A SPECIAL calendar in memory of a young Minehead man was launched on Saturday (September 1) at an unveiling at Minehead Rugby Club.

More than 80 people, including family, friends and special guests, attended to support the launch of the 2019 calendar for Luke Beaver, 28, of Minehead, who died in February.

It is the brainchild of a group of Luke’s friends, who hope it will go on to raise money in his name for SURE (Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment) a charity to support provision of cancer services at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

The launch event was a mix of formal and informal, with a bouncy castle and children’s entertainment provided by BounceMonkeys, a barbecue and live music, as well as attendance by chairman of SURE Paul Alway and Dr Petra Jankowska, consultant clinical oncologist at Musgrove’s Beacon Centre.

West Somerset Council chairman Cllr Bruce Heywood, Minehead Mayor Cllr Norman Hercock and Mayor of Taunton Deane Cllr Catherine Herbert were also present.

A raffle was also held on the night, which brought the total raised to £850, and all proceeds will go to SURE.

“A group of us got together to create the calendar in Luke’s memory, using a variety of vehicles he and his friends had in the photographs – from his classic Ford Escort to a military truck,” said Belle Cole, an old friend of Luke’s, who lives in Minehead.

“They have been photographed in locations around Somerset, such as Minehead Beach, Tarr Steps, North Hill, and there’s a whole spectrum of places, cars, family and friends.

“It was a way for us to do something to grieve and to also keep busy, and we’ve been liaising with SURE and visited the Beacon Centre,” she said.

To read the full feature with more pictures, buy tomorrow’s Free Press.