28 Oct 2025 Community

Introducing this year’s The Kirkwood Calendar Competition Winners!

Every year, The Kirkwood calendar competition captures the beauty of Kirklees through the eyes of local people. From quiet canals to windswept moors and golden sunsets, each photograph telling a story of connection, memory, and meaning to the individuals capturing those perfect shots.

For the photographers behind this year’s winning photos, there were reflections of their lives, moments of joy, remembrance, and gratitude, each one linked by a shared appreciation for The Kirkwood and the community we support.

Speaking to some of this year's winners we discussed why they entered, what the image means to them, and why they chose to support The Kirkwood.

The Stories Behind the Shots

First up was Lindsay Haigh from Linthwaite who snapped a gorgeous summer shot for August with her stunning sunflower. 

“The photo was taken just outside my house, right at the end of my lane, over towards Bolstermoor. It’s one of those places I drive past all the time, but that evening the light was just beautiful. I’ve been known to turn the car around just to capture a sunset or an amazing cloud formation.”

It was Lindsay’s first time entering the competition, but The Kirkwood holds a special place in her family’s heart. She explained: “It’s local, part of Kirklees, and I’ve had relatives who’ve used their services. Because of that, it’s quite close to my heart. We’ve always appreciated the care and compassion they offer.”

For Shona Leen, photography has become both a passion and a source of healing.

“The photo I took ended up being chosen for the front cover, which still feels unbelievable. It was taken on Boxing Day 2024, up at Castle Hill. I’d borrowed my dad’s camera that day, it was exactly six months since he passed away, and being up there, surrounded by clouds, felt really special.

“Having my photo chosen for the front of The Kirkwood calendar means so much. It feels like a tribute to my dad,” she shared. “After losing my dad, I found his camera and picked it up. Picking up his camera gave me a sense of purpose, it made me feel like he was still with me.”

Shona has turned are memories and her passion for photography into a business and has a wonderful portfolio of work. If you would like to know more about Shona and her photography, checkout for Instagram page here: @shotsbyshona.

Malcolm Parkes’ photograph captures a familiar and much loved stretch of the local canal. He explained: “It’s a local image of where I live and it’s one of my regular walks. The photo itself is just a natural shot, nothing staged. I’ve always liked water, and the canal is such a lovely feature. The reflections, the trees, the calmness of it all, that’s what drew me to take it.”

This is Malcolm’s second year as a calendar winner.
“I was surprised to be selected again, two years in a row, but I’m incredibly pleased. The Kirkwood plays such a vital role in the community, and I think more funding should come from the government, not just from people’s generosity.”

Russell Parkinson's photograph was taken on one of his regular winter walks near the little Cupwith Reservoir. He explains: “That day, I saw an aircraft flying overhead, leaving a vapour trail across the winter sky, and the sunlight was breaking through the clouds in such a striking way.”

It was his first time entering the competition, though his wife has been a winner in previous years.

“My wife Ursula has been fortunate enough to have two winning entries in previous years, so I made it my goal to try and take a photograph good enough to get into the calendar myself. To have it chosen makes me proud, it means a lot.” Russell and Ursula have supported The Kirkwood for decades.

Cat Ellis, from Slaithwaite, is once again proud to have a winning photo featured in our calendar, a picture of a dandelion. She explains: “It was wild garlic season, I was out taking photographs of the garlic, but the one that I took with a single dandelion in just stood out. When I saw it on the screen afterwards, I was really pleased with it.”

Cat's connection is personal; her stepdad, Mike, was a longtime supporter of The Kirkwood. “It’s nice to continue that support. You do fantastic work. It’s lovely that my photo has been chosen again because it means I’m sort of carrying that on a little bit.”

 

More Winners, More Stories

Though we couldn't catch up with everyone, the calendar features eleven more wonderful images, each one a testament to the talent and creativity of our local community. We're delighted to also celebrate the beautiful images sent by: Chelsie Firth, Jake and Emily Smith, Sue Dillington, Lucy Nelson, Douglas Clayton, and Ann-Marie Brook.

Just like the winners we spoke to, all these photographers chose to share their work to help The Kirkwood continue providing crucial care across Kirklees. Every submission making a difference, turning a captured moment into a memory. Though each of the photographers sees the world through a different lens, they share a common thread: a love for their local area and a deep appreciation for The Kirkwood’s role within it.

Through their images, they remind us that beauty exists in everyday places, in sunsets, reflections, hilltops, and wildflowers, and that behind every photograph lies a story of connection.

 

Support The Kirkwood

The 2026 calendar is a beautiful representation of the moments and people that make Kirklees special. By buying our calendar, you're not just getting 12 months of stunning local photography, you're also supporting The Kirkwood and the vital, compassionate care we provide to families in our community. Pick up your calendar today and help us continue making a difference. Shop online HERE or visit one of our shops.