60 Years
of Caring and Love. . .
Although Bert's first love has always been the Guitar, a very
close second is his work for Charities. Over the years he has
helped to raise endless amounts of money for worthy causes,
both by appearing and contributing. He is always readily available
to give "A Helping Hand" to those less fortunate, and finds
his charity work incredibly rewarding. His main charity is "The
Grand Order of Water Rats" where he was honoured to be King
Rat in 1992. He has been a Barker of "The Variety Club of Great
Britain" since the late 50's and is also a member or an active
supporter of the E.A.B.F., S.O.S. Active Hearts, Barnardos,
Save the Children, N.S.P.C.C., "Bud Flannagan Leukaemia Fund",
The "Not Forgotten" Association, Paul O'Gorman "Children with
Leukaemia Fund" and many of the major charities too numerous
to mention. Long may he continue to bring his music, help and
love into the hearts of the sick and disadvantaged everywhere.
The photographs that follow are a peek into a few of "Bert's
magic moments" with some special people who together play a
big part in "The Charity World". |
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 29th November 2009
Water Rats Annual Ball
The illustrious Past King Rats with King Rat Graham Cole and their Partners are gathered together by Photographer, Water Rat Doug Mc Kenzie for a Photo prior to them opening the Ball. Standing, Left to Right; Dec Clusky, Chas Mc Devitt, Wyn Calvin MBE, King Rat Graham Cole, Roy Hudd OBE, Roger de Courcey, Kaplan Kaye, Paul Daniels and seated Bert Weedon OBE |
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 November 30th 2008
GOWR Annual Ball Grosvenor House Hotel Park Lane London.
Another year has passed and another Water Rats Ball, which means a New King Rat P.K. Bert and P.Q. Maggie were so delighted when it was announced that King Rat for 2009 was to be the actor and friend Graham Cole. |
King Rats attending the Annual Ball 2008. Seated Left to Right; P.K. Chas Mc Devitt, P.K. Bert Weedon OBE, King Rat Kaplan Kaye P.K. Paul Daniels, Standing; P.K.Roger De Courcey, P.K. Keith Simmons, P.K. Wynn Calvin MBE and P.K. Roy Hudd.OBE |
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 March 16th 2008
The Grand Order of Water Rats, Headquarters. The GOWR was formed in 1890, in its 119 years there has only been 865 privileged members. Past King David Berglas, and Past King Bert Weedon OBE welcome the new member, Baby Rat, Actor, Roger Rees who is now Rat Number 866. |
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25th November 2007 Grosvenor House Hotel Park Lane GOWR Annual Ball
P.K. Bert and P.Q. Maggie Weedon. |
 Attending Kings at the 2007 Ball; Seated L to R P.K. Keith Simmons, P.K. Bert Weedon OBE, King Kaplan Kaye, P.K. Danny LaRue OBE P.K. David Berglas, Standing; P.K. Roger DeCourcey, P.K. Paul Daniels and P.K. Wynn Calvin MBE |
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 January 28th 2007. Water Rats Headquarters.
Celebrating 60 years a Rat…
Past King Rat Alf Pearson is presented with 6 Stars by Past King Rat Bert Weedon OBE. It was during Bert’s reign as King Rat in 1992 that he decided that for every 10 years a Rat had been a member of the Order they should receive an emblem of a gold star. Bert had 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 stars made, the recipient of the 6 Star Alf who with his Brother the late Past Prince Rat Bob Pearson were the famous double act Bob and Alf Pearson. |
Star Rats
Other “Water Rats” receiving their 4, 3 and 2 Stars on the evening. |
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 November 19th 2006. GOWR Annual Ball, Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.
PKR Bert Weedon OBE & PQR Maggie at the start of another Star studded Water Rats Ball in the Great Room. The 2006 King Rat Kaplan Kaye was re-elected by popular demand as King Rat for 2007. |
King’s attending the Ball; Back row L to R. Gorden Kaye, Roger De Courcey, Keith Simmons, and Wyn Calvin MBE. Seated L to R. David Berglas, Bert Weedon OBE, Kaplan Kaye, Alf Pearson & Danny LaRue OBE.DeCourcey. |
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 April 23rd 2006. The Langham Hotel, London.
