The Leek Calendar Boys, a group of twenty regular patrons of the Blue Mugge pub in Leek, Staffordshire, England, have bared it all for a cheeky charity calendar, posing strategically around their hometown in a series of amusingly awkward, racy poses. Inspired by the famous “Calendar Girls,” these brave working men decided to embrace their beer bellies and strip down for a good cause – raising funds for prostate cancer research, a cause close to many of their hearts due to personal experiences with the disease. The project, born out of a casual conversation over pints at their local pub, quickly evolved from a playful suggestion to a full-fledged commitment. The resulting calendar is a testament to their camaraderie, humor, and willingness to go the extra mile for a worthy cause.
The calendar is a whimsical collection of photographs featuring the Leek Calendar Boys creatively using everyday objects to preserve their modesty. Each month showcases a different member of the group in a unique pose, their chosen props adding to the overall comedic effect. March’s Mr. Pete Lymer, a butcher by trade, strategically shields himself with a sausage, while Mr. June, landlord of the Blue Mugge pub, Paul Harrison, opts for the pub’s namesake – a large blue mug. Other highlights include Mr. February, Mark O’Shaughnessy, brandishing a traffic cone and chainsaw, and July’s Les Critchlow cleverly utilizing a drum kit for cover.
The calendar continues its playful theme with Mr. April, Mark Brough, posing with a stuffed pheasant overlooking the scenic Staffordshire countryside, offering a touch of local flavor. December’s Andrew Cordon enlists the help of his pet ferrets in a particularly endearing and amusing pose. Each photograph is a testament to the group’s creativity and good humor, creating a calendar that is both entertaining and heartwarming. The men’s willingness to put themselves in these comical situations speaks volumes about their dedication to raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.
Beyond the laughter and lightheartedness, the calendar represents a deeply personal journey for many of the participants. Nigel Walwyn, Mr. October, who posed behind a stone lion in the town center, explained his motivation for joining the project stemmed from his brother’s and a close friend’s battles with prostate cancer. His decision to participate was driven by a desire to support them and contribute to the fight against the disease. This sentiment echoes through the group, highlighting the profound impact cancer has had on their lives and their commitment to making a difference.
The story behind the pub’s name, the Blue Mugge, adds another layer of local charm to the narrative. Landlord Paul, Mr. June, explained that the pub was originally called The Queen’s Arms, but the discovery of a large blue mug in the attic by his father led to the name change. This quirky anecdote resonates with the overall light-hearted spirit of the project and further connects the calendar to the local community. The choice to use the larger mug for his calendar pose adds a humorous touch and reflects the playful nature of the entire endeavor.
The Leek Calendar Boys’ initiative highlights the power of community spirit and the willingness of ordinary people to come together for a greater good. Paul emphasized the supportive nature of the Leek community, stating their tendency to rally behind local causes. This sense of unity and collective action is evident throughout the project, from the initial idea conceived in the pub to the final execution of the calendar photoshoot. The project not only raises crucial funds for prostate cancer research but also strengthens the bonds within the community. The calendar’s success is a testament to the Leek community’s unwavering support and the Leek Calendar Boys’ dedication to their cause. Andy Keates, Mr. January, who braved the cold for his gym-based photoshoot, humorously remarked on the shrinking effect of the low temperatures, adding another layer of comedic charm to the story. The calendar is a celebration of camaraderie, community spirit, and the power of humor in the face of adversity.
