The displays are now up in Parkinson’s Park, Guiseley to add your own ‘heart’ for Valentine’s week 7-14th February. They have craft hearts on the Farm Gate in a cheerful, welcome display, wooden hearts can be added to the decorative ‘missing you’ tree, and painted stones can join the line of the Parkinson’s Python in the top copse.

As a special ‘treat’, Paul Law of Paula’s Paint Pots has done an ‘original painting’ especially for the Friends which is on display in the notice board. She said “not everyone is in a position to celebrate Valentines and it can be lonely. I wanted to reflect that love comes in all sorts of ways.” Her drawing draws on the recent addition to the Park of the ‘Natter Bench‘, an idea to help those who feel lonely or isolated in current times.

Also busy helping those who feel isolated and want to join in community celebrations is Ruth Owen from Full Circle Funerals. Ruth saw what the Friends of Parkinson’s Park were doing to lift community morale, particularly with the Parkinson’s Python and has organized for many of the ‘Care Homes’ and ‘assisted living accommodation residents ’ in Guiseley (eg Primrose Court, AVSED, Ghyll Royd and Hornbeam Court)  to receive the materials to create hearts and stones which can join the others on display.  

She’s been backed in this endeavour by funding for the materials provided by 5 Guiseley Estate Agents .    Ruth said “There is a real appetite to take part by everyone I’ve spoken too. Finding ways to keep people going, to be involved in something, to be part of where we live is really what is helping people to get through this.”

• Belvoir
• Dale Eddison
• Dacre Son and Hartley
• Manning Stainton
• Blue Residential

COMMUNITY ART PROJECT

Parkinson’s Park is not the only group to ‘spread the love’ this season. The Friends of Nunroyd Park have also been out crafting and have dressed up the Nunroyd Orchard with their creations, for what is turning into an Aireborough Art Week to delight all those venturing out for their daily walk.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Springfield have dressed up the old door of Springhead Mill with a heart display which includes a heart shaped wreath donated by Flowers By Karen. They are encouraging children to count the hearts between the door and the playground (going through Springfield Park).

You can also find wooden hearts Treasure Hunt on Rawdon Billing put there by The Old Warlocks Wood Craft whilst red roses have been spotted at High Royds as part of a ‘hide and seek’ by Belvoir.

At the heart of Aireborough are people who care, and the current situation is really bringing that out.    Art seems to be a key way that people can be both creative and show they care about others: that bolsters resilience and helps in the healing process. And, if you want to share any of your own photos of these ‘decorations’ or other aspects of Aireborough’s landscape and culture, photographer Darren Sanderson has set up an Aireborough Photos and Video’s page on Facebook to do just that. You’ll find lots of inspiring pictures going back to the original Spring 2020 lockdown as people have newly discovered our corner of the South Pennines. .