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| The
September convention was unique in that it was the 45th anniversary
of the birth of the society, it was the last convention presided over
by long-running GFS President Dennis Taylor, and it was officially announced
from the stage by newly elected GFS President Gerry Mawdsley that at
long last a statue of George was to be erected in his home town of Wigan.
All the usual features of a George Formby convention were in place when the weekend commenced on September 17 2006. The meeting took place in the lovely and historic surroundings of the Pavilion Theatre which was the best setting for the members to say a fond farewell to the President of the last fourteen years. Dennis Taylor and his wife Pat were welcomed on to the stage by Vice President Peter Pollard on Saturday evening to accept tokens from a grateful membership. Dennis and Pat have worked tirelessly in the cause of George Formby but Dennis felt that the time was right for him to stand down and allow a new face to take over the role of President. In Dennis’s fourteen years there have been many changes and improvements to the Society; probably the most notable one was the conversion of the Society’s magazine “The Vellum” to a glossy professional production. Dennis made a speech after the presentation and then both Dennis and Pat entertained members with their version of “Ordinary People” from the show “Zip Goes A Million” Later that same evening the new President Gerry Mawdlsey gave out the news that the statue which he has worked so hard to achieve, was (after many twists and turns) finally going to happen. We were also honoured by the visit of the Deputy Mayor of Blackpool Sue Wright who is now a great friend of the George Formby Society and is a very popular visitior with all the members and a genuine Formby fan as well. Sue was presented with a cheque for £500 in support of the Mayor’s annual charity appeal and gave a very sincere speech from the stage to thank the members for their efforts. This is the weekend when a new committee is elected to carry on the organisation and day to day running of the GFS and we also sadly said farewell to our retiring secretary Pam Walker. Pam did a totally professional job in her time in the position and will be very hard to replace. Stars In Their Eyes winner Christopher Napier also visited for the weekend and was given a rousing welcome when he took to the stage to entertain the audience. As usual the entertainment throughout the weekend was of the highest
standard and the Society attracted numerous visitors and new members
to add to the every growing numbers who support the George Formby
Society. |
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