Make a date to help a vital service

We may only be in the early part of August and technically remain in the heart of summer but the calendar sales season has begun, with 2026 editions going on sale in time for Christmas.

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Even in the digital age, the paper wall calendar remains popular.

Soon popup shops or a stall in the Quadrant will appear with an incredible variety of calendars, something to attract everyone's attention.

The next few weeks mark the beginning of the calendar industry's year as manufacturers bring out their new year editions ahead of the Christmas market.

The calendar may be the only low tech product that you own but take a wander through any shopping centre and it will quickly become apparent that the traditional version remains popular.

Many of those on display feature pop stars, football teams and celebrities. Others feature household pets in a variety of heart-tugging poses and there'll be steam trains.

Of course since the ladies of Rylstone Women’s Institute posed naked to raise money for leukaemia research, a story immortalised in the film, stage play and musical Calendar Girls, the charity sector has witnessed an explosion of similar nude collaborations - well done Cér Curiad!

The evergreen Sir Cliff Richard has sold in excess of five million calendars worth £40 million over the past four decades.