dennis mitchell
THE SADDEST NEWS
I was informed on Saturday morning of the saddest news. One of the icons of The George Formby Society over the last thirty-six years has passed away. I refer to a man who gave his all for Society in every possible way, none other than Dennis Mitchell. Creator of the famed banjo-uke, the Mitchell Monarch, ex-Chairman of the GFS, concert organiser for many years and such a friend to so many people in both the GFS and the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle.Remembering Dennis
What can I tell you about this man, this giant of a man as far as the George Formby Society is concerned? I honestly do not feel that I have the necessary skills to create a picture of a man who, since his introduction to the GFS in 1987, spread himself over every aspect of Society life, From committee work, concert organisation, his work as twice-Chairman of the Society, tuition on how to play, how to present one's self on stage, his magnificent creation of forty Mitchell Monarch banjo-ukes, all made by Dennis with such loving care and skill to make available to one and all, a copy of the legendary pre-war Abbott Monarch. It was quite appropriate that the man who relayed this sad news to me was another GFS giant and Dennis's greatest GFS friend, Dickie Speake who partnered with Dennis on stage for so many years.friendship
What can I tell you about the loyal friendship that Dennis would give to those lucky enough to not only enjoy his company at Society gatherings but to live close enough to be with him at GFS conventions, GFS branch meetings, Yorkshire Ukulele Circle meetings and even to share a cabin with him on four eight-day cruises on the Caledonia Canal with other GFS pals?a gentleman
Dennis was such a warm, generous, friendly man, a gentleman in every sense of the word. His love first and foremost of his family but also of his friends was lasting and forever firm. When I joined the Society and the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle in 1991 I got to know Dennis immediately and always found him to be solid and reliable and forever helpful in every possible way. When I read all the loving comments on The George Formby Society Facebook page, from so many friends of Dennis, what more is there to say? I know for certain that such people as Dennis Mitchell are a rare breed. You are lucky if you meet a Dennis Mitchell type once in a lifetime, yet so many of us were privileged to call him a friend. When Kathryn and I managed the GFS shop for nine years, Dennis would provide all the calfskin vellums for us. For years Dennis had done this task. The quality of the vellums was always stunningly good and the main reason for that was because Dennis insisted that the supplier hand-selected every skin to Dennis' laid down specifications.Such a Professional
This man was such a professional in everything that he did throughout his life. On our Blackpool stage or at any branch meeting, Dennis would always be so smart in dress and performance. I must add the memories of his legendary performances with his close friend, Dickie Speake, singing not only Formby songs but the songs of Flanagan and Allen. Superb performances, never to be forgotten.Awarded Honorary Membership
He was awarded an honorary membership in the year 2000, the highest honour that the GFS can bestow and how richly deserved in the case of Dennis. In the last few years, Dennis found it difficult to attend the Blackpool meetings and sadly we also missed him at the Uke Circle monthly gatherings. We would though keep in touch with him and would visit him and his beloved wife Anne sometimes on GFS business and sometimes just to visit. Whilst Dennis was unwell at this time, you would never be aware of that. He would be far more concerned with how we were and would never reveal any aches and pains that he might be suffering.Dennis will never be forgotten
A proud man with such high standards, Dennis was admired by so many people. His loss to the Society is unimaginable and whilst ever the George Formby Society exists, the name of Dennis Mitchell will never be forgotten. On behalf of every friend and member of the Society and the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle, I offer sincere condolences to Dennis' wife Anne and his family. PP - 26/06/2023
REMEMBERING DENNIS MITCHELL
WITH HIS GREAT FRIEND, DICKIE SPEAKE
DENNIS ON THE CALEDONIA CANAL
DENNIS MITCHELL - HONORARY MEMBER - THE GFS
1938 - 2023
A few words from Dennis’ friend and
concert partner, Dickie Speake.
It is with much sadness that I write these words about my dear friend
Dennis Mitchell.
Dennis was born in Halifax in 1938 and lived there all his life. Prior to
joining the George Formby Society he was a member of the Halifax
Thespians where in addition to acting he covered all aspects of theatre
management. To think that he gave it all up for the G.F.S. That really
says something about how lucky we all were!
For many years Dennis and I entertained as a double act until his
illness intervened. I took care of the music and programmes and
Dennis arranged bookings and organisation of our shows. We
played everywhere from nursing homes to theatres and everything
in-between. At times it was hard work but we had a lot of fun.
Dennis could charm any sort of audience and make them listen to
our performance especially if they didn't want to! He was a master
of his craft and we must have done it right as we were always
asked to return. I could go on and on about the things Dennis
has done but suffice it to say he was a unique selfless man who
gave his all to everything and everyone.
I know that Dennis will be sorely missed by myself and everyone
who knew him and I send my heartfelt condolences to his wife Anne and family.
Dickie Speake.
