Countryside walks 12 months of year

A CALENDAR showcasing walks throughout Watlington is now for sale.

It is the seventh year the Friends of Watlington Library has organised a photography competition for a calendar to raise funds for the library.

Each year, a different Watlington-related theme is chosen, which this year was “Watlington Walks”.

Photographs were taken on trails during different seasons of the year, with most taken using iPhones on daily dog walks.

This year, 200 entries were submitted by 30 residents and the winning 12 photographs are currently being displayed in the library. They were judged by award-winning photographer Ruth Morris and the calendar is designed by Ross Spiers.

Anna Tilley, who chairs the Friends of Watlington Library, said the calendar is a vital part of the fundraising which keeps the library staffed. Last year, the calendar raised £1,600.

Dr Tilley said the support of sponsors will help more proceeds going back to the library.

This year this included Robinson Sherston, the Orange Bakery Collective, the Spire and Spoke, TuTu Chocolates, Watlington Fine Wines, No 4, So Sustainable, the Italian Handbag Company, Bella Luce, Stilla Hem, Calnan Brothers, the Granary Delicatessen and Watlington Wellness Centre.

Dr Tilley said: “Watlington has some very iconic views and landmarks and things that people associate with the town but you’re looking for a fresh perspective each time.

“This year we’ve had more entries than we’ve ever had. It has become a really significant part of our fundraising activities.”

Ash Cudlipp, 54, an engineer from Northend, submitted “April Trails”, which was taken while walking his dog in January and was one of three photos he submitted.

He said: “All my photos were taken on my iPhone when I was walking my dog and this was just a very nice morning — it says April trails but it was taken in January.

“It’s just something nice to do as you’re walking your dog around this great countryside.”

Alan Piper, 69, submitted “Willow Pond to Horse Pond”, a photo of rapeseed in bloom lining a walking trail heading from West Meadow towards the Ridgeway.

Mr Piper took the photo using his iPhone camera. He said: “I’ve got and had thousands of pounds’ worth of camera kit but the iPhone camera is almost infallible. I’m pleased with the way it printed, I think it printed well.

“It’s interesting because you watch the fields all through the year go through all the various transitions and there is the new winter wheat coming up just now.”

Julie Cotterall submitted “Autumn Colours on Shakespeare’s Way”, of a walking trail strewn with autumnal leaves.

Ms Cotterall, who is part of the Henley and Goring Ramblers, said she has walked the route many times.

She said: “It’s a well-trodden footpath in the local area. The photo was only taken on my phone but I like trying to take proper photos rather than just snaps and then when I saw the competition I thought well, why not?”

James Clarke, a furniture designer, entered “Towards the Hundred”, the winning photograph for December, taken at the border with Pyrton.

He said: “It was taken at the back of the recreation ground alongside the allotments. It was a nice frosty morning and I had taken the dog for a walk and I turned around and just saw all of the glistening of the ice and this sort of stuff.”

The calendar costs £10 and is available to purchase at Watlington library, Watlington Fine Wines and the Granary Delicatessen.