The third one-day convention in the Winter Gardens theatre in Morecambe took place on Saturday 06 August 2022. Members, friends and visitors gathered inside this iconic place of entertainment to play the music of George Formby and other popular artists. Having used the venue in 2013 and 2014 it was great to be back in 2022.

THEATRE HISTORY

The theatre opened as the Victoria Pavilion Theatre in 1897 and was one of the largest theatres in the UK with 3,000 seats. Originally the theatre complex had bars and a restaurant. A ballroom was built next door to the theatre and behind the complex a fairground was situated. In July 1960 a feature film called "The Entertainer" starring Sir Lawrence Olivier was released and featured Morecambe attractions, The Alhambra Theatre, The Winter Gardens and the West End Pier. The pier is now gone but the two theatres still stand although it is The Winter Gardens that is now receiving tender loving care from a group of enthusiastic volunteers. Sadly the Winter Gardens theatre closed in 1977 and the ballroom was demolished in 1982. In its heyday it presented the best in entertainment for Morecambe holiday-makers and theatre-goers. When George Formby appeared in 1957 he was contracted to appear for two weeks and was paid £900 per week - the equivalent today of over £15,000 per week!

THE THRASH

Our one-day event commenced with the usual thrash which was so good because those who still have not overcome those nerves that prevent them from appearing in the show, could tread the same boards that George did in 1957 and assure safety in numbers! The famous Thrash serves many purposes and is usually the thing that stays in people's minds when they leave our gatherings.

FIRST TIME PERFORMER

I had been practising for months to sing Blackpool Rock with my friend Cathy Staniland but before our appearance, she told me that a young man had travelled all the way from Hampshire, driving seven hours to reach Morecambe. He was hoping to sing Blackpool Rock. Cathy thought that we should therefore withdraw and leave the stage to Joe Murrell. I was happy to agree to this, how can you refuse such a request? Joe took to the stage for the very first time at any Formby meeting and did a great job with his rendition of the Rock song. What a grand lad he is and we look forward to seeing him at a future Blackpool convention, well done Joe! Throughout the day we were entertained by many members, all showing the standard of playing and entertaining that helps to keep the reputation of The George Formby Society reassuringly high. Nobody can replace George but there are still, in 2022, many that come quite near.

LEWIS CLIFTON

One prime example is Lewis Clifton. Lewis is as good as anyone could wish to be. His stage presence is so professional with his winning smile and his dashing good looks. His always immaculate choice of clothes and his skill with both the uke-banjo and the wooden uke is second to none. All the performers were warmly and deservedly applauded throughout the day, but for Lewis, they almost raised the roof! It was as if the audience wanted him to know that in all he does, both on stage and behind the GFS scenes in his role as Vice-Chairman, he is doing a grand job and the audience was transmitting its seal of approval. A nice lady approached Lewis after he had come off stage, to tell him just how much she had enjoyed his performance. Lewis was polite but kind and thoughtfull to her and chatted with her for some time. A shining example of all that is best in a member of The GFS.

A PRESENTATION TO JOHN WALLEY

President Andy Poppleton was kept busy throughout the day, always ensuring that everything was ticking over correctly. He was also on stage himself, both to entertain and to present founder member John Walley with a lovely, large George Formby-themed birthday card (created by Lewis Clifton) to celebrate John's forthcoming eightieth birthday later this month. Andy also presented John with a special GFS Diamond Jubilee certificate to mark John's constant dedicated work for the Society since the very first meeting in September 1961. This, I feel, was a well-deserved award and whilst I congratulate John, I also congratulate Andy and anyone else on the GFS committee who were involved in such a nice presentation.

BRILLIANT BAND

A gentleman who I had never previously met, approached me just to say, "that band is brilliant!" I normally have great difficulty with speaking to anyone at any sort of Formby event as my hearing is useless but this kind soul was emphatic in how he spoke those words and I heartily concurred with his judgement.

GOOD ATTENDANCE

Whilst there are always empty seats in this enormous theatre, I understand that around 1200 people came through the doors throughout the day. Testament to the fact that The George Formby Society and the name of the man himself, may have suffered throughout the long months of the pandemic, but both are now well and truly on the way back. Membership on the increase. The success of the day will surely wet all our appetites for the forthcoming Blackpool convention, the most important meeting in the GFS year. I look forward to seeing you all there.