A REAL WINNER!
The last convention of the 20th century was once again, a real winner. A capacity audience made their way to the Winter Gardens, Blackpool to experience the unique atmosphere of a Society weekend and I am sure that everybody went home fulfilled by the events of the weekend. As usual, the meeting commenced at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon and members and guests were entertained throughout the day with excellent performances of many of George Formby’s hit records. No matter the skill level of the player, everyone receives great applause from an always-enthusiastic audience.THE BAND
The resident band of Dickie Speake (Keyboards), Tony Thornton (Bass), and Dale Norman and Des Redfearn (who shared the drum stool), all helped to give the weekend’s event the polish and professionalism that the Society members have come to expect. Memorable performances from Dickie Speake, Andy Eastwood, Mark Walsh and Adam Smith with his new partner Heidi Greenfield made the weekend a special event for this writer.HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND
The highlight of the weekend though, just has to be the hour-long session on Sunday afternoon when founder member John Walley interviewed veteran variety artist Billy ‘Uke’ Scott. Billy has been retired from show- biz for a number of years but his memory was razor sharp as John guided him through a wealth of experiences gained on the Variety circuit in the 40’s and 50’s and of course, from his days working in radio with the BBC.HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Billy was presented with a certificate to recognise his Honorary Membership within the Society by Society President, Dennis Taylor. He was also presented with a video copy of a film which was believed to have being lost years ago. The film, "A Night Of Magic", was made by Billy in 1946 and was recently unearthed in the United States. Billy watched the film with great interest. At the end of the ‘conversation’ Billy picked up a wooden ukulele for the first time in nine years and played two beautiful pieces, which were received with rapturous applause by an emotional and devoted capacity audience. After the event Billy stayed with us for the rest of the day, chatting and just enjoying the whole George Formby Society experience. A wonderful moment for all, and no better way to close the curtain on the 20th century.
november 1999
A REAL WINNER!
The last convention of the 20th century was once again, a real winner. A capacity audience made their way to the Winter Gardens, Blackpool to experience the unique atmosphere of a Society weekend and I am sure that everybody went home fulfilled by the events of the weekend. As usual, the meeting commenced at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon and members and guests were entertained throughout the day with excellent performances of many of George Formby’s hit records. No matter the skill level of the player, everyone receives great applause from an always-enthusiastic audience.THE BAND
The resident band of Dickie Speake (Keyboards), Tony Thornton (Bass), and Dale Norman and Des Redfearn (who shared the drum stool), all helped to give the weekend’s event the polish and professionalism that the Society members have come to expect. Memorable performances from Dickie Speake, Andy Eastwood, Mark Walsh and Adam Smith with his new partner Heidi Greenfield made the weekend a special event for this writer.HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND
The highlight of the weekend though, just has to be the hour-long session on Sunday afternoon when founder member John Walley interviewed veteran variety artist Billy ‘Uke’ Scott. Billy has been retired from show-biz for a number of years but his memory was razor sharp as John guided him through a wealth of experiences gained on the Variety circuit in the 40’s and 50’s and of course, from his days working in radio with the BBC.HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Billy was presented with a certificate to recognise his Honorary Membership within the Society by Society President, Dennis Taylor. He was also presented with a video copy of a film which was believed to have being lost years ago. The film, "A Night Of Magic", was made by Billy in 1946 and was recently unearthed in the United States. Billy watched the film with great interest. At the end of the ‘conversation’ Billy picked up a wooden ukulele for the first time in nine years and played two beautiful pieces, which were received with rapturous applause by an emotional and devoted capacity audience. After the event Billy stayed with us for the rest of the day, chatting and just enjoying the whole George Formby Society experience. A wonderful moment for all, and no better way to close the curtain on the 20th century.
November 1999
