It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Alex Barrett, a friend to so many members of the George Formby Society over many years. I joined the George Formby Society in 1991 and attended my first Blackpool convention the following year. One of the first people I met and became friends with was Alex. I remember that, in those early days, Alex would record the conventions on an audio cassette recorder, carefully capturing so much of what was taking place. By the end of 1992, I was recording and editing the Blackpool conventions with a video camera, and it was not long before Alex joined me at the back of the concert room with his own video camera. For many, many years we were to be found within a short distance of each other, both intent on recording as much as we could. On many occasions, the whole Barrett family would be there as well. During those early years, I was always very happy to chat with Alex, and I soon realised that he was one of the most dedicated and committed members of the GFS, together with his dear wife, Kitty. Alex had joined the GFS in 1962 and, living so far away from Blackpool in Peebles, Scotland, it was obviously difficult to travel, particularly with a young family. It was not too long, however, before Alex, Kitty and the family were regularly attending the Blackpool weekends. Alex also became a regular contributor of letters to The Vellum, frequently praising the concerts and sharing his enthusiasm for the Society. Perhaps many members will not be aware that Alex also served on the GFS Committee for four years. He was, though, particularly committed to capturing the Society's history on video tape, and it goes without saying that there must be a real treasure trove of video and audio recordings in the Barrett household! Alex and Kitty also celebrated many important family occasions in Blackpool, including their Golden and Diamond wedding anniversaries. While Alex was happy to concentrate on recording the meetings, Kitty became equally well known for her tireless fundraising efforts during the Blackpool weekends. She also served on the GFS Committee as Fund Promotions Officer, a position she held until ill health prevented both Alex and Kitty from attending Blackpool. Sadly, Kitty passed away in March 2024. We have not had the pleasure of Alex's company at Blackpool during these last few years, but thankfully Mary and Andy, and Trevor and Patricia, have continued to make the journey from time to time. For me personally, Alex was the very best of members — loyal to the core and always ready to support the GFS in any way he could. Whether it was donating something for the Society's archives or filming important moments that I had missed, Alex was always there. He was particularly good at making sure that I received copies of his recordings whenever he had captured something important. One occasion stands out in my memory. In September 2009, I was unexpectedly presented with an Honorary Membership of the George Formby Society. I had not filmed the meeting myself, but thankfully Alex had — and he was, as always, ready to let me have his recording so that I could preserve the occasion. I find it difficult to write about Alex without mentioning his dear wife Kitty and their beloved family. They were all so well known within the GFS over many years, with their daughter Patricia even finding love within the Society when she met and married Trevor Weston. When I think back over all the videos I captured at Blackpool during those many years, Alex was so often there with me, sharing thoughts about George Formby and Al Bowlly and of course his family, and enjoying the company of fellow members. He was such an unassuming and gentle man. It is some time since either Alex or Kitty were able to visit Blackpool, but these two very special people left behind so many memories and created so many friendships that I am certain their presence will never be far away at future GFS conventions. Alex and Kitty were, quite simply, irreplaceable members of the George Formby Society. They gave so much to the Society and to the people within it, and both will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing them and sharing their friendship. Caroline Stewart summoned up Kitty and Alex when I made contact to tell her the sad news. Caroline simply replied, “End of an era.” On behalf of all GFS members and especially those who were privileged to be able to call Alex and Kitty their friends, I extend sincerest condolences to all of the Barrett family at this very sad time. Peter Pollard - 08/10/2026

alex barrett

1933 - 2026

ALEX WITH FOUNDER MEMBER RAY BERNARD - ALEX JOINED IN 1962

ALEX AND KITTY BARRETT - ALWAYS TOGETHER

EVER ON DUTY IN BLACKPOOL - ALEX AND HIS VIDEO CAMERA