In Memoriam

Like the stars may you shine

Be faithful and true

'Til death takes you from us

Or us from you

To the public in general Alan was best known for his impersonation of George Formby Jnr. In fact his voice was so perfect that even Formby’s fiancée, Pat Howson, and members of his family could not tell the difference between Alan and his hero. However, Alan was not just a fine interpreter of Formby he was a brilliantly gifted multi-instrumentalist (piano/drums/trumpet/ trombone/vibes and of course the ukulele banjo). He was also a fine Jazz musician. He began playing at the early age of 4 years and went on to play the vibraphone and piano. It was whilst playing these two instruments at the Windmill, in 1957, he was spotted by the Grades who booked him to tour the country in shows which featured the variety artists of the day and singers such as Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard. His Formby act started in the late 60’s when he had to do a “front cloth” to allow time for his piano and vibraphone to be taken off stage. These short spots were so popular that agents began booking him for his Formby act rather than as the talented multi-instrumentalist he had begun his career. Alan always regretted that his Formby act had overtaken his “true talent with vibraphone and piano”. Among the many accolades he received were performances at the Royal Variety Show and tours around the world. In Las Vegas he appeared with Liza Minnelli and Perry Como. He also starred in a musical based on Formby’s life story and co-wrote a biography of Formby with Ray Seaton. Alan was also a tireless worker for Charity and did countless shows for the Water Rats and other organisations. Sadly over the last two years he suffered from Motor Neurone Disease, which finally parted him from Mary, his wife of over 45 years, their two children and a host of friends and admirers.

Born, Bedworth on 10 June 1934

Died, Nuneaton on 9 April 2005

Rat Number: 754 Alan was initiated in April 1987

Secretary to the Trustees, John Adrian

John Mills (Lewis Ernest Watts Mills) was born in Suffolk, the son of a maths teacher father and theatre box-office mother.

Aspiring to a show-biz career from early childhood, John found himself in London at the age of twenty trying to hold down a job as a bathroom sales rep whilst devoting most of his time to classes at Zelia Raye’s Dancing School.  Encouraged by his elder sister Mabel (later, Annette Mills) he persisted at the lessons and his first lucky break came when he and fellow-pupil Frances Day were offered an engagement at the New Cross Empire. This led directly to a chorus job in Guy Bolton’s musical “The Five O’Clock Girl” (1929) at the London Hippodrome and, later the same year, he joined a repertory company called The Quaints for a tour of the Far East where he gained invaluable acting experience playing everything from 2nd gravedigger in “Hamlet” to the title role in “Young Woodley.”

 In Singapore his talents were spotted by a holidaying Noel Coward who saw The Quaints production of the Vivian Ellis musical, “Mr. Cinders” in which John Mills played the juvenile lead.  On the company’s return to England it was Coward’s influence which secured John his first West End lead as Fancourt Babberley in “Charley’s Aunt” at the New Theatre and, within the next two years John starred in both Coward’s play “Cavalcade” and the hugely successful revue “Words and Music.”

John Mills’ screen debut came in 1932 in “The Midship Maid” with Jessie Matthews and this led to the long and distinguished career on both stage and screen with which we have all become so familiar.  The Oscar-winning actor was made a CBE in 1960 and knighted in 1976.

Although countless tributes have poured in since his death, it is particularly heart-warming to recall that only two years ago on 26th March 2003 the Rats chose to celebrate his 95th birthday by holding a special Luncheon in his honour at the Savoy Hotel. The day was packed with celebrities all keen to pay their respects to Sir John and tributes both moving and funny came from, amongst others, Sylvia Sims, Past King Rat Roy Hudd, Past King Rat David Lodge, Water Rat Barry Cryer and Sir Cliff Richard.

As the celebrations drew to a close, Sir John expressed his sincere thanks to all, adding that he was a proud man; proud that the Rats had given him such a distinct honour, proud that so many had attended to pay tribute to him, and very proud indeed to be a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats.  A standing ovation and musical honours brought the event to a conclusion and it was reported later that Sir John was so thrilled by it all that for weeks afterwards he talked of little else! To see some photographs from this event click here

It was such a privilege for the Rats to be able to show Sir John just how much he was so universally loved and admired by us all.

As far as our records show, at the grand old age of 91 Sir John Mills became our oldest ever Baby Rat when he was initiated as Rat No. 808 on 7th June 1999. His Proposer was Past King Rat Frankie Vaughan, his Seconder being Past King Rat Bert Weedon.

He is survived by his wife Mary Hayley Bell, son Jonathan and daughters Juliette and Hayley.

Test Rat Chris Emmett 2005

Peter was Water Rat number 750 - having been proposed by Len Lowe and seconded by Joe Church. He was initiated into the Order on October 19th 1985. He was one of a show business dynasty. His Grandfather was comedian/singer Al Norman. Peter and his brother Roy, and for a time, their other brother Geoffrey, were a famous stilt walking act appearing on variety bills in this country and abroad for more than twenty five years. It was Peter who had the idea of putting steel taps on their stilts - and they became a much in demand stilt dancing act.

When Peter married Jean Dooley she joined the routine - and they worked as Jean and Peter Barbour later being joined by their daughter Sue, who stayed in the act with her father when Jean retired. They appeared in Barnum in London and Germany in the 1980's. In between gigs Peter also acted as a booker for several venues in the Midlands. He and Sue continued working in Britain and abroad, including seven years at Disneyworld in the United States until Peter was struck down by a stroke when in his late seventies. Sue looked after him until his death. His Granddaughter, Genevieve Jacobs, continues the dynasty and has worked within the Cameron Mackintosh Company and The Really Useful Group.