' HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY JOE'
31st May 2024
Remembering Joe today on what would have been Joe’s 69th birthday. One of the UK’s greatest ever entertainers, ‘incomparable’ in ev...
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REMEMBERING JOE 4 YEARS ON
2nd August 2023
Tomorrow 3rd August 2023 very sadly marks four years since Joe passed on back in 2019. Warm and cherished memories live on forever with ever...
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30
Sep
Sep
MESSAGE FROM JOE “OUR TRIP TO PARLIAMENT”
Monday 29 September 2014
“As you may be aware, James and I were invited by Kevin Horkin of the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside to attend a charity reception in Downing Street for a full evening’s meet and greet, also invited were Peter Anthony and Paul Lomax, Peter is the Conservative candidate for Blackpool South in 2015 and I would like to wish him well for his campaign.
So we arose at 6 o’clock on the morning of 24th September for a full and exciting day, thought I’d take the wheelchair because although you may have seen me walking a little I’m still not fully recovered and am weak, my batteries are still charging back up.
The Community Foundation Charity is a great way to help local communities and you know when it comes to charity I like to get stuck in.10.17am and we are on the train to London, then to Russell Square and our hotel, it was not a great hotel but it did what it said on the can ! A quick wash and brush up and I ‘foolishly’ decided to leave the chair at the hotel. We hailed a cab to the Houses of Parliament…..well it was up, down, up, down all along the corridors of Parliament, on the roof, seeing every chamber that there was to see, talking to politicians of all parties. We had a fabulous guide called James who was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable…and fast…. 600 miles an hour leading our party… I had to stop and rest at every corner. Those of you who have done a similar tour will understand, it was fascinating and eye opening but it seemed like I was walking miles and I started to ache and be in pain. It was wonderful to walk through the House of Lords and the House of Commons and I thought to myself ‘she sits there, he sits there, they sit over there’ why don’t I sit here…so I sat down on one of the front benches for a rest !. At one point I thought someone had pinched the mace but I’m advised that it’s only there when Parliament is in session and it was in recess that day.
Looking up at the public gallery it reminded me of when I was appearing at Quaglino’s in Jermyn Street for a 6 week season in the 1970s and, for most of the time I was there, I spent some of my days up in the Public Gallery watching the politicians debate the politics of the day and try to work out exactly what was going on. On other days I would visit the Old Bailey to watch and listen to the major criminal trials of the day
.
Back to Wednesday, so the Tour of Parliament finished…finally. We stopped to have a chat with a couple of security personnel on the way out and emerged into the hustle and bustle of Parliament Square. We had to make our way over to Downing Street for the main event of our day, the charity and yes we walked... There are no lifts at No 11 Downing Street so we had to climb the stairs to the reception which was a great experience. The speeches by Kevin Horkin and his associates at the Community Foundation were marvellous and inspiring and illustrated perfectly the aims of the charity. This gave me good cheer as you will know that’s something I can directly be involved with and at this point my team are already making plans to raise some much needed funds for this most worthy cause.
We had nibbles and beautiful wine, I felt a little awkward having to sit down but I was soon chatting away to the wonderful Denise Welch and tried to persuade her to record a duet with me, she smiled and said she couldn’t sing. I did remark to her that everyone can sing, I met her wonderful partner Lincoln we had quite a laugh, then I bumped into the one and only Vicky Entwhistle such a genuine lady we were talking about singing a song on a charity album, she said she could not sing which I thought was quite odd as she’s been in ‘Les Mis’ for 6 months.Had the pleasure of meeting Chris Maloney who we had a great chat with, his personality is up in the air, a very talented performer.
Then the Rt Hon George Osborne arrived straight from a meeting, we had a quick conversation , it was a pleasure to meet the Chancellor. Great to see Elaine Paige looking so well and yes James and I do listen to her BBC Radio 2 show on Sundays, we often end up in the kitchen singing together. All the wonderful classics she plays, a great show, keep it up Elaine. Nicholas Grace what a man we had our photograph taken, also ‘Hello Hello’s’ sensational Vicki Michelle. By this time last orders were announced, the charity’s aims were locked firmly in my head. It was a wonderful experience.
