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Paddock Wood: Retirees get nearly naked for charity calender

Forget Calendar Girls, get ready for the Calendar Boys.

A group of 15 plucky retirees have been baring nearly all in a bid to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK with a risqué charity stunt.

The cause is particularly close to the hearts of the members of Paddock Wood’s University of the Third Age, with one of the models currently fighting the disease.

University of the Third Age men get nearly naked in Barsley's window for Prostate Cancer. Picture: Matthew Walker
University of the Third Age men get nearly naked in Barsley's window for Prostate Cancer. Picture: Matthew Walker
Geoff Wheddon
Geoff Wheddon

Last year the organisation’s calendar was full of picturesque landscapes and sold 100 copies. But six months before they go on sale and the group has already doubled that figure with orders.

It was the brainchild of Anni Wickham and husband Andy, one of the stars.

Mrs Wickham, 51, from Lucks Lane, said: “At the same time as Andy had been creating the calendar I had been making boxer shorts for family members as silly Christmas presents which is when we came up with the idea of combining the two.

“We’ve tried to make it youthful, fun and a little bit tongue-in-cheek.

“Yes, they might be retired and yes the are aged from 58 to their mid 70s, but they are basically still boys with their toys with a sense of humour, being anything except retiring. That is our message.”

Phil Skoyles
Phil Skoyles
Charles May
Charles May

As many as 13 people were involved in making boxer shorts for each of the models, which include retired teachers, bankers and engineers.

They have been photographed taking part in a range of pursuits, all in their pants, from lambing to sequence dancing, motorbiking and playing croquet.

The cover was shot on Monday, while they lined up in the window of Barsley’s in Commercial Road.

Tony Hanson and Robert Assirati
Tony Hanson and Robert Assirati
Ken Vizard, Robert Assirati and Charles May enjoy a game of croquet in their boxers
Ken Vizard, Robert Assirati and Charles May enjoy a game of croquet in their boxers

Mrs Wickham added: “Some of them were nervous about it, some weren’t eating for days before the shoot and I’m sure some of them went on sunbeds but would never admit it.”

To order a calendar for £7.50, visit u3asites.org.uk

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