LONG time supporters of Ilkley’s Manor House Museum have pledged to continue caring for the gardens of the historic building and carry on organising events, as Bradford Council prepares to close its doors this weekend.

The Friends of the Manor House aims to continue their work in support of the museum and art galley, based in the Grade I listed building as talks go on about its future.

The final exhibition to take place in the Manor House is the Ilkley Camera Club exhibition, due to end this Sunday, when the museum will also close to the public.

Bradford Council’s Museum Service is due to pull out of the site for good on April 30, and the Council’s Asset Management department will take over both the Manor House and the neighbouring cottages in Castle Yard.

A resident guardian may move in to protect the properties from theft and vandalism - the Council said to have heeded local pleas not to board up the Manor House itself.

But while Bradford Council continues to talk to bodies including All Saints Parish Church, Ilkley Community Enterprise and the Methodist Modern Art Collection about the future use of the buildings, the future direction of the Friends group itself remains to be determined.

The Friends of the Manor House society was formed about 50 years ago to promote and support the Manor House museum and gallery. Its work has continued, raising money through members’ subscriptions, helping out at museum events, and organising its own events, including a series of concerts, walks and regular Friday coffee mornings.

Long serving Friends member, Elizabeth Bowen, was recently given an Ilkley Community Award by Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action for her work for the Manor House, including organising the concerts and doing the gardening work around Castle Yard.

The group traditionally invites subscription renewals at this time of year, and has sent new 2015/2016 subscription forms out to existing Friends once again. The Friends’ annual meeting will be on May 14.