A NEW quirky 2026 calendar has been launched at the Black Tap pub to celebrate the ‘Karens of Redditch’.
The ‘KARENdar’ – as it is affectionately known – toasts both women called ‘Karen’ and those who have ‘Karen traits’.
The modern slang term for ‘a Karen’, according to dictionary.com, refers to a ‘middle-aged women who is perceived as obnoxious, angry, and entitled, particularly in situations involving public interactions’. Basically, women who over-complain unnecessarily.
The concept for the calendar – the latest in the series by Redditch’s ‘dullest man’ Kevin Beresford came about during a conversation he had with his friend Sarah Campbell.
He told the Standard: “She told me she had a delivery go wrong but didn’t feel like she could complain as she didn’t want to be seen ‘as a Karen’.
“We got talking further and decided to start the Karen Appreciation and Support Society (KASS) to show our solidarity with the Karens of this world – whether they are called ‘Karen’, have a different name but live up to the stereotype or both.
“I have always thought it must be unfortunate if your name is Karen these days – you must get stick at work or school so we want to help them. 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?
“It’s a double-sided coin – I know a lot of sweet-natured Karens so it must be especially hard for them as on hearing their name they will get thought of as being like the stereotype.
“Alternatively, there will be people with a Karen nature out there who are not called ‘Karen’ – we want to help them all, whichever side they are on.
“And Karen traits are not always negative – they can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, the landlady of this pub (the Black Tap) Susan Rooms is a self-confessed ‘Karen’ and appears on December in the KARENdar. Being assertive and knowing what you want can be good when dealing with difficult customers.”
The KARENdar is a 50/50 split with six women featured called ‘Karen’ and the other six being ‘honorary Karens’ because of their personalities.
Trans-Atlantic differences
The Karen concept started in America and, although arriving in the UK, Kevin said it was not in most Brits’ nature to complain.
“We have always been very reserved and not liking to complain but I think that is all changing now and people are getting better at it.”
By joining KASS – open to anyone called ‘Karen’ or acting like one – women will get a personalised Karen coaster, certificate and a copy of the 2026 KARENdar.
Kevin added: “The Oxford English Dictionary even lists the collective noun as ‘A complaint of Karens’ and, following on from that, want to hold an annual ‘Karen Day’.”
The personalised ‘KASS’ Karen coasters.
So why ‘Karens of Redditch’
Apart from Kevin hailing from Redditch and having put the town on the map previously with his creations, he feels the Redditch Karens are the most formidable.
“I personally think the Karens of Redditch can out-Karen any others in the UK – maybe even the World. They could be the ones to take on the American Karens.
“A Redditch Karen is the loudest and the first to demand to speak to the manager.
“When the Redditch Karens want something they get it – they have to be first in the queue, be the first to get that vacant parking space even if it has been claimed and they always demand the best sun lounger in Benidorm whilst tipping the occupant out of it.
“A Redditch Karen can out-fight, out-punch, out-scratch, out-drink and out-smoke any other GB Karen.
“If a Redditch Karen comes knocking on your door, it’s best to hide behind the sofa.”
Susan Rooms (aka ‘Karen Rooms’) said: “I am definitely a Karen every now and again. My biggest gripe is people’s eating habits. I went out with one man and actually ended up ending the relationship because of it.
“If people are eating in a way I don’t like in a restaurant, I either let them know or turn away to face the other direction.”
Kev’s antics seem to disable her Karen attitude.
She added: “I love the KARENdar Kev has come up with and love what he is doing for the town.
“It’s a pleasure to host these launch events and help him put Redditch on the map again.”
‘Karen Day?’
As the KARENdar and KASS was officially launched today (August 29), Kevin feels that should be known from now on as ‘Karen Day’.
“It’s the end of a long summer and many Karens will be mums and, after entertaining their children throughout the school holidays, they will not be able to wait for the new term to start. They must be at the end of their tether by now.”
He now wants as many Karens as possible – from Redditch and further afield to get in touch and join KASS.
“We did want loads of Karens to come down to the launch today but then I thought: ‘Is that a good idea? They would only have moaned about it’.”
Visit: dullkev.com for more on the KARENdar and joining KASS.