THE SADDEST NEWS
I was informed on Saturday morning of the saddest news. One of the icons of The George Formby Society over the last thirty-six years has passed away. I refer to a man who gave his all for Society in every possible way, none other than Dennis Mitchell. Creator of the famed banjo-uke, the Mitchell Monarch, ex- Chairman of the GFS, concert organiser for many years and such a friend to so many people in both the GFS and the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle.Remembering Dennis
What can I tell you about this man, this giant of a man as far as the George Formby Society is concerned? I honestly do not feel that I have the necessary skills to create a picture of a man who, since his introduction to the GFS in 1987, spread himself over every aspect of Society life, From committee work, concert organisation, his work as twice-Chairman of the Society, tuition on how to play, how to present one's self on stage, his magnificent creation of forty Mitchell Monarch banjo-ukes, all made by Dennis with such loving care and skill to make available to one and all, a copy of the legendary pre-war Abbott Monarch. It was quite appropriate that the man who relayed this sad news to me was another GFS giant and Dennis's greatest GFS friend, Dickie Speake who partnered with Dennis on stage for so many years.friendship
What can I tell you about the loyal friendship that Dennis would give to those lucky enough to not only enjoy his company at Society gatherings but to live close enough to be with him at GFS conventions, GFS branch meetings, Yorkshire Ukulele Circle meetings and even to share a cabin with him on four eight- day cruises on the Caledonia Canal with other GFS pals?a gentleman
Dennis was such a warm, generous, friendly man, a gentleman in every sense of the word. His love first and foremost of his family but also of his friends was lasting and forever firm. When I joined the Society and the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle in 1991 I got to know Dennis immediately and always found him to be solid and reliable and forever helpful in every possible way. When I read all the loving comments on The George Formby Society Facebook page, from so many friends of Dennis, what more is there to say? I know for certain that such people as Dennis Mitchell are a rare breed. You are lucky if you meet a Dennis Mitchell type once in a lifetime, yet so many of us were privileged to call him a friend. When Kathryn and I managed the GFS shop for nine years, Dennis would provide all the calfskin vellums for us. For years Dennis had done this task. The quality of the vellums was always stunningly good and the main reason for that was because Dennis insisted that the supplier hand-selected every skin to Dennis' laid down specifications.Such a Professional
This man was such a professional in everything that he did throughout his life. On our Blackpool stage or at any branch meeting, Dennis would always be so smart in dress and performance. I must add the memories of his legendary performances with his close friend, Dickie Speake, singing not only Formby songs but the songs of Flanagan and Allen. Superb performances, never to be forgotten.Awarded Honorary Membership
He was awarded an honorary membership in the year 2000, the highest honour that the GFS can bestow and how richly deserved in the case of Dennis. In the last few years, Dennis found it difficult to attend the Blackpool meetings and sadly we also missed him at the Uke Circle monthly gatherings. We would though keep in touch with him and would visit him and his beloved wife Anne sometimes on GFS business and sometimes just to visit. Whilst Dennis was unwell at this time, you would never be aware of that. He would be far more concerned with how we were and would never reveal any aches and pains that he might be suffering.Dennis will never be forgotten
A proud man with such high standards, Dennis was admired by so many people. His loss to the Society is unimaginable and whilst ever the George Formby Society exists, the name of Dennis Mitchell will never be forgotten. On behalf of every friend and member of the Society and the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle, I offer sincere condolences to Dennis' wife Anne and his family. PP - 26/06/2023
REMEMBERING DENNIS MITCHELL
DENNIS ON THE CALEDONIA CANAL
DENNIS MITCHELL - HONORARY MEMBER - THE GFS
1938 - 2023
dennis mitchell
WITH HIS GREAT FRIEND, DICKIE SPEAKE
A few words from Dennis’ friend and concert
partner, Dickie Speake.
It is with much sadness that I write these words about my
dear friend Dennis Mitchell.
Dennis was born in Halifax in 1938 and lived there all his life.
Prior to joining the George Formby Society he was a member
of the Halifax Thespians where in addition to acting he
covered all aspects of theatre management. To think that he
gave it all up for the G.F.S. That really says something about
how lucky we all were!
For many years Dennis and I entertained as a double act
until his illness intervened. I took care of the music and
programmes and Dennis arranged bookings and
organisation of our shows. We played everywhere from
nursing homes to theatres and everything in-between. At
times it was hard work but we had a lot of fun. Dennis could
charm any sort of audience and make them listen to our
performance especially if they didn't want to! He was a
master of his craft and we must have done it right as we
were always asked to return. I could go on and on about the
things Dennis has done but suffice it to say he was a unique
selfless man who gave his all to everything and everyone.
I know that Dennis will be sorely missed by myself and
everyone who knew him and I send my heartfelt condolences
to his wife Anne and family.
Dickie Speake.
