This is the time of year when fashion designers, footballers, pop stars and other celebrities start to sell their annual wall calendars hoping for easy money.
It’s easy to understand why, as more than 16 million people still buy wall calendars. With Minecraft and Liverpool Football Club already in demand for 2022, it is not difficult to imagine.
However, one release stands out from the rest.
“Benches of Redditch” lovingly portrays twelve benches around Redditch in the West Midlands. It was created by Britain’s ‘dullest man.
Kevin Beresford is a retired printer who has created calendars since 2003. This includes the famous ‘Best UK Roundabouts’ one.
He hopes to now sell more of his latest venture than Meghan Markle’s children’s book, “The Bench”.
Kevin Beresford (69) proudly displays his new calendar, “Benches Of Redditch”, while sitting on a bench in front of a closed chip shop. The Wall Calendar will be more popular than Meghan Markle’s Children’s Book ‘The Bench,’ he hopes.
Mr Beresford has been making calendars as a hobby for the last 18 years, including an infamous ‘Best UK Roundabouts’ calendar released in 2003
Redditch grandfather-of-2 enjoys taking photographs of Britain’s most common places such as car parks, prisons and abandoned insane asylums.
In addition to being President of the Roundabout Appreciation Society, Mr. Beresford is also part of Dull Men’s Club.
Even more, he serves as president of the Bench Appreciation society.
The bench that Mr Beresford calls a June bench. It is located in Winyates Shopping Centre. The small ashtray beneath the bench hardly seems adequate for the many smokers that frequent this spot.’
“I love to wander around the town, and take photographs of what interests me,” Mr Beresford stated.
“We see so many things every day, that we almost take it for granted. But some are, in my opinion, pieces of art.
I wanted to make a bench calendar as an homage to parks benches.
“People use them to do all kinds of things: sitting, sleeping and eating lunch. They also allow for watching the time pass by. We used to court on benches back in my day.
“Each bench tells a different story, but my favourite is the bench that I found in Sambourne on the village green.”
He said, “Benches can be really costly so it is nice that councils offer them in idyllic locations.”
January’s Bench: This simple, but stunning bench looks out over the Arrow Valley Lake. Redditch’s most beautiful spot is home to one of the many benches.
May’s bench is described as “gorgeous circular wooden benches, built around small trees”. Mister Beresford added: “Situated on Sambourne’s pretty village green. This is a great example of a bench.
“They are a peaceful place where you can watch the world pass by. They also allow for meditation and relaxation. Bänken aren’t something people appreciate. They can come in all sizes and shapes.
“Then there are the truly poignant ones that were placed in memory of a close friend or loved one.
He spent the entire day with only a camera and a notebook and pen walking through Redditch and its surrounding area, Sambourne and Inkberrow.
His words were: “It doesn’t take much to get the calendar you want. I had only twelve!
“All you need to take good pictures is an excellent camera. Your phone can be used as a smartphone, or you could use it as an anorak.”
One day after the launch of the calendar, Mr Beresford received a flood of orders from viewers thanks to his appearance on “This Morning.”
The February bench: “A stylish wood-metal combination, sitting with its back to the Black Tap Public House. One of the finest pubs Redditch has to offer.”
Astwood Bank bench in October, which faces a children’s park is the star. Mr Beresford notes that although the bench is in Worcestershire the backdrop features breathtaking distant views of Warwickshire.
He explained that he had already placed well over 100 order and the orders keep coming.
“People love to purchase calendars for Christmas. I believe they will be selling quickly.”
“I really hope that Meghan Markle sells more of my products.” She’s a great woman and I admire her, but she is also a good friend.
He is currently sharing another calendar, including a collection of close-ups of Jack Grealish’s calves.
The Best UK Roundabouts Calendar by Mr Beresford is still available. The roundabout that takes place in April, Lewes, West Sussex is known affectionately as “Brian the Snail” – named for a character in “The Magic Roundabout”.
This roundabout is February’s Bath Lansdown Land Roundabout. It was abandoned and considered an eye-sore by local garden clubs.
New roundabout in Coalville (Leicestershire), that looks unassuming from the ground but reminds me of Star Wars’ sinister Death Star when seen from above
He stated that he thought sexy pop-band calendars and fireman calendars were too much. Although it may seem boring to many, a calendar that is all about benches can be quite fun and unique.
Even Jack Grealish’s calves can be a bit boring as you don’t have to see all of it. However, they’ve been selling well and I’ve printed only one.
“I enjoy being called Britain’s dullest person, it’s almost like an honor badge.
“It’s amazing that people like my calendars, as it’s a hobby of mine.”
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