For the Love of Gloria and Caron…
The amazing TV Presenter and long standing friend of Bert’s, Gloria Hunniford held a “Strictly Tea Dancing” at the luxurious Langham Hotel, in aid of “The Caron Keating Foundation”. Amongst the many celebrities that turned out to support Gloria and her family were…Sir Cliff Richard, Robert Powell, Tony Hatch, Anita Dobson, Christopher Biggins, Mike Read, Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee, Julie Rogers, Don Black and below…Bert Weedon and Michael Barrymore. |
Bert with Gloria and husband Stephen Way.
Photographer; John Rogers |
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 November 27th 2005. Grosvenor House Hotel
P.K.R. Bert Weedon OBE and P.Q.R. Maggie at the G.O.W.R’s Annual Ball. .King Rat Melvyn Hayes made the Great Room sparkle with “Stars” for his special evening. A “Yari” of a night was had by the 1,000 plus guests. A wonderful setting for the new King Rat for 2006… Kaplan Kaye |
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 September 28th 2005. The” Tony Frame” Coach.
The Variety Club of Great Britain donated a Sunshine Coach in memory of Tony Frame, a much love Past Chief Barker and a Companion of the Grand Order of Water Rats. Some of Tony’s Family and Friends attending a Coach presentation in his memory: Mandy, Clive and Nigel Edwards, Gloria Mead, Yyonne, Alan Mead, Bert and Maggie Weedon, Stephen Crown, John Ratcliff, Chief Barker Anthony Harris, Marsha Rae Ratcliff, Mrs Sue Frame.
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 August 7th 2005. “Cruising down the River with the Water Rats”
P.K. Bert Weedon OBE and Maggie join their many friends as, King Rat Melvyn Hayes takes his Brother Rats on a boat trip down the Thames, for a wonderfully entertaining evening. |
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 February 20th 2005
Water Rats Headquarters.
A new Baby Rat Craig Douglas.
Friends for over 50 years. P.K. Bert and B.R. Craig Douglas. They first met up when they toured together and both had records in the charts. Craig with his first No 1 hit record Only Sixteen, that was way back in 1959. |
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 November 28th 2004. Grosvenor House Hotel.
P.K. Bert & P.Q. Maggie at the Water Rats “Annual Ball”. The new King Rat is …… Melvyn Hayes |
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 October 3rd 2004. Water Rats Headquarters.
November 19th 2006. GOWR Annual Ball, Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. PKR Bert Weedon OBE & PQR Maggie at the start of another Star studded Water Rats Ball in the Great Room. The 2006 King Rat Kaplan Kaye was re-elected by popular demand as King Rat for 2007. |
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 March 3rd 2004
The Water Rats held a luncheon to honour Water Rat Jim Marshall O.B.E. At The Savoy Hotel.
Bert Weedon O.B.E. paid tribute to his closest friend of many years, and particularly for the unique sound he produces with his Marshall Amplifier. |
 Bert is joined by Nico Mc Brain the brilliant Drummer from “Iron Maiden” and Maggie Weedon. Nico flew in from L.A. especially to take part in the Tribute to a fellow drummer “the maestro of sound” Jim Marshall. |
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 November 30th 2003. Water Rats “Annual Ball” Grosvenor House Hotel.
P.K. Bert & P.Q. Maggie Weedon join all the Past King Rats, in the traditional entrance to the Great Room at the beginning of the evening. |
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 November 23rd 2003. Water Rats Headquarters.
Graham Cole is made “Baby Rat” the Water Rats newest member… Here with P.K. Bert Weedon and K.R. Chas McDevitt |
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 November 24th 2002. The Water Rats “Annual Ball”, Grosvenor House Hotel.
P.K. Bert Weedon & P.Q. Maggie. The evening was hosted by King Rat Chas McDevitt. |
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 5th
November 2002. Royal Luncheon at The Royal Lancaster Hotel.
HRH Prince Philip attended a special Luncheon
organised by Toastmaster and Water Rat Bryn Williams, to honour
the great comedian Jim Davidson. The Auctioneer was the handsome
Graham Cole, and he persuaded the celebrities and guests to
part with a large amount of money for charity – or could
it have been PC Tony Stamp from “The Bill” ! There
was laughter all the way with speeches by Barry Cryer OBE, Bob
Bevin, and Roger DeCourcey.
Bert Weedon OBE, Graham Cole and Maggie Weedon.
Photograph by Water Rat Doug McKenzie
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 September
29th 2002. The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, was the elegant
setting for a tribute Dinner to the great lyricist Don Black
OBE.
Michael Black, Julie Rogers, Don Black OBE,
Maggie and Bert Weedon OBE.
