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francis house

‘Huge honour to be asked by a legend to perform at his birthday celebration show’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Huge honour to be asked by a legend to perform at his birthday celebration show’
A full theatre and a host of top comedians helped “legend” Jimmy Cricket celebrate his 80th birthday in style.

Hundreds of people packed into the Lowry at The Quays in Salford on Saturday (1 November) to pay tribute to the Northern Irish funnyman.

Tim Vine (Not Going Out, Live at the Apollo), Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent, Phoenix Nights), Roy Walker (Catchphrase, The Comedians) and Syd Little (The Little and Large Show, Shooting Stars) were among the comics appearing in the Big Birthday Gala Show.

Adrian Walsh (Today with Des and Mel), Barbara Nice (Coronation Street, Britain’s Got Talent) and Jimmy’s daughter, Katie Mulgrew (Coronation Street, Lovefix, The Dog Ate My Homework), completed the star-studded line-up.

Lady Anne Dodd – whose famous comedian husband, the late Sir Ken Dodd, was a good friend of Jimmy’s – made a special, surprise appearance during the show.

Jimmy’s family played a video on the big screen of some of the most memorable moments of his career.

And he told the audience at the end of the show: “You’ve made it very special for us.”

Read about his illustrious life here.

The event raised funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice, based in Didsbury, south Manchester.

‘Loads more legends’

Proceeds from a raffle held on the night raised £1,144.

Steve Royle, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist in 2020, said on social media: “Such a huge honour to be asked by a legend to perform at his 80th Birthday celebration show.

“Alongside loads more legends too!!

“Happy Birthday Jimmy Cricket.”

A full theatre and a host of top comedians helped Jimmy Cricket celebrate his 80th birthday on an evening of love and laughter.

Steve Royle posted photographs on social media of himself and fellow performers

Jimmy turned 80 on 17 October.

He has raised many thousands of pounds over many years for Francis House.

The charity 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

Tickets are selling fast for big birthday bash 150 150 mhamer

Tickets are selling fast for big birthday bash

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

The special show celebrating Jimmy Cricket’s forthcoming 80th birthday is approaching a sell-out.

Only about 50 tickets remain for the big charity gala at The Lowry in Salford later this year.

Tim Vine, Roy Walker, Barbara Nice, Syd Little and Steve Royle are among the entertainers performing on 1 November.

Fellow Northern Irish funnyman Adrian Walsh and Jimmy’s daughter, Katie Mulgrew, complete the talented line-up – as well as the birthday boy himself, of course!

Jimmy, who turns 80 on 17 October, said: “The Lowry is a lovely venue down by the Quays.

“I’m no stranger to the place, having performed there twice previously.

“I did a double header with Mick Miller and appeared as part of a podcast event with Richard Herring.

“Also, I went to watch Tim Vine there a few years ago – Tim will be doing a spot for us at my birthday show.

“It will be a happy birthday family event with some great acts thrown in – and a fire extinguisher to blow out the candles on the cake!”

Joining Jimmy on stage are:
  • 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).

Tickets are available here.

Professional care
The show will raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice, based in Didsbury, south Manchester.
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:

Sarah Millican & Jimmy Cricket with the ‘podfather’

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!

 

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”).