A very enjoyable first night back at the Castleford branch in front of a capacity audience at the George V WMC last Wednesday night. We thought it sensible to arrive a bit earlier than we would normally do with it being the first night and it was a good job that we did as the large car park was almost full. The George V club is a very nice venue and the people of Castleford have always supported the GFS at the three branches that we have been involved over the last 23 years or so. As well as visitors from the local area, GFS members travelled from far afield with mates from the Westhoughton branch, the South Yorkshire branch and further afield from Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Wrexham. It made a refreshing change to be in a room full of faces that we have not seen for the last 18 months other than through our Zoom screens. It was such a pleasure to be amongst Formby friends again. Branch organiser Andy Poppleton was kept busy all evening observing all the safety rules and regulations by wiping microphone stands with anti-septic wipes and making sure that every performer had a new cover over the microphone. Antiseptic hand-wash was also available in many areas of the club. Dale Norman worked the sound desk and a splendid supper was also provided for those who needed something more than George Formby nourishment. Let us all hope that we are now really looking at the light at the end of the tunnel although we should still all be so careful about our personal safety, perhaps for many more months to come. PP 16.08.2021