The guest list was like a Who’s Who of music composers
and song writers, with the great Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber,
Elmer Bernstein, Les Reed, Mike Batt, Tony Hatch, and Barry
Mason. Don also had great support from his showbiz friends
i.e. Cilla Black, Jenny Seagrove, Lesley Joseph, Jeremy Beadle,
and Michael Winner who made a very personal and funny speech.
The evening was hosted by Variety Clubs Chief Barker Tony
and Sue Frame.
Photograph by Water Rat Doug McKenzie
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May 26th 2002.
Sue and Chief Barker Tony Frame, Maggie Weedon, Barry Cryer,
Terry Cryer and Bert Weedon. The Variety Club paid tribute to
Barry Cryer with a special luncheon in Bournemouth organised
by Alan & Gloria Mead. The speakers paying tribute to Barry
were the very witty and funny Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.
Both Barry and Bert received the OBE last year.
Photograph by Doug Mc Kenzie |
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 The
Variety Club Showbiz Awards at the Hilton Hotel, February 12th
2002.
The highlight of the awards were when Russ Abott presented
'The Bernard Delfont Lifetime Achievement Award' to the great
Eric Sykes. Bert has been an admirer and friend of Eric for
over 40 years.
L to R: Chief Barker Tony Frame, Maggie and Bert Weedon, Eric
Sykes, Sue Frame and Russ Abott.
Photograph by Doug McKenzie. |
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 Grosvenor
House November 25th 2001
Past King Rat Bert and Past Queen Maggie at the Water Rats
Annual Ball.
Photograph by Doug McKenzie |
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The "Not Forgotten" Association for the Ex-Service
Disabled.
Held their Christmas Party at St James's Palace on December
7th 2000. Maggie Weedon, Bert Weedon, Chairman - Major General
Sir Christopher Airy KCVO CBE, and a 100 year old Ex-Serviceman.
Photograph by Philip Way.
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|  Paul
O'Gorman Banquet and Ball
The biggest names in entertainment turn out in aid of the
Children With Leukaemia charity.
1) magician Paul Daniels 2) David Dein 3) Gerald
Ronson 4) Jean Fergusson 5) entertainer Floella Benjamin 6)
actor Burt Kwouk 7) entertainer Faith Brown 8) Pat Mancini
(Queen of Blackpool) 9) Robert Duncan 10) Debbie McGee 11)
Jean Havilland 12) Vanessa Feltz 13) Aimie MacDonald 14) Eddie
Kidd 15) Kenny Lynch 16) Chris Quinten 17) Gareth Hunt 18)
Maggie Weedon 19) Bert Weedon 20) Andrew Sachs 21) Ray Alan
22) Mark Jeffries 23) Debbie Arnold 24) Saaed Jaffrey 25)
OK! chairman Richard Desmond 26) Tony McHale 27) Danny Siszman
28) Harry Rogers 29) Jeremy Beadle, who hosted the event 30)
Bryn Williams 31) Melanie Hill 32) Paul Young 33) Stacey Young
34) Ben Onwukwee 35) Nerys Hughes 36) Brian Cant 37) actress
Louise Jameson 38) actress Race Davies 39) actress Anna Karen
40) Adam Zamoyski 41) Terry Duggan 42) actor Melvyn Hayes
43) actor Philip Madoc 44) Kenneth Wolstenholme 45) actress
Joanna Kanska 46) Carmen Silvera 47) Helen Lederer 48) Mark
Speight 49) Emma Lee 50) Graham Cole 51) Paul Hendy 52) Jeffrey
Holland 53) David Lodge 54) Paul Coia 55) Debbie Greenwood
56) Anna Walker 57) celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and 58)
Airport star Jeremy Spake, all of whom posed for a group photograph
with some of the other guests at the ball, which raised more
than £200,000 for charity.
If you can't see who's who, simply click on the picture (or
here) to see a larger version.
Photograph
by Mark Moody and courtesy of OK Magazine.
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 November 26th 2000. GOWR Annual Ball, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London
P.K. Rat Bert Weedon O.B.E. F.R.S.A. B.M. & P.Q. Maggie.
The Grand Order of Water Rats having reached the Ripe age of 110 years, celebrate the New Millennium – with the announcement of the New King for 2001 Don Smoothey. |
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 Rats
... Rats ...Rats
All members of the Water Rats are supposed to wear their Emblem
(a small gold rat)
at all times...
