Join Jimmy and his wife May for another great night of comedy and music on Wednesday, October 5, at St Vincent’s RC Parish Centre, off Caldershaw Road in Norden.
Admission and refreshments (tea, coffee, juice and biscuits) are free, though it is appreciated if you make a contribution to a charity which is chosen on the night.
Jimmy Cricket and friends at the special "wellbeing" event in Widnes. Photo: Ian Park, Warrington Guardian
Jimmy Cricket made a special guest appearance recently at an event with a difference.
The Irish comedian was at Ditton Community Centre in Widnes, Cheshire, for a function attended by about 200 people and funded by Halton Borough Council.
The aim of the day was to provide training that helps everyday people to stay resilient and strong. Key to this is spotting the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and simple things that everyone can do and include in their lives.
Organiser Paula Gamester says the five ways to wellbeing are “connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give”.
She adds: “Laughter and humour are an integral part.”
Jimmy Cricket poses with Lottie, Hospiscare's Lottery elephant
Jimmy Cricket recently lent his support to Hospiscare, a hospice charity in the West Country.
The famous Irish comedian posed with “Lottie”, the hospice’s Lottery elephant, at the Royal Beacon Hotel in Exmouth.
After the visit, Lottery Administrator Trisha Cox emailed Jimmy saying: “What an absolute pleasure it was to meet you and Mrs Cricket.
“Again, thank-you so very much – it really was very much appreciated.”
Hospicare’s teams of specialist nurses visit patients in their own homes, in hospitals and give 24-hour support in the ward at its hospice in Exeter.
In addition, Hospiscare has three Day Care centres, one each in Exeter, in Mid and in East Devon.
Their services are free of charge to everyone who needs them throughout our area.
They work with people with a wide range of life-threatening conditions, including cancer, Motor Neurone Disease and heart disease.
They recognise they cannot change a life-threatening diagnosis, but Hospiscare can help to change how their patients feel about it.
Hospicare says: “We know our patients’ time is precious. We use our expertise to allow families to spend time free from symptoms and worries. Hospiscare understands that patients want choice and dignity. We know that sometimes, the best thing we can do is listen.
“We look after the needs and wishes of the whole family and provide a wide range of services, therapies and people who can help.
“Our aim is to help people find peace of mind by taking away fear of the unknown, helping patients feel human and families feel normal.”
Story from The Oldham Advertiser about the charity show
Jimmy Cricket will be teaming up with other stars from the world of showbusiness in October to raise money for charity.
The legendary Irish comedian will be performing in the “Stars Come Out” show at the Oldham Coliseum as a fundraiser for the Francis House Hospice.
Also appearing will be The Krankies – very good friends of Jimmy’s – and 1960s Merseybeat band Swinging Blue Jeans.
The show will now be on October 10 and 11 after the originally-planned one-day performance was sold out.
Jimmy says: “It will be a very special show as it is not often that you find The Krankies, myself and the Swinging Blue Jeans in town and all on the same bill.
“The Francis House Children’s Hospice is a wonderful place where a lot of support and care is provided.”
Tickets are £15, with concessions £12, and are available from the box office on 0161 624 2829 or by going to the Coliseum’s website
Jimmy Cricket is among the entertainers appearing in a charity gala in support of Donna’s Dream House at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool.
Carnival of Dreams will also feature Gareth Gates, Denise Nolan, Irish international singing star Rose-Marie, JK as Robbie Williams, International comedy entertainer Kenny Cantor, Aimi MacDonald, Sue Devaney (BBC’s Dinnerladies), International female impersonator Ceri Dupree, Scott Wright (Coronation Street) and the cast of Blackpool’s rock and roller coaster musical Booze Birds & Blackpool Rock, Top UK & World Elvis impersonator Martin Fox, Jamie Pugh from Britain’s Got Talent, Comical singing ventriloquist Kieran Powell, Shani Cantor, Leo Jones Star of TV’s Airline, Scottish Champions Craig Paton on the accordion and Andy Kain on the fiddle, Fylde Scottish Country Dancers, Barry Haywood, Iain Matley, and Blackpool’s very own Funny Girls, Langley Dance Centre, Mary Whelan School of Irish Dancing, Blackpool Circus School and Greater Manchester Pipe Band.
It takes place on Sunday, August 7 – full details in Jimmy’s events calendar and view the full gala poster here.
Scheme manager Stella Watson and resident William Royle with Jimmy Cricket. Photo by Ian Howarth
The Irish comedian, who lives in Rochdale, was the star turn at the celebration attended by a host of special guests including Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Alan Godson, Jim Dobbin MP, councillors Peter Rush and Colin Lambert, plus Carol Matthews, Chief Executive of Guinness Northern Counties, the housing association which owns the scheme.
Champagne and chocolates were presented to 96-year-old William Royle, along with his favourite tipple, a bottle of Navy Rum, for being the longest serving resident of Roeacre Court. Mr Royle has lived at the scheme since it first opened. Scheme Manager Stella Watson has also been at Roeacre court for all of its 25 years.
A buffet and champagne toast were provided for guests on Saturday July 16, with music played by the Whitworth Brass Band. The entertainment continued into the evening with a belly dancer and a DJ before Jimmy Cricket took to the floor.
Carol Matthews said: “It’s tremendous to be at Roeacre Court to celebrate 25 years of an excellent scheme with a fantastic community. This is in no small part due to the care and attention the residents and scheme gets from Stella Watson, an inspirational colleague who has been with us and the scheme since opening day.
“I’m also delighted to have the honour of presenting a token to Mr Royle who is 96 years young and has also been with us for each and every one of those 25 years. This scheme has, and still is, a great asset to the community and I’m very proud to play a very small part in the day.”
The scheme is home to 36 residents with care services provided by Guinness Care and Support.
* See more pictures from this event in the photo gallery on this website
Jimmy Cricket will be appearing in the Darlington Civic Theatre’s pantomime at Christmas in a version of Cinderella.
This winter seasonal offering will feature Jimmy alongside “Dancing with Ice” sensation Ray Quinn and Deena Payne – who appeared on “Emmerdale” for 18 years.
Interestingly, this will be quite a return for Jimmy to Darlington. The last time he appeared in the Theatre’s Pantomime was 21 years ago and ironically it was also a version of Cinderella! Back then in 1990 he played the role of Buttons, although this year he is lined up for the part of Baron Hardup.
“That 1990 pantomime season was a real hoot!” says Jimmy. “The Chuckle Brothers were playing the part of the Brokers Men.”
Jimmy added: “Inbetween shows Barry Chuckle and I would go across to Crombies restaurant to have something to eat and Barry would pick up a salt cellar and say ‘to you, to me’ and have me in hysterics!”
Jimmy is thrilled to not only be back in Darlington and working with such a wonderful cast, he is also really pleased to be back working for QDOS Pantomimes. This is a company Jimmy believes puts enchantment into every single production that they do.