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francis house children’s hospice

Ken Dodd and the stolen concrete wellies 150 150 mhamer

Ken Dodd and the stolen concrete wellies

Hi friends! Here is my latest #leponline column, a funny and true story which involves one of the greatest comedians we ever produced, (and whom we all sadly miss) Sir Ken Dodd.

The mystery of Jimmy Cricket’s stolen concrete wellies and why there was a happy ending despite them never being found is the subject of his latest newspaper column.

Writing in the Lancashire Evening Post, the Northern Irish comedian tells the story involving a close and famous friend.

Jimmy said on social media: “Hi friends! Here is my latest #leponline column.

“A funny and true story which involves one of the greatest comedians we ever produced (and whom we all sadly miss), Sir Ken Dodd.”

Here is the column:

Welcome readers, I’d like to share a memory – come closer…

It happened over 30 years ago – 1995 to be precise.

And it happened in a restaurant called Patricks in Rawtenstall, Lancashire.

It was my 50th birthday and my family had hired the restaurant to help me celebrate the occasion.

It was wonderful to sit there surrounded by all my friends.

And although the room was full, I couldn’t help noticing two empty seats right next to me.

Then it happened!

I was just about to swallow a spoonful of soup when two people came through the door – could it be?

No it couldn’t, yes it was! Sir Ken Dodd with Lady Anne by his side.

Any doubts I had that it was the real Doddy were swept aside as they both saddled straight up to our table.

Anne placed a tickling stick down, but Ken was carrying something much heavier and when he plonked down his present the table nearly collapsed!

It was a king-sized pair of concrete wellingtons!

Totally unprepared

As I looked closer, I could see the handwritten inscription To Jimmy, Lots of Happiness – Ken.

Now the mystery of the two empty chairs had been solved.

And for the next couple of hours, I shared my birthday meal with a man whom I had both loved and admired all my life.

The next part of this story takes an unexpected twist.

A few years later I was taken aback when Mrs Cricket broke the news to me that the spot in my front garden that was occupied by my birthday wellies was now empty.

Yes folks, they’d been nicked, and I was gutted.

After informing the police, I rang a local radio station.

I thought it would be a novel little story to amuse the listeners.

But I was totally unprepared for the avalanche of publicity that came my way.

Happy ending

The phone calls and emails from radio presenters and journalists around the country enquiring about my missing wellies just kept coming.

I suppose it was a testament to the esteem and affection the nation held for Ken.

It gave me an idea to write a song called Santa Bring My Wellies Back To Me which raised some money for a children’s hospice in Manchester called Francis House.

So you could say I turned a disadvantage into an advantage.

As for the wellies themselves? Well, I never did get them back, but the story does have a happy ending.

Not long after, my good lady sent off for a pair of concrete wellingtons on eBay, which Sir Ken kindly signed again, and they’ve got pride of place in my living room.

Every time I look over at them, I realis how blessed I was to be friends with one of the greatest comedians that ever landed on planet Earth!

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian now just £10!

 

Star-studded charity show to mark 80th birthday 150 150 mhamer

Star-studded charity show to mark 80th birthday

Star-studded show to mark Jimmy Cricket's 80th birthday!

Jimmy Cricket is marking his 80th birthday with a charity show featuring a host of well-known comedians.

Tim Vine, Roy Walker, Barbara Nice, Syd Little and Steve Royle are among the entertainers appearing at the celebratory event.

Fellow Northern Irish funnyman Adrian Walsh and Jimmy’s daughter, Katie Mulgrew, complete the star-studded line-up.

Not forgetting, of course, the birthday boy himself!

The special occasion takes place at The Lowry in Salford on Saturday 1 November.

It will raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice, based in Didsbury, south Manchester.

Jimmy posted on social media: “Hi folks, I’ve rounded my buddies up to help me celebrate my ‘80th Birthday’ with a night of ‘Comedy’ at the #Lowry to help raise funds for #FrancisHouseChildrensHospice in Didsbury Manchester.

“Why not come along and help me blow out the candles! 😂

“Joining me on stage are stars of stage and screen:
  • Roy Walker (Catchphrase, The Comedians)
  • Syd Little (The Little and Large Show, Shooting Stars)
  • Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent, Phoenix Nights)
  • Barbara Nice (Coronation Street, Britain’s Got Talent)
  • Adrian Walsh (Today with Des and Mel)
  • Tim Vine (Not Going Out, Live at the Apollo)
  • Katie Mulgrew (Coronation Street, Lovefix, The Dog Ate My Homework).
Professional care
“Tickets are now on sale folks!
“Link below, would be great to see you there! x”
Jimmy has raised thousands of pounds over many years for Francis House, which cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.
It provides a home from home where families receive professional care, support and friendship.

Sister Aloysius and Fr Thomas Mulheran set up the Rainbow Family Trust in the early 1990s as a charity.

They were concerned about the lack of palliative care for the families of children with a short-life expectancy.

The late Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened the seven-bedroom Francis House in November 1991.

