gladys geoghegan
It saddens me greatly to have to report the passing of one of the most charismatic members of the George Formby Society. A phone call from Johnny Key told us the heart breaking news that Gladys Geoghegan has passed away. This lovely lady was a regular visitor and performer at the Blackpool conventions for many years. She joined the Society in the early 1990s and rarely missed a Blackpool convention even though she had to travel a great distance from her home in London. She would light up the stage with her charming and friendly manner and would always deliver a first-class performance. Gladys was deservedly highlighted in Caroline Stewart’s ‘Spotlight’ series in The Vellum in late 2022 and of course really was the guiding light for the London branch which was formed in 1991 but had suffered some ups and downs and closures before Gladys took control in 2003. Because of her dedication to the branch, she made sure that it enjoyed an unbroken run right up to the present day. Caroline sums Gladys up perfectly when she writes, ‘Being in London, venues are small, expensive, and hard to find but Gladys always finds a way. The members give Gladys unswerving support and it is a popular branch for members to visit when in the capital.’ In her management of her branch, Gladys would always keep our magazine informed of developments and organise birthday treats for her members. Sadly from time to time, she would also have to write obituaries as well. The GFS could not have had a better, more loyal person to represent all that is good about the George Formby Society. On stage in Blackpool she was at her best and always was immaculately dressed. It was obvious that she was a genuine Formby fan and performances were always top class. One of my special favourites was when she performed ‘The Ghost.’ Gladys was one of the forty people chosen to represent the GFS at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2018 when we entertained in front of Her Majesty The Queen. This was recognition for all Gladys work and dedication to her branch and her support to the Society. Her selection was so richly deserved. On behalf of all members of the George Formby Society I extend sincere condolences to Gladys’s partner Eric and to all members of her family. Gladys Geoghegan leaves a space on the Blackpool stage and within her London branch that will be extremely difficult to fill. Peter Pollard 27/08/2024
GLADYS, ALWAYS AT HER BEST ON THE BLACKPOOL STAGE
ERIC AND GLADYS ENJOY A BLACKPOOL CONVENTION
GLADYS PERFORMS THE GHOST ACCOMPANIED BY SIMON ROSE
It saddens me greatly to have to report the passing of one of the most charismatic members of the George Formby Society. A phone call from Johnny Key told us the heart breaking news that Gladys Geoghegan has passed away. This lovely lady was a regular visitor and performer at the Blackpool conventions for many years. She joined the Society in the early 1990s and rarely missed a Blackpool convention even though she had to travel a great distance from her home in London. She would light up the stage with her charming and friendly manner and would always deliver a first-class performance. Gladys was deservedly highlighted in Caroline Stewart’s ‘Spotlight’ series in The Vellum in late 2022 and of course really was the guiding light for the London branch which was formed in 1991 but had suffered some ups and downs and closures before Gladys took control in 2003. Because of her dedication to the branch, she made sure that it enjoyed an unbroken run right up to the present day. Caroline sums Gladys up perfectly when she writes, ‘Being in London, venues are small, expensive, and hard to find but Gladys always finds a way. The members give Gladys unswerving support and it is a popular branch for members to visit when in the capital.’ In her management of her branch, Gladys would always keep our magazine informed of developments and organise birthday treats for her members. Sadly from time to time, she would also have to write obituaries as well. The GFS could not have had a better, more loyal person to represent all that is good about the George Formby Society. On stage in Blackpool she was at her best and always was immaculately dressed. It was obvious that she was a genuine Formby fan and performances were always top class. One of my special favourites was when she performed ‘The Ghost.’ Gladys was one of the forty people chosen to represent the GFS at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2018 when we entertained in front of Her Majesty The Queen. This was recognition for all Gladys work and dedication to her branch and her support to the Society. Her selection was so richly deserved. On behalf of all members of the George Formby Society I extend sincere condolences to Gladys’s partner Eric and to all members of her family. Gladys Geoghegan leaves a space on the Blackpool stage and within her London branch that will be extremely difficult to fill. Peter Pollard 27/08/2024
gladys geoghegan
GLADYS, ALWAYS AT HER BEST ON THE BLACKPOOL STAGE
ERIC AND GLADYS ENJOY A BLACKPOOL CONVENTION
GLADYS PERFORMS THE GHOST ACCOMPANIED BY SIMON ROSE