Nottinghamshire '˜calendar girls' aid church targeted by thieves

East Markham’s St John the Baptist Church was targeted last month by thieves who stole lead from the roof – which also caused water damage after it rained.

Helen Coultate is part of the East Markham Mums, a charity group of village mums- who have been photographed for a “naked calendar” which will raise money towards the roof repairs.

The 33-year-old mother-of-two, from the village, said she “couldn’t believe” the building on Church Street had been targeted.

She said organising the charity calendar had started out as a joke.

She said: “We don’t attend church that regularly, but it is a beautiful church and it is sad someone would do that.

“My daughter was baptised there and it is a community building, so it seemed the right thing to do.

“I believe the church repairs were priced at more than £50,000, which is why we are fundraising.”

She also said the group of mums, whose children attend East Markham Primary School, organised and produced the calendar over a period of just three weeks.

The calender has been called The Naked Truth.

Helen said: “It’s pretty amazing that we managed to do it in such a short space of time – we are all mums and work.

“The calendar isn’t particularly very suggestive – there isn’t any full nudity.

“Also they are mostly group shots with us playing different group characters. It was quite empowering.”

The pictures where taken by Nottinghamshire photographer Nicola Davidson Reed, who was shortlisted for black and white photographer of the year 2018 by Black & White Photography Magazine.

The pictures were shot in familiar locations including The Queen’s Hotel on High Street in the village.

Pre-orders have already been received from as far away as Manchester and Leeds.

All profits raised will go towards the church.

How to get your copy of the calendar

The East Markham Mums have said they are hoping the calender will be printed on November 25, and are hoping to raise more than £1,000 for the church from the sales and from business in the area which have sponsored each month.

However they also need a few more sponsors.

The calendar will be priced at £10 and is available for preorder via the groups Facebook page at facebook.com/thenakedtruthcalendar.

The calendar will also be sold at church fairs and via businesses in the village.