A group of local veterans have ‘gone commando’ to help raise money for a charity that helps Parkinson’s Disease sufferers.
Members of the Bridlington Veterans Coffee Morning group have lost their clothes – and inhibitions – and become stars in a calendar that is being unveiled and going on sale this week.
The official unveiling of the calendar will take place this Thursday (14th September) at the Victoria Mill Tea Rooms, just off Manor Street with many of the models attending the event.
Mike Rubery from the group explained: “The calendar was my wife’s idea and as two of our members – Ray Francis MBE and Roy Muckart – are sufferers of Parkinson’s, we decided it was a charity the group would like to support.”
RAF veteran Ray Eggleton at 92, is the oldest model to feature in the saucy calendar cheekily entitled Privates on Parade.
He said: “The veterans clubs have given me a reason to get up in the morning and something to look forward to each week. I fully recommend any veteran to come to the coffee mornings and the breakfast club, it’s great banter and you make lots of new friends.”
Several local businesses have sponsored us including Bridlington Tourism Association, Pineapple Joe’s, The Military Store, Ivanhoe Guest House and a local naval veteran who wishes to remain anonymous.
Said Mike: “We will be selling the calendars at Christmas markets and at fayres and they cost just £6.50 each or two for £12.00, plus postage if required. They are full colour, glossy A4, opening to A3 and contain details on all the veterans groups in our area, Parkinson’s and information on the Bridlington Veterans Coffee Morning Group, who we are and why we chose the charity.”
Ray Francis MBE is Mr December and is in a wheelchair and wanted to be involved in the calendar to prove although Parkinson’s can be debilitating you can still be an active part of the community.
Mike added; “Ray went with us for a few beers after the shoot and his wife Louise said it was great when he came back home – he was buzzing and so happy he had been out with the boys and got involved in the calendar.”
The photographs were taken by veteran Ian Ellis at the Victoria Mill Tea Rooms, (on the day they were closed) thanks to the proprietors Maxine and Russ who support the group on Thursdays and throughout the year.
For further details on ordering please contact Mike Rubery on 01262 321938 or email mike.rubery@gmail.com.
