One of the original Calendar Girls has come to Congleton
By Jane Barker
8th May 2022 | Local News
One of the inspirations for the Calendar Girls franchise came to Congleton this week.
Tricia Stewart one of the original Calendar Girls from the Rylstone and District Women's Institute in Yorkshire, found international stardom following the release of their risqué calendar in 1999.
She was in our town as the guest speaker for the spring Federation meeting of the eleven local WI groups, known as 'The Cloud Meeting'.
The evening was hosted by the chairwoman Lesley Reynolds and Secretary Viv Warrington. Mow Cop and District provided the cloth and flowers for the evening. Timbersbrook WI acted as hostesses on the evening welcoming all the special guests and dignitaries including Councillor Denis Murphy Congleton Town Mayor.
The meeting opened in true WI style with Jerusalem, and quickly delivered the business end of the meeting. Tricia was Miss October, the one with the apple cider press. She had travelled down from North Yorkshire to deliver a comical, inciteful rendition of how the calendar came to life and the journey it took around the world.
She shared with us some of the myths in the film, like she has never put a shop purchased cake in a competition but may have submitted occasionally the odd craft item made by another. They never did Tai chi on a hill, but really walked the dogs up there instead. When the film opens it is really them doing the Tai chi, the actresses replaced them later in the scene.
Although 2003 film caused a little friction with the original group, Tricia shared several photos and newspaper articles during her presentation.
The concept has gone from strength to strength. Including a calendar featuring the actresses, a ten year later calendar, a stage play, a musical and books.
The success of the calendar has seen her travel all over the world, helping to raise millions for the charity Blood Cancer UK. although the money raised in America was split and shared with an American charity for blood cancer. It is 23 years ago back in 1998 when the idea first came to life and its legacy is still going strong.
It was a captivating and enchanting talk full of laughter which had the audience giggling away, evening flew by. Tricia received thanks from Lesley Fallon of Gawsworth WI. Whilst tea was served Tricia posed for photographs and signed her latest book.
The evening closed with feedback from a recent group survey, the raffle and the announcements of the winners of the evenings competition of recreating a photograph inspired by the calendar. The National Anthem was sung in recognition of the Queens forthcoming Jubilee as the final act of a marvellously inspiring evening.
The autumn meeting will be on September 7, with a fundraising pie and pea supper on October 26.
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