paul mountain

I have such sad news for you. A true icon of the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle, Paul Mountain passed away on Monday morning. Paul was Chairman of the Uke Circle when I joined in 1991 and was in fact, the man who encouraged me to play the uke and was with me when I got on stage for the very first time when we sang together, "You'll Be Far Better Off In A Home." I was not alone when I say that Paul helped and encouraged me. Paul helped and inspired so many beginners to become better players over the years. His boundless enthusiasm for the instrument and George Formby was infectious! When I first joined the Uke Circle, Paul would announce all the players and any events that might be coming up. I would hang on to his every word as I was just as much in love with the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle as I was with The George Formby Society. He was a regular visitor to the Blackpool conventions until his health prevented him from travelling. In the late 1990s, Paul would be one of the MCs on the Blackpool stage. When Howard Broadbent, composer of the popular song "The Blackpool Belle" visited the Blackpool convention in September 1993, Paul was chosen to sing the song for the composer and the assembled company. Many players will also remember Paul for the uke strings he used to sell, the famous blue strings. Paul put his heart and soul into the Uke Circle and was a founder member back in July 1974. He also joined The George Formby Society around 1968/69 and was a fully paid-up member and proud to be so, right to the end. He will be so very much missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and on behalf of all the members of the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle and The George Formby Society, I extend sincere condolences to Paul's family. Peter Pollard - 10/04/2023

1936 - 2023

In the 53 years I have known Paul his enthusiasm for the ukulele and George Formby never waned and in the early years of the Y.U.C. he organised some tremendous outings and events for the members. Unfortunately most of the people involved are no longer with us. As Max Miller would say "there'll never be another!" Paul will be sadly missed by all who knew him.