An eccentric pensioner from Worcestershire has turned a modern stereotype into a celebration, creating what he claims is the world's first 'Karendar'. Kevin Beresford, 73, from Redditch, has dedicated his latest project to the formidable 'Karens' of his hometown, compiling their portraits into a unique 2026 calendar.
From Stereotype to Celebration
Kevin spent several weeks last summer tracking down what he describes as the most intimidating middle-aged women named Karen in Redditch. He then assembled the twelve finest into an amusing calendar titled 'Karens of Redditch'. However, the project has a deeper purpose. Kevin explained he wanted to honour women called Karen who are often unfairly stereotyped simply because of their name.
"It must be horrible to be called Karen," Kevin said. "It wasn't their fault they're called Karen, it's their parents'. It used to be in the top ten most popular names in Britain but who is going to call their daughter Karen now with the connotations it has?"
The Birth of the Karen Appreciation Society
The idea sparked after a friend hesitated to complain about a delivery, fearing she would be labelled a 'Karen'. This conversation led Kevin and his friend to found the Karen Appreciation and Support Society (KASS). The calendar, priced at £12.99, is an extension of this solidarity. Kevin enthusiastically claims that a Redditch Karen can "outfight, outpunch, out scratch, outdrink and outdo" any other British Karen.
"Not everyone is a Karen and besides being assertive isn't a bad trait, it shows confidence," he added. The calendar is designed for anyone who fits the stereotype, regardless of their actual name.
A Legacy of Quirky Calendars
Kevin is no stranger to unusual projects. He has gained unexpected notoriety as the self-styled 'dullest man in Britain', previously selling calendars on mundane topics like roundabouts, allotments, and car parks. Yet, he believes his 'Karendar' might be his most unusual offering yet. "All my calendars are unique," Kevin stated. "We're fed up with six-pack firemen, we want something unique. It's my very own Karendar."
The project has even spawned an annual Karen Convention, held every summer in his local pub to honour the nation's Karens. The calendar launch at the same venue proved very popular. Kevin highlighted some of his featured Karens, like Karen Kirby for February, who has "the right attitude with the finger up," and Karen Forsyth for May, who possesses the perfect intimidating glare.
Looking ahead, Kevin is already contemplating future projects. "Karen's of Great Britain might be the next one, to celebrate the different Karen's," he mused. "Or I might even try a worldwide Karen calendar." For now, the 'Karens of Redditch' 2026 calendar stands as a humorous, tongue-in-cheek tribute to a name that has taken on a life of its own.
