Naked Mermaids hit their fundraising target

The Brixham Mermaids, as they became known, have achieved their goal of raising £1,000-plus for the Shoalstone outdoor pool appeal.
It was almost two years ago that the women set out on their saucy quest to raise money to go towards repair bills for the the annually battered pool.
With the current gales battering the vulnerable ‘town-side’ corner of the pool and wild waves racing across the submerged deck at high tide, the £1,653 raised by the Mermaids should help towards regular maintenance costs as the pool is pounded by the north easterlies.
The Calendar project, pump primed by a Torbay Community grant, offered 'support and friendship as people enjoy swimming together with friendship and laughter helping get through the challenges of life'.
The calendar was inspired by the Women's Institute film Calendar Girls with shots taken at local beaches by Trevor Taylor throughout 2022, often in cold weather when less people were around. Their stoicism has paid off with only 22 calendars left of the original 300.
The Mermaids tapped into local support from the West Country Deli, Brixham Town Council, the Co-op and Breakwater Bistro. From now on the calendars can be purchased from Dave Thomas, Shoalstone pool manager, or at the Mark Bell Art Gallery at 6 Bolton Street.