A Mixed Bag….

What a meeting it was— a real mixed bag with something for everyone and certainly one to remember. Attendance was excellent, with many new Day Members joining us. Although several regular members were sadly unable to attend, it was equally pleasing to welcome back a number who had been absent for some time. The weather was kind and remained dry throughout, while the Washington Suite was more reminiscent of a sauna than a meeting room.

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New photos were on show on the display boards at the front, and new boards were propped against the wall at the back, Beryl’s scarf and handbag in the cabinet along with some real money for those of us able to fondly remember it. George’s kimono used in the film ‘South American George’ now owned by Derrick Pearce, was valued on The Antiques Roadshow 10 years ago, as being worth £10,000. Astonishingly this programme was repeated two weeks after our convention and there was Derek with his kimono. It was hung by the stage and even draped round Ray Reynolds shoulders when he sang ‘Fanlight Fanny’

A weekend of highlights

Including visits from distinguished guests, birthday celebrations for Peter Pollard, anniversary congratulations for Dennis and Debbie Lee, presentations, and, of course, plenty of ukuleles—along with uke sales and even some rare instruments on display. All this was in addition to the usual programme of events, films, raffles, auctions, and concerts. Jim Makin informed us that the concert lists were “full of fantastic entertainers so we were in for a treat” and then went on to wonder if the films could be cancelled and football shown instead! Christine Richards remarked, “As one of the concert organisers it is always great to have a load of members queueing up to put their name on the performers list, but sometimes you may be short of players and must go round asking them if they would like to perform. It is satisfying at the end when the concert list is full and ready to start. At the last meeting I informed someone he was on next realising too late that I had the wrong person - don't know who was more shocked!”

Celebrations, Special Guests and Future Events

The High Sheriff of Manchester paid a visit on Saturday afternoon, staying to enjoy both the concert and the thrash. While the role once carried real authority—dating back to medieval times when sheriffs collected taxes for the Crown, much like the famous Sheriff of Nottingham—the position today is largely ceremonial. Appointed by the King, the High Sheriff serves voluntarily and without pay, representing public service, civic duty, and community engagement in a non-political capacity. He was a great admirer of George.

Congratulations to Peter Pollard

Congratulations to Peter Pollard on his 80th birthday! During the celebrations, he was presented on stage with his own personal copy of The Vellum — a “This Is Your Life” story chronicling his remarkable 35 years in the GFS. The presentation came as a complete surprise, and Peter was visibly moved by the thoughtful gift. Compiled by Charlie Evered, the book brought together memories, stories and tributes from across Peter’s years of service. Peter admitted he was “in bits” whilst reading it. Charlie had the challenging task of uncovering all the information and anecdotes that made the book possible. As Peter joked afterwards, he now “shudders to think what else Charlie knows” about him! It was a fitting and heartfelt tribute to a much-loved member of the GFS family. Sadly, Charlie Evered was in the middle of important exams so was unable to observe the results of his hard work. Johnny Key, wearing Gladys Geoghegan's leather jacket paid tribute to her. She was ‘like a mother hen’ to all London members. Her estate had cleared probate, and he got to keep the jacket and the family honoured her wishes so that her ukes go to the society. Gail Kincaid shared details of the forthcoming Winter Convention, which will be held in Nottingham at the centrally located Crowne Plaza Hotel. The event will run from 11am to 6pm, with special room rates available for GFS members. The venue offers excellent transport links and convenient parking, making it easily accessible for attendees. The committee hope to connect with local ukulele groups in the area, helping to raise awareness of the GFS and attract new members to the society.

New Faces…

There was Andy from Chester, who first became interested in George and owns several ukuleles, although he has yet to start playing them. Peter, who retired to Wigan, had previously played guitar and was drawn to the distinctive sound of the ukulele. Discovering how much people enjoyed George’s songs, he began playing them himself and is now a member of the Westhoughton Group. Then there was 87-year-old Jean, who had never even heard of the GFS until a week before the meeting. Having never played a ukulele before, she found herself joining one of the tuition classes and thoroughly enjoying the experience. They all described the meeting as “brilliant”’ met so many friendly people that they weren’t sure they could remember all their names, but they certainly won't forget the warm welcome they received.

