Behind the Scenes

Here's What Happened on the Day

The appointed day came and at 11am we all assembled.  Nervous but good spirited and with a fair amount of banter. All week the weather had been fantastic with bright sun and warm winds cutting across the Fens.  But obviously our good luck on Saturday wasn't to be.  As soon as everyone was ready for the shoot the heavens opened and the temperatures dropped.  Cue the jokes about the cold affecting certain anatomical features.

Whilst everyone was ready for it there was a nervousness running through the crowd in anticipation of what was to come. Then Sharnie turned up with a clipboard and planning.  That's when it all got real.  The call went up "Who's in for January?  I need two or three volunteers for the first shoot." and there was a distinct lack of volunteers.  No one wanted to be first.  In fact, no one stepped forward for a minute or so.

You see, what everyone was expecting was to be called into a discreet area, politely asked to undress and prepare, have your photo taken and then back on with the warm clothes.

Oh no.  They had other ideas.

There were about 60 people jostling to get a look at the hilarious ways in which a bunch of blokes could find tools (not those tools) and parts from the garage to hide their short n curlies.  But still no one wanted to be first.  Suddenly there was a shyness and the jokes about weather, shrivelling and needing something a lot bigger than a 10 mil petered out.

But then something happened.

One voice went "Come on.  Let's get it over and done with" and promptly wandered off to strip off in the Routemaster bus kindly donated for the shoot.

And that's when something incredible happened.  Once one person volunteered then everyone stripped off.  We were all here for the calendar so ... well .. that's it.  Clothes off, bellies and bits out, tinsel, props and all sorts at the ready and off we go.  Suddenly the garage was swarming with naked men clutching anything they could to protect what was  left of their dignity.  Cars were lined up and polished and the photographer had a day that she's never going to forget in a hurry.

Naturally all of the wives and girlfriends wanted to keep an eye on the ridiculous scenes unfolding.  Clothes off, props up, photos done and dressing gowns back on.  Apart from someone who only wore one sock but that's a whole different matter.  In between shoots it would have been logical to wait in the bus but nah! Let's all wander around freezing our bits off as it's a far better laugh watching other blokes covering their modesty with brake discs, car cleaning products or oil cans than it is to be sensible and stay in the warm.

The whole 'two or three volunteers' went by the wayside.  There were buttocks everywhere in every shoot.  It was like no one wanted to be left out.  Cars were aligned, poses were set, props were positioned and 'smile for the camera' rallied the troops.  Although when the photographer says to a man naked by a car door "Can you just come in here?" and getting the response "What, all over the leather?" kind of sums up the comedy value of the day.

What brilliant fun.  A few drinks.  Lots of laughs and new friends made.  All in the name of a good cause.  So get your calendar now before they run out.  There is only a limited print run so buy now to avoid disappointment.  Or get one, look at the pictures and still be disappointed but this time it will be because of what's in the pictures rather than having missed out.