EXPECTATIONS WERE HIGH

After the doom and gloom of the recent weeks caused by the escalating cost of living, the budget, the colder, shorter, and darker days, the Blackpool convention was a place to have some fun cocooned from the outside world. The convention had been widely publicised on social media so expectations were high. It didn’t disappoint so well organised, so well attended, and packed with something for everyone. Cathy Stanniland remarked “Britain’s got talent- well all the talent is here in Blackpool in the Washington suite. Just think you could have been at home watching the news or I’m a Celebrity….” There were fifteen new members, four of whom came from the South Yorkshire Branch. There were ukulele sales. There was an interesting display with one panel devoted to the history of the society…and two of the original founder members were in the meeting. There were tuition classes, with Andy Poppleton teaching the elusive Formby stroke. Especially, for those members who didn’t know, weren’t sure or not confident about changing a Vellum on their ukulele Tom Cutler’s class put that right. Since the weather outside was dreadful there was plenty of opportunity inside for some retail therapy. The society shop took over one corner of the room and photo sales the other. Then there were raffle tickets which sold like gold dust thanks to the dedication of Helen Weathers, Cathy Staniland and Kathryn Pollard who weren’t going to take no for an answer and proved good at parting the audience from their pennies. Together with the auction for which members put in sealed bids for a eclectic mix of items raised £464.00 for much needed society funds.

THE CINEMA

Fact: George’s films on television in the 1950’s and 60’s only lasted for one hour as 20 minutes were cut to allow for adverts. The films showing this weekend ‘I See Ice’ and ‘I Didn’t Do It’ were the real deal, nothing cut out and no need to stray far as the films were shown in the Washington Suite. ‘I See Ice’ sees George as a photographer’s assistant with a miniature camera hidden in his bow tie. Of course, this lands him in trouble, lands him in jail and finally he ends up refereeing an ice hockey match! ‘I Didn’t Do It’ sounds like a good excuse. However, George, a stage struck young man, in a theatrical boarding house ends up being framed for the murder of an acrobat…and of course he ‘Didn’t Do It’. The ukulele solos in the two films were superb with the camera zooming in on George’s famous right hand.

HUGH RANGE OF PERSONALITIES

There were forty-two performers on stage over the weekend, producing a varied mix of music, with interesting song titles, so a huge range of personalities on stage, something for everyone to enjoy. Impossible to mention everyone who performed but everyone on stage did the society proud. Not too sure about what it was that was “In The Air” at this convention but there was a lot of it going on, on stage. Thanks to the dedicated compères and their organisers the usual concerts ran smoothly. As Frances Lister remarked ‘Isn’t it nice to have so much power!’, but the performers often complicated matters and added their own individual comments… it was a recipe for a good time enjoyed by all. Christian Lee was delighted to be announced as ‘young, unattached and single’ by one compere and then was mistaken for Helen Weathers by the next one. ‘It’s the hair’ was the the lame excuse! Maybe the culprit needs to visit Specsavers. Matt Richards told the audience that ‘you can’t keep a going lad down.’ Johnny Key invited the audience to ‘Kiss your ‘Mansy Pansy’ and later on slated the Turks with his ‘Low Down Lazy Turk’ which in today’s woke climate maybe indeed needed a warning. Brian Poole confidently informed everyone that ‘you don’t need a licence for that!’ Bernard Gallery confessed to missing out the first verse and so sang the second one twice when he was ‘Trailing around in a Trailer’. Helen Weathers was insistent that ‘You Can’t Go Wrong In These’ and then she wanted everyone to ‘Run Round Trafalgar Square’, whilst John Walley preferred a ‘Pleasure Cruise’. Maybe they all needed a good dose of ‘Auntie Maggie’s Remedy’. Hopefully ‘Levi’s Monkey Mike’ didn’t turn up at the 'Baby Show’ along with the ‘Thirty Thirsty Sailors. ’ It was good to have some of the lesser known songs performed as well as the usual well known favourites.

EXERCISE FOR THE AUDIENCE!

If the audience thought they were just going to idly sit and watch then they were sadly mistaken. There was no rest for the wicked…Fred Martindale playing a harmonica in the interests of something different and told the audience to ‘hum it, sing it and tap it.’ On Sunday Peter Pollard appearing with Andy Poppleton went even further with his recipe of ‘How to avoid stiffness’ caused by sitting down for too long. After each song the audience had to perform a few simple exercises… stand up, clap, wave their arms and shout for more. And it worked. They fell for it! On Sunday night, they even had to yodel! Matt Richard’s medley had the audience spontaneously clapping, stamping, singing and cheering… without needing any prompting for a well-earned standing ovation. Matt admitted to ‘Talking to the Moon’. Andy Higham was more down to earth he sang ‘You Can’t Fool Me’, Stuart Lowther professed to have ‘Two Of Everything’ but then he was celebrating 10 years of being in the GFS and responsible for keeping easy Jet flying. Pamela Baddeley was celebrating a birthday and whilst Kyle Evans didn’t get his ‘Photo In The Press’ he did manage a photo with the Strictly Come Dancing Cast. As it would soon be the anniversary of Billy Uke Scott’s death a wonderful tribute was performed by Lewis Clifton. Thanks to the wonderful organisation, the band, the lighting and performers themselves, our concerts become more professional and entertaining with each passing year. Fact - When asked why his ukulele was so dirty George Formby reportedly replied, ‘I play them every night so you don’t expect me to clean them!’ So now you know!

WALKING WOUNDED

There was good news too, Judge Henry recovered after a bout of ill health was seeking inspiration to enable his return to the stage, so no performance this year but maybe next year….. Tony Lister has now discarded his walking stick - his leg is much improved - so no plaster and no stick. Tom Fletcher after a lengthy stay in hospital is now recovering at home and we look forward to seeing him next year. We sent him a video message to cheer him up. It was left to Jim Makin, compèring for the first time, to remind everyone that there were only 36 days left until Christmas (audible groan) and to crack the first festive joke. Q: Why don’t fir trees make good sowers? Ans: Because they keep dropping their needles. (More groans)

AUDIO ENGINEERS

Whilst the committee, compères, organisers and helpers need congratulations for a very successful meeting, a special mention should go to Cathy and Kevin Staniland who were glued to the sound system all weekend - setting up, running it during the convention and putting it away afterwards. A special accolade for their dedication. Both found time to perform, and it was while he was on stage that Kevin shared his troubles. “I’ve had this recurring dream that I’m a horse - for five nights on the trot!” Cathy, apart from performing, compèring also found time to sell raffle tickets. How’s that for successful multi-tasking! Finally in the words of Vera Lynn ‘We’ll Meet Again’ we know where and we know when, so until then stay safe and see you all in April so don’t miss out on the fun. Gill Walley 22/11/2022