BBC’s Countryfile inspires idea for Brome and Oakley calendar

A village calendar inspired by a popular BBC show has been launched in aid of helping its community.

Called ‘Brome and Oakley Life’, it has been created by the organisers of the annual Brome and Oakley Fete, using submitted pictures from budding photographers.

Organiser Jane Pearse said the idea had come from the BBC Countryfile calendar, which is sold to raise money for Children in Need.

She said: “Obviously, we could not contemplate anything on that sort of scale, so we selected a simpler model, with the images chosen for it in a very democratic way.

“We asked Adrian Barnard, a local wildlife photographer, to assist us to judge the submissions.

“Then we had 57 of the shortlisted photos on display at the village fete at Brome Hall on July 13, with attendees voting for their favourites. After the votes were count, we were able to announce the winners on the day.”

With the pictures selected and the calendar back from the printers, it was launched at an event at the village hall at the end of last month, with around 50 people in attendance.

Among those present were volunteers who were involved in the production of the calendar, finalists, shortlisted entrants and organisers who live in Brome or Oakley.

“The launch went really well and some people bought some calendars at the event, so it was a really great start,” said Mrs Pearse.

“We just wanted something new and different this year that the community could get involved in and they really have.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported this initiative and I hope we can continue it in the future.”

Proceeds from sales of the calendar, which can be bought at village events, will be split between the village hall and churches.