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 10 June 2009

King Rat for 2009 Graham Cole - to read King Rat's message click here

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

From the Eastend to King's Cross - Prince Rat John Bardon and Trap Guard Derek Martin

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 98 in June 2008.

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

A big surprise at a recent Lodge when Water Rat Barry Kent paid a flying visit from Botswana, South Africa. Barry's wonderful voice graced many West End Musicals in the fifties and sixties. Barry received a standing ovation from his brother Water Rats when he was welcomed back after such a long time absence.

We are beginning the much overdue redevelopment work on our premises in Gray's Inn Road. This will include installing a lift, adding a new function room and kitchen area, changing the staircases and creating new office space. By buying a brick or two at £20 per brick you can add your name or that of a relative to the list of names that will be published in the Annual Ball Brochure each year. For a 'Buy A Brick' donations leaflet contact our Administrator on Telephone: 020 7278 3248 Email: info@gowr.net

Welcome Graham Walker

Our new Baby Rat is Graham Walker of 'The Grumbleweeds'. He became Water Rat number 865 on Sunday 15th June. His proposer, Tony Barton, proudly pinned the emblem into Graham's lapel and the comic said how happy he was to be part of our Order. It was nice to see Mike Craig in Lodge for this making because he produced 'The Grumbleweeds' radio shows in Manchester for many years. 'The Grumbleweeds' also appeared in the Water Rats Blackpool Show, on 29th June 2008, produced by Duggie Chapman. Welcome Graham to the wonderful world of the Water Rats. For a full list of current Water Rats. click here

Welcome Billy Nutt

Vocalist Billy Nutt became Water Rat number 866 on Sunday 16th November 2008. It was an emotional night for Billy as his proposer, Past King Rat, Deputy Preceptor Keith Simmons pinned the emblem into his lapel. Billy promised that he would work for the good of the Order and received musical honours in the form of a rousing rendition of 'For he's a jolly good fellow'. This was also King Rat Kaplan Kaye's final full Lodge before our new King is announced at the annual ball. At the end of his record breaking three year run Kaplan too received full musical honours at the culmination of the evening. Welcome Billy to the wonderful world of the Water Rats. For a full list of current Water Rats. click here

Congratulations to our new King Rat for 2009, Graham Cole, known to millions of TV viewers as P.C. Tony Stamp in 'The Bill'.

To see all the new Officers for 2009 click here

Left: King Rat for 2008 Kaplan Kaye congratulates King Rat for 2009 Graham Cole.

Companion Rats Bob Potter OBE and John Ratcliff CBE with Circus King, Water Rat Bobby Roberts.

Congratulations go to Water Rat Duggie Chapman shown here receiving the 'Rat of the Year 2008' Award and Trophy from King Rat Graham Cole.

Tribute to Companion Water Rat Bobby Butlin

Bobby had a natural ability and worked hard in all branches of the business.....To read the full tribute to Companion Rat Bobby Butlin on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here

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

Water Rat Graham 'Grumbleweed' Walker, Past Prince Rat Chris Emmett and Water Rat Nicholas Parsons

Past King Rat Roger De Courcey; Chief Trap Guard Paul James; Trap Guard Ian Richards and Prince Rat Derek Martin

Secretary to the Trustees John Adrian, Past Collecting Rat Alan Simmons and Toastmaster Rat Bryn Williams enjoying bait after lodge.

Tribute to Past King Rat Danny La Rue OBE

Danny La Rue was one of the great characters in our business.....To read the full tribute to Past King Rat Danny La Rue on the 'Roll of Honour' page click here

Tribute to Water Rat Terry Burgess

The Grand Order of Water Rats is very sad to announce the death of Water Rat Terry Burgess. Born 9 May 1932 died 5 June 2009. Initiated into the Water Rats on 12 June 1988.