Chester charity workers go naked for hospice calendar

Sep 24 2008 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

MODELS have fought over a double bass for a calendar of shop workers with only musical instruments to hide their modesty.

Pat Tuggey, who works at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd shop on Charles Street, Hoole had the idea for the calendar and funded the project with her own money.

Staff at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd stores on Charles Street and Faulkner Street, Hoole volunteered to help along with models from other shops along the roads ranging in age from 16 to 70.

“I didn’t twist their arms, we could have had two or three calendars,” said Pat, who hopes to raise £12,000 for the hospice from the 2,000 calendars printed.

“The photographs are really good and the printer has done a fantastic job. I’m really chuffed with it. They’ve made us look quite decent!”

The women posed with various musical instruments for the Cestrian Calendar Girls calendar shoot.

Pat added: “I wanted the double bass but my friend said she wouldn’t do it unless she had the double bass, so I had an alto saxophone!”

Other instruments protecting the participants decency include a guitar, cello, violin, bongos, zither, cornet and even a didgeridoo.

“We had a penny whistle but decided that was too small,” added Pat.

There will be posters in each shop window letting people know where to get them.

The calendar is set to go on sale in 16 retail outlets on October 6 and will cost £6.99.