november 2017
Many would agree that Blackpool in November
wouldn’t be their first choice for a weekend away.
Like most British seaside resorts at this time of
year, a walk along the promenade is not for the
fainthearted with gusty winds and squally showers
to contend with. Bracing it most certainly is! But
members of the George Formby Society know a
little secret. For two wonderful days we can hide
away from the elements and enjoy warmth and
friendship in The Imperial Hotel.
This was one of the nicest conventions I have
attended. A packed house and a happy
atmosphere throughout. One of the best things
about the GFS is
the way we
welcome and encourage new members, especially youngsters. We had Tai
and Courtney earlier this year and this time we were wowed by young James
who has only been playing for a few months but impressed us all. Also present
for his first convention was young Marvin who, dressed in a fine three-piece
suit, spent most of dad Callum’s cash on LPs at the auction on Saturday night.
We look forward to seeing these lads become the next generation of top
Formby style players.
One such player who has ‘come through the ranks’ is our old friend and great
George Formby ambassador, Andy Eastwood and it was great to see him
make time in his hectic schedule to visit and play at the convention. Flying the
flag for the young ladies were the brilliant Davies Sisters. Not only can they
both play Formby style superbly, but their close harmony singing is
breathtaking and once again their Andrews Sisters tribute went down a storm.
The GFS audience are tremendous supporters of all our performers – after all,
we are in Blackpool to celebrate and remember George Formby. Some
players are not quite confident enough to take to the stage on their own and it’s nice to see people getting together on stage – there is always
strength in numbers. Kate Howard managed to get a few new faces up for the
first time and we had members of the Sale Ukulele Group up there too. Let’s
hope they come back again!
Some people just come to Blackpool for the music but many of us have an
interest (some bordering on obsession) with George’s life and career. We
were treated to a visit from Heritage Blackpool who brought a small sample of
the Cyril Critchlow Collection of theatre and music hall memorabilia collected
during his lifetime in Blackpool. There were some nice photos of George and
Beryl and the full collection is free to view in Blackpool Library. More
information can be found at the website.
Stuart Boston brought along his collection of George Formby endorsed Dallas
ukuleles – a rare sight to see the whole family of Dallas ukes together. On
Sunday evening, Chris Webster dropped in with George’s 1937 Silver Disc to
commemorate the first 100 000 copies of The Window Cleaner. This was part
of the Randall Collection but is now in the safe hands of Chris. An absolute
treasure and many members were lucky enough to get their photo taken
holding this unique piece of musical history.
As ever, the committee rely on volunteers to help with the running of the
convention. There are so many that it’s difficult to name them all. From taking
photographs, looking after the sound and the microphones, compereing and
organising concerts, running raffles and the shop, displaying archives,
playing in the band and so much more. Thank you to all those who gave a
little bit of their weekend up. Many hands make light work so if you are
interested in helping please contact me.
Until next time, on behalf of the GFS Committee I would like to thank you all
for your support and wish you and yours the very best for Christmas and the
New Year.
Caroline Stewart
Peter’s
Convention
Highlights
Comparing the Saturday
evening concert,what a
privilege to be part of a such a
memorable evening. The line-
up of talent (arranged by my
concert organiser Frances
Lister) was mouth-wateringly
good, with the cream of the GFS players lined up to entertain.
Really nice to toast Lesley Fowkes on her birthday over a nice dinner
with other close friends within the GFS. Lesley was then lucky enough
to receive a kiss on stage from GFS President Gerry Mawdsley. Just
how lucky can one person be!
My old friend Chris Webster made an unexpected appearance and
brought with him the silver disc awarded to George Formby in 1937
for the sale of 100,000 copies of “The Window Cleaner.” Chris has
recently acquired this magnificent and unique item and was gracious
enough to allow members to have photos taken with it throughout the
evening
Andy Eastwood found the time to pay us a visit even though he is
always solidly committed to his theatre career. Andy was playing
Tessie O’Shea’s banjo-uke and of course was stunningly good (as
usual).
A delightful performance by The Davies Sisters, Francesca and
Catalina are both so talented and of course they are always a treat to
watch as well as listen to.
Finally, playing alongside two great partners in Andy Poppleton and
Caroline Stewart. Deafness is a curse but because of these two dear
friends I am able to appear on stage at each convention, without them
it would be very difficult
Many would agree that Blackpool in November
wouldn’t be their first choice for a weekend away.
