Nervous female fundraisers who posed for a cheeky charity calendar will see their photos for the first time when it’s unveiled at a glamorous launch event at Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre next week.
Earlier in the year, 39 women, aged between 19 and 80 struck a series of cheeky poses in a top-secret shoot, for the ‘sassy and sophisticated’ charity calendar – in aid of a host of charities close to their hearts.
The A3 glossy wall calendar is the vision of Ladies First Professional Development Network Director, Tracey McAtamney, from Balsall Common, to mark her 60th birthday this year.
And it couldn’t be more personal for the grandma of two – one of whom even became the 40th Calendar Girl.’ It’s given Tracey extra cause to reflect on her journey of reinvention following being widowed at a young age with two sons.
She said: “I am beyond excited – and still slightly astonished – that our Ladies First Charity Calendar Launch is almost here. I honestly can’t believe that what started as a conversation over a meal last November is now a reality. It has completely smashed every expectation I had.
“I thought we might struggle to find 12 women to take part. Instead, we have 39 incredible women – plus avery special little addition, my granddaughter Matilda Rose! My daughter-in-law was pregnant when we filmed the calendar and has since given birth to this beautiful little girl, so we have officially become 40!”
She added: “The calendar was filmed over two incredible days at Mallory Court, in Leamington Spa, and it really did feel like a film set. Every month has a completely different theme, with an amazing team working behind the scenes to bring the vision to life. There was so much organisation, creativity, laughter and, most importantly, fun. I am incredibly proud of what we created together.
“I hope everyone who comes to the launch on 15th October, and everyone who buys a calendar, feels an enormous sense of pride in what we have achieved together. This isn’t simply a calendar. It is 39 women, their stories, their courage, their individuality and theirwillingness to step outside their comfort zones to make a difference.
“Most importantly, we are shining a light on some amazing charities and community projects and raising money for causes that are incredibly important to the women involved.
“And I hope the calendar carries a message far beyond its pages: love yourself, whatever stage of life you are at. You don’t have to be younger, different or perfect. Be proud of who you are, embrace your story and be the best version of yourself.”
The red carpet event, on Thursday, (October 15th) takes place between 6.30-10.30pm and includes live entertainment, welcome drink, refreshments, the big ‘reveal,’ plus a host of surprises. Tickets cost just £35 and are available HERE.
The calendar has also won the support of the ‘Original Calendar Girl,’ Tricia Stewart, who will also be guest of honour at the launch.
As ‘Miss October,’ Tricia was one of 11 plucky Yorkshire ladies, aged between 45 and 65, to pose for the Rylestone & District WI naked calendar, the first of its kind, in 1999. It went on to sell hundreds of thousands of copies, raising a whopping £6.5 million for the then-named Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, now Blood Cancer UK.
Copies of the limited-edition calendar, which cost £20, are also available to purchase from the Ladies First website and Calendar Club stalls in Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull; Royal Priors in Leamington; and West Orchards in Coventry for anyone who can’t get along on the night.
Headline sponsors for the calendar include Chalmers News PR, Visually Virtual Photography; Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR; Pertemps in Meriden; Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, where the calendar was shot and Unique Venues Birmingham. It’s not too late for any other companies to get involved. Contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk
Donations can otherwise be made in support of the project HERE.
