SHE was headgirl at school, and now Linda Belhadj is going back to head the Association of the Old Rivingtonians for former pupils.

And Mrs Belhadj, is taking over from Jim Andrews, who was headboy with her while they were at Rivington and Blackrod High School sixth form in the 1960s.

Her installation as president will take place on Monday during the annual general meeting.

Mrs Belhadj, nee Brownlow, attended the then Rivington & Blackrod Grammar School from 1962 to 1969, after which she graduated in modern languages at Bangor University, equipping her for for a long and very varied career in translating, interpreting and teaching foreign languages.

Now living in Lostock, she said: “I was delighted to return to teach at my old school, which revived many happy memories of the wonderful days spent at Rivington.”

She added: “It is a great honour to be invited to take over the presidency of the Old Rivs, and I look forward to renewing not only many old friendships, but also my formal links with our Association, as I was a member of the committee back in the 1980s, until re-locating to Sussex.”

Established in 1904, the membership of the Association of Old Rivingtonians comprises former pupils, staff and governors of Rivington & Blackrod High School, and its Grammar School successor, the foundation of which dates back to 1566, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The school’s former alumni arrange an annual programme of reunions and social events. but whilst enjoying their regular get-togethers, and renewing schooldays friendships. the members don’t simply indulge in nostalgia, since the majority of the proceeds from their events are donated to local and regional worthy causes, via the now well-established President’s Charity Scheme.

For family reasons, Linda’s chosen charity for her period in office is Bolton West Stroke Group. To date, the Association has raised almost £75,000 for diverse worthy causes., with approaching £5,000 of this shortly destined for two local mental health charities (Bolton Dementia Support Group and B.A.N.D.) raised during the presidency of Jim Andrews.

In addition, during 2018, the Association also gave substantial donations to the RAF Benevolent Fund (in recognition of the RAF’s Centenary year), and also to the appeal by Horwich Heritage for funds to refurbish the granite pillars at the entrance to Lever Park in Horwich, local landmarks so familiar to many thousands of pupils attending Rivington since the 1930s.

The meeting will be held at Horwich Golf Club at 7.30pm and new members welcome. For further information ring 01204 697106.