Like most British seaside resorts at this time of
year, a walk along the promenade is not for the
fainthearted with gusty winds and squally showers
to contend with. Bracing it most certainly is! But
members of the George Formby Society know a
little secret. For two wonderful days we can hide
away from the elements and enjoy warmth and
friendship in The Imperial Hotel.
This was one of the nicest conventions I have attended. A packed
house and a happy atmosphere throughout. One of the best things
about the GFS is the way we welcome and encourage new
members, especially youngsters. We had Tai and Courtney earlier
this year and this time we were wowed by young James who has
only been playing for a few months but impressed us all. Also
present for his first
convention was young
Marvin who, dressed in a
fine three-piece suit,
spent most of dad
Callum’s cash on LPs at
the auction on Saturday
night. We look forward to
seeing these lads
become the next
generation of top Formby
style players.
One such player who has ‘come through the ranks’ is our old friend
and great George
Formby ambassador,
Andy Eastwood and it
was great to see him
make time in his hectic
schedule to visit and play
at the convention. Flying
the flag for the young
ladies were the brilliant
Davies Sisters. Not only
can they both play
Formby style superbly,
but their close harmony
singing is breathtaking
and once again their Andrews Sisters tribute went down a storm.
The GFS audience are tremendous supporters of all our performers
– after all, we are in Blackpool to celebrate and remember George
Formby. Some players are
not quite confident enough
to take to the stage on
their own and it’s nice to
see people getting
together on stage – there
is always strength in
numbers. Kate Howard
managed to get a few new
faces up for the first time
and we had members of
the Sale Ukulele Group up
there too. Let’s hope they come back again!
Some people just come
to Blackpool for the
music but many of us
have an interest (some
bordering on obsession)
with George’s life and
career. We were treated
to a visit from Heritage
Blackpool who brought a
small sample of the Cyril
Critchlow Collection of
theatre and music hall
memorabilia collected
during his lifetime in Blackpool. There were some nice photos of
George and Beryl and the full collection is free to view in Blackpool
Library. More information can be found at the website.
Stuart Boston brought
along his collection of
George Formby
endorsed Dallas ukuleles
– a rare sight to see the
whole family of Dallas
ukes together. On
Sunday evening, Chris
Webster dropped in with
George’s 1937 Silver
Disc to commemorate
the first 100 000 copies
of The Window Cleaner.
This was part of the Randall Collection but is now in the safe hands
of Chris. An absolute treasure and many members were lucky
enough to get their photo taken holding this unique piece of musical
history.
As ever, the committee rely on volunteers to help with the running of
the convention. There are so many that it’s difficult to name them all.
From taking photographs, looking after the sound and the
microphones, compereing
and organising concerts,
running raffles and the
shop, displaying archives,
playing in the band and
so much more. Thank you
to all those who gave a
little bit of their weekend
up. Many hands make
light work so if you are
interested in helping
please contact me.
Until next time, on behalf of the GFS Committee I would like to thank
you all for your support and wish you and yours the very best for
Christmas and the New Year.
Caroline Stewart
Peter’s
Convention
Highlights
Comparing the Saturday
evening concert,what a
privilege to be part of a such a
memorable evening. The line-
up of talent (arranged by my
concert organiser Frances
Lister) was mouth-wateringly
good, with the cream of the GFS players lined up to
entertain.
Really nice to toast Lesley Fowkes on her birthday over a nice
dinner
with other close friends within the GFS. Lesley was then lucky
enough
to receive a kiss on stage from GFS President Gerry Mawdsley.
Just
how lucky can one person be!
My old friend Chris Webster made an unexpected appearance
and
brought with him the silver disc awarded to George Formby in
1937
for the sale of 100,000 copies of “The Window Cleaner.” Chris
has
recently acquired this magnificent and unique item and was
gracious
enough to allow members to have photos taken with it throughout
the
evening
Andy Eastwood found the time to pay us a visit even though he
is
always solidly committed to his theatre career. Andy was playing
Tessie O’Shea’s banjo-uke and of course was stunningly good (as
usual).
A delightful performance by The Davies Sisters, Francesca
and
Catalina are both so talented and of course they are always a treat
to
watch as well as listen to.
Finally, playing alongside two great partners in Andy Poppleton
and
Caroline Stewart. Deafness is a curse but because of these two
dear
friends I am able to appear on stage at each convention, without
them
it would be very difficult
November 2017
