We’ve known Jimmy for I think around 10 years? Before Covid was a thing. But how did it happen, and how did we become friends?
This is a brief dedication to our friend, in fact my friend, Jimmy Cricket.
These are just a few things to share, as there are many. But we approached him some years ago when he attended Keith Harris’ funeral. Looked up his website and it was broken – totally broken. So we guessed his email, and got through. Spoke to one of his family, and helped them get their site back up and running.
After that, they wanted to move the whole website over to us, which we of course happily did.
Shortly after, we were invited to go see him in Wisbech as he was performing at a show. At the break, his wife May came out from backstage and invited me back to see him. I was given a front row seat.
It was both surreal, and very charming. His dressing room was more of a “Curtain surround” in the corner of there area, but it was lovely. Had a little heater on in there. Sat with him and May, and had a good chat. He got some chips in and offered them around. I was sitting chatting to Jimmy Cricket!
We properly hit it off. Anyway, after the break, I went back out, and waited for him to come and do his thing. Was so good.
After the show, with good timing, he had been invited to turn on the Christmas Lights in Wisbech town centre. There was a large stage setup, and he was taken down there by someone. So I followed on, and watched from the sidelines. When he did his little routine, and turned on the lights, he came down the side of the stage, down the steps and said “oh where has he gone… Simon, hello, can you help?”. So there was me, Jimmy Cricket and his wife May, as I escourted them through the back streets of Wisbech. I recall saying “I know a way around to avoid the crowd.” Tho I had forgotten a pub, and he had a moment with a couple of nice people outside.
After all these, we went out for a meal and I was invited. Jimmy paid.
One other memory to share with you, as there are a lot, was a time he was performing in a village just outside Peterborough. May told me so I said I’d pop down if that was ok.
Went to see them. Just before I left tho, I told a friend of mine who was a fan. I said I could get him on the phone or Facetime for her. She was so nervous, and said no don’t worry.
When I got there I told them. Jimmy was so kind and said, “why don’t we record a little video for her?”. So he and May put together something, on the spot. May held the phone, and with me on the camera I said hello, I have someone here to talk to you. She pans across and there is Jimmy, doing a little routine just for her.”
He did not have to do that. He could have just done a photo or whatever. But this was HIS idea.
Such a kind man. Generous to charities, including one I was very slightly part of, to which he donated some free tickets.
Hearing the news on 3rd Aug 2026, came as a huge shock. I immediately rang them, spoke with their son, and that did me in.
Here is just one private photo of Jimmy. This is in the garden of someone close, and they regularly have wildlife. He “performed” to the ducks, on his way to an event. He dropped in (invited I might add) for tea and cake.
Jimmy, thanks for the memories, the kindness, and the thought in all you did.
To be contrary to his catchphrase: there’s no more.
Written personally by Simon, 79DESIGN.