Also read: Francis House benefits from Rochdale ‘jam’ night

Stars Come Out for Francis House show is back for 10th time 150 150 mhamer

Stars Come Out for Francis House show is back for 10th time

The Stars Come Out for Francis House show returns for a 10th time next week, with Jimmy Cricket among the performers.

The Stars Come Out for Francis House show returns next week, with Jimmy Cricket among the performers.

Jimmy and his friend Jim Nicholas, who hosts the event, are both long-standing supporters of  Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

In addition to Jimmy’s inimitable brand of comedy, there are also live tribute acts.

Peter Sarsfield performs as Frankie Valli and Justin Daish is Hank Marvin.
Also starring are the laughter and music duo, Kimika.
Stars Come Out for Francis House 10 takes place on Wednesday 16 October at Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham.
It is a family show with unreserved seating.
Tickets cost £25 (with a £2.10 booking fee).
Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy has raised more than half-a-million pounds for Francis House over the years.
That is thanks to countless touring shows and parish hall events across more than two decades.
Princess of Wales
Based in Didsbury, Francis House cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.
It provides a home from home where families receive professional care, support and friendship.

Sister Aloysius and Fr Thomas Mulheran set up the Rainbow Family Trust in the early 1990s as a charity.

They were concerned about the lack of palliative care for the families of children with a short-life expectancy.

The late Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened the seven-bedroom Francis House in November 1991.

‘Elvis’ helps to make money for Francis House 150 150 mhamer

‘Elvis’ helps to make money for Francis House

what a wonderful evening for @FrancisHouseCH at the Alkrington Community Centre, my thanks to organisers Eileen and David alongside our great friend and Elvis tribute Jim Nicholas! #laughteristhebestmedicine

An Elvis Presley tribute act and famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket teamed up to raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The charity event took place at Alkrington Community Centre in Middleton, Greater Manchester, on Friday (16 August).

Jim Nicholas, a great friend of Jimmy’s, was the Elvis impersonator.

Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy tweeted afterwards: “What a wonderful evening for @FrancisHouseCH at the Alkrington Community Centre.

“My thanks to organisers Eileen and David alongside our great friend and Elvis tribute Jim Nicholas! #laughteristhebestmedicine.”

Jimmy has raised more than half-a-million pounds for the south Manchester charity over the years.
That is thanks to countless touring shows and parish hall events across more than two decades.
Based in Didsbury, Francis House cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.
It provides a home from home where families receive professional care, support and friendship.

Sister Aloysius and Fr Thomas Mulheran set up the Rainbow Family Trust in the early 1990s as a charity.

They were concerned about the lack of palliative care for the families of children with a short-life expectancy.

The late Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened the seven-bedroom Francis House in November 1991.

Francis House replied: And we love this fun pic of you from your 70th fun run and one of Jim on the back cover!

Also read:

Francis House benefits from Rochdale ‘jam’ night

Francis House: 18 years of fundraising for hospice

Listen to Jimmy’s Christmas charity show online now! 150 150 mhamer

Listen to Jimmy’s Christmas charity show online now!

Jimmy Cricket's Christmas charity show is available to listen to now on this website!

Jimmy Cricket’s Christmas charity show is available to listen to now on this website, folks!

Your favourite funnyman recorded the half-show variety performance in front of a live audience last week.

Joining Jimmy on stage were wife May Marion and Jonathan Young (from The Bachelors), who are both professional singers.

You can enjoy the recording from the comfort of your own home and listen whenever you want by going to the homepage of this website.

Scroll down a little to where you see the image above and simply click on it to start the show.

Christmas podcast to raise money for children's charity

The variety show, comprising comedy, songs and sketches, was recorded as part of one of the regular ‘jam’ nights in Jimmy’s adopted home of Rochdale.

Famous Northern Irish comedian Jimmy and May have for about 15 years hosted a regular night of entertainment and charity fund-raising at a local parish centre.

It provides an opportunity for Jimmy, May and other performers to try out new (and relive some old) routines.

They began it on a monthly basis and in the past few years have alternated hosting the jam nights with their good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

It takes place in the lounge area of St Vincent’s RC parish centre in Norden.

They often invite special guests who perform free of charge.

‘Merry Christmas everyone!’

There is a raffle and the selling of refreshments, with all proceeds donated to a chosen charity.

The popular comedian has nicknamed those who regularly support these evenings as ‘Jimmy’s Jammers’.

Francis House Children’s Hospice, for whom Jimmy has raised many thousands of pounds over the years, will benefit from proceeds of the Christmas special.

Jimmy said: “For anyone who does tune in, we’re asking them to make a small donation towards the charity.

“Big or small, they will all be warmly accepted.

“Merry Christmas everyone!”

People can contribute here.

Read all about the great work done by Francis House here.

Also read: Jam nights are about to return!

Christmas podcast to raise money for children’s charity 150 150 mhamer

Christmas podcast to raise money for children’s charity

Jimmy Cricket is producing a special festive podcast in aid of his favourite charity.

