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A special surprise at regular Rochdale charity event 150 150 mhamer

A special surprise at regular Rochdale charity event

Wonderful Tuesday evening, been doing Jam nights for 20yrs raising funds for local charities with my fellow organisers, Kath, Alan, Pauline who arranged a surprise for me to celebrate my 50 yrs with my old friends & family there, my thanks also to @JMSportPix @ColinMeredith52

Jimmy Cricket had a nice surprise at the latest charity jam night in Rochdale where he lives.

The famous entertainer thought it was going to be another of the regular events held every few months at a local parish hall.

However, it turned out to be a very special occasion as his family and some old friends attended the show.

The surprise was arranged as part of the celebrations to mark Jimmy’s remarkable 50 years in showbusiness.

Jimmy described it as a “wonderful evening”.

He added: “My fellow organisers, Kath, Alan and Pauline arranged a surprise for me to celebrate my 50 years with my old friends and family there.

“My thanks also to @JMSportPix @ColinMeredith52.”

Jimmy and his wife May – a professional singer – have for about 20 years hosted a regular night of entertainment.

The event takes place at St Vincent’s RC parish centre in Norden.

Chosen charity

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

Jimmy and May invite different guests who perform free of charge.

Proceeds from a raffle and the selling of refreshments go to a chosen charity.

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

He has been making people laugh as a professional comedian for 50 years – usually raising money for worthy causes at the same time.

Instantly recognisable for wearing a funny hat and green wellies marked L and R on the wrong feet, he proudly keeps his comedy clean – increasingly rare these days –  making him a perfect family entertainer.

His best-known catchphrases include ‘And there’s more!’ and ‘Come closer!’

He is also famed for reading out Letters from his Mammy, which have provided the material for two published books.

Read more about Jimmy’s life and career here.

All his tour bookings and other events can be found here.

Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is now on sale.

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and career – told in his own words.

The paperback costs £11.99 and is available at online retailer Amazon here.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education.

Also read – Autobiography: Buy The Jimmy Cricket Story now!

Musical comedy fun promised in Rochdale charity show 150 150 mhamer

Musical comedy fun promised in Rochdale charity show

Hi folks! For those who live locally, why not join this cast for a great night out at the Champness Hall Rochdale, for a wonderful evening of musical comedy fun! #RochdaleMusicalTheatreCompany

Jimmy Cricket promises an evening of “musical comedy fun” in a charity show being staged in his adopted hometown of Rochdale.

The Belfast-born comedian stars in The Producers at Champness Hall.

Comedy and music lovers have six more chances to watch the show, which premiered on Thursday 12 May.

Selected further dates until 21 May include Friday and Saturday (13 and 14 May).

Show producers Rochdale Musical Theatre Company call it a “laugh-out-loud all-singing, all-dancing Broadway musical comedy”.

Smash hit!

Jimmy comments: “For those who live locally, why not join this cast for a great night out at the Champness Hall Rochdale, for a wonderful evening of musical comedy fun!”

The plot is based on a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered, nervous accountant.

They come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby swindling their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars.

Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit!

Generosity of its donors

The performance – the photo above features the cast – will raise funds for Rochdale-based Springhill Hospice.

The hospice first opened its doors back in 1989.

It offers specialist palliative care to patients and their families from diagnosis to end-of-life.

The total cost of providing hospice services is nearly £4 million per year.

As a result, it relies on the generosity of its donors and supporters to raise in excess of £7,500 per day.

Founded in 1898, Rochdale Musical Theatre Company is a registered charity.

It has raised more than £50,000 for local charities over the years.

Go here to see all the show dates and to book tickets

Also read on this website: Covid outbreak in the Cricket household dashes unveiling trip

Double celebration time for our favourite comedian! 150 150 mhamer

Double celebration time for our favourite comedian!

It was a double celebration weekend for evergreen funnyman Jimmy Cricket.

Saturday (16 October) marked the long-awaited return of the popular jam nights introduced by Jimmy and his wife May about 15 years ago.

And Sunday was the famous entertainer’s 76th birthday.

Double celebration weekend: Here back with our Jammers tonight, (now into our second decade), at #StVincentsParishCentre, (after a long 19 month break), Pauline’s raffle tonight will go to the wonderful Charity #marysmeals, my thanks also to singer #MikeHowarth, and Kate and Pat on teas & coffees! 🎭

Jimmy and May – a professional singer – have since 2006 hosted a regular night of entertainment in their adopted home town of Rochdale.

It provides a useful opportunity for Jimmy 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 good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

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

They invite different guests who perform free of charge.

Jimmy Cricket's self-isolating message just before the start of the lockdown

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’.

However, the event was inevitably put on hold early in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic – until Saturday.

Jimmy said: “Here back with our Jammers tonight, (now into our second decade), at #StVincentsParishCentre, (after a long 19-month break).

