The Encore Awards Luncheon, Wednesday 12 May 2004 - For the last three years The Grand Order of Water Rats has teamed up with Encore Magazine for this very special luncheon. Held at the Arnhem Gallery within the Fairfield Halls complex at Croydon - the awards honour various aspects of the live entertainment industry and includes a Water Rats Cabaret.

Above: The Water Rats surround the Queen Ratling - From left to right - back row: Stan Stennett MBE, Jack Seaton, Don Shearman, Mike Redway, Johnny Mans, King Rat Chas McDevitt, Chris Woodward, Les Henry, Lew Lane. Front row: Past King Rat Keith Simmons, Past King Rat Alf Pearson, Queen Ratling Marsha Rae Ratcliff, Past King Rat Bert Weedon and David Lee.

The Lady Ratlings are a totally separate organisation from the Water Rats although they were originally formed by wives of Water Rats back in the thirties. The first Queen Ratling was Lilian Russell - wife of Past King Rat and Preceptor Fred Russell - The Father of Variety. The present Queen Ratling, Marsha, is wife of our Companion Rat John Ratcliffe, CBE.

To visit the Lady Ratlings website go to the Links page and under Organisations click on Grand Order of Lady Ratlings.