Caught on camera at the Miss World Luncheon on November 23rd
2000, at the Grosvenor House. Here we have Past King Bert Weedon,
Companion Rat Sir Donald Gosling, Companion Rat John Ratcliff
and Water Rat Doug McKenzie all covering up the place where
their Emblem should be.... or are they simply hiding the fact
that one Rat has no Emblem !
Photograph by Jim Nye |
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 King
of Romance. . .
Engelbert Humperdinck becomes the new 'Baby Rat'.
King Rat Roy Hudd, happily looks on as Baby Rat Engelbert and
his two proposers, Past King Bert Weedon and Water Rat Doug
McKenzie, pose for a record of this special occasion at the
Water Rats headquarters on October 10th 2000. |
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 November 28th 1999. GOWR Annual Ball, Grosvenor House Hotel.
P.K. Bert Weedon & Maggie in the traditional “Walk down of the King’s” at the beginning of the Ball. The new King for the new Millennium, King Rat …Roy Hudd. |
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 November
29th 1998. The Grosvenor House Park Lane London.
King Rat Frankie Vaughan CBE had the honour to host the Water
Rats Ball as King Rat for the second time, the first was in
1968.
Catherine Lowry, C.R. Raphael Djanogly, PKR David Lodge, PKR
Bert Weedon, Frankie Vaughan, Stella Vaughan and Maggie Weedon.
Photograph by Water Rat Doug McKenzie |
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November 29th 1998
P.K. Bert Weedon & P.Q. Maggie at the Water Rats Annual Ball, Grosvenor House Hotel. Where next years King Rat was announced…..Gorden Kaye. |
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November 30th 1997
P.K. Bert Weedon & P.Q. Maggie in the Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel for the GOWR’s Annual Ball. The new King Rat ….Frankie Vaughan was announced to tremendous applause. |
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Brothers in Arms
Past King Bert Weedon welcomes a dear friend and fellow Guitarist,
Baby Rat Brian May into the Order on December 8th 1996 ( King
Rat Paul Daniels). |
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November 24th 1996
P.K. Bert Weedon & P.Q. Maggie at The Water Rats Annual Ball, in the Grosvenor House Hotel. Next years King Rat ….Alf Pierson. |
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November 26th 1995. Water Rats Annual Ball, Grosvenor House Hotel
P.K. Bert Weedon and Maggie... current Queen Ratling of the Grand Order of Lady Ratlings, have a “Magical” evening hosted by Paul Daniels and the announcement of the new King Rat…Paul Daniels for the second year running. |
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 Grand
Order of Lady Ratlings Annual Ball October 23rd 1995
With guests of Honour Stephen Way, Gloria Hunniford, Queen Ratling
Maggie Weedon and P.K. Rat Bert Weedon.
Photograph by Doug McKenzie |
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 October
2nd 1995
Raphael Djanogly JP MA. Became a Companion Rat, and joined the
elite list of Companion Water Rats including HRH Prince Philip,
HRH Prince Charles, HRH Prince Michael.
Raphael with one of his proposers Past King Bert Weedon.
Photograph by Water Rat Doug McKenzie |
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 November 27th 1994. GOWR Annual Ball, Grosvenor House.
P.K. Bert Weedon & Maggie enjoy another Rats Ball and celebrated the announcement of the new King Rat… Paul Daniels. |
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"Hands across the Sea"
Past King Bert Weedon with the new Baby Rat Howard Keel
on November 27th 1994. ( King Rat Roger De Courcey). |
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Water Rats turn out for "The Variety Club of Great Britain"
Sports Luncheon at The Hilton Hotel May 5th 1994.
Front Row Left to Right: Henry Cooper, Jim Marshall, Davy
Kaye, HRH Prince Phillip, Roger DeCourcey, Bert Weedon, Frankie
Vaughan
Back L to R: Dec Clusky, David Berglas, David Lodge.
Photograph by Doug McKenzie
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|  E.A.B.F.
" Brinsworth House" Dec 1st 1993.
The Prime Minister John Major presents a cheque for £12,500.00
on behalf of the Water Rats to the Executive Administrator
Peter Elliott.
L to
R. Dec Clusky, Peter Elliott, Bob Monkhouse, John Innman,
John Major, Wyn Calvin and Bert Weedon.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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 November 28th 1993
P.K. Bert Weedon & Maggie at the onset of the GOLR Annual Ball, held in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House. Customarily announced, the new King Rat…Roger De Courcey. |
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 Anne
Shelton, HRH Dutchess of Kent, and Bert Weedon. December 8th
1992
For many years Bert has had the pleasure of playing at the Christmas
Party at Buckingham Palace. The lovely Anne and Bert are old
friends from way before she had her first hit Record in 1955
of "Arrivederci Darling".
