Lynton women bare all for charity calendar

A group of eight women from Lynton have decided to celebrate the diverse journeys of womanhood by creating a tasteful Calendar Girls-style calendar while raising funds for a vital local cause.

Shot in August 2023 at Charlie Fridays, a local coffee shop/bar on Queen Street in Lynton, the calendar was created to support North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA).

Anna Wellings, the owner of Charlie Fridays and the brains behind the project, said: “We’ve talked about doing a calendar for years and after being inspired by a past Lynton and Lynmouth calendar, we decided it was time to create a fresh one for a good cause.”

The group, ranging from 19 to 53-years-old, decided to remove their clothes for the calendar to celebrate local women and contribute to the community.

“We’re a group of women who have been through different paths in life but share a passion for celebrating others, supporting each other, and helping those in need,” Anna added.

Proceeds from the calendar sales go directly to NDADA, a charity dedicated to creating safe spaces, providing refuge, and offering support for women and children facing domestic violence.

The organisation runs various programs, including pattern-changing courses for abused women and workshops for young people to learn about healthy relationships. 

Anna recounted the empowering experience of the photoshoot and said: “There were some nerves, but our photographer, Charmain Lovett, put us at ease. It was super empowering, and even those with a little less confidence flourished during the day.” The behind-the-scenes out-take calendar captures the camaraderie and spirit of the day.

To purchase a calendar, reach out on social media via @charliefridays, email charliefridayslynton@gmail.com, or visit Charlie Fridays directly.

The project has already raised £1,100, with some signed copies fetching impressive amounts through sealed bids.

The women who participated in this empowering initiative are Kate Dyer, Issy Clarke, Kirsty Hampton-Vaughn, Sam Osborne, Holly Sprague, Charlie Stone, Sophie Perkins and Anna Wellings.