Local men near Newbold-on-Stour will create a cheeky calendar. It is to raise money for the Farm Safety Foundation.
Ann Harkin had this fun idea. She is a counselor and used to be a midwife. Carley Savage will take all the photos. Debbie Hill runs the local pub. It is called the White Hart. Most of the photos will be taken there.
Ann’s husband, John Harkin, will be in it. He is 62 and a bar manager. Carley’s husband, Stephen, joins him. Other guys stripping for a cause are involved. It includes the pub’s club and dominoes team. Also, some “chicken men” are posing. They hope the Young Farmers join.
The local rugby club might too. They all need warmer weather though. Many support the project already. Local farm families like the Heaths are helping. The Spencers and Hawkins assist as well. Barry the Butcher is a sponsor of this event.
Tony, his manager, will pose. The NFU and Ettington Park Hotel are also backers. Ann said the idea grew from a pub chat. Now, so many want to model. Ann and Carley seek more sponsors.
They want people to sponsor calendar months. All money goes to the Farm Safety Foundation. This group is also named ‘Yellow Wellies’. It raises awareness for farm safety. They focus on farmers’ mental health.
Farmers work long hours alone. They face money problems and debt. They are at the mercy of weather and trade. Sadly, farmer suicide rates are high. Yellow Wellies’ research shows a need. Farmers under 40 say mental health is hidden.
Ann says their village is very close. The White Hart pub is their hub. Farmers work hard every day. They need a place to relax. They may only have time for food. This calendar gives back to them, she says. It supports those who feed and clothe us.