Great bunch of blokes go 'The Full Montville' for Charity
Their club name has cheeky origins and they have just completed an even cheekier mission. The Echidnas — so called because they describe themselves as a “bunch of old pr--ks” — recently bared all in a nude calendar for charity.
The Montville mates came up with the idea to go ‘The Full Montville’ some years ago but member Brian Ashlin said it took a few years to build up the courage to go ahead with it (which is understandable when you see the photos).
Money raised from the sales of the calendar will go to The Mapleton Men’s Shed. The Echidnas thought long and hard about where the money should go but decided on the local group because they knew every dollar would go where it was intended rather than to superfluous “admin” costs.
They have raised money for various other local causes in the past.
Nineteen members of the Echidnas meet every Thursday night at Wild Rocket Micro Brewery for friendship, fun and a few beers.
Each brings their own echidna quill to record attendance with fines handed out to anyone who forgets.
“It’s just such a great group of people and they all want to help,” said Brian. “It’s quite a loose club, there are no office holders, no memberships … just a bunch of guys who turn up at Wild Rocket.
“The guys get together and talk about all the other stuff apart from politics. Most turn up at least once a month. A few of our members are still at work but most are retired.”
Despite the light-heartedness one member said the group had been a godsend helping him overcome his battles with depression. “It’s a lovely night sitting around laughing,” he said. “I’ve needed a lot of help and these blokes have been amazing. They are a really good bunch.”
The Calendars are available for $10 each and the Echidnas hope to raise $3500.
Behind the scenes are two amazing ladies and the group wanted to thank local photographer Mel Taylor who blushes at the thought of having dozens of photos of nude men on her laptop and Tracey Malkin who did “all the stuff that us guys can’t do” like the graphics, organizing printing of the calendar and collecting payments.
The calendar pages are sponsored by local businesses including Montville Art Gallery, Mark Batchelor, Tina Cooper Glass, Mountain Bean Cafe, IGA Xpress, Your Corporate Hippie, Montville Pharmacy, Chic & Sassy Boutique, DSQ Land Surveyors, Crystal Multiverse, Greeff Property and Wild Rocket Micro Brewery.
• To purchase a calendar email montart@montart.com.au or drop in at Montville Art Gallery, Montville IGA, Montville Pharmacy or Crystal Multiverse, all on Main Street, Montville.
The Montville Echidnas with the Full Montville calendar in which they bear almost all for charity. Calendars are available for $10.