Grand Order of Water Rats
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| Abbreviation | GOWR |
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| Formation | 1889 |
| Type | Showbusiness charity |
| Purpose | to assist members of the theatrical profession, or their dependants, who are in need |
| Location |
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Membership
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200 |
| Website | http://www.gowr.net |
| Remarks | Current King Rat: Ian Richards |
The Grand Order of Water Rats is an exclusive British entertainment industry Fraternity and charitable organisation, based in London. Founded in 1889 by the music hall comedians Joe Elvin and Jack Lotto, the order is known for its high-profile membership and benevolent works (primarily within the performing industries).
In 1889, two British music hall performers, Joe Elvin and Jack Lotto, owned a trotting pony called the Magpie. As the pony was a regular race winner, its owners decided that they would use the profits to help performers who were less fortunate than themselves.
One day, as Elvin was driving the pony back to its stables in the pouring rain, a passing bus driver called out, "Wot yer got there, mate?" "Our trotting pony!" replied Elvin. Observing the bedraggled, soaked condition of the pony, the driver shouted back, "Trotting pony? Looks more like a bleedin' water rat!" (a type of vole). As Rats spelled backwards is Star, and vole is an anagram of love, the name was deemed appropriate for the Order's agenda of Brotherly Love. (Motto: Philanthropy, conviviality and social intercourse.)
The charity raises money by organising shows, lunches, dinners and other events. The objects of the charity are "to assist members of the theatrical profession, or their dependents, who, due to illness or old age are in need." When possible additional funds raised go to a diverse range of charities and good causes including hospitals, health charities and benevolent funds. A member of the public can become a Friend of the Water Rats.
The Water Rats originally held meetings in Sunbury-on-Thames in a public house now called 'The Magpie'. Their headquarters is now at the Water Rats pub in Grays Inn Road in King's Cross, London.
Membership is limited to 180 long-serving male members of the entertainment industry plus 20 Companion Rats. Some Water Rats are household names but many are not, but all must be respected and trusted by their peers. Joining the Order is an exclusive and complicated process that involves finding a proposer and seconder within the Order, consideration by the Order's Grand Council and finally a vote which needs a large majority for success. The present King Rat (2016) is comedian Ian Richards. Current members include Kev Orkian, Derek Martin, Con and Dec Cluskey of The Bachelors, Engelbert Humperdinck, Lionel Blair, Tom O'Connor, Frank Bruno, Frazer Hines, Barry Cryer, Billy Murray, Brian May, Nicholas Parsons, Roy Hudd, Ken Dodd, Andre Vincent, Joe Pasquale, Jimmy Perry, Andrew Van Buren, Richard Joy, Ian Lavender, Kaplan Kaye and Jess Conrad.
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