2024 - 2025

So, we step softly into the New Year... Time to reflect on what has been (a very good year for me) and look forward to what will be. At this stage of life, one never does know what's around the corner but I'm planning to make good use of every moment of 2025 and savour it all as much as I possibly can. 

I've been looking back at my 2024 pictures and have, fairly randomly, selected one for each month; not necessarily my 'best' images but ones that bring back memories for me. 

January (above) was a stressful and frustrating month of waiting, surrounded by packing boxes, for news of when I could move house. I found calm and solace in a visit to our beautiful minster (cathedral) in York.   

In February - finally - I got the go-ahead to move so I was very busy. I have only ten photos from that month! One of them was this fine show of crocuses in Roberts Park. 

March held celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the opening of Bingley's Five Rise locks, where I enjoyed a cheery chat with a friendly boatman. 

In April, a merry band of us went into Bradford for a camera club outing to take photos around the city centre. 

May saw another camera club outing, this time a rural wander around Blubberhouses... so much fresh, green foliage.  

June - a visit to Castle Howard, on a memorably wet day! 

In July, I had a few days retreat near Kettlewell in Upper Wharfedale. The weather was mixed: wind, rain and sunshine. I enjoyed the latter! 

By August, I had more or less finished the refurbishment and got things straight my new apartment, and I was glorying in the sunsets I can now see from my balcony. 

September brought the annual Saltaire Festival and sunshine brought the crowds out to enjoy it. 

October was wonderful. I had so many lovely walks, enjoying the ever-changing autumnal colours. The light was amazing. I've had to include two October photos! 

November had its share of beauty too, most memorably on a fairly early morning visit to Rodley Nature Reserve. 

December included an atmospheric visit to Haworth, twinkling with festive lights. 

2024 was a very positive year for me personally. It involved plenty of hard work but also many lovely times out enjoying our beautiful countryside, the riches of our cities and historic buildings, and sharing good times with friends and family. I hope it was good for you too, and that 2025 will bring many blessings to you - and to our troubled world. 

Wishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.