Dales farming calendar 'the best yet'

A FUNDRAISING calendar created by a Teesdale farming charity is said to be its best one yet.
The Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) calendar for 2017 is now on sale, packed with images from the Durham Dales. Members and friends of Utass have sent in their images of the countryside for the calendar, which has been well supported by businesses. Money raised will be ploughed back into the charity.
Utass worker Emma Spry, who helped select the images, said: “There are some really cracking photos – it gets better every year.”
The cover photo of Eggleston Fell, named ‘What more could a man want?’, was taken by Frazer Davies. One photo in particular resonated with Ms Spry, who farms in Newbiggin. It’s of hay making, snapped by Helen Alderson.
To many it portrays a peaceful scene of the northern dales, but Ms Spry has a different view. She said: “I can feel the sense of urgency because of the dark clouds bringing rain. “People from across the county have sent in pictures for the calendar this year. It’s nice that we’ve got members from across the area,” said Ms Spry.
The calendar is on sale for £5 from Utass, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, as well as at Simpsons butchers in Cockfield and Gainford. People who live out of the area can message Utass on the charity’s Facebook site and staff will explain how to make a donation and receive the calendar in the post for £5.99. Utass is also selling Christmas cards this year.