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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 2 May 2012
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
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 101 in June 2011! To see a British Pathe clip on 'You Tube' of him performing with his brother Bob in 1932 click here
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
To all Water Rats: 'Lodge Rules' and 'Council Rules' are now available from this website...
The latest editions of the Grand Order of Water Rats 'Lodge Rules' and 'Council Rules' are now available to download, through the Water Rats 'Members Area' - to access the 'Members Area' go to the Members Page
The GOWR and the Combined Theatrical Charities
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
"In Lodge there is an empty chair with collar draped thereon..."
To read the rest of the poem to Sir Norman by Water Rat Peter Goodwright. Click here
A happy group at the Lord Grade Lunch - Water Rats Nicholas Parsons, Michael Black and Past King Wyn Calvin with Rolf and Alwen Harris at the Lord Grade Tribute Luncheon.
Barry, Michael and Don - Water Rat Barry Cryer and lyricist Don Black with Lord Michael Grade.
Harmonica virtuoso Johnny Maxim and Pianist John R. Maxim get close to our new Administrator Fran.
Brothers In Arms - Past Prince Rat Chris Emmett; one of the Order's most dedicated members, being appreciated by King Rat Keith.
THE NEW "TAKE THAT"? - No, just Terry Marshall, Baby Rat Alvin Stardust and David Capri, a fiddlin' and a foolin'!
Baby Rat Alvin flanked by King Rat Keith Simmons and Past King Rats Roger de Courcey, Kaplan Kaye and Chas McDevitt.
To see more photos like this click here
Welcome Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons was initiated on Sunday 6th November 2011 as Water Rat number 875.
"Following in Father's Footsteps", as the son of of current King Rat Keith, Ben is also half of the double act Simmons & Simmons with his dad, as well as being a performer, writer and director in his own right. Welcome, Ben, to the wonderful world of the Water Rats.
We at the GOWR would like to show support for our Brother Rat Bobby Roberts, and his family, during the hard, unjust situation he is having to endure at present. Signing the attached petition would be greatly appreciated.
At the Grand Order of Water Rats Annual Ball 27 November 2011 - King Rat for 2011 Keith Simmons congratulates King Rat for 2012 Joe Pasquale. To read King Rat Keith's message click here
At the Grand Order of Water Rats Annual Ball held on 27 November 2011 - New officers of the Grand Order of Water Rats for 2012. Including King Rat Joe Pasquale and Prince Rat "Super" Jess Conrad. (Although Joe Pasquale has been elected King Rat for 2012, Keith Simmons remains in the chair until the installation lodge takes place on 22 January 2012.) To see the full list of officers for 2012 click here
Joe Pasquale - 2012 King Rat . To read King Rat's message click here
Tribute to Water Rat Frank Carson
The Grand Order of Water Rats is very sad to announce the death of Water Rat Frank Carson. "Frank never lost touch with his roots...."To read the full GOWR tribute to Frank Carson on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here
Welcome Ray Martin
Ray Martin, brother of Scribe Rat Mike Martin, eldest son of the late Past King Rat George Martin and nephew of the late Scribe Rat Bill Martin, initiated as Water Rat number 876 on Sunday 25th. March 2012. The Martin dynasty continues! Welcome actor / musician / writer Ray to the wonderful world of the Water Rats!
Welcome Ken Dodd
The legendary comedian Ken Dodd OBE initiated into the GOWR as Water Rat number 633 on Thursday 17th November 2011. The reason for his early number is because he passed the membership vote back in 1966 and has been too busy entertaining the nation to attend lodge for his making, until now. So, at last, welcome Ken, to the wonderful world of the Water Rats!
Top table gathering at the making of Baby Rat Ray Martin on 25th March 2012.
Left to right: Derek Martin, Keith Simmons, Chas McDevitt, Roy Hudd, Baby Rat Ray Martin, King Rat Joe Pasquale, Kaplan Kaye, Wyn Calvin and Roger de Courcey.
"Be Lucky", the biography of Ray and Mike's father, Past King Rat George Martin "The Casual Comedian", is now available. For details of purchase please email martinmgm5@aol.com
Some months back, with the support of the Water Rats, film makers Andy Humphreys and David Neale set out to seek the support of a television company to create a programme introducing the Water Rats. To support discussions they are undertaking with TV commissioners and to help communicate the audience values of the Water Rats' message as a TV programme, the producers have created a short introductory video. Those discussiond continue but, in the meantime, you can access that video here.
Tribute to Water Rat Jim Marshall OBE
The Grand Order of Water Rats is very sad to announce the death of Water Rat Jim Marshall OBE. "The Father of Loud" was born on 29 July1923. He died on 5 April 2012, aged 88. To read the full GOWR tribute to Jim on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here
Tribute to Water Rat Bert Weedon OBE, FRSA, BM
The Grand Order of Water Rats is very sad to announce the death of Past King Rat Bert Weedon OBE. "Mr Guitar" was born on 10 May 1920. He died on 20 April 2012, aged 91. To read the full GOWR tribute to Jim on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here
Now available... Bob Potter OBE; "One Man's Dream" - our revered Companion Rat Bob's book about his amazing life and career. Contact: Lakeside Country Club for details