september 2008

GFS donates £600 to Mayor’s charity

The generosity of the GFS members was to the fore over the weekend of the September 2008 convention when The Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Mrs Mary Smith received a cheque for £600 to contribute to her favourite charity. The Mayor visited on Saturday afternoon and was entertained by the members before being presented with the cheque by president of the GFS, Gerry Mawdsley. It was very evident that the Mayor and her party enjoyed the event. We have always had an excellent rapport with previous Mayors and Councillor Mrs Mary Smith made sure that the goodwill that exists between Blackpool and the GFS will continue in the future

The Pavilion Theatre

We were back in the Pavilion Theatre within the Winter Gardens and it has to be said that it was nice to be back in one of the most important buildings that the town has to offer. Our lady members have all the shops they could wish for on the doorstep and for everyone, the area is very convenient for the hotels and restaurants that are plentiful in Blackpool. The weather was kind to us again but sometimes this can work against us because it can keep members and visitors out of the venue and in the fresh air, the Pavilion Theatre is such a large venue to fill that it can sometimes look as if the numbers are down when in fact it is usually a normal attendance.

Great entertainment

Those who stayed to enjoy the show were treated to some great entertainment from the members and we made the news in the Independent newspaper and achieved a very favourable report from them. One new player to come on stage who definitely caught the eye was Zak Evans, he needed a music stand so he obviously still isn’t too familiar with some of the lyrics but his skill on the instrument was second to none. Senior members It is always nice to meet up with senior members of the GFS and on this occasion I chatted with Ray Bernard, John Walley, Alex Barrett and Alan Southworth. All are honorary members and all have deep knowledge of the beginning of the GFS. To listen to Ray Bernard speak on the formation of the GFS is spellbinding stuff. We must surely get such men as these to sit down and record their memories for future issues of The Vellum. The weekend was once again a great success; the GFS shop achieved record takings on the Saturday and Subscription Secretary Andrew Gatherer and his team were kept busy at the reception with new and old friends coming through the door. All in all, an excellent weekend.

GFS donates £600 to Mayor’s charity

The generosity of the GFS members was to the fore over the weekend of the September 2008 convention when The Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Mrs Mary Smith received a cheque for £600 to contribute to her favourite charity. The Mayor visited on Saturday afternoon and was entertained by the members before being presented with the cheque by president of the GFS, Gerry Mawdsley. It was very evident that the Mayor and her party enjoyed the event. We have always had an excellent rapport with previous Mayors and Councillor Mrs Mary Smith made sure that the goodwill that exists between Blackpool and the GFS will continue in the future

The Pavilion Theatre

We were back in the Pavilion Theatre within the Winter Gardens and it has to be said that it was nice to be back in one of the most important buildings that the town has to offer. Our lady members have all the shops they could wish for on the doorstep and for everyone, the area is very convenient for the hotels and restaurants that are plentiful in Blackpool. The weather was kind to us again but sometimes this can work against us because it can keep members and visitors out of the venue and in the fresh air, the Pavilion Theatre is such a large venue to fill that it can sometimes look as if the numbers are down when in fact it is usually a normal attendance.

Great entertainment

Those who stayed to enjoy the show were treated to some great entertainment from the members and we made the news in the Independent newspaper and achieved a very favourable report from them. One new player to come on stage who definitely caught the eye was Zak Evans, he needed a music stand so he obviously still isn’t too familiar with some of the lyrics but his skill on the instrument was second to none. Senior members It is always nice to meet up with senior members of the GFS and on this occasion I chatted with Ray Bernard, John Walley, Alex Barrett and Alan Southworth. All are honorary members and all have deep knowledge of the beginning of the GFS. To listen to Ray Bernard speak on the formation of the GFS is spellbinding stuff. We must surely get such men as these to sit down and record their memories for future issues of The Vellum. The weekend was once again a great success; the GFS shop achieved record takings on the Saturday and Subscription Secretary Andrew Gatherer and his team were kept busy at the reception with new and old friends coming through the door. All in all, an excellent weekend.
september 2008