“Pauline’s raffle tonight will go to the wonderful Charity #marysmeals, my thanks also to singer #MikeHowarth, and Kate and Pat on teas & coffees! 🎭

Mary’s Meals supports feeding projects for children in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Jimmy’s comedian-turned-priest son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, is a long-standing supporter of Mary’s Meals.

Jimmy also expressed his gratitude for all the congratulations on his birthday.

He commented: “Can I say a huge, “Thank You”, to everyone who took the time to wish me, “Happy Birthday”.

“It was so very much appreciated! xx”

Can I say a huge, “Thank You”, to everyone who took the time to wish me, “Happy Birthday”, it was so very much appreciated! xx

Also read:

Jam nights are about to return!

Message of hope: After the storm comes the rainbow

Rochdale jam night is ‘lovely charity evening’

Coronavirus pandemic: We can do this together!

Mary’s Meals: Charity marks memorable milestone

Jam nights are about to return! 150 150 mhamer

Jam nights are about to return!

Pictures from one of Jimmy's jam nights in 2019

Pictures from one of Jimmy’s jam nights in 2019

Jimmy Cricket is about to bring back his popular charity jam nights following an enforced 18-month break.

Famous Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy and his wife May – a professional singer – have for more than 15 years hosted a regular night of entertainment in their adopted home town of Rochdale.

It provides an opportunity for Jimmy 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 invite different guests who perform free of charge.

Jimmy Cricket's self-isolating message just before the start of the lockdown

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’.

But the event was inevitably put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Conveyor of good news’

But the good news is that the jam night is ready to return!

Jimmy, May and their friends messaged the regular audience members this week with the following message.

Hi Jammers,

I hope you’re all fit and well as we gradually come out of what has been an unprecedented time in all our lives.

I’m pleased to be the conveyor of good news. Father James has given us the go ahead to have a Charity Jam Night in the Parish Hall.

Both May and I have decided to make our first one back, a little more special, by having it on a Saturday night, 16th October 2021. As it will be my birthday, on the Sunday the 17th, it is also Maureen Barker’s alongside my fellow Comic Dusty Young on the Monday, so we can celebrate with a big cake for us all, (anyone else celebrating a birthday either side of this date, just let us know).

There will be the usual comedy, music, raffle, with teas, coffees, and biscuits, (cardboard cups for hot drinks will be supplied, but if anyone would rather bring their own cup from home, please feel free).

Ever present dependable Kath and Pauline will be on hand to help, and our designated Charity for the evening will be for Mary’s Meals, (which has just celebrated reaching the 2 million mark of feeding children whilst in education, in 19 different countries around the world).

We look forward to seeing you all there on the evening, as we also come together to remember and celebrate the lives of those whom we have lost from our group over the last 18 months.

Sending our Love and Best Wishes to you all xx

Jimmy & May & Eric & Gloria & Kath & Pauline

Also read: Message of hope: After the storm comes the rainbow

Rochdale jam night is ‘lovely charity evening’

Coronavirus pandemic: We can do this together!

 

 

Jimmy recalls January jab in latest LEP column 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy recalls January jab in latest LEP column

Hi folks! This is the latest @leponline column about the January morning when I got my first jab @RDaleRiverside by the very jovial @JivaDr (Dr Mo MBE), my thanks to @RochdaleCouncil for organising the vaccine programme so well. #COVID19Vaccines

Jimmy Cricket has been talking about his first vaccination jab against Covid-19 in his latest newspaper column.

The article is in the 12 April edition of the Lancashire Post.

In the column, Jimmy recalls visiting Riverside One in Rochdale, where he lives.

He says: “How things have changed during these lockdowns.

“It used to be that if some­body crossed the road when they saw you coming it was either that they didn’t want to speak to you or they owed you money.

“Now when they do it you shout thanks to them for helping to stop the spread of the virus.

“It’s the same when you meet an old friend in the street.

“Instead of shaking hands, you now do a quick touch of the elbows then step back, have a few quick words and then you’re on your way.

Full vaccinated

“However, as I write this, we’ve all had a very emotional reflection day to mark the fact that the first lockdown happened one year ago, and with the news that they’re not far off vaccinating 1m people a day there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

“I myself being a whipper snapper of 75 years of age when I got my first jab here where I live in Rochdale at the Riverside Library.

“Although it was a cold shivery January morning when we all queued up out­side, inside our hearts were leaping for joy at the thought of getting the inoculation that would ultimately pro­vide us with the passport to get back to normality.

“I went public with it and my friend Billy Sherrin, the Rochdale Mayor, arranged to have the Rochdale Council official photographer to take a piccie of me getting my jab.”

Famous funnyman Jimmy has now had both doses of the coronavirus vaccination.

