A WYE Valley ladies choir have dared to bare for an inspiring 2025 calendar to raise funds for Herefordshire Mind.

Members of the Border Belles Ladies’ Choir have launched their Baring All for Mental Health calendar, which boldly showcases their commitment to raising awareness.

Throughout 2024, the choir has worked hard to create the ‘Calendar Girls’-style charity calendar, which features 50 members in risqué poses at local venues, sending a powerful message of vulnerability and self-acceptance.

The calendar highlights the importance of being open about mental health struggles, encouraging others to embrace their true selves.

Each month of the calendar is themed to one of the choir's favourite songs, combining music and mental health advocacy in a creative way.

Priced at £20, the calendars are now available for purchase, with all proceeds going directly to Herefordshire Mind to support the charity's essential work in the community.

Residents can purchase the calendar from local Ross-on-Wye venues, including Café Eleganza, Miles Morgan Travel, the Crown and Sceptre, and the Mill Race in Walford.

By buying a copy, residents are helping raise funds for mental health services while showing solidarity with the Border Belles and their courageous project.

A choir spokesperson: “The heartfelt initiative not only raises money for a great cause, but also spreads an important message about mental health, aiming to break down stigmas and offer support to those in need.”

The 80-strong choir, which performed at last month’s Equinox Festival in Ross and at the town’s Morrisons store in August, invites women to join them for “empowerment, wellbeing and support”.

No auditions for singing experience are needed, and anyone who wants to join can make contact via www.facebook.com/BorderBellesChoir/, by calling 01989 430130 or emailing [email protected]