, with over 88 gollfers playing during the day and a dinner and auction in the evening the event raised £5,500. Much appreciation goes to Ilkley Golf Club for hosting this event in 2005 and again in 2006.

The annual Acorn Tennis tournament took place at Harrogates Academy club in June 2005. Thirty players from Harrogate and Ilkley competed in the round robin ladies doubles competion. Rosie Ellerby and Baibre Higginbottom were the overall champions on the day. The event raised £750.

Photos from the Great North Run.

Photos from the 2001 Acorn Ball.

Photos from the barn dance.

Bilton nursing home photos.

This is entirely volunteer run, and our lead volunteers Carla Isherwood in Bishop Monkton and Belinda Whitehead in Harrogate, along with their team of volunteer chefs provide a gold star service that is unfailing in its delivery.

Photos from the Easter service.

With the onset of dementia it is important to find activities that sufferers can still enjoy –and, even more important that they can enjoy with their partners and carers. The tea dances perform just such a service, generating conversation and sometimes memories as well as the simple enjoyment of dance. They are supported by staff and volunteers and can provide a forum to share worries or discuss problems. They are a very positive, friendly and rewarding experience for all who are involved.