I decided I wanted to walk and see the sights and experience London at night. I went to walk from Whitehall down towards Leicester Square. Well I got as far as Trafalgar Square but I decided to catch a cab the rest of the way to see my pal Casino boss Geoff Todd at The one and only Hippodrome. It was quite a good time to call in and see Geoff as that night they had a fantastic musical revue “The Story of Lionel Bart’ all the cast and musicians were outstanding.
I am delighted to have the news of my 60th Birthday Concert at the London Palladium announced. It will be a once in a lifetime do and I am so very excited about the show on 31 May 2015. I do hope to see as many of you as possible there at the Palladium and I am greatly cheered to know that many of you have been asking already about tickets and travel arrangements.
It’s going to be quite a night, the last Birthday concert was at the Royal Albert Hall 20 years ago and it’s a great feeling to be playing “Sunday Night at the London Palladium” for my 60th birthday, probably the most famous theatre in the world.
So for now I’m back to resting, that’s the most important thing for me to aid my recovery.
I am hoping that you are all keeping well. Thanks so much for all the cards, messages and donations which continue to arrive.
You all know how much you mean to me.
God Bless
Joe x
26
Sep
Sep
JOE LONGTHORNE MBE ‘60TH BIRTHDAY GALA CONCERT’ AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM SUN 31ST MAY 2015
We’re delighted to announce that Joe will be celebrating his 60th Birthday in fantastic style at the world famous London Palladium on the night of his birthday Sunday 31st May 2015.
Joe is really excited about this evening and really hopes that as many of you as possible will be able to come along and share this special birthday with him in the legendary and celebrated surroundings of the Palladium, one of the most famous theatres in the world and a venue that he has starred at many times.
The show will be a glittering gala event starring Joe with his band and singers in what is sure to be one of the performances of his career. The full show line up is to be announced in the weeks to come.
A limited number of VIP packages are on sale now through the Friendship Club. Priced at £90 per ticket the package consists of front priority stalls seating and admission to the VIP After Show Party where you can meet Joe and his Celebrity guests. These tickets are available now from Geraldine Vine, the Secretary of the Friendship Club, please call M: 07929 746032 or e mail Geraldine@joelongthornembe.co.uk.
General tickets are to go on sale at the London Palladium Box Office from 6th October 2014 and we will announce details on prices etc nearer to this date.
25
Sep
Sep
JOE GOES TO NO 10 DOWNING STREET
Pleased to share these photos just in, thanks to Peter Anthony.
Joe was attending a charity reception at No 11 Downing Street last night all hosted by The Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Full report to follow later on......
23
Sep
Sep
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING FRIDAY 26TH SEPT 2014
This Friday 26th September is 'Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning '.
Joe would like to tell you all about the 'Macmillan Coffee Morning' to be held at The Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool on Friday morning. He is giving the event all his support and hopes that as many of you as possible will come along to boost the event.
Events will be held right around the UK by supporters of Macmillan, all in aid of raising much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer who support patients diagnosed with cancer and their families and loved ones. Joe hopes that if there is an event in your town or community you might be able to support it and help Macmillan in their fundraising.
22
Sep
Sep
JOE PRESENTS CHEQUE TO QUEENSDEANS CHARITY FROM HIS FOUNDATION
Joe Longthorne today presented Queendeans Charity with a cheque from his foundation , here’s a few words from Peter Anthony on behalf of Queendeans:
“Very honoured to receive a Cheque for £1000 from Joe Longthorne to our Queendeans Charity today. Joe has been a great friend and supporter of The Queendeans for many years. He has recently set up "The Joe Longthorne Foundation" which is to give a boost to local Cancer Charities plus other worthy causes. I can't think of anyone better to spearhead this local fundraising campaign. Joe knows first hand through his own personal experiences just how crucial it is to provide support for life threatening illness. Thank you once again Joe from myself,and all the Queendeans Committee. You're a legend !”
18
Sep
Sep
'GARDENING WITH JOE' VIDEO CHAT 18 SEPT 2014
Chat and update from Joe Longthorne Thursday 18 September 2014 with news about the new DVD "In My Own Words", Sunday at Viva Blackpool, Darren Day show at South Shields and more......
