A REAL WINNER!
The last convention of the 20th century was once again, a real
winner. A capacity audience made their way to the Winter
Gardens, Blackpool to experience the unique atmosphere of a
Society weekend and I am sure that everybody went home
fulfilled by the events of the weekend.
As usual, the meeting commenced at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon
and members and guests were entertained throughout the day
with excellent performances of many of George Formby’s hit
records.
No matter the skill level of the player, everyone receives great
applause from an always-enthusiastic audience.
THE BAND
The resident band of Dickie Speake (Keyboards), Tony Thornton
(Bass), and Dale Norman and Des Redfearn (who shared the
drum stool), all helped to give the weekend’s event the polish
and professionalism that the Society members have come to
expect. Memorable performances from Dickie Speake, Andy
Eastwood, Mark Walsh and Adam Smith with his new partner
Heidi Greenfield made the weekend a special event for this
writer.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND
The highlight of the weekend though, just has to be the hour-long
session on Sunday afternoon when founder member John
Walley interviewed veteran variety artist Billy ‘Uke’ Scott. Billy
has been retired from show-biz for a number of years but his
memory was razor sharp as John guided him through a wealth
of experiences gained on the Variety circuit in the 40’s and 50’s
and of course, from his days working in radio with the BBC.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Billy was presented with a certificate to recognise his Honorary
Membership within the Society by Society President, Dennis
Taylor. He was also presented with a video copy of a film which
was believed to have being lost years ago. The film, "A Night Of
Magic", was made by Billy in 1946 and was recently unearthed in
the United States. Billy watched the film with great interest.
At the end of the ‘conversation’ Billy picked up a wooden ukulele
for the first time in nine years and played two beautiful pieces,
which were received with rapturous applause by an emotional
and devoted capacity audience.
After the event Billy stayed with us for the rest of the day,
chatting and just enjoying the whole George Formby Society
experience.
A wonderful moment for all, and no better way to close the
curtain on the 20th century.