THE Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks (FOIRP) is launching it’s inaugural 2022 calendar on Saturday.

All the photographs in the calendar are from the winners of the 2021 photographic competition the group ran to celebrate the changing seasons in the areas beside the River Wharfe in Ilkley. Featuring in the calendar are three photos taken by budding young photographers as part of the competition’s under 16 category.

Each month of the calendar is supported by local businesses who have sponsored a photograph to cover the costs of producing the calendar. This will allow all the money raised through sales to go towards Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks ongoing works programme. This includes a new project fund for the refurbishment of the flowerbeds near the Riverside Hotel, together with essential equipment for use during the group’s regular work parties. Moreover further improvements to the eastern side of the Riverside memorial gardens are planned to complement the improved memorial area.

The calendar is available to purchase from FOIRP’s stall including the Clarke Foley Centre on Saturday, November 27th. A number of businesses are also stocking copies including La Stazione, The Little Teahouse and the Riverside Hotel. Stalls will be held in the Riverside Gardens on Saturdays from 10am throughout December. There is also the option to order the calendar online for delivery in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding. The calendar makes an ideal Christmas gift as well as supporting a worthwhile cause. For more information about sales locations see the group’s Facebook Page or website (https://friends-of-ilkley-riverside-parks.com/), or you can access the online ordering system using this link: friends-of-ilkley-riverside-parks-calendar-2022

George Buckley, the project coordinator said: “I would like to thank all our supporters who have made this project possible by getting out into the park and capturing photographs that showcase it at its best moments. I would also like to pass on my thanks to the wonderful local organisations who have supported the calendar, including, Ilkley Lawn Tennis Club, La Stazione, The Little Teahouse, The Riverside Hotel, Regents Orthodontics, The Ticket Office, Charles Clinkard, Moss and Moor, Mortens, Tony Reed Photography, The Rotary Club of Ilkley and The Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale.”