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easter

Fund-raiser for Lourdes Easter pilgrimage 150 150 mhamer

Fund-raiser for Lourdes Easter pilgrimage

Jimmy Cricket was at St Matthew’s Parish Hall in Jarrow in Tyne and WearJimmy Cricket was especially happy to help out at a fund-raising event recently.

The famous entertainer was at St Matthew’s Parish Hall in Jarrow in Tyne and Wear for the special function, which was organised by a lady called Liz Boylan.

It was arranged in memory of Liz’s late husband who passed away last year. She wanted the proceeds of the event to go to the Lourdes Easter pilgrimage. Easter is a special time at the famous shrine in France for young disabled children.

Liz got to know Jimmy’s son, Fr Frankie, when he studied theology at Ushaw College and Durham University a few years ago during his training for the Catholic priesthood.

So it was no surprise that Jimmy bumped into some of Fr Frankie’s friends with whom he trained and who went along to St Matthew’s to support Liz and her event.

Jimmy said: “A big thanks also to all at the Bede’s Well guest house in Jarrow where I and my wife, May, stayed after the show. We both received magnificent hospitality and I cannot praise the owner Paul enough.”

The two photos accompanying this story are of Jimmy and friends at the fund-raising event.

Jimmy Cricket was at St Matthew’s Parish Hall in Jarrow in Tyne and Wear

Easter shows on the border 150 150 mhamer

Easter shows on the border
Jimmy Cricket and Clive Abbot performing

Jimmy and Clive Abbot performing

The northern-most town in England was one of the latest destinations for top entertainer Jimmy Cricket.

Jimmy Cricket with Ted, a champion ballroom dancer and ex-Royal Navy officer

Jimmy with Ted, a champion ballroom dancer

He appeared in Berwick-upon-Tweed on the England-Scotland border for two shows over the Easter weekend.

First, the famous Irish comedian was at Berwick Bowling Club and the following night he performed at Tweedmouth Bowling Club.

Both featured Jimmy as the headline artist, supported by the gifted singer and guitar player Clive Abbot.

The two shows were put together by local businessman Albert Whyte.

Albert runs the excellently rated b&B establishment Whyteside House in the heart of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Jimmy Cricket with two bowling committee members.at Tweedmouth

Jimmy with two bowling committee members at Tweedmouth

 

New heritage centre and tea rooms open 150 150 mhamer

New heritage centre and tea rooms open
The redecorated tea room at the visitor centre

The redecorated tea rooms at the visitor centre

Jimmy Cricket recently attended the press launch of the new Healey Dell Heritage centre and tea rooms near to where he lives in Rochdale.

The famous Irish entertainer was invited to the opening event by Janice Percy, who had teamed up with a friend to save the centre when she heard Rochdale Council no longer wanted to keep it open.

Jimmy with Lorraine, one of the centre’s volunteers

Jimmy with Lorraine, one of the centre’s volunteers

Jimmy did not need to think twice about going because when he is not working he often goes walking in Healey Dell, as he lives on the edge of this nature reserve.

Last December Janice and her partnership took on the lease of the building and set about raising around £25,000 for its refurbishment.

She also started to look for volunteers who would help the project get off the ground.

Janice and her team have now revived the old building and have created the following:

The exterior of the building - the fairy is there in preparation for the children’s Easter activities!

Outside the centre – the fairy is there in preparation for the children’s Easter activities!

  • A heritage room – An all-year-round exhibition dedicated to the rich heritage of the nature reserve
  • Dedicated gallery space to showcase the work of local artists and photographers
  • A vintage style tea room featuring a baby grand piano and six sparkling crystal chandeliers where visitors will enjoy traditional cream teas served from vintage bone china
  • Newly converted disabled facilities/wheelchair access and disabled toilet and washroom

The centre reopened on the Thursday before the Easter weekend and  the tea rooms will now open every Saturday and Sunday over the summer season. The centre is run entirely by unpaid volunteers.

Jimmy with the Rochdale-based actor Colin Meredith, who recently appeared on Coronation Street

Jimmy with the Rochdale-based actor Colin Meredith, who recently appeared on Coronation Street