Gills Top care home celebrates original Calendar Girl's 60 years in the WI

Residents, colleagues and guests at Gills Top care home in Grassington recently came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone for resident Beryl Bamforth – 60 years of membership with the Women's Institute (WI).

Beryl is best known as the original Miss January from the real-life WI calendar created by members of Rylstone Women's Institute in North Yorkshire, which went on to inspire the hit film *Calendar Girls*.

To mark the occasion, Beryl was joined by fellow Calendar Girls, residents, colleagues and friends for an afternoon of celebration at Gills Top, reflecting on six decades of friendship, community and memorable experiences through the WI.

Beryl's story first captured national attention in the late 1990s, when she and fellow members of Rylstone WI created a fundraising calendar in support of Leukaemia Research. What began as a local initiative went on to raise more than £1.3 million and inspired the 2003 film *Calendar Girls*, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters.

The success of the calendar brought widespread recognition to the women involved, including an opportunity to meet Prince Charles in recognition of their fundraising efforts.

Reflecting on the celebration, Beryl said:

What a wonderful afternoon it was. To be surrounded by so many familiar faces and dear friends, here at Gills Top, made it truly special. My time in the WI has given me memories I will always cherish and being a Calendar Girl is something I will always be proud of.

Gemma Heaton, Home Manager at Gills Top, said:

It was very important for us at Anchor to mark this milestone with Beryl, she is a truly remarkable woman and an inspiration to everyone at the home. Having the original Calendar Girls here with us made it a very special afternoon and one that none of us will forget.

The celebration was an opportunity not only to recognise Beryl's contribution to the WI, but also to reflect on the lasting impact of the Calendar Girls story, which continues to inspire people more than 25 years after it first began.

For more information about Gills Top care home, please click here.