Ilkley’s own ‘poet laureate of the people’ captures hearts and imaginations

Monday, 9 June 2025 18:19

Ilkley poet, Josie Whitehead, has over 1,000 poems to her name

Local poet, Josie Whitehead, for many years has enhanced readers young and old with her evocative, rhythmic verse that reflects the spirit, nature, and charm of Yorkshire life.

With over 1,000 poems to her name – many of which are published and used in schools across the UK and beyond – Josie has built a remarkable literary legacy.

Her poetry, often inspired by the natural beauty of the moors, British folklore, and everyday moments, blends traditional style with universal appeal, making her work accessible and beloved by children, teachers, and poetry lovers alike. One of her most well known poems tells the story of how the Cow & Calf came to be after the Rombalds Giant split a large stone in two when it was stomped on during an argument with his wife.

A retired teacher, Josie began writing poetry in earnest later in life and has since become a prolific and passionate contributor to the arts. Her website, featuring hundreds of her original poems, is used by schools globally and stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry in education.

Josie says:

“Poetry is a living thing – it speaks to the rhythm of life. I write to inspire young people, to capture their imagination and to remind them that words have power and beauty.”

Josie encourages local schools, libraries, and literary groups to explore her work and consider for readings, workshops, and community events.

For more information, to arrange an interview, or to explore her poetry, visit www.josiespoems.com.

More from Local news

Separate waste and recycle more this Christmas

Bradford Council is encouraging people to remember what bins to put their waste in this Christmas and make a New Years resolution to recycle more.
Christmas timetable revealed for Ilkley trains

Train operator Northern has released a calendar to provide customers with a handy reference guide for service levels over the festive period.
Ilkley Beer Festival tops Yorkshire beer festival guide

The Ilkley Beer Festival has been included in a guide to the 'Fantastic Beer, Wine and Spirit Festivals in Yorkshire to Check Out in 2026'.
Spanish airport operator acquires Leeds Bradford Airport in £270m deal

Spanish airport operator Aena has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport in a deal worth £270million.
Changes to bus and train services over Christmas and new year

As usual bus and train services in and around Ilkley will be amended over the Christmas and new year holiday period.
Two special parkruns in Ilkley for Christmas

As well as the usual Saturday morning East Holmes Field parkruns, the team in Ilkley will host two special events on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Changes to bin collection dates over Christmas

Residents are being urged to take note of alternative bin collection dates over the festive period so that they don’t miss them.
Entries close in three weeks for tenth Ilkley Business Awards

Organisers of the 2026 Ilkley Business Awards are reminding businesses within LS29 that entries close on 9th January 2026 – and there will be no extension.
Airedale NHS microbiology staff announce December strike

Microbiology workers at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have announced plans to take industrial action later this month, citing concerns about pay and working conditions.
Classic Victorian thriller next at Ilkley Playhouse

Classic Victorian thriller Gaslight opens in the Wharfeside Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse on 15th January, Caroline Mutton previews this and more highlights for the start of 2026.
Review: Ilkley Concert Club, James Newby & Jong Sun Woo at King's Hall

Geoffrey Mogridge reviews Ilkley Concert Club, James Newby & Jong Sun Woo, King’s Hall, Ilkley, Wednesday, 10th December 2025.
Ilkley's Christmas church advent and carol services

As we prepare for Christmas all the churches in Ilkley have been busy with carol and advent services.
Community group praises council’s swift response to moor fly-tipping

Last week a serious case of fly-tipping was reported along Moor Road by the Cow & Calf. Items included building materials, bath, toilet and cabinets.
Ilkley charity brings community Christmas cheer

Over 100 local residents enjoyed an early Christmas treat when volunteers from Ilkley Good Neighbours, accompanied by 6th-form students from Ilkley Grammar School, delivered gifts to their homes.
Frantic bidding war for Burley-In-Wharfedale auction property

A three-bedroom terraced house in Burley-in-Wharfedale has been sold using Dacre, Son & Hartley’s auction service and generated a vast amount of interest with dozens of viewings and 131 bids.
Success again for local nursery

Esscroft Private Nursery in Burley-in-Wharfedale has been named Nursery of the Year at the prestigious Yorkshire Prestige Awards 2025/26, winning the coveted Legacy Award.
Route Revealed for Rudolph's Tractor Run this Sunday

Rudolph's Run is coming back on Sunday 21st December, with over 200 decorated tractors set to light up the streets of Yorkshire's villages and towns and the route has been revealed.
10 week A65 roadworks for essential drainage works start January

Developers of the new housing project on Skipton Road in Ilkley say essential drainage infrastructure works will mean a lane closure of the A65 for approximately 10 weeks.
Join Ilkley Civic Society for its Christmas walk

Ilkley Civic Society is inviting walkers to a ‘Find Your Way around Ben Rhydding’ heritage walk on Saturday 27 December from 11am.
Local charity refocuses its mission as demand for children’s mental health support surges

Local children’s charity, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, has announced a strategic refocusing of its work to place greater emphasis on supporting children experiencing mental health challenges, as concerns continue to grow across the region.