Film Stars to Punch and Judy Men; Pop Stars to Sporting Heroes; Comics to Dramatic Actors; Musicians to Television Presenters; Magicians to Photographers; Radio Stars to Royalty. The Grand Order of Water Rats exists as a wonderful Fraternity and Charitable Organisation.

Site last updated 23 July 2010

2010 King Rat Derek Martin. To read King Rat's message click here

We want you to be our 'Friend'

Find out what being a 'Friend of the Water Rats' is all about. You can download a membership application form to join too. Click here

From the Eastend to King's Cross - Prince Rat John Bardon and Trap Guard Derek Martin

GOWR Functions Galore

We'd love you to get along to one of the Grand Order of Water Rats very special events, so have a look at some of our forthcoming functions. Click here

Our oldest member Past King Rat Alf Pearson with our youngest Richard Joy - Drummer with chart band 'Freefaller'. Alf was 99 in June 2009.

Raise money for The Grand Order of Water Rats just by searching the web!

www.everyclick.com is an internet search engine with a big difference - it donates half its revenues to charity!

It won't cost you or the Water Rats a penny so to find out how you can help click here

We are often asked where the money goes! Our Charities Fund - overseen by the Trustees of The Grand Order of Water Rats - gives out all sorts of sums to many deserving causes. To see just some of the organisations we have helped over the years click here

Toastmaster Rat Bryn Williams BEM has a new book out called "Red Tails in the Sunset". For every book sold through this website Bryn will give a percentage of the profit to the GOWR. For full details click here

If you are lucky enough to own one of our new brochures (Sponsored by The 'Friends' of the Water Rats and created by the Michael Ralph Consultancy) you may want to put a name to a face from that wonderful collection of pictures on the inside front cover. All will be revealed if you click here

The Key to the names of all those Water Rats in our new Brochure

Water Rats On 'You Tube'....

You might be interested to have a look at this item on 'You Tube' which was brought to our attention by past King Rat Paul Daniels. To see this clip and other Water Rat clips we have recently discovered. click here

We are beginning the much overdue redevelopment work on our premises in Gray's Inn Road. This will include installing a lift, adding a new function room and kitchen area, changing the staircases and creating new office space. By buying a brick or two at £20 per brick you can add your name or that of a relative to the list of names that will be published in the Annual Ball Brochure each year. For a 'Buy A Brick' donations leaflet contact our Administrator on Telephone: 020 7278 3248 Email: info@gowr.net

Welcome Tony Hatch

Composer, musician and recording manager Tony Hatch became our Baby Rat on Sunday 11th October 2009. The man who penned 'Downtown'; 'Joanna'; 'Neighbours'; the 'Crossroads' theme; the 'Emmerdale' theme and even 'Messing About On The River' has become Water Rat number 869. Past King Rat Bert Weedon pinned the little gold Rat into Tony's lapel ably assisted by Companion Rat John Ratcliff. Both Rats spoke glowingly of Tony's involvement with the Variety Club and what a great Water Rat he will be. After receiving rousing musical honours our new baby Rat told us he will do all he can for our Order and was proud to join our ranks. King Rat Graham Cole read out a letter from Past King Rat David Berglas, who wasn't able to be present but, as Tony's seconder, wanted to add his congratulations. - Welcome Tony to the wonderful world of the Water Rats. Immediate Past Baby Rat Tony Christie was also in Lodge to hand over his white collar as he became a red collar Rat. For a full list of current Water Rats. click here

To all Water Rats: 'Lodge Rules' and 'Council Rules' are now available from this website...

The Grand Order of Water Rats 'Lodge Rules' and 'Council Rules' are now available to download, (passwords are required), through the Water Rats 'Members Area' - to access the 'Members Area' go to the Members Page and enter the password.

Companion Rats Bob Potter OBE and John Ratcliff CBE with Circus King, Water Rat Bobby Roberts.

The Grand Order of Water Rats is a member of the Combined Theatrical Charities (CTC).

Under the title 'Acting For Others' the CTC organises bucket collections every year in theatres all over the country; usually the last two weeks in October - one week in the West End and one in the Provinces.

Between them the fifteen members organisations of the CTC try to cover all aspects of hardship and need within our profession including backstage and front of house staff, performers and their dependants too.

For further information on the work of the Combined Theatrical Charities and 'Acting For Others' please visit: www.actingforothers.co.uk

Water Rat Graham 'Grumbleweed' Walker, Past Prince Rat Chris Emmett and Water Rat Nicholas Parsons

Secretary to the Trustees John Adrian, Past Collecting Rat Alan Simmons and Toastmaster Rat Bryn Williams enjoying bait after lodge.

Welcome Tony Christie

On 20th September 2009 the Water Rats discovered the way to Amerillo! Singer Tony Christie became Rat number 868. He was proposed by Michael Black who pinned that little gold emblem into his lapel. Our new Baby Rat spoke with sincerity when he said he would do his very best for us and he admitted to being quite emotional at joining our ranks. It was two years ago when Tony stomd'em at our Annual Ball in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel. On Sunday 20th he received musical honours and was whole heartedly welcomed into our Order. Now, on our website, we can say - Welcome Tony to the wonderful world of the Water Rats. For a full list of current Water Rats. click here

Tribute to Water Rat John Dankworth

Water Rat John (Johnny) Dankworth was an iconic figure in British Jazz – he was also the first major jazz musician and the first British bebopper to be knighted. To see the BBC News tribute and read the full GOWR tribute to Water Rat Johnny Dankworth on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here

Tribute to Water Rat Ted Durante

Water Rat Ted Durante "made em laugh" wherever he went. Lookout Pearly Gates you're in for some big laughs! To read the full tribute to Water Rat Ted Durante on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here

Tribute to Water Rat Malcolm Vaughan

For Water Rat Malcolm Vaughan Singing was a passion from a very early age and he received a great deal of encouragement from his local Baptist church choir... To read the full GOWR tribute to Water Rat Malcolm Vaughan on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here

Adger Brown, just one of the nights winners, receives the jesters medal from King Rat Derek Martin. (Lodge Meeting 21st February 2010)

Past King Rat Graham Cole (Where's his collar?) congratulates our new King Rat Derek Martin.