Celebrating 60 years of fundraising
WE TALK TO FOUNDER MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF MICE, TERRY MATSELL
WAY back in 1961, local entertainer Al Gillyon came up with a plan to form a charitable organisation in the Hull area. It was a time when Grand Order of Water Rats were doing great things in London and with something similar in mind, he discussed the idea to with fellow acts in the clubs, during shows.
“People were buying-in to the idea but, Al Gillyon insisted that, before a first meeting was held we must obtain permission from the Variety Artist Association, of which we were all loyal members,” said Terry.
“They gave us the green light and the first ever meeting on the February 13, 1961, were just thirteen entertainers were invited.
“It was held at the Windmill Hotel in Witham, Hull, ten of them were able to attend and the first officers of the society were elected.
“We all agreed that the aims of the group, fellowship, benevolence and charity be paramount and eventually came up with
The Society of MICE.”
The Society still has the same committee structure, with a president and vice-president elected annually and there are also positions for chairman, secretary and treasurer.
They still organise an annual dinner, which is usually held midfebruary, but unfortunately, with the present restrictions, they have had to reschedule a little.
Along with Terry Matsell, the original members, who are considered to be the founder members of the society included the first King Mouse, Al Gillyon, the first Prince Mouse, Jack Wilkinson and Jimmy Welsh, who at the time was also the vice-chairman of the Variety Artists Association.
Others included former clubspot correspondent Brain Winchester and Harry Hemmingway who is the father of The Beautiful South’s David Hemmingway.
In June 1961, Barry Walden joined the society and along with Terry, the title, who are the only two surviving members from the first year.
Terry said: “Our first concert night was held at Rosamond Club, in Rosamond Street and entry was 5p on the door.
“All the money raised went to a lady called Mrs Ibbotson who single handed was trying to start a youth club in Hessle. Shortly afterwards The Samaritans appealed for donations for their cause, which made £8.
“The Society of Mice decided they would double the money raised. The only problem being that the society didn’t yet have enough money in the coffers so, they came up with the idea of Raffling a ten Bob note (around 50p) at the next meeting and they did eventually meet there target of donating another £8.
“Along with the concerts, in the early days The Mice gave away food parcels to the needy on Christmas morning, made up of donations from members and friends.”
I’ve always maintained that it would be easy to underestimate the number of people who have benefitted from the selfless efforts of the Society of Mice and 60 years on, The Society continues its aim to raise funds for local good causes and charities.
Live concert shows in pubs, clubs, village halls, retirement homes and theatres along with other fund raising events are held.
The society holds tombola and raffle stalls at various outdoor events throughout the summer and concerts are usually twice monthly in and around the Hull area.
Terry added, “We get lots of wonderful support from venues and we hold meetings in ‘the mouse hole’ every fortnight, to discuss future concerts and matters regarding fundraising for the community.
“The Society is currently made up of singers and entertainers mainly from the Hull area, along with many other members who perform in equally as important roles behind the scenes.
“Members of the ‘Old Flames’ (Retired members of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service) have also joined us.
“In 1996, the society added an extra act to the concerts, in the form of a choir, made up of several of the society’s members that were initially called The Bolder Boys.
“Named after Harry Bolder, who conducted the choir in its early years, today they are known as The MICE Singers and are now in great demand throughout the year, with appearances at weddings, residential homes and other events.
“We have had the opportunity to perform with some great artists over the years who have given their time to support the Mice, including, Norman Collier, Charlie Williams, Ronnie Hilton and Jim Bowen to name just a few.
“Local legends Mike Lodge and Rena Jordan have also given their time as guest artists for the society.
“There are so many people who have supported the society by doing guest spots and for that we are extremely thankful.”
The society had hoped to have a sixtieth anniversary dinner this month with special guest artists to celebrate the achievement of the society reaching sixty years of service.
Like many events it has had to be put on hold until a time that we can all get back together and enjoy ourselves and during the past year like many organisations fundraising has come to a stop.
On reflection Terry added: “We have played many clubs and pubs over the years and received some amazing support and we couldn’t operate without the support of our wives, families, friends and helpers.
“Over the past couple of years, as well as their regular concerts we have also put some large shows with appearances from the Bachelors and an Abba tribute night, which raised considerable amounts of money.
“We also started tea and entertainment afternoons, which have been extremely popular, and we look forward to performing the Society’s Mice anthem at a venue near you, sooner rather than later”.