Some time ago, Kathryn and I were asked if we could store some GFS archives in our
home for a few months. The archive consisted of photographs, magazines, and
newspaper clippings. We accepted quite a quantity — more than enough to fill the
boot of our car. A few days later, whilst looking through some of the material, I realised
what a treasure trove we had taken in: vintage magazines from the 1930s and 1940s,
along with many fascinating newspaper cuttings.
Since The Vellum moved to publishing three issues a year, a group of friends decided
to help fill the gap by producing a special issue of their own.
Lewis Clifton, Peter Lee and I worked together to create this special edition, inspired
by the wealth of material that had been lying dormant in the GFS archives.
It includes a world exclusive — a first-hand account of George Formby’s final
moments, written by Pat Howson’s mother, Kath, in April 1961. The letter was given to
me when we visited Hilda Southworth, the dear wife of the late and much-missed
honorary member, Alan Southworth.
After keeping the letter at home for some time, I felt it would be safer in the hands of a
younger member. I asked Lewis Clifton if he would look after it in his personal archive.
Sadly, over the years, some items from the GFS archives have gone missing, and
entrusting Lewis with the letter was
my way of ensuring its long-term
safety.
There are many other articles within
this issue, included for Formby fans
to enjoy and to help fill the gap until
the next official issue of The Vellum is
published.
A PDF copy of this special magazine is available to download by clicking the image above.
Peter Pollard - December 2025
the vellum that never was
ALAN AND HILDA SOUTHWORTH
Some time ago, Kathryn and I were asked if we
could store some GFS archives in our home for a
few months. The archive
consisted of photographs,
magazines, and newspaper
clippings. We accepted quite a
quantity — more than enough
to fill the boot of our car. A few
days later, whilst looking
through some of the material, I
realised what a treasure trove
we had taken in: vintage
magazines from the 1930s and
1940s, along with many
fascinating newspaper
cuttings.
Since The Vellum moved to
publishing three issues a year,
a group of friends decided to
help fill the gap by producing a
special issue of their own.
Lewis Clifton, Peter Lee and I
worked together to create this special edition, inspired by the wealth
of material that had been lying dormant in the GFS archives.
It includes a world exclusive — a first-hand account of George
Formby’s final moments, written by Pat Howson’s mother, Kath, in
April 1961. The letter was given to me when we visited Hilda
Southworth, the dear wife of the late and much-missed honorary
member, Alan Southworth.
After keeping the letter at
home for some time, I felt it
would be safer in the hands
of a younger member. I
asked Lewis Clifton if he
would look after it in his
personal archive. Sadly,
over the years, some items
from the GFS archives have
gone missing, and
entrusting Lewis with the
letter was my way of
ensuring its long-term safety.
There are many other
articles within this issue,
included for Formby fans to
enjoy and to help fill the gap
until the next official issue of
The Vellum is published.
A PDF copy of this special magazine is available to download by
clicking the image at the top of the page.
Peter Pollard - December 2025
the vellum that never was
ALAN AND HILDA SOUTHWORTH
