Old Middleton, NUDE Middleton: group launches charity calendar

Members of Old Middleton, New Middleton have shed their clothes for a charity calendar

Members of the social media group ‘Old Middleton, New Middleton’ have dared to bare all in the name of charity with the launch of a nude calendar at the Updated Coffee Bar in Middleton on Thursday (18 July).

Lynn Etchells, Sharon Varley, Gavin Leivers, Bernard Wynne, Lisa Lane, Diane Wood, Jean Iveson, Jeanette Holden, Nicky Routledge, Leigh Mitchinson and local artist Steve Whitworth stripped down for the ‘Old Midd, Nude Midd’ calendar to raise money for both Springhill Hospice and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton.

Organiser Jo Hezelgrave-Whitworth said: “With the help of my partner, Emma, we decided to give a calendar a go after a local resident made a jokey comment on the Old Middleton, New Middleton group.

“We have over the last few years raised funds for one thing or another and were actually looking for our next challenge - so a group of people who all live locally decided to give it a go!

“The calendar is done in the best possible taste. Local artist Steve Whitworth was not only a model, but all of the artwork is down to him, with input from his lovely wife, Carole.”

The models’ ages range from 44-73 and the calendar was shot free of charge by Lorraine Hinks, of Key Moments Photography.

The calendar has been sponsored by local businesses including: The Foot Clinic, Wynne's Flower Vibes, Henstock Properties, The Oddfellows Arms, Jack Edwards Hair & Tanning Studeo, Lisa Marie Makeup & Francesca Murray Hair, Ian’s Donatello’s, Mrs K's Kaff, Pearson Ferrier, The Wilton, Miss K's Hair Den, Middleton Round Table, House of Hair and Beauty and The Ring O’ Bells.

Additional thanks go to Nicola Mullin, Janet Hamer, Angela Quigley, Damian Edwards and RAP Spiderweb Print for their involvement, and, of course, the Old Middleton, New Middleton group.

All proceeds raised from the calendar will be donated to Springhill Hospice and Dr Kershaw’s.

Calendars will be available for purchase at Sunday’s Middfest at Limefields Park.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/61171/events-in-rochdale/middfest-2019

Jo added: “We are selling our calendars for £6 each or two for £10. We have a limited number of calendars and once they're gone, they're gone, as we have just over a thousand available.”