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francis house

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’

Francis House: Big congratulations for turning 30! 150 150 mhamer

Francis House: Big congratulations for turning 30!

Big Congratulations to Francis HouseCH who have officially turned 30yrs old pictured here at the official opening is Princess Diana alongside the instigator of the project Sister Aloysius, and me with the original architect and now Director David Ireland #supportyourlocalhospice

Jimmy Cricket has congratulated his favourite charity, Francis House Children’s Hospice, for turning 30 years old.
Francis House reached the memorable milestone on Thursday 25 November.
Jimmy said on social media: “Big Congratulations to @FrancisHouseCH who have officially turned 30 yrs old.
“Pictured here (see photo above) at the official opening is Princess Diana alongside the instigator of the project Sister Aloysius.
“And me with the original architect and now Director David Ireland #supportyourlocalhospice.”
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 two decades.
Came across this Francis House booklet sent to me by @FrancisHouseCH because of my involvement over the last eighteen years of fundraising, with my good friend Jim Nicholas. The Hospice was first conceived by Sister Aloysius and Fr Mulheran, now run by the architect and Pastor David Ireland.
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!

Read a timeline of the history of the hospice’s history here

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

To celebrate its anniversary, the hospice is asking supporters, staff, volunteers and families to share their favourite memory.

Share your memories here

Also read: Francis House: 18 years of fundraising for hospice

Christmas CD for charity is now officially on sale 150 150 mhamer

Christmas CD for charity is now officially on sale

Children from St Patrick's RC Primary School in Rochdale sang at the concert

Jimmy Cricket has officially launched his new charity CD for Christmas 2016.

The event earlier this month was marked by a mini-concert at the Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

It was a fitting venue for the launch of the CD, called Santa bring my wellies back to me,  as all proceeds will be donated to the charity.

The audience was composed of Francis House volunteers and parents of some of the children who are cared for by the organisation.

The evening started with a buffet followed by the mini-concert. For this, famous entertainer Jimmy – who has just turned 71 – was joined on stage by some of the other singers who feature on the CD, namely the choir from St Patrick’s RC Primary School in Rochdale and his wife, the female vocalist May Marion.

All 10 songs from the new CD were performed and all were well-received, with a particular warm reaction granted to the signature track, which Jimmy performed alongside the choir, and also for the novelty song, No one wants Wilbur (the turkey).

There was also an opportunity for the choir (pictured top) to sing a track on their own and they chose One bright star from their Christmas repertoire.

Jimmy, pictured below performing one of the songs, said: “The choir not only sang superbly, but they behaved impeccably and their mere enthusiastic presence gave everybody at the concert a lift.”

After the event, copies of the CD were available to be bought and nearly 200 have already been sold – this without a Christmas illumination or decoration in sight!

Jimmy Cricket's Christmas CD is now officially on sale

Jimmy Cricket birthday fun run plans gather pace 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy Cricket birthday fun run plans gather pace

Jimmy Cricket and runners outside the Cock & Magpie pub in WhitworthComedian Jimmy Cricket has visited the start and finish location for the charity fun run which will mark his 70th birthday.

The well-known entertainer went to see the Cock & Magpie pub in Whitworth, where the runners will set off on the morning of 18 October for a 5K race in aid of his preferred charity, the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

Belfast-born and Rochdale-based Jimmy will be on hand to wave off the runners and to meet them when they return.

The race is being organised by local race organiser Andy O’Sullivan who has plotted out a 5K course that takes in the breath-taking scenery around Cowm Reservoir – the race will involve two laps of this magnificent beauty spot.

With just four months to go, Jimmy met Andy and also Chris, who is the landlord of the Cock & Magpie on Tonge Lane End. Jimmy then met some runners (above) who are hoping to participate in the event.

Andy said: “It was great for Jimmy to visit the location I’ve chosen for his race. I am just thrilled this event is taking shape and the run will just be a nice way to mark this great man’s contribution to Rochdale, while raising a few quid for such a worthy cause as Francis House.”

Jimmy said: “I am thrilled to be marking my birthday in such a fantastic way. It is amazing what can come out of taking a walk into Healey Dell Nature Reserve and bumping into Andy O’Sullivan!

“But seriously, this idea has been in the pipeline for around a year and I am pleased we are at that point where the event is not too far away.

“Even if you are not a dedicated runner, come along and enjoy a leisurely jog around a course which is stunning. Better still, why not come along as a spectator and support all the runners, as in this way you can still contribute to the event and help us raise lots of money!”

