As 2025 rapidly fades into the distance, we pause for a moment to reflect on the sixty-fifth year of the George Formby Society. Alongside our three regular Blackpool Conventions, the GFS organised and was represented at many events across the country, including the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, the outstanding No Limit at 90 weekend on the Isle of Man, Andy Poppleton’s Zoom ukulele tuition sessions, the Pontefract 1940s Day, and numerous branch meetings nationwide.

NO LIMIT AT 90

From 25–27 July, twenty-five members of the GFS embarked on what will surely be remembered as one of the most successful events in the history of the Society — the No Limit exhibition on the Isle of Man. Throughout the weekend, members performed George Formby’s most famous songs to audiences of more than one hundred people each day, including at Port Erin Station, the Port Erin Beach Stage, the Manx Museum, the George Formby Statue and the Rovers Return Inn. The weekend concluded at the Manx Museum in Douglas, where the cinema room was filled to capacity — standing room only — all to celebrate George Formby. Our sincere thanks go to Nick Saunders and Andrew Poppleton, together with the many local supporters on the Island whose efforts made this event such a resounding success.

NATIONWIDE PERFORMANCES

In this section, special mention must be made of the Westhoughton Branch and its leader, Garry Hampson, who continues to do so much to promote the name of George Formby through performances at numerous 1940s events and other venues across the North of England. This year, they appeared at least six times, including Standish Christmas Market, the Bury 1940s Weekend, Tattoo Cymru in Wrexham, Rhuddfest in North Wales, the Stanley Park Classic Car Show, and of course Llandudno — with support from members travelling from other regions. Our Yorkshire members also delivered two excellent public performances this summer: one at the Pontefract 1940s Weekend, and another on a Sheffield bandstand to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. Further south, Johnny Key and Ray Reynolds continue to enjoy success as a double act in a range of pubs and clubs across London.

THE BLACKPOOL CONVENTIONS

The three national Blackpool Conventions were again held in the Washington Suite of the Imperial Hotel — a venue that suits us perfectly (weather permitting). Attendance was excellent at all three meetings, including a post-COVID record of 190 members in March. The March Convention was notable for many reasons — not least the welcome end of the six-month gap between events. Sean Rutter returned after almost fifteen years away, performing with all his former skill. On the Saturday afternoon, Andy Eastwood gave a fascinating presentation on nine ukuleles, either owned by George Formby or Tessie O’Shea, all of which were present in the room. Later that evening, Honorary Membership was deservedly conferred upon President Andrew Poppleton by Jonathan Baddeley. June featured an engaging talk on Abbott ukuleles. With Kevin and Cathy Staniland unable to attend, Stuart Lowther ably led the GFS Sound Desk for the weekend — a role he will now continue permanently, alongside Dale Norman and others, following Kevin and Cathy’s retirement. We extend our sincere thanks to them both for their dedication in recent years. September welcomed very special guests: Dickie Speake, who performed on stage for the first time since 2019, and long-standing Swedish member Jonas Svensson. At the AGM, members gave unanimous support to reinstating the November Convention, following an excellent financial result for the Society.

A NEW COMMITTEE

The AGM also confirmed four new committee appointments. Summer Valentine was elected Vice-President, Gail Kinrade as Chair, Andy Eastwood as Vice-Chair, and Andrew Higham as Assistant Secretary. Members expressed strong confidence in these appointments and in the continued progress of the Society. In only her second month as Vice-President, Summer appeared on BBC Radio Sheffield, interviewed by Reverend Kate Bottley about George Formby and the work of the Society — an excellent representation of the GFS. Well done, Summer.

A NEW BRANCH

October saw the successful launch of the Coleshill Branch in the Midlands, organised by Tom Cutler and Andrew Higham. No fewer than four committee members attended, and we are confident that Coleshill will become a key branch in years to come. With a Devon branch also being considered for 2026, it is clear that the GFS continues to grow.

MUCH-MISSED FRIENDS

Each year brings the sad news that we must say farewell to some of our members. Early this year we lost George Child ex-archivist for eight years, Lynn Raybould of the Stourbridge Branch — a familiar face in the front row at Blackpool, who captured so many treasured moments on camera. We were also deeply saddened by the passing of ex-archivist for the great Eddie Uttley from the Yorkshire branches in November. There cannot be many instruments that did not pass through Eddie’s skilled hands — he was always ready with the perfect set-up, a replacement part, and a warm smile. Numerous other members sadly passed in this year, all irreplaceable. The three members featured here were notable for the efforts and support of the George Formby Society.

2026 AWAITS

2026 promises to be another successful year for the George Formby Society. We are in a sound financial position, supported by a dedicated committee and many generous volunteers who give their time so willingly. The year will also carry deep significance: • On 6 March we mark the 65th anniversary of George Formby’s passing, • In September we celebrate the Sapphire Jubilee of the George Formby Society. Members can expect special commemorations at the conventions during these months. There has never been a better time to join us. Charlie Evered 24/12/2025