Alan Southworth
Alan Southworth, one of the staunchest members of the George
Formby Society has sadly passed away. An honorary member
and a gifted player of Formby songs, Alan rarely missed a
convention and it is not an exaggeration to say that the George
Formby Society was in Alan’s blood.
A close look through past editions of The Vellum reveals the work
that Alan did on behalf of the editor and members, when he
contributed so many articles, letters and songs over virtually his
life within the GFS.
He was an enthusiastic committee member and the secretary for
some years in the 1980’s and he worked continually to make the
Society the success that it is today. He was a great source of
knowledge and was always happy to share it and was a good
friend to all who knew him.
In 2004 Alan was awarded honorary membership, the highest
award that the GFS can bestow, and believe me when I say that
in Alan’s case it was very well deserved.
Alan will be very sadly missed and future conventions will not be
the same without him but I feel sure that his name and the
memories of him will continue to remind us of all that is good
about the George Formby Society.
His ukulele playing and Formby technique was second to none
and he was held in the highest regard by all.
On behalf of the committee and members, I wish to extend
sincere condolences to Alan’s beloved wife Hilda and all the
family.
Peter Pollard
16/04/2017
Alan gave his last Blackpool performance in November 2016. The short interview before
Alan’s song was shot in Blackpool in 2011.
MANY TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN PAID TO ALAN BY
FACEBOOK OR BY EMAIL.
PLEASE CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO READ THEM.
She's Got Two of Everything
(Wallace Towers/Ian Cunningham)
It is rather difficult to pick just one song, but She's
Got Two Of Everything means a lot to me because I
saw George performing it live in Blackpool in the
summer of 1960.
ALAN’S FAVOURITE SONG
This might only be a home recording, but it shows
just how good Alan was when playing his
instruments.
Alan did lots of recordings over a period and kindly
gave them to me. Listen to the solo to appreciate just
how good Alan Southworth was as a player in the
best traditions of George Formby.