It is with great sadness that I have to report this week, the death of our patron and friend, Ted Formby. Ted was last in the line of George’s immediate family. The last close link we had with George Formby. Ted was thirteen years younger than George so obviously he must have missed much of his brother as George was of course constantly away entertaining the masses. But Ted although probably the only member of the family who didn’t have a go at entertaining, was always so very enthusiastic about his famous brother and equally (in his day) famous father. Ted came to know and to love the GFS rather late in life after we contacted him for permission to conduct some renovation work on the Formby monument in Warrington Cemetery. I can still clearly remember the day when, with Dennis and Pat Taylor, I travelled to the home of Mollie Cohen who was a long-time friend of the Formby family, to meet Ted and Win for the very first time. This was initially to discuss how to go about the restoration work but the evening went with such success that it was inevitable that Ted would be drawn into the Society. He attended many of the Blackpool conventions, always accompanied by his lovely wife Win and was always ready to make himself available for the countless Formby fans who really wanted just to get a little closer to George, but actually found that Ted also had a good story to tell about his own life and times. He never tired of meeting new faces and his visits were always a great success and delighted members both old and new. He made so many friends on his visits and everybody had a good word for him. Ted always maintained a very private life, never wishing to bask in the glory of either his father or his brother. He must therefore have given much thought before agreeing to attend his first convention in September 1997. But he was an instant success and was constantly in demand to sign vellums and membership cards (including my own). Some excellent TV appearances were made by Ted, and once again he carried this off in his own inimitable style, always giving George and the GFS the best possible publicity. It seemed such a natural thing to honour him with the title of Patron of the George Formby Society. The only person to hold this title within the George Formby Society. On behalf of Formby fans the world over, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ted’s wife Win and their family. Win is overwhelmed by the messages, cards and flowers sent from friends known and unknown over the last few days. The support that has been shown to her and the family means so very much and she wishes to thank one and all for the kindness and sympathy directed to her and her family. She says it would be impossible to thank everyone personally but is strengthened and comforted by all the support. Peter Pollard February 28th 2007