There was once a time when Castleside was most famous for was its lead mining – that’s rapidly changing thanks to the efforts of the 
village’s Calendar Girls.
Last month, we reported that a dozen local women had stripped bare for charities Cancer Research UK and Willow Burn Hospice as well as to raise funds to help cover the running costs of Castleside Village Hall.
Now it seems the girls have struck gold as interest and demand for the calendar has surpassed all expectations and a second print run looks likely.
Heather Thompson, whose idea it was to do the calendar, says the project would never have come about if it wasn’t for the generosity of several local businesses.
“We’re touched not only by the fact so many companies were happy to contribute financially to the calendar, but also the fact that they’re all really excited about and supportive of what we’ve done,” Heather says. “This has turned out to be a real community effort.”
Well-known firms Elddis Transport, Gary Hall Windows, Crossgill Construction, The Smelters Arms and Gralands are among the calendar sponsors whose donations covered all production costs.
“We’d welcome any other sponsorship to cover the price of a second print run,” Ms Thompson adds.
The Castleside Calendar will be on sale from early October. See their website www.castleside.net or email castlesidecalendar@gmail.com for more information on where to buy.
