I was saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Stratford this week. Such a gentleman and an avid supporter of The George Formby Society. Tom joined the GFS in December 2013 and immediately started to learn to play. His enthusiasm was second to none. He was seventy- six years old when he joined us, an age perhaps when many would be considering stopping playing. Tom embraced everything about the world of banjo-ukes and he was soon very well known throughout the North. He travelled far and wide, visiting branches at Westhoughton, Sale, Liverpool, Stourbridge, Crewe and his local branches at Castleford, South Yorkshire and of course the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle. He also attended special events in Goathland and the Penketh Carnival. He was one of the crew on two of the seven GFS Caledonia Canal cruises and would have been on a third but the pandemic cancelled that activity. He was in his element when cruising with us and his enthusiasm was infectious. Tom could play very well on his own but he also liked to share the stage with Tom Fletcher. They were very close and became known in Blackpool and beyond as 'The Two Tom's. Many tributes have been posted on social media telling us everything we need to know about the friendships that Tom made over the last thirteen years. Tom Stratford attended as many Blackpool conventions as he possibly could get to. He enjoyed his time performing on the Blackpool stage playing solo or with his pal Tom Fletcher. At AGM meetings he was never afraid to stand up and express his opinion if it benefited the Society. On behalf of everyone who knew and enjoyed Tom's company within our Society, I extend sincere condolences to all his family. Peter Pollard 06/09/2024

tom stratford