Andy Eastwood on The One Show

the one show

Andy Eastwood on BBC TV

Our very own Andy Eastwood featured on Friday night on BBC TV’s The One Show when the topic was the recorder versus the ukulele in schools. Andy, along with recorder soloist Jill Kemp appeared on the show in the closing section of the programme. Andy of course was supporting the ukulele and made a good case for it when he stated that not only can you play melody or chords, but you can also sing along - which of course is a bit difficult on a recorder! There is no doubt that both instruments will always feature within schools. Once again though, Andy did his bit for the world of George Formby and yes, George was shown in a brief clip playing the famous wooden uke and singing The Window Cleaner from the film, "Keep Your Seats Please". Our newly elected committee (in September 2021) have stated that they are intent on restoring the GFS to former glories after struggling with no convention activity for 18 months until September 2021 when the first convention since November 2019, took place in The Imperial Hotel in Blackpool. The GFS committee has declared that they believe that social media can play a big part in their bid to restore the Society and hope to attract new members. I would suggest that the greatest power that the GFS could harness to push the group forward in the future is Andy Eastwood. Andy is solidly booked in theatres throughout the UK and travels abroad to entertain on various cruise liners throughout his professional year - and he still finds the time when bookings will allow, to be with us in Blackpool. Whenever he makes one of his many TV appearances, he is always accompanied by images or video clips of George Formby, therefore keeping George forever in the TV viewing nation’s memory. Alan Randall brought the Society great publicity right from its early days in the 1960s and up to his passing in 2005. For his efforts, the committee back in the day recognised Alan’s efforts and awarded him honorary membership. Perhaps it is now the time our esteemed committee looked at Andy Eastwood who must have been performing in theatres for at least twenty years and will do so for many more years to come. Is it not time to recognise this ever popular entertainer for his past and future efforts to keep the name of Formby in the public eye? Peter Pollard 20/02/2022