The Winter Gardens, Morecambe

Saturday 27 July 2013

After attending countless conventions and George Formby gatherings throughout my twenty two years of membership, our special one-day convention at the Morecambe Winter Gardens must rank as one of the most memorable - and to perform on the same stage as the best in variety and entertainment - including of course, the one and only George Formby was truly a unique experience. This day (for a change) was never about the people who attended, but more about the venue. A theatre which is steeped in the history and traditions of British variety and is, thanks to the splendid efforts of a team of dedicated and devoted workers, now undergoing a massive restoration programme which hopefully at some stage in the future will see this wonderful building put back to something like its former glory. The theatre was closed in 1977, but is now reopened and is able to stage some events so that funds can be raised to allow the work to continue and the GFS and those who attended enjoyed a wonderful day in the company of Evelyn Archer and her dedicated restoration team. They have a massive task in front of them and every penny that can be raised is vital to their cause - so we were delighted to learn that our attendance helped to swell the funds (mainly due to donations) by over £1500 . Even though the building has lost much of the beauty that it must have had in the first half of the 20th century through neglect after the 1977 closure, it is still a delight to walk about in and to just look around and marvel at what it must have been like when George Formby played there. It is even reputed to be haunted (in the best theatrical tradition) and has atmosphere in buckets full. If you missed this event, do go to Morecambe and visit this beautiful building. Theatre tours and of course events are taking place all the time and it is a real treat just to walk through the door. Free entry to everyone must have been the best bargain in Morecambe on the day in question. The attendance throughout the afternoon was splendid and only tailed off in the evening as those not staying the weekend made the journey home. On that note, if you missed the day then you really missed a unique opportunity to be part of such a special occasion. Many of those members who attended are already asking that this venue become a part of the George Formby Society calendar, not only because of the chance to play in such atmospheric surroundings, but to also help to fund the ongoing work. Congratulations to all who helped to make this day such a successful event. Peter Pollard July 2013