Outside the Box

This is the roof of the rather wonderful Victorian arcade in Ilkley. It used to be a collection of shops and businesses, most of which have now relocated. The historic arcade has been sold to Ilkley Community Enterprise, a charity, who have now brought their café 'Outside the Box' into a unit here ('inside the box' ironically, I suppose), as well as opening a shop and various meeting and training rooms. It's all looking very smart and bright. The charity provides training, work experience and learning activities for young people with learning disabilities. The café is staffed mainly by youngsters, who are the sweetest and most attentive of hosts. There are ambitious plans to develop further what the centre offers for local young people and for the community in general.