The Northern Irish comedian is recording the half-show Christmas show in front of a live audience this week.

It will be made available as a podcast for people to listen to from Thursday (8 December).

Christmas podcast to raise money for children's charity

Performing along with Jimmy are his wife May Marion and Jonathan Young (from The Bachelors), both professional singers.

The variety show, comprising comedy, songs and sketches, will be part of one of the regular ‘jam’ nights in Jimmy’s adopted home of Rochdale.

Famous Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy and May have for about 15 years hosted a regular night of entertainment and charity fund-raising at a local parish centre.

It provides an opportunity for Jimmy, May and other performers to try out new (and relive some old) routines.

They began it on a monthly basis and in the past few years have alternated hosting the jam nights with their good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

It takes place in the lounge area of St Vincent’s RC parish centre in Norden.

They often invite special guests who perform free of charge.

There is a raffle and the selling of refreshments, with all proceeds donated to a chosen charity.

‘Wee bit different’

The popular comedian has nicknamed those who regularly support these evenings as ‘Jimmy’s Jammers’.

Tuesday (6 December) is the next charity night, when the Christmas show will be recorded.

Francis House Children’s Hospice, for whom Jimmy has raised many thousands of pounds over the years, will benefit from proceeds of the podcast.

Jimmy said Tuesday would be a “wee bit different”.

He added: “I’m doing half-hour show called The Jimmy Cricket Christmas Variety Special.

“As well as the show being performed to the audience on the night, it will be recorded and put out on podcast to be heard until the end of December.

“What makes it doubly exciting is that I’ve got together with Francis House Children’s Hospice.

“For anyone who does tune in, we’re asking them to make a small donation towards the charity.

“Big or small, they will all be warmly accepted.”

People can contribute here.

Jimmy urged his friends and fans: “Why not listen via my website from Thursday, the eighth of December, and make a small donation to help raise much-needed funds for Francis House?!

“Merry Christmas everyone!”

Read all about the great work done by Francis House here.

Also read: Jam nights are about to return!

Saddleworth show is ‘evening of laughter with legendary funnyman’ 150 150 mhamer

Saddleworth show is ‘evening of laughter with legendary funnyman’

Come 'ere, there's more! Join the legendary Irish comedian @jimmy_cricket & friends for a charity variety show supporting @FrancisHouseCH on 23 April 2022. At @millgatearts theatre in Delph Saddleworth. Tickets £12.50

Jimmy Cricket returns to a theatre in Saddleworth for another performance in aid of his favourite charity.

The ever-green Northern Irish comedian is back at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph, Oldham, on Saturday 23 April.

It is billed as “an evening of laughter with the legendary funnyman”.

Jimmy’s wife May will be one of the acts on the night.

The show will raise money for Francis House Children’s Hospital, based in south Manchester.

Tickets are priced £12.50 and the entertainment is suitable for all ages.

Millgate Arts Centre is home to a thriving local arts community, providing a base for theatre, film, and chamber concert societies.
Additionally, it holds art exhibitions and is available for business or personal lettings.
The theatre’s website says: “The much-loved Irish comedian JIMMY CRICKET and friends are bringing a show brimming with laughter and song to the Millgate Arts Centre with the proceeds going to Francis House Children’s Hospice charity.

Jimmy will arrive equipped with one-liners galore, a sprinkling of visual comedy and, yes, that ever-present letter from his mammy!

This is the perfect show for all the family and there will be giggles aplenty during an evening of fun and frivolity.

On offer is a comedy master-class delivered by Jimmy Cricket, the legendary entertainer everyone has come to know and love.

In 2015 Jimmy Cricket was awarded a papal knighthood (Order of St. Gregory the Great) by Pope Francis for his charity work.

And there’s more…

Jimmy will be joined on stage by special guests:

JONATHAN YOUNG of John Stokes’ THE BACHELORS

More than 25 years ago, singer, songwriter and guitarist Jonathan was invited to join original band member John Stokes and has been entertaining audiences worldwide with the many hits by The Bachelors (and more) ever since.

MAY MARION

Professional singer and actual ‘Mrs Cricket’, May Marion will be entertaining us with a delightful selection of charming songs.

AARON WELBY

Saddleworth Gentleman of Style, Aaron is a two-time X Factor contestant and his unique soul swinging tones will have you calling for more.

JIM NICHOLAS

Long-standing hospice supporter and entertainer Jim Nicholas has raised over £200,000 for Francis House, winning the Pride of Manchester Award for Fundraiser of the Year in 2020. He is delighted to be back on stage to bring you some sunshine and laughter raising funds for the hospice.

“Jimmy Cricket is keeping the fans laughing”  Belfast Telegraph
“Comedian Jimmy Cricket is one of the great front of tabs comedians” The Stage
FRANCIS HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

The hospice supports more than 500 families of children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the whole of Greater Manchester including, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Stockport, Trafford, Cheshire and Manchester.”

Book for the show here

Watch Jimmy and Jonathan promoting the show on social media

Also read on this website: Oldham show promises a night of ‘fun & frivolity’