Before the ‘reveal’
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© James Rudd Photography
Whose idea was it for the calendar?
“Finding new ways to raise money can be a challenge and we all wanted to do something that would spark the interest of large numbers of people, thus raising awareness for the charity. When Equine Partner Andrew Hayes first announced that he wanted the practice to do a naked calendar, we all laughed heartily before quickly forgetting the idea had ever existed. I certainly never believed the calendar would become a reality and yet here I am spending my mornings speaking to journalists alongside my usual clinical duties!
The calendar has undeniably achieved our aim and, although we may have raised a few eyebrows along the way, we hope also to raise a significant donation for a very worthy cause.”
Above right: April’s calendar boys are Towcester Equine Vet’s resident farrier, Brian Temple (l), helped by his son Jamie (r)
How did you feel about stripping off?
“When I was asked to get involved in our charity project I was thrilled. I knew it would be great fun and a fantastic opportunity to do something different. I knew that it would involve a lot of work logistically but I hadn’t fully considered the challenges that nudity in the work place would bring. I had underestimated the impossibility of finding a private spot in a busy veterinary practice. I tried to plan for the unforeseen client arrivals, dog walkers and delivery drivers; but there were definitely some very close calls and one traumatized gardener!
The experience of being naked, in front of your naked bosses, is surreal and terrifying; hilarious yet mortifying. I cannot put the feelings into words but it is an experience that I shall never forget. Once you get past the initial embarrassment of being naked you then have to deal with the logistics of being photographed performing a clinical procedure without exposing too much of yourself – relying on the compliance of a horse to conceal your modesty is a big gamble!”
Did it all go to plan?
“Anyone who has planned a vet’s diary will understand how difficult it is to allocate a full afternoon of non-clinical work. Our poor photographer James Rudd was exceedingly patient; there was more than one occasion when a vet had to leave mid shoot to attend an emergency patient. He took it all on the chin and we got the necessary pictures taken over a series of days.
The whole experience has definitely been a positive one and the entire team has really pulled together to achieve what we believe to be a great product for a great cause.
We could not have produced the calendar without our sponsors, photographer and printers – their generosity will enable almost the full purchase price of £12 to go straight to the charity.”
© James Rudd Photography
Before the ‘reveal’
Interview with BBC Radio Northampton
© James Rudd Photography
We have seen all the photos and can assure you, you will blush! Please support Towcester Equine Vets with their fundraising for the Air Ambulance. It is the perfect gift for everyone!
You can purchase a calendar by calling the clinic on 01327 811007 or by visiting the Towcester Vets website here
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The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 
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Ben Hobday: The good, the bad and the brave 
Equine nasal discharge: When a snotty nose isn’t just a snotty nose. 
Rachael Green on introducing young racehorses to jumping 
Rookie Mum: Britain’s Got Talland 
Olympia: the fantastic finale to 2015 
Singalong with our Festive playlist 
Pumbaa, The A Level Eventer : Part 5 
Festive Horse Drawn Rides in Richmond Park 
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