In Memoriam

Like the stars may you shine

Be faithful and true

'Til death takes you from us

Or us from you

Water Rat Number 537 - initiated on 29 April 1956.

Les Henry (Henry Leslie) was born in the East End of London in 1920 in the height of the Depression. His parents were in the rag trade.

His passion for the harmonica was aroused when he heard the legendary Larry Adler play. In his usual comic vein he would tell his later audiences that "my mother was deaf in one ear, and I got a mouth organ and used to blow a little song in her ear. The song was terrible, but she'd say, 'Oh that's lovely'."

At the age of 19 Les won the solo harmonica competition at Butlins holiday camp in Clacton. His prize was a new harmonica presented by Larry Adler. All Les could say was, "He shook my hand and that was one of the greatest thrills I had."

During World War II, he served as a motorcycle dispatch rider bur also toured with the Combined Entertainments, sharing the stage with performers such as Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan. "I did a show in the army hospital in Naples where a bloke laughed so much he split his stitches." Les recalls.

After the war Harry and Spike asked Les to join them on a new radio show, which was to become 'The Goons'. Les turned them down as he had already agreed to form a harmonica act - The Three Monarchs - with Erik York and Jimmy Prescott. The trio's show really took off when they introduced comedy into the act. "I did no more than my funny walk, and silly things, but it was an instantaneous success - it's as if God smiled on us."

In 1952 the Three Monarchs performed in the first Royal Command Performance of the new Queen's reign. One of Les's memories of that show was during the rehearsal when Gracie Field sang " God save our gracious King... er... Queen" much to the hilarity of the rest of the cast. Happily, she didn't make the same mistake on the night.

Into his early eighties Les was still doing various shows as well as continuing to perform in many Charities shows. "I've got a gimmick, I work cheap," he would quip.

Secretary to the Trustees, John-Adrian

Water Rat Number 709 - initiated on 26 September 1976

A true Cockney comedian known for his individual and cheeky humour was born in 1923, in Shoreditch, London. Charlie served a hard showbiz apprenticeship in working men's clubs, pubs and private parties but he gradually emerged to be the Top of the Bill in the glittering night clubs and well-known cabaret spots. He was the only comedian to have signed a three-year contract at the London Palladium. He entertained the Royal Family on no less than nine occasions. He guested on numerous Televison shows including, 'The Golden Shot', 'Meet'n Greet', 'The Comedians', 'Des O‚Connor Show', 'Celebrity Squares' and 'Look Who,s Talking'. He also appeared in numerous radio programmes. But he was always supreme with a live audience especially as a guest speaker at the great hotels of London‚s West End and Mayfair The Dorchester, The Savoy, The Grosvenor House and the Café Royal.

The Variety Club of Great Britain presented him with the 'Top Award for Comedy' in 1973. He was resident after-dinner speaker, for five years, at the World Sporting Club's monthly meetings and had a regular slot at boxing evenings staged at London‚s Grosvenor House Hotel by Jack Solomons. Charlie always remained true to the traditions of his Cockney humour by showing the funny side of life around him, digging at officialdom and captivating audiences wherever he appeared.

"I served in the Fleet Air Arm during World War II and often used to tell jokes to the lads when they were feeling depressed. I never thought about being a comedian. After the war I entered a talent show, as a singer, but when I got on stage the people started laughing. It was a wonderful feeling to see all those smiling faces out there. Frank Sinatra didn‚t need to worry because I decided to become a comedian. Whilst learning my trade (at 50p a night!) I realised that once the audience like you, there is no problem. People will laugh at a friend, but not at a stranger."

Charlie was always known as the comedian's comedian. For most of his life he lived in a council house in Islington. About ten years ago he and his beloved wife, Julie, moved into the countryside of Suffolk. They have two children Ian and Janet.

Charlie was initiated into the Chelsea Lodge in 1978. In 1977 he was voted Rat of the Year and in 1982 he was unanimously voted, by his fellow Water Rats, to be the King Rat, the highest honour given to a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats. Throughout his life Charlie was always on hand to give of his time and his talent to help not only the GOWR Charities Fund but many other charitable organisations and causes.

Secretary to the Trustees, John-Adrian

Water Rat Number 736 - initiated on 20 May 1984

John Inman was just thirteen when he first appeared at the South Pier in Blackpool, his home town. Since then he never looked back, with innumerable appearances on television, in cabaret and stage productions all over Britain and overseas and with starring roles in London's West End.

His West End debut came in the musical 'Ann Veronica' at the Cambridge Theatre, followed by seventeen months at the famous Windmill Theate after which John starred as Lord Fancourt Babberley in the production of 'Charley's Aunt' at the Adelphi Theatre in the Strand.

However, it was as Mr Humphries in the long running BBC series 'Are You Being Served?' that he became a household name throughout the country and world-wide. He was chosen to be the subject of 'This Is Your Life' and was later honoured by the Variety Club of Great Britain as BBC television personality of the year. He was also voted funniest man by the readers of the TV Times.

Summer seasons were also an important element in John's varied career. His favourite show was pantomime, of which he did over 40, and he was recognised as one of the best Dames in the business. He appeared in six Royal Variety Performances, before most of the members of the Royal Family.

In spite of his world tours, he still returned home each Christmas for his pantomime appearances. 'Are You Being Served?' was shown on American television from coast to coast with huge success, which made John a truly international star.