On the stage

Matt Richards the musical director says, “It is a great feeling being on the stage backing the artists as you never know what to expect. Sometimes people may say they are in a certain key but end up playing in another! but it all turns out nice again in the end” Thanks to his magic fingers on the keyboard. Dickie Speake posed the question whether it is easier to change a duvet or play the uke! Before Tommy Quirk appeared, the audience were asked to provide mops, buckets and towels. One performer announced ‘You’re in for a treat because I’m only going to sing one’ Not to be outdone Ray Reynolds “claimed he was ‘free, easy and anyone’s for a doughnut’ and I’ll do Chinese Blues if you like it or not” Another heartfelt remark, ‘It’s nice to be here at my age, and it’s nice to be anywhere!’ Throughout the weekend there was such talent on stage across all age groups, all demonstrating their mastery of the Formby style and all a treat to see and hear. Andy Eastwood taking a break from his professional engagements was kept busy as a compère, drummer and performer. Dickie Speake a society legend performed two fabulous numbers, youngsters Ryan Willetts and Jamie Routledge were stunning, so were the Davies sisters, so good to see Debbie and Dennis Lee and the Jazz band re-appeared, The opportunity to play and perform non Formby numbers is also welcomed. For Jamie Routledge a Lonnie Donegan fan, ‘I loved to see Jim Makin ‘Puttin’ On The Style’, one of my favourite Lonnie Donegan songs.-It’s always good seeing variety and Freddie Murphy brought it with his take on the Beatles’ early hit “Baby It’s You” and followed by my favourite John Lennon song “Just Like Starting Over” played on his John Lennon signature Epiphone guitar.’

Two Rare opportunities…

To see and play George Formby’s Dallas E, now owned by Andy Bull was really appreciated by members. Jamie Routledge wrote “On the Sunday I had the absolute honour of playing George’s Dallas E uke on stage, the uke which I personally most associate with George because of the more well-known promotional photos from the late 30’s that picture him with the uke.” Ryan Willets said “My highlight of this GFS Convention certainly has to be given the honour of playing George Formby’s famous Dallas E on stage. As a player for nearly 15 years, it’s always been a dream of mine to play one of George’s ukes on stage, so this was a truly special and memorable experience. Sharing that moment with friends and fellow fans of George in Blackpool made it even more meaningful and is something which I will treasure for many years to come.” Steven Butler made a long journey from Utah to Blackpool bringing with him a rare Ludwig Music-house Banjo Uke. Rare because we’d not seen a uke with that particular motif of the peg head, made in brass rather than mother of pearl. Steven bought the uke on eBay. It had 12 tension rods and he replaced a cracked Vellum. Ralph Shaw came to the USA and heard about him. Ralph was a major player in the ukulele resurgence in the early 2000's known as The King of the Ukulele! He is currently based in the UK. Steven has only seen a few of George’s movies and goes on stage for the Thrashes. He did perform on stage on the Sunday morning concert

Odds and Ends..

Andy Poppleton claimed that his auction is the most exciting part of the meeting and certainly it contains a real mix of items, including pictures, ukes, hats, books and records. Andy Higham won the hats and as compère then modelled them. The raffle as usual had a wonderful range of prizes which were on show to tempt members and filled their allotted table. Derek Pierce was urging members to buy Uke raffle tickets. He won the raffle in 2002 when the meetings were held in the Winter Gardens and was presented with it by Frank Formby. The tuition classes went well, and both films had a decent attendance. Sadly, it was Peter and Kathryn's penultimate meeting running the shop, so members need to make the most of it in September- once it’s gone, it’s gone!

And finally…

Thanks to everyone who sent me some words for this report and to everyone to give their time to help organise and run the meetings; particularly Stuart Lowther for the details about the Sheriff, taking the thrash photo and for his superb job on the sound, helped by Andy Higham. Summer Valentine’s words perfectly sum up the meeting… "I thoroughly enjoy every convention, and I always go home remembering certain things which really made my weekend. This time, it was friendship. I feel extremely lucky to be part of a Society with so many kind and caring people. I have some true friends here, and without them, the conventions (and the Society itself) wouldn't be half as fun as they are. What a smashing bunch of people we have, all bonding over a mutual love. At the conventions, you can start chatting to someone you've never met before, and before you know it, you're sharing life stories with each other.” Remember we do it all again in September – see you there! Gill Walley - 20 June 2026