It is with much sadness
that I report the passing
of GFS member Glynn
Mitchell. Glynn joined
the Society around 1999
and was introduced by
his great friend, ex-
president of The George
Formby Society, Gerry
Mawdsley. Gerry
encouraged his friend to
get on stage and play
his uke. Gerry reported
Glynn's delight in the
1999 summer Vellum
when Glynn remarked,
"The GFS was the best
tonic he'd had in many
a long year and has asked me to convey his thanks to to all who
made him feel so welcome."
He was such an unassuming gentleman and he was always a
pleasing person to meet, with a cheerful greeting whenever our
paths would cross in Blackpool.
It was not too long after joining that Glynn along with a couple of
friends was encouraging Gerry to have more get-together's and from
that encouragement, Gerry formed and managed the Westhoughton
branch at the Red Lion Hotel.
Glynn's biggest claim to fame within the GFS was his winning design
of the official George Formby Society badge. His winning design
then very soon became the official logo and features at every
convention behind the band and the performing artists on stage.
On behalf of all members and friends who knew this gentleman, I
offer heartfelt condolences to Glynn's family.
Peter Pollard - 04/03/2024
Glynn with Neil Forshaw, Joe Brown and Dennis Mitchell
Glynn at Llandudno in 2017
Glynn PICTURED AT THE MARCH 2012 CONVENTION
GFS President 2006 - 2021 Gerry
Mawdsley sends these words…
I’ve known Glynn for over 40 years, He played
a guitar in his younger days but always liked
the sound of the uke banjo, One day he turned
up on my doorstep asking if I would teach him
Formby style. It took him over three years to
get the triple stroke, then one day he phoned
me to say “I’ve got it but now I can’t stop
doing it”! We nearly lost Glynn ten years ago
when he collapsed and died due to a heart
attack, but miraculously was saved by the
swift action of an off duty policeman Sergeant
Andy Smith.
The award is reported at this link.
gerry, glynn and pc andy smith
Glynn’s winning design in the year 2007.
Glynn AND GERRY AT THE PRESENTATION FOR THE
WINNING BADGE DESIGN
GLYNN MITCHELL