WHILE many calendars feature pictures of people in a state of undress, the Old Rivs have decided to keep their clothes on for their 2015 offering.

It is the Old Rivingtonians first attempt at a fundraising calendar and the months will be depicted by paintings and sketches from former pupils of the old Rivington and Blackrod Grammar school, which can trace its history back to the 1500s.

The Old Rivingtonians Association, which was formed in 1904, is made up of past pupils at the school who raise thousands of pounds every year for good causes.

In the past they have published a book and commissioned stained glass window for the school chapel.

After an appeal to members enough submissions came in for at least two calendars. The finished one will feature work from seven former pupils who were at Rivington from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Mr David Kaye said if it is a success it could become an annual fundraiser.

One of the artists who has contributed his work, is Gerry Halpin, who has designed Christmas cards and merchandise for the association over the years.

The calendar has scenes from around the Rivington and Horwich area, including one of Mr Halpin’s which shows Rivington Pike in winter from George’s Lane, Horwich.

He was a pupil at the school from 1956 to 1961. He has been a professional artist since 1990, and was elected a member of The Manchester Academy of Fine Arts in 2001.

One of two paintings from the late Horace Stubbs is a 1930s scene of traffic on the railway bridge at Horwich. Horace spent most of his working life in the nuclear industry, initially with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and later BNFL. Much of this time was spent in Cumbria, where he lived in Seascale. He was at Rivington from 1920-1925.

The late Edna Edgell Ellison has two pictures in the calendar, including a 1940s watercolour of the school’s magnificent Victorian facade, which is March’s artwork.

Edna was at the school from 1924-1929 and excelled academically and at sport. At school, she met her future husband, Gordon Ellison, and subsequently the couple worked – as teachers – in many locations. This picture was painted as a wedding present for Edna’s friends, Clarence and Anne Brown, both former presidents of the Old Rivs.

There are also contributions from Pamela Matthews, nee Ellis (Rivington:1966-1973), who trained as an artist and now works from home, creating designs for items such as bags and postcards.

Much of her inspiration comes from walking and running around Rivington. Dorothy Colvin, who attended from 1937-1943, submitted a collage in fabric and thread. She was a former deputy head at Lever Edge Primary School, Bolton, who went on to work for the Armed Forces.

Also featured is Gary Tennant (Rivington:1982-1989), who was taught art by Gerry Halpin, and obtained an honours degree in art and design in 1994. He specialises in painting/printmaking and design/illustration.

The calendar will be available from the end of this month.