4 Oct 2024 Community

Presenting our 2024 Calendar Competition winners

The 2024 Kirkwood calendar competition saw an overwhelming response with over 70 participants submitting a wide array of images. These photos, depicting Kirklees' beauty and charm across all seasons, ranged from woodland floors and snowy landscapes to vibrant autumn scenes, summary vistas, and springtime flowers. The entries came from a diverse group of local people, each bringing their own perspective and personal stories to the competition.

We spoke to several of the winners who told us about the photograph they'd entered and why they wanted to be in the competition. 

Jake Smith from Birkenshaw told us about his December picture: "My image was a picture of a robin, so I guess it seemed fitting for Christmas and the month of December. I do enjoy wildlife photography too, and I thought it was a nice shot, so I took it quickly whilst the robin was being good. The shot of the robin is my style of photography and made me think of my grandad who died a few years ago. I always found a saying that a robin appears when a loved one is near, and it always sticks with me. I think my grandad is with me when I capture these moments."

Jake began photography only this year and mentioned, "I’ve not been one to share my photos until now, but I thought, if there's a way where I can share my photos and it be for a good cause at the same time, then I’d love to do that."

Cat Ellis from Scissett said about her September image: "It is a real honour to be involved in the calendar. I have entered it two years in a row now. This year I have two pictures involved. The first image is the front cover, taken in Scholes while visiting my mum. The second image is of Byram Arcade in Huddersfield. I went there specifically to capture some shots. The care The Kirkwood provides people is magnificent."

Cat’s connection to the charity is deeply personal, as her stepdad Mike, a long-time supporter of The Kirkwood, passed away in June. "To be included in this year's calendar means a lot."

Poppy Walker from Birchwood submitted a beautiful image which was then selected for the month of October. She said: "It is the sun setting over Castle Hill, and there's a silhouette of some people flying a kite. The reason I took the shot was because it looked beautiful. My mum works for The Kirkwood, and she thought it would be good to enter the competition. I wanted to support her and the care she gives."

Despite her busy school schedule, Poppy was thrilled to be chosen, saying, "It’s something I’m really proud of."

Susan Dillingham from Almondbury was equally delighted to have her image for February chosen. 

She explained: "My image is of Greenhead Park. I have my camera with me everywhere I go because I take my ten grandchildren out to parks and like capturing nice shots. I've known people who have used The Kirkwood’s services, and I think it’s great how they care for people. That's why I entered the competition, to support something so important to our community."

Sydney Barnett from Crosland Moor was very pleased with how his August shot came out. 

He said: "This image is very specific in style with a blurred background and sharp focal point of a toadstool. I wanted to capture it from an insect's perspective. When I retired, I took up photography. One of the ladies in our photography group mentioned The Kirkwood calendar competition, and I thought it was a worthwhile cause."

Sydney added, "I must say the final product is very good."

Meanwhile Malcolm Parkes from Bradley took a very specific shot and his image made it into the January slot. 

"My photograph is of a former lock keeper’s cottage at Cooper Bridge, a place I visit often. I’ve captured it in every season, and I thought it would be a good composition for the calendar. I’ve been into photography since I was a teenager, and this competition seemed like a great opportunity."

Jennifer Higgin-botham from Lindley thought her bluebell image was a perfect encapsulation of Spring and the month of March.

She said: "I originally entered four images, one for every season, and thankfully, my spring bluebells were chosen. I love bluebells; they are fantastic to look at. I took up photography 15 years ago, and it's become a big passion. I feel very honoured that my image is included in the calendar."

Lisa Boston from Lower Fixby had a very personal reason for entering the competition and her image made the month of July. 

Lisa explained: "I entered the competition to honour my father’s memory, Ken, and the compassionate care he received at The Kirkwood. The photograph I submitted is of our son's cricket club. It captures a lovely family afternoon, something my dad cherished."

Tricia Hannon from Thornhill was selected as the image for November. She was delighted to have her image in our calendar. 

"I'm part of the Beaumont Park photography group. My photo was taken on a gray, misty morning on my way to Kirkheaton, with Castle Hill peeking above the mist. I had no idea my image would be chosen, but I’m really proud to be included."

Jess Turnbull from Bradley was a former employee at our charity and knows what a difference we can make to people's lives. Jess entered the competition and her image for April was fantastic. 

On entering the competition she said: "I was walking the dog in Kirkheaton when I saw a picturesque view of the cricket field. Having worked with The Kirkwood, I fully understand the importance of their care, which is why I wanted to support them through this competition."

Just like many of the entries Maureen Hirst's image for June is also personal after a trip to Holmfirth. 

She said: "My husband Collin passed away last June, and the image I submitted was taken during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Last of the Summer Wine. It’s poignant that my photo was chosen for the month Collin died, and it makes me think of him and the happy memories we shared."

A regular entrant into our Calendar competition, Ann-Marie Brook has been a firm supporter of The Kirkwood, volunteering over the years following the support she and her family received after her dad's death. Ann-Marie explains: “The Kirkwood is amazing, my dad was in and out for respite for up to two weeks at a time following a terminal diagnosis, persevering with his life-limiting illness for eighteen months. 

“When he was in The Kirkwood, Dalton site, he was happy and relaxed in comparison to when he was at home. He didn't like strangers coming into his home. The Kirkwood made him feel so welcome. They were amazing, and we couldn’t have done it without them”. 

Finally Rachael Filak The Kirkwood’s Buyer of New Goods is delighted to see so many entries in the competition and is pleased to see the finished product has been well received from the winners. 

Rachael commented: "I’ve managed the calendar photography competition for several years, and I'm always impressed with the variety and standard of work. This year, we had a record number of photographs, which made selecting winners difficult. We aim to include diverse images, from local landscapes to florals and wildlife. I'm really grateful for our supporters' continued participation and encourage more people to take part. You don’t need to be a professional photographer; many entries are taken on mobile phones. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2025 competition and give it a go!"

The 2024 calendar beautifully represents the people of Kirklees and their cherished moments, supporting a cause close to the community's heart. The Kirkwood Calendar is more than just a collection of pictures; it tells the personal stories of love, memory, and community.