Many would agree that Blackpool in
November wouldn’t be their first choice for a
weekend away. Like most British seaside
resorts at this time of year, a walk along the
promenade is not for the fainthearted with
gusty winds and squally showers to contend
with. Bracing it most certainly is! But
members of the George Formby Society
know a little secret. For two wonderful days
we can hide away from the elements and
enjoy warmth and friendship in The Imperial
Hotel.
This was one of the nicest conventions I
have attended. A packed house and a happy atmosphere throughout. One of the best things about the GFS is
the way we welcome and encourage new members, especially youngsters. We had Tai and Courtney earlier
this year and this time we were wowed by young James who has only
been playing for a few months but impressed us all. Also present for his
first convention was young Marvin who, dressed in a fine three-piece
suit, spent most of dad Callum’s cash on LPs at the auction on Saturday
night. We look forward to seeing these lads become the next generation
of top Formby style players.
One such player who has ‘come through the ranks’ is our old friend and
great George Formby ambassador, Andy Eastwood and it was great to
see him make time in his hectic schedule to visit and play at the
convention. Flying the flag for the young ladies were the brilliant Davies
Sisters. Not only can they both play Formby style superbly, but their
close harmony singing is breathtaking and once again their Andrews
Sisters tribute went down a storm.
The GFS audience are tremendous supporters of all our performers –
after all, we are in Blackpool to celebrate and remember George
Formby. Some players are not quite confident enough to take to the
stage on their own and it’s nice to see people getting together on stage
– there is always strength in numbers. Kate Howard managed to get a
few new faces up for the first time and we had members of the Sale Ukulele Group up there too. Let’s hope they come back again!
Some people just come to Blackpool for the music but many of us have an interest (some bordering on obsession) with George’s life and
career. We were treated to a visit from Heritage Blackpool who brought a
small sample of the Cyril Critchlow Collection of theatre and music hall
memorabilia collected during his lifetime in Blackpool. There were some
nice photos of George and Beryl and the full collection is free to view in
Blackpool Library. More information can be found at the website.
Stuart Boston brought along his collection of George Formby endorsed
Dallas ukuleles – a rare sight to see the whole family of Dallas ukes
together. On Sunday evening, Chris Webster dropped in with George’s
1937 Silver Disc to commemorate the first 100 000 copies of The
Window Cleaner. This was part of the Randall Collection but is now in
the safe hands of Chris. An absolute treasure and many members were
lucky enough to get their photo taken holding this unique piece of
musical history.
As ever, the committee rely on volunteers to help with the running of the
convention. There are so many that it’s difficult to name them all. From
taking photographs, looking after the sound and the microphones,
compereing and organising concerts, running raffles and the shop,
displaying archives, playing in the band and so much more. Thank you to
all those who gave a little bit of their weekend up. Many hands make light
work so if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Until next time, on behalf of the GFS Committee I would like to thank you
all for your support and wish you and yours the very best for Christmas
and the New Year.
Caroline Stewart
November 2017
Warmth and friendship of the GFS
Peter’s
convention
highlights…
Comparing the Saturday
evening concert,what a
privilege to be part of a such a
memorable evening. The line-
up of talent (arranged by my
concert organiser Frances
Lister) was mouth-wateringly
good, with the cream of the GFS players lined up to entertain.
Really nice to toast Lesley Fowkes on her birthday over a nice dinner
with other close friends within the GFS. Lesley was then lucky enough
to receive a kiss on stage from GFS President Gerry Mawdsley. Just
how lucky can one person be!
My old friend Chris Webster made an unexpected appearance and
brought with him the silver disc awarded to George Formby in 1937
for the sale of 100,000 copies of “The Window Cleaner.” Chris has
recently acquired this magnificent and unique item and was gracious
enough to allow members to have photos taken with it throughout the
evening
Andy Eastwood found the time to pay us a visit even though he is
always solidly committed to his theatre career. Andy was playing
Tessie O’Shea’s banjo-uke and of course was stunningly good (as
usual).
A delightful performance by The Davies Sisters, Francesca and
Catalina are both so talented and of course they are always a treat to
watch as well as listen to.
Finally, playing alongside two great partners in Andy Poppleton and
Caroline Stewart. Deafness is a curse but because of these two dear
friends I am able to appear on stage at each convention, without them
it would be very difficult.
GFS Chairman
Caroline Stewart writes…