Villagers get naked (From Stroud News and Journal)

Villagers get naked

A QUIRKY Nailsworth community hosted an unusual pantomime where all the audience were naked.

But not just anyone could go along to the recent show at Horsley Village Hall.

The nude performance was in fact a special mock-up for the village's 2004 calendar, which features 30 local women in various stages of undress.

Daring ladies have dropped their dresses and posed in a selection of typical rural scenes to raise money for an African women's charity.

All proceeds from the calendar, which goes on sale in October, will go to the SURF survivors fund to help young Rwandan widows who are HIV positive after being raped during their country's civil war.

Calendar organiser Sarah Clifford, 32, said: "The idea came to me at a bonfire in Washpool.

"We felt very strongly that we wanted to do something for these women whose husbands had been killed in the genocide.

"Nearly everyone wanted to take part. "Horsley is an alternative village."

The calendar, which will cost about £9, will be launched at Ruskin Mill on October 6. Sarah hopes BBC journalist Fergal Keane, who made two films about the Rwandan crisis, will come along to talk.

The calendar's tone will be comic, showing ordinary scenes with a naked twist. One of the six photographs already taken recreates the village pantomime starring Sarah, a professional actress and teacher, as the fairy godmother.

Other models, who range from age 20 to 55, include an NHS manager and the wives of the village publican and shopkeeper. More volunteers, who must be female and live in Horsley, are still needed.

The group is also looking for 20 businesses to pay £50 to have their logos printed on the back. To get involved, order a calendar or make a donation contact Sarah on 01453 834798.