It’s that time of year again! Time for the University of Warwick Men’s Rowing Team’s naked calendar! The 2013 calendar is now available for order at £8.99 + P&P. A snip!

As has been my wont in recent years, I’ve again agreed to help the team by promoting their calender on Twitter and my blog - if you’re looking for a good Christmas present then you’ve found it. Like the last 3 years, the 2013 calendar is beautifully shot by Angus Malcolm. This year, the women’s team have also produced a calendar in aid of a cervical cancer charity - I will be posting photos from both calenders over the coming week!

Over the last few years, the team has gradually geared their calendar more towards the major share of their audience (gay and bisexual men) and this year, they have really given something wonderful back to their audience - they have produced a film of the calendar shoot (available to buy on their website shortly) as per last year (which was certainly an eye-opener!) and they are kindly donating a fraction of their proceeds from the sale of the film to Ben Cohen’s Stand Up Foundation which aims to tackle the homophobia which alas pervades the sporting world.

In a funny way, I feel really very proud of the boys for doing this and quite humbled that they’ve given something so positive back to their audience. Since the first calendar (released in late 2009 for the 2010 year), I’ve not only been a customer but I’ve also had students of mine involved and though I no longer work at the University of Warwick, I still feel very connected to the place. It makes me feel very happy to see anyone in the sports world to speak out against homophobia (usually rugby players - I count many rugby players amongst my friends and I have to say have always been supportive, kind, sensitive and very protective of me but I think some people seem surprised to see them speak out in this way). I feel doubly so with it being a team so close to my heart.

Well done, boys, and long may your amazing efforts continue!