CLICK HERE to view the video on Joe'a Official YouTube Channel 'JOELONGTHORNEMBE'
17
Sep
Sep
JOE LONGTHORNE ‘IN MY OWN WORDS’ NOW ON SALE
Joe’s brand new DVD the docu-film ‘In My Own Words’ is now on sale. The 124 minute production is an up close and personal ‘behind the scenes’ film produced by Paul Smith of Reactive Media.
After receiving news that he had to face up to a fresh fight with cancer in Spring 2014, Joe decided to allow cameras complete and unrestricted access to his professional and private life and the result is arguably one of the best productions ever on the life and career of Mr Joe Longthorne MBE.
The 2 hour film sees cameras follow Joe to the Spring 2014 concerts, with extensive concert footage of the concerts, his 59th Birthday Party and the final show at Billingham Forum before he entered hospital for major surgery on July 2nd 2014.
The Film also features a wealth of messages of love and total support from Joe’s show business friends and colleagues.
Joe, executive producer on the project, would like to express his sincere thanks to Paul and his team at Reactive Media and also to everybody involved in this momentous production, he hopes you will enjoy watching it and looks forward to hearing your comments.
The DVD is now available from a number of outlets:-
AMAZON follow the link AMAZON
The Friendship Club –Geraldine Vine, a cheque or postal order for £15.99 inc p & p payable to JLFC and post to JLFC, Po Box 51, Ammanford, South Wales, SA18 2WZ, e mail Geraldine@joelongthornembe.co.uk
The merchandise stall at Viva Blackpool “That’s What Friends Are For” show, the DVD price £14.99 ask Christine or email Christine@joelongthornembe.co.uk.
17
Sep
Sep
GOOD NEWS IN THIS LATEST UPDATE FROM JOE !
A new video message here from Joe Longthorne following the latest check up with his medical team yesterday.
Joe received encouraging and very positive news from his medical team and continues his recovery in the peaceful surroundings of his Blackpool home. Also announced by Joe in the message is that his new DVD the long awaited 'In My own Words' is now available.
See the message by clicking HERE
16
Sep
Sep
SUNDAY EXPRESS- JOE'S VIEW ON SCOTLAND'S REFERENDUM
Last week Joe was asked for his views on Scotland's referendum this week, the Express gave Joe a column mention, so here's his words ........
"I have spent a great deal of time in Scotland over the years performing in some of their finest theatres. It's a wonderful country with wonderful people. Let Scotland decide for themselves next week, however my gut feeling is that we are better as a team. God Bless Scotland."
Full article HERE
14
Sep
Sep
NEW SONG “WE NEED HIM” PLUS UPDATE FROM JOE IN LATEST VIDEO MESSAGE
A new video message from Joe has been released.
Now 10 weeks on from his surgery for mouth cancer on July 2nd 2014 Joe is recuperating and recovering at a steady encouraging pace in the peace and tranquillity of his Blackpool home.
The 4 minute video features an update from Joe on his condition plus news of his pilgrimage to Lourdes last week. During the weeks since Joe's hospitalisation for the surgery he has been working on a number of new projects including new songs one of which he features in the video.
Click HERE to view.
10
Sep
Sep
'PICNIC AT ASHLEY HALL' FUNDRAISER IN AID OF SAM'S PLACE CHARITY SAT 13 SEPT 2014
There is a special charity event at Ashley Hall on the outskirts of Blackpool this Sat 13 September 2014, the Hall is home to Joe's two dear friends Len and Elaine who travelled to Lourdes with him and Joe has asked for news about this event to be shared with you all.
'Picnic at Ashley Hall' is a special afternoon in aid of Sam's Place charity which supports terminally ill children to have a respite break. Bring along your own picnic and enjoy access to the Hall and it's grounds, live entertainment, games, raffle and a cash bar- you can bring your own plank with your picnic if preferred,
Tickets are priced at only £9 per adult and £5 for children over 10 (under 10's not allowed)
For tickets please call David Jones M: 07813 291216.
The Hall is open from 2.30 to 5.30pm and the full address is Skippool Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 5LA
