Open Every Saturday and Sunday 11am - 4pm

The Trust

A team of VOLUNTEERS

The Ilkley Manor House Trust is made up of local residents who came together because they cared about the building’s wellbeing and wanted to create a long-term plan for Ilkley Manor House as a community asset, following Bradford Council’s 2013 decision to close the House as a museum and art gallery.

For over 50 years, Friends of the Manor House helped with the running of the House, hosting tours and organising regular events. The Ilkley Manor House Trust emerged during 2017, initially managing the House with Bradford Council’s agreement, and formally took over in April 2018. The Friends continued to provide support for the Trust’s initial activities.

The Trustees are volunteers who are responsible for developing and managing Ilkley Manor House, along with any private events and public access on the site.

(Left to right: Jenna Holmes, Roger Tilbrook, Daisy Johnson, Rodney Brooke, Sarah Thomas, John Cockshott, Julia Richards)

President & Trustees

Sir Rodney Brooke CBE (President)

President of Ilkley Manor House Trust
Former Chief Executive of West Yorkshire County Council, Chief Executive of the West Yorkshire Police, Westminster Council and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities
He has chaired many national bodies and the Chair of the Board of the West Yorkshire Playhouse

Julia Richards

Currently co-chair (acting) of Ilkley Manor House Trust
Learning and Development Consultant and Medical Herbalist
Previously an Art and History secondary school teacher and HR manager
Experience of working in public, private and third sectors across a range of industries in the UK and Australia. A member of the CIPD
Interests in the arts and passionate about continuous learning, personal development and good health

Roger J Tilbrook MRICS

Currently co-chair (acting) of Ilkley Manor House Trust
Specialist in Project Management with knowledge and experience in refurbishment and maintenance
Chartered Building Surveyor and Director of a successful private practice
Proven track record of developing strategic master plans to deliver long term sustainable solutions
Successful history of volunteering, fundraising and contributing to community projects in UK and abroad since 1984

John Cockshott

A solicitor
30 years of experience in the Building Society movement
Former Chair of Friends of Ilkley Manor House 2002-2022
Interests include Roman History

Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow

Lecturer in East Asian Studies at the University of Leeds, specialising in industrial decarbonisation and just transitions
Co-chair of the Just Transitions Taskforce at the University of Leeds and member of the University’s Research Partnership Committee, both tasked with supporting the University of Leeds' climate transition strategy
Holds a PhD from the University of Leeds with a background in political economy
Over 15 years' experience in US-Asia policy, working in international policy research consulting and non-profit management across the Asia-Pacific region
Deeply committed to community engagement and strategic development, leveraging a global perspective on cultural and environmental issues

Sally-ann Burley

A heritage interpretation practitioner experienced in working across a range of settings from museums and historic houses to gardens and landscapes
Experienced in developing a range of visitor engagement and visitor experience activities
Enjoy collaborating with others to enable and empower people of all ages to make relatable connections to their heritage
Interests in performance arts and an advocate of continuous and intergenerational learning

Karen Impey

Consultant in Creative and Digital Marketing and Web Design
Background in the commercial art market as a gallery manager and exhibited at international art fairs in London, Berlin, Maastricht, New York, and San Francisco
Specialist subject is historic buildings, particularly early medieval buildings and English Romanesque sculpture
Experienced as a volunteer in academic organisations in project management and conference planning

Sephra Greening-Jackson

Background working in theatrical production and live events
experience in the charity sector in a variety of roles including business administration, marketing and communications
passion for history, heritage, local art and community projects which enrich the lives of people of all ages

Geoff Mills

Co-Founder & Director of RSMR, RSMR Portfolio Services, AGM Marketing
ACII - Chartered Insurer
50 years’ experience in UK Financial Services Sector
Keen to share my business knowledge & experience through my involvement with Ilkley Manor House
My interests include family and grandchildren, travelling, gardening, walking, architecture, and history generally

Rathi Tamilselvan

Community Curator at Temple Newsam, Leeds, with experience in civic engagement, collections policies and procedures, and co-production in a museum and heritage context
Developing, designing, and producing co-curated exhibitions and interventions and project management
Developing contemporary and creative programmes involving artists and creators fostering belonging with diverse external and community partners through accessible and inclusive workshops

Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow

Rathi Tamilselvan

The Trust has brought the main House and Victorian cottages back into full use for the benefit of the local community, local creative businesses and visitors, working with a range of partners to create a vibrant heritage, arts, leisure and learning centre for Ilkley.

The Trust is continuing to explore the future development of the building to improve access and catering facilities, both of which will be essential to the future sustainability of Ilkley Manor House.

Read the Ilkley Manor House Trust Forward Plan 2023-2028

The Ilkley Manor House Trust is a registered charity: 1174051