The popular Northern Irish entertainer updated his Facebook profile last month with the graphic below, saying ‘fully vaccinated’.

He has encouraged everybody else to have the vaccination the same when their time comes.

Very small numbers of people have been admitted to hospital with Covid several weeks after having one vaccine dose, a study of UK patients shows.

Jimmy Cricket has had his second vaccination jab to protect against Covid

Several months ago, Jimmy devised a perfect little ditty to keep our spirits going during the coronavirus lockdown.

The comedian adapted the words of an old war-time favourite, Roll out the Barrel.

He recorded his very own version for YouTube, called Roll out the Vaccine.

Roll out the Barrell

The UK government has said every adult in the country can have a coronavirus vaccine by autumn this year.

Roll out the Barrel was particularly popular worldwide during World War II.

Sing along to Jimmy’s Roll out the Vaccine song

Coronavirus pandemic: The next jam night is cancelled 150 150 mhamer

Coronavirus pandemic: The next jam night is cancelled

Pictures from one of Jimmy's jam nights in 2019

Pictures from one of Jimmy’s jam nights in 2019

Jimmy Cricket has cancelled the next scheduled ‘jam’ night at a parish centre in Rochdale because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

He says in a message to regular show goers he has made the decision “with great sadness”.

But he adds: “We will continue to monitor the situation and we hope to be able to resume our shows as soon as it is safe to do so!”

It comes amid the continuing restrictions first imposed in March across the UK because of coronavirus.

Famous funnyman Jimmy and his wife May host an night of entertainment every couple of months in Rochdale.

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

They invite different guests who perform free of charge.

It started more about 15 years ago as an opportunity for Jimmy and other performers to try out new routines.

At every event,  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’.

Jimmy has in the past few years alternated hosting the jam nights with good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

‘Unprecedented times’

He messaged the regular jammers this weekend to confirm the planned show in September had been cancelled.

There have not been any shows for the past six months because of coronavirus.

His message read:

“Hi Jammers

We hope everyone is safe and healthy, and that you have managed to keep your spirits up, and have not let the isolation get you down to much!

Just an update in regard to the lockdown situation.

We are indeed living in unprecedented times, never before in the history of showbusiness has all Variety Acts and Theatres ever had to cancel all their shows for the safety of the audience!

This is why our shows at St Vincent’s Parish Centre has not been able to go ahead folks!

Most of us fall into the vulnerable age group, so it is with great sadness that we have to cancel the September 2020 show.

We will continue to monitor the situation and we hope to be able to resume our shows as soon as it is safe to do so!

Meanwhile stay safe and we all look forward to the day when this is but a memory for us all, as we consign it to the history books!

Sending Love and Best Wishes to you all from

Jimmy & May & Eric & Gloria & Kath & Pauline”

Also read: Rochdale jam night is ‘lovely charity evening’

Coronavirus pandemic: We can do this together!

Message of hope: ‘After the storm comes the rainbow…’ 150 150 mhamer

Message of hope: ‘After the storm comes the rainbow…’

Pictures from one of Jimmy's jam nights in 2019

Pictures from one of Jimmy’s jam nights in 2019

Jimmy Cricket has sent out a reminder that his regular ‘jam’ nights are cancelled for the foreseeable future.

It comes amid the continuing lockdown throughout the United Kingdom because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Famous Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy and his wife May host an night of entertainment every couple of months in their adopted home town of Rochdale.

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

They invite different guests who perform free of charge.

It started more than a decade ago as an opportunity for Jimmy and other performers to try out new routines.

At every event,  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’.

Jimmy has in the past few years alternated hosting the jam nights with his good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

‘Staggering and heart-breaking’

He messaged the regular jammers this weekend to confirm that two jam nights, scheduled for next week and next month, have been cancelled.

His email said: “I hope you’re all safe and healthy during this challenging time.

“I’m sure like me you’re finding it hard to take in all that’s happened during these last three months.

“We’re inclined to think that epidemics are things we learned about in our school history books.

“But the death toll and misery that this virus has inflicted on us all is staggering and heart-breaking.

“These are the times when we have to dig deep and find the resilience to help each other through.

“I read a saying once: after the storm comes the rainbow.

“Take care everyone and big hugs from myself and May.”

For the past five weeks, Jimmy has sent all his fans and friends daily togetherness message via video as the world fights coronavirus.

Jimmy Cricket's self-isolating message just before the start of the lockdown

The UK government announced on 23 March it was imposing strict new curbs on life in the UK.

Jimmy posted his first video on social media the previous day with the message: “We can do this together!”

He told a few jokes in the clip and urges people to help each other in these tough times.

He said: “Once we get though this, at the end of the tunnel, we’ll all have a great big huddle together.”

Also read: Rochdale jam night is ‘lovely charity evening’

Coronavirus pandemic: We can do this together!