In Memoriam

Like the stars may you shine

Be faithful and true

'Til death takes you from us

Or us from you

Most contemporary successful comedy magicians will gladly admit that they have been highly influenced by Billy McComb, some even crediting their careers to him. And no wonder: every detail of his act was worked out and refined, fuelled by his enthusiasm for magic and hyperactive creativity. Billy began his performance career in Britain where he had 9 shows of his own and appeared in over 40 films. The pinnacle of his British career was a Royal Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth at The London Palladium. In the States, he appeared on such TV shows as The Tom Snyder Show, Matlock, Adam 12 and the Disney TV movie, The Young Harry Houdini. Billy also appeared in the movie Lord of Illusions with Clive Barker. His awards included two from the Academy of Magical Arts, and an election to the S.A.M.'s Hall of Fame. He was Vice-President of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, and in 1999, Magic magazine selected him as one of the 100 most influential magicians in the 20th Century. And most recently, Billy opened in Las Vegas for The Amazing Jonathan, and appeared in The Lance Burton Show at the Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino.

Billy was born in Ireland on 12th April 1922

Died in Hollywood, USA on 30 April 2006

 

Joined the Grand Order of Water Rats on 20th September 1964

Proposed by Ted Ray

Seconded by Derek Roy

Register No. 613

Jack was popular with everyone, with Jack, what you saw is what you got. He thought that falling out with anyone was a complete waste of time, as life was too short. He was born in Dagenham on the 7th January 1932, then moved to White City with his two sisters, Olive and Connie. They were quite a poor family.

In 1950, Jack's life changed when he was called up for Army National Service. - For the first time in Jack's life he had two pairs of trousers - so he straight away signed up for 3 years. He started his time posted to Germany and driving tanks. He returned to England for his last year and became a chauffeur for the Major, driving a big staff car.

The next change came when Jack met Mavis. Every time he could (between driving the Major) the car was parked outside her parent's house - Mavis being the attraction. Jack's first Magic trick was the 'OMO Trick' (three dirty handkerchiefs become clean in an OMO box) bought from Harry Stanley. While Jack working for Harry Stanley he invented a light bulb that lit up in your hand (remember this was the 50's), also 'The Three Spacemen' was one of Jack's. If you look in Harry Stanley's old catalogues you will see more tricks that Jack invented.

Jack and Mavis married in 1955 and lived for a while in Ladbroke Grove where he heard about 'The Zodiac Magic Club' and became a member in 1956. With their son, Robert, they moved to Stevenage - sister Olive and family followed. Jack, although always busy working with his Magic and (small) 'Hairy Harry Puppet Show', decided to have a 'large' Hairy Harry made. It cost £400 which was a lot of money then. Jack worked on the QE2, in theatres, halls and private functions, all over the place - Scotland, Jersey, Wales and even Australia.

Jack was a member of the I.B.M. (International Brotherhood of Magic) and for many years he produced the I.B.M. Children's Saturday Show. He was a 'Member of the Inner Magic Circle (M.I.M.C.) Gold Star'. For all the work Jack did in raising money for the new Magic Circle Headquarters, he was made a Life Member. Jack was a School Governor, a member of the Concert Artistes' Association, a Freemason (London Grand Rank), a Captain of the Vaudeville Golf Society and a member of the Knebworth Golf Club - he played a big part in the I.B.M. golf day.

I was very proud to put Jack up to become a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats (there are only 200 in the world). He was initiated on the 7th November 1999 and he was so proud. Once he settled in to the Order he began raising money for its charity by putting on shows at the Gordon Craig Theatre.

Sadly, after 49 years of marriage, Jack lost Mavis 2 years ago. After this we became even closer and spoke to each other on the phone almost every day. Quite often while talking to Norma on the phone he would say "What are you doing today?". If Norma said "Nothing special" Jack's reply was "I'll call in then". Norma would then tell him the lunch or dinner time. (we knew the script before anything was said). We will miss those calls and his company at the table.

Jack leaves behind his son Robert, daughter-in-law Paula and grandson George who he loved dearly. All your family and friends (home and abroad) will miss you.

Jack my old mate ... Rest in Peace

Terry Burgess, PTR, RoY'03

Judd Solo joined the Water Rats as Rat No. 605 on 11th November 1963.

Born in Whitechapel during W.W.1, Judd was a colourful character who came from an era when things were done the right way; some would say a gentleman from another time. He was married to Jessie Solo for 40 years and had three children; Penny, Howard and Malcolm and six grandchildren; Jonathan, Alexa, Sarah, Daniel, Alison and Garry. As a youngster, Judd was a keen sportsman. He also had a musical talent from a young age and started his career as a nine year old boy tenor singing in classical concerts and in his synagogue choir. He taught himself to play the violin and guitar and these talents were to be developed later in life.

In September 1939, Judd was due to go to Milan for voice training but war was declared so, like so many men of his generation, he volunteered for military service and within ten days he was indeed on his way to Europe with the BMT Expeditionary Force in France. He was part of the Dunkirk evacuation where he survived being sunk by enemy planes, in the channel, and was pulled out by Allied soldiers thereby avoiding certain death.