Photograph by Doug McKenzie |
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 November
29 1992
King
Rat Bert Weedon is delighted to present a special Award to Super
Star Phil Collins at King Bert's Ball at the Grosvenor House
Hotel.
Photograph by Doug McKenzie |
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Frank Becomes a Rat
L to R Past King Len Lowe, Baby Rat Frank Bruno, King Rat Bert
Weedon, Past King David Berglas at Frank Bruno's initiation
on November 22nd 1992. |
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A New 'Rat'
When Bert was King Rat it was his delight and pleasure to initiate
his close personal friend Mr Jim Marshall of Marshall Amplification,
on August 23rd 1992.
Pictured here before the Hall of Fame under the watchful eye
of some of the showbiz greats that have preceded them in the
Grand Order of Water Rats. |
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 July
3rd 1992 at the Savoy Hotel
King Rat Bert Weedon organised and hosted a special "Royal
50th Birthday Celebration" for His Royal Highness Prince
Michael of Kent. King
Rat Bert & Maggie greet The Royal Couple at the Savoy Hotel. |
Companion Rat HRH Prince Michael of Kent and King Bert.
Upstanding for the "Water Rats Anthem". |
Companion Rat John Ratcliff with his wife Chief Barker Marsha
Rae, King Bert Weedon, HRH Princess Michael of Kent, HRH Prince
Michael of Kent and Maggie Weedon.
The evening was in aid of the "Queen Elizabeth Gate Appeal".
Photographs by Doug McKenzie |
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 Best
Friends and Soul Mates...
Chief Barker Marsha Rae Ratcliff and King Rat Bert Weedon.
at The Variety Club Ball
March 14th 1992 at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
In
his year as King Rat, Bert was delighted that his dear friend
Marsha Rae was elected Chief Barker of the Variety Club of Great
Britain. She was the first Lady ever be elected to the office
of Chief Barker of England. With their mutual interest in Charities,
particularly The Water Rat and The Variety Club they shared
a lot of special times together.
Photograph by Doug McKenzie |
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Bob Hope is made a 'Water Rat'
This photograph was taken August 25th 1991 at a special
celebration, for a very special gentleman. P.P. Bert Weedon
and Baby Rat Bob Hope ...
Back row
left to right - Water Rat David Capri and King Rat Wyn Calvin
MBE.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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Royal Birthday Party. . .
Max Bygraves and Bert Weedon dress as old folk! to Sing and
Play a specially composed song "Time" to HRH Prince Phillip
for his 70th Birthday Party on 10th June 1991 at the Painted
Hall in Greenwich.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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"Royal" Water Rats Ball" Nov 25th 1990
Maggie Weedon, HRH Prince Edward, and Prince Rat Bert
Weedon make their entrance at the Grosvenor House to open
the procedures for King Rat David Lodge.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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Bert
Weedon and HRH the Princess of Wales.
This picture was taken at the London Palladium in aid
of the "Leonora's Spinal Research Charity" on October 15th
1990.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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|  HM
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Patron of the E.A.B.F. she made a special visit to open a
new wing at "Brinsworth House" on April 5th 1990. This photograph
shows her Majesty chatting to some of the Trustees
L to
R: Bernard Delfont, Philip Hindin, Vera Hindin, Bert Weedon
and Ninette Mongador.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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Bernard Coral, Bert Weedon, Bernard Bresslaw, with HRH Prince
Phillip and Barbara Windsor on Stage for the "Bud Flannagan
Leukaemia Fund" at the Theatre Royal Windsor on April 27th
1986.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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B.A.S.F. Royal Gala Show at the Apollo Theatre December 1st
1980.
Billy Marsh, HRH Princess Anne, Alfred Marks, Harry Worth,
Bert Weedon with Basil Brush on his shoulder and Bob Carolgees.
Photograph
by Doug McKenzie |
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| If
you wish to help or would like some more information, please
e-mail the charities direct.
The
Grand Order of Water Rats
Administrator Gary Adams
328 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8BZ
Telephone 020 7278 3248
water.rats@virgin.net
Variety
Club of Great Britain
info@varietyclub.org.uk
EABF
ray@eabf.org.uk
Website: www.eabf.org.uk
Paul
O'Gorman
info@leukaemia.org
The
"Not Forgotten" Association
Director@nfassociation.freeserve.co.uk
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