Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Spotty showersNews
| 
Submit Comments
Tools of the trade: Simon Nottage and Matthew Wray from Bollington Print Shop. Picture taken by Kate McLean
Traders’ naked ambition
8/10/2008
IT’S BUSINESS not as usual for a brave bunch of Happy Valley fellas baring almost all their assets for charity.
Revealing the naked truth in a daring calendar, 14 Bollington traders – including plumbers, a vet, a joiner and even a chimney sweep – have stripped starkers for their latest venture.
And with just the tools of their trade to hide their modesty in the artistic black and white shots, the disrobed men are certainly workin’ it!
It may all seem a bit barmy – but this is actually a brazen business plan to raise much-needed cash for the 2009 Bollington Festival fund.
Landscape gardener Chris Thompson, 49, of Jackson Lane, admits his joint fundraising idea to go au natural came to fruition thanks to a tipple or two.
"Michelle Borrell and I dreamt up the idea for a calendar on a balmy July summer’s evening. We were with our respective partners, had too much wine and knew we needed to help the festival somehow. "Since having the calendar idea, the finished product has happened in no time at all, it’s been tremendous."
The nude gardener wanted well known personalities in the community to appear – and decided the least he could do was undress in support.
"Initially there was a great deal of enthusiasm but then a bit of apprehension," said Chris.
Fellow striptease and butcher, Jeremy Heathcote, of JJJ Heathcote Ltd, is expecting a lot of ribbing from customers when the calendar is released.
But he said: "At the end of the day, it’s just a bit of fun. If it helps to raise money for the festival I’m happy to take the flack."
Funding for the May 2009, 18-day, 90 event bash had been a struggle, with commercial sponsors feeling the pinch.
So when Andrew Roberts, chairman of the Bollington Festival Committee, got wind of the idea, he welcomed the risque calendar.
"Fundraising has been more difficult this time. If we can do it and have fun then I don’t see a problem. It emphasises the spirit we have in Bollington, which is what the festival is all about," said Andrew.
And Chris admits the lads got a bit chilly when their extremities were exposed at the town’s famous folly.
"When we did the group shot at White Nancy, it was 7.30am and freezing. The banter was tremendous though, especially when, coincidentally, the festival chairman Andrew Roberts appeared, walking his dog. Thankfully he took seeing 14 naked men he knew very well."
And photographer Kate McLean was full of admiration for her willing victims.
"They didn’t know me from Adam, although obviously we’re much better acquainted now! I was so impressed though with the way all the guys approached the project and fortunately we managed to have lots of laughs along the way."
Calendars cost £8 and will be available to buy through various outlets from Saturday, November 1.
You can order your calendar now at www.bollingtonfestival.org.uk.
Most recent 2 of 2 user comments
8/10/2008 at 14:32
Got an opinion you want to share?| Card | BT Fee |
| Virgin Credit Card | 2.98% |
| Capital One Low Rate Balance Transfer | 1.7% |
| Capital One Low Rate Platinum | HASH(0x2abf507517e0) |
| Capital One Fixed Rate Card | 0.0% |
| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Halifax (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
5.50% |
|
PRINCIPALITY BS e-SAVER |
5.35% |
|
ANGLO IRISH BANK Easy Access Account Issue 2 |
5.25% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
2.75% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER Online Tracker |
4.75% |
|
BRADFORD & BINGLEY eSavings 6 |
4.60% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
4.00% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER eSaver - Issue 2 |
5.00% |
|
POST OFFICE Instant Saver |
3.75% |
I am horrified at the Express showing pictures like this, its enough to put you off your dinner.
What happened to good old fashioned modesty, dignity and restraint? Another sad example of the decadence Britain is suffering from and the feral nature of those who inhabit this once proud land.
12/10/2008 at 07:38