This near-death experience gave him renewed vigour to pursue his talents. He entered the showbiz world, firstly as a radio broadcaster and then he formed his own band "The Quartetto Italiano". He went on to achieve nationwide acclaim as one of London's top band leaders, broadcasting nightly from the top of the Hilton Hotel on London's Park Lane. He played for Royalty, celebrities and other distinguished guests for over 20 years at the top of the Hilton, as well as other prestigious venues.

He joined the Grand Order of Water Rats in 1963 (being elected Test Rat in 1969). For many years he took it upon himself to contact all members of the Order who had been missing from the meeting to ensure that they were alright and if any help was needed. He was a very kind and caring person. For many years he was a major fundraiser for the Water Rats and for many Jewish causes.

As well as being a top band leader, Judd also found time to appear in movies and television, with his credits including Hi-de-Hi, 'Allo 'Allo and Eastenders. In 1995 he was awarded the honour of Freeman of the City of London for his services to music and charity work during his life. Judd Solo was a man who led a diverse and interesting life and was strong and courageous until the end.

Alexa Lawrence, (Granddaughter)

Water Rat number 711. Initiated 1976. King Rat in 1986.

Alan "Fluff" Freeman was for nearly 40 years one of the best known and best loved DJ's in Britain. Born in Melbourne, Australia he began his career with Launceston, Tasmania's radio station 7LA, with Kay Starr's "Wheel of Fortune" being his first ever record played on air.

"Fluff" acquired this nickname because of an 'accident' with a woolly pull-over which he wore straight from the spin-dryer. This style of pull-over became part of his persona together with his various catchphrases such as "Greetings pop pickers" and "Not 'arf". He came to Britain in 1957 and took a summer relief job at Radio Luxembourg; he settled in London and by 1960 was hosting the BBC Light programme show "Records Around Five". However, it was with "Pick of the Pops", which he first introduced in September 1961, that he gained his devoted radio following that was to remain with him for the rest of his career. In 1972 he moved to Capital Radio and started to champion Rock and Heavy Metal music, but without alienating his regular Pop audience.

In 1988 he was voted 'Radio Personality of the Year' at the Sony Awards. In 1993 he returned to BBC where he continued to present his "Pick of the Pops" golden oldies in the same affable yet professional manner that had established him as the publics favourite DJ. Sadly, his last years were blighted by crippling arthritis. He moved into Brinsworth House, the retirement home for variety entertainers, where he became as popular with his fellow residents as with his listening public. In the 1998 New Years Honours list he was awarded an MBE for his services to music. In the same year he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sony Awards.

Dispite his disability he remained very positive - as he was wont to say "All Right?" "Right" "Stay Bright".

"Fluff" died on the 27 November 2006.

Secretary to the Trustees, John Adrian

Water Rat number 651, initiated 1967.

One of that esteemed breed of entertainers who emerged from the World War 2 period, Bill Martin's show business career took many paths. He was a survivor who used his myriad talents to the full.

Slightly too young to serve in the war, Bill found himself doing National Service in the RAF just after hostilities ceased in 1945. From there he formed a close harmony/instrumental trio, The Martin Brothers, with his elder brother George (later to become King Rat 1971) and brother-in-law Bob McGowan for a season at the Windmill, then on to tours of Scotland and Germany. When the act broke up, he carried on in variety as Bill Vinden "The Guitar Playing Comedian", using his mother's maiden name so that there was no confusion with George, who became successful as "The Casual Comedian".

As variety waned, Bill ran a pub for a while, his first marriage broke up and he joined the entertainments team at Butlin's Holiday Camps. He became entertainments manager of several camps over the next decade, eventually reaching the top position of area manager. Always prominently involved in the shows, during this period he worked in a double act with Irish comic Dave Allen, the beginning of a lifetime friendship.

Using his many contacts, Bill then ran an agency, part owned a members club and fronted a resident trio (he was a fine piano player with an outstanding repertoire) at the Hawley Hotel in Surrey. He also became the full time administrator for The Grand Order of Water Rats (when it was based at the Eccentric Club), served as a Grand Councillor and filled the office of Scribe Rat for several terms. From the early 1970's he found a niche which was his particular forte, performing "warm ups" for television shows. He perfected the required balanced style for his work and was soon in demand by every channel, generally regarded by producers as the "King of the Warm Up Men". In addition, he was cast in several cameo roles in situation comedies such as "Are you Being Served?" and "Yus My Dear", and wrote the scripts for impressionist (and Water Rat) Paul Squire's TV shows.

In the early 1990's having tragically lost his eldest daughter Laura to cancer, Bill retired to Spain until, in 2005, the death of his wife Sybil, and his own advancing ill health, brought him back to England. He became a very popular resident at the entertainers' retirement home Brinsworth House, playing piano for the residents and swapping stories with old friends. His daughters Andrea and Freya supported and visited him constantly.

To me, he will always be my Uncle Bill, God bless him.

Councillor, Scribe Rat, Mike Martin