A calendar to celebrate Holbeck lives

Northern Monk Brewery have teamed up with Holbeck Together once again to create a photographic calendar celebrating people’s lives in Holbeck

The 2020 True North calendar focuses on the stories and memories of individuals within the Holbeck community. Photographer and Northern Monk Patron, Mark Newton, spent some time with the Holbeck Together team in September, and took some beautiful portraits of people within the community to sit alongside the stories that accompany each one. These photographs have been printed in a calendar designed by Northern Monk and printed by calendar sponsors FYI, who are also located in Holbeck. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the calendars will be donated to Holbeck Together.

The calendar was launched was launched at a exhibition at the Northern Monk Refectory at Marshall’s Mill in Holbeck. Alongside the portraits were photographs taken by members of the public that showed off other aspects of Holbeck.

Staff from Northern Monk and Holbeck Together with Russell Bisset, Elissa Newman and Hilary Benn at the launch

Brewery owner Russell Bisset spoke about his pride in being based in Holbeck and desire to contribute to the community.

“Holbeck is one of the 0.2% most deprived areas of the UK, and we’re determined to do what we can to enable positive change in the area. The partnership between ourselves and Holbeck Together enables us to reach out to the community direct, get to know the people who live here, and raise funds for the incredible projects that Holbeck Together deliver to the area.”

Elissa Newman, Chief Officer at Holbeck Together says,

“We’re delighted to build on last year’s project. We have the privilege of listening to people’s stories on a daily basis and it’s great that now everyone can get to know some of our esteemed locals! A lot of people said that they loved having a calendar celebrating Holbeck on their walls, instead of some far-off place. And it’s great to know that your Christmas presents are also helping to support local services!”

You can buy the calendar, price £7, from Holbeck Together’s office on Domestic Street or at Northern Monk’s online shop here. All proceeds from the sale of calendars go to supporting Holbeck Together’s work in the community.