Ilkley centre to host day of adventure (From Wharfedale Observer)

Ilkley centre to host day of adventure

9:20am Saturday 12th May 2012 in News By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

Skiing down glaciers and catching pond creatures will be among the activities on offer at Ilkley’s Nell Bank Centre this weekend at a jubilee family fun day.

The event, from 9.30am to 3pm on Saturday, showcases the Ilkley centre, which sits off Denton Road near the River Wharfe.

The centre, surrounded by woodland, provides outdoor activities for children, along with special facilities for those with disabilities.

The day will include an opening ceremony for a new bird hide which will mean children and young people can discreetly watch birds and other wildlife around a large pond area.

A packed programme includes catching pond creatures, learning about Nell Bank Woods, and experiencing life as a woodland creature, as well as an adventure playground and water play.

Older children can look forward to an assault course, scaling the climbing tower, ski-ing down a glacier to save endangered species, orienteering, habitat and healthy garden trails.

Families can also look around the centre's award-winning adapted lodge which has special facilities for children and young people with disabilities.

Entrance to the event is by ticket only. To book call (01943) 602032.

Tickets, £7 each, include all activities and drinks. A family ticket is £25. The centre will provide hot and cold drinks throughout the day, but families will need to bring their own picnics.

On Saturday, May 26, the centre holds its Disability Rocks music and arts event, featuring two music stages. Tickets cost £10 for disabled youngsters and carer, £15 at standard price. To book call 07540 233412 or visit www.disabilityrocks.org.