Going commando: Privates on Parade calendar sees veterans bare all for charity
A group of military veterans have stripped off just in time for Christmas for a naked calendar aimed at raising money for Parkinson's UK.
The veterans in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, hold a coffee morning twice a week and one of their members, Ray Francis MBE, or Mr December as he is now known, has Parkinson’s.
The group decided they wanted to do something about it, with Mike Rubery, a former submariner and now Mr October, receiving a sterling suggestion from his wife.
"My wife came up with an idea 'why don't we do a Calendar Girls-style calendar?'," he said.
"Us being veterans, we'll do it.
"We got our clothes off there and then virtually, and Ray was the first one.
The group said they were very diplomatic when deciding who was going to be assigned what month.
Martin Jolly, a Royal Navy veteran and Mr July, said he picked the month based on his birthday.
"I think there was one or two other birthdays as well… it was quite democratic and everything just fell into line really," he said.
Neil Stevens, a British Army veteran and Mr February, said he "was a bit disappointed because February is a short month".
Mr Stevens went on to explain the veteran group has received a brilliant response.
"It has been outstanding," Mr Stevens said.
"Initially we put out 5,000 calendars which sold really well in less than three months, so it's been absolutely fantastic - much better than we expected."
The veterans have now raised just over £5,000, and if the rest of their calendars sell they will have raised about £7,000.
Join Our Newsletter
