The Society is now 56 years old and with the passing of years the recognition of honorary members who have
passed away is sadly not recognised – so this page will put this right by recognising all those who have done
good works and have been singled out to receive the highest award that the George Formby Society can bestow.
It has to be said that in the early days of the GFS, honorary membership was awarded for the flimsiest of
reasons. In 1962 film actor Ronald Shiner was awarded the status as was songwriter Roger MacDougal and for
some strange reason, the Mayor of Wigan in 1962 was awarded honorary membership because he was asked to
name a street in Wigan after George Formby. The Vellum at that time stated that we were “waiting for a reply.”
The mayor is stated as a Mr. Marks but the Mayor of Wigan in 1962 is documented as a Thomas Monks!
Alan Southworth
Ray Bernard
Bernard Young
Alan Randall
Keith Smith
Billy ‘Uke’ Scott
Jack Jones
George Cheetham
Billy Hartley