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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).〔(Elvin and the Grand Order of Water Rats )〕 ==Origin== In 1889, two British music hall performers, Joe Elvin and Jack Lotto, owned a trotting pony called the Magpie.〔Golden, George Fuller. (''My Lady Vaudeville and her White Rats'' ). Published under the auspices of the Board of Directors of the White Rats of America, 1909. p. 31.〕 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.〔Charlie Chester, ''The Grand Order of Water Rats: A Legend of Laughter'' - W.H. Allen, London (1984) pg 12〕 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.)〔Chester, pg 12〕 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.〔Chester, pg 13〕 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. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Grand Order of Water Rats」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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