Caroline Stewart was the orchestrator of another brilliant George Formby day in this lovely part of the world. We all gathered on Saturday 01 September 2018 in the Inn on the Moor hotel to play, sing and to help and support dear Lesley Fowkes and her campaign to raise monies for the charity MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association. Lesley was diagnosed with this dreadful illness in 2017 and since then, she and her many friends have raised around £8,000, much of it on Lesley’s Just Giving page The room was full by the time the concert commenced in the early afternoon with many having travelled from near and far to enjoy the day and of course with all that good spirit and good cheer within the room, it just had to be a raging success. The Inn On The Moor is a really nice place to stay and we where made very welcome. The rooms where nice and clean and spacious, the food was very good and the bar prices were sensible, unlike some hotels that we use where the bar prices are outrageous! The sound was good as well, we had Kevin Staniland on the mixer so quality is guaranteed. Some highly entertaining singers made the day just fly, also helping to make a success of the concert were Dennis Lee and Daz Barry who both worked well and added to the atmosphere with their introductions of the entertainers. Kate Howard helped out with raffles and games and auctions to help to raise further cash. Single players, duos and groups all did their bit and each and everyone of the entertainers can be proud that they played their part in making the day a memorable occasion. Everybody who played was excellent but the only person I would like to highlight is of course lovely Lesley Fowkes who is fighting this horrible illness so bravely. Lesley gave us two beautiful numbers on her wooden ukulele and you could have heard a pin drop! Lesley and her devoted husband Martin together with their daughter Alise, made a round trip journey of around 350 miles to be with us and it was a pleasure to be in their company. Later on Saturday evening almost at the end of the show, Peter Pollard and Andy Poppleton took to the stage to deliver their usual stunning performance and the next day a mad woman dived off a very high bridge in Middlesbrough - but that is another story! I really hope that Caroline will repeat the Esk Valley Formby day next year, she is a very busy working girl but this meeting really is so special and is supported by such a great crowd. Well done Caroline, you are to be congratulated not only for your special meetings, but for all that you do and have done for The George Formby Society. Peter Pollard 06 September 2018

Concert organiser Caroline Stewart

Entertainment all the way in Goathland

Lesley with Kate, Andy, Dale and Eddie

George Formby fans from all over the country once again gathered in Goathland this weekend to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association following the news that one of their own has been diagnosed with MND. Chairman of the George Formby Society, Caroline Stewart who lives in Grosmont, organises the annual get together but this year wanted to go a little further to support her close friend Lesley Fowkes. Lesley, who lives in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, was recently given the devastating news that she has Motor Neurone Disease. There is no cure or effective treatment for this terminal condition. The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) immediately came to her aid offering practical and emotional help to Lesley and her family. As well as this good work, MNDA also carry out vital research to work towards a cure for the disease. The George Formby Society is, in Lesley’s words. ‘one big musical family’ and members have been keen to do all they can to help Lesley and her family. A great day was had playing ukuleles and singing at the Inn on the Moor in Goathland but the main event happened up at the Transporter Bridge on Sunday morning when Caroline, along with three very supportive friends, bungee jumped off the bridge to raise even more money for MNDA. A great crowd of George Formby fans played their ukes as a terrified Caroline bungeed in the glorious sunshine. It was an emotional moment for both Lesley and Caroline but an altogether wonderful occasion and to date the Formby Day and the Bungee Jump has raised almost £4000 - the current total can be seen at www.justgiving.com/bungeeforlesley

Caroline with John Howard and her mum and dad

Caroline’s Just Giving Page is here

Lesley’s Just Giving Page is here