9 Nov 2026 Community

Local photographers celebrate success in The Kirkwood’s 2026 Calendar competition

From stunning landscapes and local landmarks to treasured family memories, ten talented photographers are celebrating after their images were selected for The Kirkwood's 2027 charity calendar.

The annual competition showcases the beauty of Kirklees while raising vital funds to support people affected by life limiting illnesses and their families. This year's calendar features 12 photographs and a special front cover, with several winners sharing the personal stories behind their images and what supporting The Kirkwood means to them.

Shona Leen is celebrating double success after her photograph Harvest Mouse, Holmfirth was selected for the front cover, while The Poet's Daffodil, captured in Victoria Park, Holmfirth, features in April. Shona said: "I was absolutely over the moon and in shock to find out that my photograph had been selected for the cover again! Photography has become particularly meaningful to me since losing my Dad, Anthony. After he passed away, I picked up his camera and began taking photography more seriously, giving me something to focus on during difficult times. Knowing that something I love doing can contribute, in a tiny way, to supporting people through some of the most difficult times in their lives means a great deal to me."

Edwin Sykes-James's photograph of Huddersfield Rugby Union's ground beneath Lockwood Viaduct features in May. The image was inspired by his father-in-law, who previously worked as a Clerk of Works in Huddersfield and has a particular admiration for the historic structure. Edwin explained: "My father-in-law showed me a photo in a book of the viaduct from a similar angle that I took the photo, and I knew then that was the image I was going to capture. Sadly, he has dementia and finds remembering past history very difficult, so having a second calendar for him to look at, he can say he had a hand in the photo I took and we can sit and compare the old photo to mine."

Edwin also praised The Kirkwood's support after his father received respite care during his cancer illness.

Carol Kitson's photograph, Snowy Woods, features in January and was taken just two minutes from her home. Her mum received care from The Kirkwood last year, making the achievement particularly emotional.

Carol said: "Seeing the calendar in person is incredibly moving. It has been put together so beautifully, and holding it brings a real mix of pride and comfort. I know my mum would have loved it, and seeing my work in print for such a special cause is very heartwarming indeed. The staff at the Hospice are just incredible, nothing was too much trouble."

Sandie Nicholson has two photographs selected: Buttercup Heaven Above the Holme Valley for August and Snowy Footpath to Castle Hill for December. Her summer photograph captures a hillside covered in golden buttercups near Yateholme, overlooking Ramsden Reservoir. Sandie said: "It took my breath away! I decided then that this was 'buttercup heaven' and simply one of the best places to visit in the summertime when the buttercups smother the hillside and you can hear bees buzzing."

Her December image captures Victoria Tower following snowfall: "At the time, there was just me and my little dog on the footpath and I felt very privileged to have this magical snowy scene all to myself.”

Sandie added: "To see my photos printed in The Kirkwood Calendar and to know that they will be displayed for a whole month next year on the walls of those who have kindly supported The Kirkwood by buying a 2027 calendar is such an honour."

Cat Ellis also has two photographs featured, with Lock 16E, Linthwaite appearing in March and Remember, Autumn, Lower Cumberworth in November. Cat said: "My stepdad supported The Kirkwood and I like to continue that support through photography, which was also a passion of his."

Malcolm Parkes's photograph of Beaumont Park's bandstand features in June. He said: "It's good to be able to support a worthwhile charity while doing something you enjoy. Long may it continue."

Meanwhile, Sue Dillingham's photograph, Mr Mallard Duck, Enjoying the Sunshine, taken at Greenhead Park, features in July. Sue said: "I support the Hospice joining many of their fundraising events and I regularly visit The Kirkwood charity shops."

Completing the calendar are Richard Wakefield's Hebridean Sheep at Castle Hill in February, Sydney Barnett's Packhorse Bridge, Eastergate in September and Jennifer Higgin-Botham's Lindley Church in October.

Each photograph offers a unique glimpse into the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make Kirklees special. More importantly, every calendar purchased will help The Kirkwood continue providing vital care and support to local people and families during some of life's most challenging moments.

Through their creativity and generosity, this year's winners have created something that celebrates not only the beauty of Kirklees but also the compassion and community spirit that makes The Kirkwood's work possible.