Cliviger-based Jack Launer has entered the South Pennines Park photography competition every month since its inception in January and is delighted to be crowned April’s winner.
His image of the annual Pace Egg Play in Heptonstall – a traditional folk play performed on Good Friday in Heptonstall’s Weavers Square – was selected as the winning entry by the judges.
The event, which attracting hundreds of visitors to the village each year is one of only a few still performed today – and Jack has captured the joy of the crowd perfectly.
He said: “For our family, Good Friday is about going and watching the Pace Egg in Heptonstall and making our way down the hill to Hebden Bridge for a couple of drinks later. With this photograph I wanted to capture the feeling of the play and the crowd enjoying the tradition, like we do.” Jack is currently a Green councillor for Cliviger and Worsthorne after being elected last year.
His love of photographing people grew from taking photographs of up-and-coming bands gigging in local venues across the South Pennines Park. With a little encouragement from his wife Victoria, who is also a keen photographer, he upgraded his smart phone to a ‘proper’ camera – which now goes everywhere with him.
Jack, who regularly walks his dog Cailan, said he loves taking photographs showcasing the industrial past and people from the area.
“I enter the competition every month because I’m so proud of where I’m from. For me, the region is young and it’s finding itself again.
“I’d encourage people to explore the South Pennines Park area, its history, its green spaces and moorland. We have amazing wildlife and incredible views.”
Jack, and his two teenage sons Kasper and Rohan, are all avid Burnley Fans – who have just been promoted back to the Premier League. He quipped: “I’m living the dream.”