FORGET the Calendar Girls… it is all about the boys for Saddleworth Women’s Institute’s latest fundraising project.
For Saddl
eworth Rangers rugby players past and present dropped their kit to model for the WI’s 2018 ‘Jam and Jerusalem’ calendar, with proceeds from the sales going to the club.
The idea was the brainchild of Jess Moreland, Saddleworth WI president, as she wanted to do something unique and fun to raise money for their chosen charity.
She explained: “We are raising money for Rangers this year so we thought this would be a nice way to support them.
“The WI is renowned for its naked calendar so we thought we’d maximise on that. We’re never going to get an opportunity like it again!”
The WI took over Woolly Knit Café, in Diggle, for the photoshoot and Jackie Clowes, who is Rangers’ club photographer, swapped the side-lines for the front row to take the pictures.
Jess added: “Woolly Knit were fantastic and couldn’t do enough to help us. It was a lot of work but we loved it and the calendar looks great.”
The photo for each month of the calendar reflects one of the WI’s numerous sub-groups and activities, which include flower group, walking, knitting and baking.
And each month is proudly sponsored by a local business: Ella and CoCo, Puddleducks, 20-20 Saddleworth, Aspire Construction, Saddleworth Outdoor, New Bank Garden Centre, Muse, Eden Florists, Ste Kiss Fitness, Neil Mellor Butchers, Reclamation Room, and The White Hart.
The calendars, which cost £7.50 are on sale from the WI or in most of the shops of the businesses who have sponsored it.
The Saddleworth WI has three chosen charities for the year – Oldham Support for Carers of Autism, Homestart, and Saddleworth Rangers – and holds numerous event and fundraisers to support them.
Their next event is a ‘Mad Hatters’ Ball on Saturday, November 25 at Saddleworth Hotel, from 7.15pm.
Take a trip down the rabbit hole for an evening of eating, drinking, dancing, laughing and perhaps a little more drinking – or it is off with your head! Everyone welcome.
Tickets cost £40. Price includes a welcome ‘drink me’ potion and sumptuous three course meal. Black tie or fancy dress – with a prize for the best fancy dress. For tickets call 07743 705738 or 07985 938868.
Saddleworth WI meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 8pm at Saddleworth Hotel. New members and guests are always welcome.
For further information go on their website www.saddleworthwi.com or Facebook page.
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