John worked unceasingly for charity. He was elected King Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats in 1993 and in 2002 President of the Heritage Foundation. In December 2005 he entered into a civil partnership with his companion of 35 years, Ron Lynch.

Secretary to the Trustees, John-Adrian

Water Rat Number 820 - initiated on 19 November 2000

At some time time during their career, most professional entertainers and performers have a great desire to become a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, the most select and prestigious show business fraternity who raise monies for many well and lesser known charities by doing what they do best – entertaining. It had been a long time ambition for Prof. Guy Higgins and he was ‘over the moon’ when he was made a Member of the Order on 19th November 2000. To wear at all times, the much coveted Gold Emblem of the Order meant so very much to Guy, and within days of being made, he had proudly painted the Water Rat Emblem onto the font of his Punch & Judy booth in Weymouth for all to see. Until he was taken ill, Guy rarely missed a Water Rats meeting where he shared his dedicated enthusiasm with Brother Rats bringing his unique and well timed humour for all to enjoy.

If because he was working, he couldn’t attend a particular tribute luncheon or dinner or fundraising function, Guy always sent a monitory contribution, not that it was really necessary but, he sent it because he was an excellent Water Rat and he ‘needed’ to contribute to the charitable work of the Order whether in person or not. Guy was also the very first to offer his services to appear in Rats Charity Shows his first being in ‘A Tribute To Frankie Vaughan’ at the City Varieties, Leeds in 2001 followed by two consecutive years in Water Rats Sunday Matinee’s at the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare, and his final theatre performance on 21st January 2007 was at the Dudley Concert Hall in the West Midlands, where he proudly shared the bill with Brother Rats and a star-studded cast in ‘Our Boy Bill’, a charity tribute show to remember and place a Blue Plaque for Water Rat Billy Dainty, who passed away 20 years ago.

Guy Higgins was the very essence of what a real show business ‘trouper’ is all about. A professional and a gentleman both on and off stage, his contribution to the entertainment industry whether on the beach at Weymouth, in cabaret or on the theatre stage, has been second to none, and he will be very sadly missed.

On a personal note, because I happen to live in the West Midlands and because we and our families have been friends for many years, Guy and I often travelled to Water Rats meetings, functions and events together in the same car. Believe me, it was a privilege and most certainly a great and often hilarious pleasure to share this fine man’s very presence and friendship.

Water Rat Barry Balmayne

Water Rat Number 807 - initiated into the Order on 13 July 1999

As his name suggests Thomas Michael O’Farrell came from good Irish stock but was born in London on 31st March 1933.

Tom’s career was in land and property development. However, he did have some connection with entertainment as the managing director of various leisure industry concerns. Among his various business appointments he was Fellow and Founder Member of the Incorporated Guild of Surveyors; Fellow of the Architects and Surveyors Institute; Fellow of the Institute of Charted Surveyors; Lay Member Independent Tribunals Social Services Appeals Tribunal and Vice Chairman Independent Monitoring Board, HM Wormwood Scrubs Prison (Home Office appointment), in addition to being Trustee of a charity managing homes for mental health in Camden & Brent. He was also a fundraiser for MENCAP Windsor.

Tom was a Commander of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, Freeman of the City of London, member of the Guild of Freeman and Liveryman of the Guild of Plumbers. Tom was also a dedicated member of the Freeman’s movement having been a member of many Lodges and also Master of at least seven Lodges. He joined the Chelsea Lodge in 1992 and became their Master in 2006.

Although not an entertainer it was because of his charitable work that he was invited to join the select band of Companions of the Grand Order of Water Rats. These gentlemen are headed by our Senior Companion HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and are limited to 24 members.

Water Rat Number 776 - initiated into the Order on 24 May 1992

Ronnie will be best remembered for the numerous theme tunes composed for BBC sitcoms. These included 'Only Fools & Horses', 'Yes (Prime) Minister', 'To The Manor Born', 'Blankety Blank', 'The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin', 'Last of the Summer Wine' and 'Some Mother Do ‘Ave ‘Em'.

Born in Dukinfield, Ashton under Lyne, on 13th March 1928 he began his professional career as a trumpet player but in 1961 he joined the BBC as an arranger and composer eventually becoming Light Entertainment Director. In 1971 he took charge of the musical side of 'The Two Ronnies'. Ronnie said writing music was not all that difficult “I would sing the show’s title to myself a few times and the write down the result”. The BBC once said that his theme tune for 'Last of the Summer Wine' did not sound ‘funny’ enough, would he speed it up. Happily, there was no time to rewrite the piece and it is one of his most loved numbers. He certainly was not over-paid for his work. He was paid £30 for composing the theme to 'Some Mothers Do Ave ‘Em'.

He conducted the orchestra at least eight Royal Variety Performances. He was musical director for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 (Brighton), 1977 (Wembley, London) and 1982 (Harrogate). He also conducted the British entry on seven occasions (1977,1982,1987, 1988, 1989 1991 & 1992 as well as the German entry in 1977. His sense of humour was given full reign in 1977 when he conducted Lynsey de Paul & Mike Moran with a rolled-up umbrella instead of a baton and wearing a bowler hat. He also amazed many people when he composed with Cathy Dennis the hit song 'Reach' for the teen-pop group S Club 7 – which reached No 2 in the pop chart

He also arranged and conducted music for the film 'The English Patient'.

In 1999 Ronnie received a Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.

He moved to Guernsey with his partner Jean Fitzgerald, who with his two sons from his second marriage survives him.

To view the BBC tribute to Ronnie on 'You Tube' click here