we worked across 13 sets, with our fantastic photographers and production team creating the perfect scene for each month and the front cover. It was so uplifting to watch months of planning come to life as the lights went on, the cameras started rolling and the action began!”
Did you ever imagine how big the calendar would become?
Tricia: “The aim had been to raise £5,000 but we’d thought we’d struggle to sell a thousand. we had to have three thousand as a minimum print run. We thought we'd definitely never sell all of those. But it kept selling and we kept making money. The effect of the calendar was expected to last three weeks, but 27 years on it has raised a whopping £6.5 million for the then-named Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, now Blood Cancer UK. The stage musical version, ‘The Girls,’ written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, has toured throughout the world, and post-show bucket collections have added thousands more to the charity funds.”
Did you meet the cast before they made the movie?
Tricia: “We just couldn't believe it when, in 1999, we were approached by Disney about making the film, but we were made aware we had to let them use dramatic licence on the story, this wasn't going to be a documentary. Angela had rights on the script, and happily, before we all signed up, we were assured it was being filmed mainly in the Dales and with mainly English actors. One day we received a phone call from Julie Walters to say she'd like to come to lunch and meet us, and, over time, we met them all.
“Helen Mirren turned up with sunflowers for Angela – and a cheque for £5k for the charity! We even went to Cannes Film Festival with them which was a very special memory, as was performing at The Royal Variety Performance. They are all fantastic actresses and it felt incredible to be a part of it.
“Afterwards we did send calendars out to famous people in the hope that they would send us a cheque and help promote it. I recall Alan Bennett sent us £200 and a postcard depicting sexual harassment with a lady chasing a man with a broom, and he said he loved the calendar, but we weren’t to be seduced by showbusiness and that Victoria sponges and pickles were much more worthwhile!”
The charity is set to raise thousands for nearly 40 charities. But why is it about more than just fundraising for you?
Tracey: “Every woman featured in this calendar has a personal story. They have experienced loss, emotional trauma, divorce, illness, the mental and physical demands of the menopause, and the responsibility of caring for others. These experiences shape us, challenge us and ultimately define our strength. Each photo represents that unique story and serves as a celebration of resilience, individuality and everything that makes a woman extraordinary. “
Tricia, you’re now a grandma of six. What do your family make of it all?
Tricia: “They have all been brilliant. My husband, Ian, was acting as a chauffeur and handyman and carrying my bag throughout the whole experience. My daughter Lizzie had a year off after university and helped me so much with it all. The grandkids have watched the film and know all about it. One of them was heard to exclaim when she was little: ‘look at grandma, all her clothes have fallen off!’
Why do you think it is important for family and friends to come along and show their support at the launch party?
What does it mean to you to have Tricia’s endorsement?
Tracey: “I feel truly honoured to have the support of the original Calendar Girl herself. She is an extraordinary woman who created something remarkable at a time when it had never been done before. Meeting her was incredibly special - she was warm, generous, and full of wonderful stories about both the calendar and the film that followed. Hearing her experiences firsthand made the whole journey feel even more meaningful. Her support has given us all the boost we needed.”
Tracey: “I am looking forward to sharing the calendar with friends and family at the launch party.
It feels especially meaningful
because my daughter in law and her bump featured in the calendar with my granddaughter due to arrive in August, before the launch. My niece is also involved along with many friends and colleagues, making it a truly special project.
“There is so much to celebrate. Beyond the calendar itself, there is the important message behind why each and every one of us has taken part. The money we hope to raise and the spotlight on the
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LOCAL PEOPLE TRACEY MCATAMNEY
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