David Ireland, chief executive at Francis House, said: “Jimmy has supported Francis House over many years and helped raise thousands of pounds towards the care we provide to sick children, young people and their families.The form for Jimmy Cricket's 70th birthday fun run

“We’d like to express our grateful thanks to Jimmy, Andy and the team at the Cock and Magpie for organising the fun run. We hope lots of people will take part, enjoy the day and show their support.”

The entry fee to join Jimmy on this fun race is £4 to club runners and £6 to all others. An additional £1 will be charged to entrants who turn up on the day. Prizes will be awarded to all race finishers.

For more information and for a copy of the entry form, please contact Andy O’Sullivan at info@andemsrunners.co.uk

Or you can download the form above right by clicking on it, so it is on its own page, and then printing out (right click and print, or press “Ctrl” and “P”).

Show for Francis House raises a ‘handsome sum’ 150 150 mhamer

Show for Francis House raises a ‘handsome sum’

Jimmy Cricket with Jim Nicholas and Canon McBride

A charity show in Salford featuring famous comedian Jimmy Cricket raised a “handsome sum” for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Jimmy Cricket's wife May Marion with Canon Tony McBride

The event was held at St Peter’s & St Paul’s Parish Centre in Eccles at the end of April.

Jimmy performs each year in about eight shows across the Greater Manchester region to raise money for the hospice, which is located in South Manchester.

Each performance also features his wife May Marion singing, with Jim Nicholas completing the line-up with his Cliff’s Disco outfit.

Above, Jimmy is pictured with Jim Nicholas and Canon McBride, whose parish centre was where the show was hosted. Right, Canon McBride is with May.

Other fundraising events to come will take place at St Patrick’s Social Centre, Collyhurst in Manchester on Friday October 9 and St Mary’s Parish Centre in Denton on Wednesday October 21.

Fun run poster flags up birthday charity event 150 150 mhamer

Fun run poster flags up birthday charity event

The special poster publicising the charity fun run being organised to mark Jimmy Cricket's 70th birthday in OctoberA special poster has been produced to publicise the 5K charity fun run being organised to mark Jimmy Cricket’s 70th birthday in October.

The event is being arranged in Jimmy’s adopted hometown of Rochdale in Greater Manchester by a seasoned run organiser called Andy O’Sullivan, who is not only associated with the local Rochdale Harriers running club, but who has also been awarded the MBE for all the fundraising he has done over the years.

Famous Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy will turn 70 on 17 October 2015 and his birthday race will take place the following day.

The location of the start will be the Cock & Magpie pub in Whitworth, near Jimmy’s beloved Healey Dell Nature Reserve where he is often spotted walking and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

He will be there in person to start the race off at 11.30am, with the route planned to take in two laps of Cowm Reservoir, ensuring the race will be a true 5K.

Jimmy said:  “A big thank you to Rachel –  one of the charity’s trainee fundraisers – for producing a nice flyer for the event (above right).

“Naturally, I will be on hand to start the race off outside the Cock & Magpie public house and welcome back the winners after two laps of this stunning water feature. I will also hand out the prizes in the Cock & Magpie once all runners are safely back home.”

All proceeds from the fun run will be donated to one of Jimmy’s favourite charities, which is the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

The entry fee to join Jimmy on this fun race is £4 to club runners and £6 to all others. An additional £1 will be charged to entrants who turn up on the day. Prizes will be awarded to all race finishers.

For more information and for a copy of the entry form, please contact Andy O’Sullivan at info@andemsrunners.co.uk

Fun run plans get media coverage 150 150 mhamer

Fun run plans get media coverage

Jimmy Cricket's plans for a fun run were featured in the Rochdale Observer newspaper

Jimmy Cricket’s plans to stage a special fun run to mark his 70th birthday have received coverage in his local newspaper.

The Rochdale Observer published the above report and picture on the race, which will take place on 18 October 2015 – the day after the well-known entertainer turns 70.

The Belfast-born comedian was approached by Rochdale-based fundraiser Andy O’Sullivan about the prospect of a birthday race.

Andy has been organising charity runs with the local Rochdale Harriers athletics club for many years.

The location of the start will be the Cock & Magpie pub in Whitworth, near Jimmy’s beloved Healey Dell Nature Reserve where he is often spotted walking and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

All proceeds from the fun run will be donated to one of Jimmy’s favourite charities, which is the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

The entry fee to join Jimmy on this fun race is £4 to club runners and £6 to all others. An additional £1 will be charged to entrants who turn up on the day. Prizes will be awarded to all race finishers.

For more information and for a copy of the entry form, please contact Andy O’Sullivan at info@andemsrunners.co.uk

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