THE success of the England team in the West Indies and the start of the new domestic season gives me an excuse to feature these two cricket pictures from 1928-29.

They will be on display when the Old Rivingtonians' Association celebrates its centenary in October.

During the early years of the Association's history there were two separate former pupils' associations - one for the boys and one for the girls. The latter was known as the Elizabethans because the original charter for the foundation of Rivington School was signed by Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1566.

The two photographs were taken during the annual summer reunion of the Association in 1928.

One of the organisers of the centenary, David Kaye, tells me the pictures are on loan from Emmie Shaw, mother of centenary year president Kath Grundy. Mrs Shaw, who will shortly celebrate her 93rd birthday, is hoping to attend the gala dinner which is to be held on October 8 at the Reebok Stadium.

She and her late husband, Tom, served as committee members of the Association for an incredible 60 years from the 1930s to the 1990s. Both were former presidents.

Mr Kaye says: "Tom was a much-respected man in Horwich - due to his strong connections with Holy Trinity Parish Church - and also in Adlington.

"For many years he was headmaster of St Paul's school, Adlington, and a founder member - subsequently Life President - of Adlington Music and Arts Society."

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Old Rivingtonians' Association and the Centenary Year plans should telephone the secretary, Olive Fisher, on 01204 697106, or email her on Drop a line...o.fisher@virgin.net.

Pictures- top: "ELIZABETHANS" Emmie Shaw is sitting on the ground, extreme right, of this picture of the ladies' cricket team from 1928-29.

bottom: RIVINGTONIANS Tom Shaw is third from the left on the back row of the boys team.