In the ‘Frank Skinner’ room The Blackpool convention for June 2011 was once again a very successful event even though some people suggested that it could be an anti-climax after March. Not so, this event was just as good as any other and a good crowd turned out on both days. We changed rooms for this weekend with us returning to the "Frank Skinner" room but with a very nice change, gone were the unsightly doors behind the performers and in their place was a magnificent painting of George Formby, which had been loaned to the GFS by Wigan Council and created by the talented children of George’s home town. Accent on youth The weekend started in great style with the accent very much on youth when James Bassett opened the show and was closely followed by Tommy Bland. From then on we had another entertaining Saturday afternoon with MC John Walley amusing the audience with his introductions of the constant supply of performers Chris Webster Some people said that the sound wasn’t as good in this room but that is subjective and although I did feel that the vocals were a bit low, it didn't spoil the enjoyment of the concert. A faulty microphone didn’t phase Chris Webster one bit, Chris was making one of his rare appearances these days as he flies in from Spain to be with us but what a pro! He made the stage difficulties just part of his act and finished with a brilliant version of ‘Leaning On A Lamp Post.’ He received a standing ovation at the end. He also demonstrated his skill with the instrument and is welcome in Blackpool any time he cares to attend. Good performances Other performers I enjoyed were of course the one and only Martin Harrison who in my opinion is as near to George Formby as anyone is likely to get. I also really enjoyed the all too brief six or seven minutes that Cathy Darlington was on stage, playing a beautiful wooden ukulele that was originally owned by Charlie Chester. Cathy is so relaxed and professional and puts the audience in the same tranquil mood. Plus of course the efforts of the younger members with James Bassett, Tommy Bland, Francesca Davies and Michael Pickles all well featured throughout the weekend. The ukulele raffle The lucky winner of the 2011 George Formby Society Raffle is Mrs Margaret Kilvington. Margaret is the winner of a lovely Abbott instrument. She comes from Northumberland and only joined the GFS seven months ago. The draw took place this weekend and the winning ticket was drawn by the promoter of the raffle, Kathryn Pollard. Margaret received her prize from Society president Gerry Mawdsley. The winning number was 10603. On a good footing… With the younger members of the George Formby Society, we are surely on a good footing in this our fiftieth year, things haven’t run so smoothly over the last couple of years, what with the enforced exit from the Winter Gardens and the unavoidable loss of our dear friends – but whatever seems to happen, the Society always comes through and as we enjoy our golden jubilee year, the GFS ship is steady. As usual there is a selection of images image gallery button at the top of the page that will reflect the mood of the meeting far better than I can.
JUNE 2011
In the ‘Frank Skinner’ room The Blackpool convention for June 2011 was once again a very successful event even though some people suggested that it could be an anti-climax after March. Not so, this event was just as good as any other and a good crowd turned out on both days. We changed rooms for this weekend with us returning to the "Frank Skinner" room but with a very nice change, gone were the unsightly doors behind the performers and in their place was a magnificent painting of George Formby, which had been loaned to the GFS by Wigan Council and created by the talented children of George’s home town. Accent on youth The weekend started in great style with the accent very much on youth when James Bassett opened the show and was closely followed by Tommy Bland. From then on we had another entertaining Saturday afternoon with MC John Walley amusing the audience with his introductions of the constant supply of performers Chris Webster Some people said that the sound wasn’t as good in this room but that is subjective and although I did feel that the vocals were a bit low, it didn't spoil the enjoyment of the concert. A faulty microphone didn’t phase Chris Webster one bit, Chris was making one of his rare appearances these days as he flies in from Spain to be with us but what a pro! He made the stage difficulties just part of his act and finished with a brilliant version of ‘Leaning On A Lamp Post.’ He received a standing ovation at the end. He also demonstrated his skill with the instrument and is welcome in Blackpool any time he cares to attend. Good performances Other performers I enjoyed were of course the one and only Martin Harrison who in my opinion is as near to George Formby as anyone is likely to get. I also really enjoyed the all too brief six or seven minutes that Cathy Darlington was on stage, playing a beautiful wooden ukulele that was originally owned by Charlie Chester. Cathy is so relaxed and professional and puts the audience in the same tranquil mood. Plus of course the efforts of the younger members with James Bassett, Tommy Bland, Francesca Davies and Michael Pickles all well featured throughout the weekend. The ukulele raffle The lucky winner of the 2011 George Formby Society Raffle is Mrs Margaret Kilvington. Margaret is the winner of a lovely Abbott instrument. She comes from Northumberland and only joined the GFS seven months ago. The draw took place this weekend and the winning ticket was drawn by the promoter of the raffle, Kathryn Pollard. Margaret received her prize from Society president Gerry Mawdsley. The winning number was 10603. On a good footing… With the younger members of the George Formby Society, we are surely on a good footing in this our fiftieth year, things haven’t run so smoothly over the last couple of years, what with the enforced exit from the Winter Gardens and the unavoidable loss of our dear friends – but whatever seems to happen, the Society always comes through and as we enjoy our golden jubilee year, the GFS ship is steady. As usual there is a selection of images image gallery button at the top of the page that will reflect the mood of the meeting far better than I can.
june 2011