The first National Convention of the New Year was held in the Baronial hall of the Winter Gardens complex in March 2000 and was especially significant owing to the fact that the committee of the GFS bestowed their highest award on one of it’s members. The honorary membership was awarded to Dennis Mitchell; a tireless worker for the Society in past years, especially in his role has concert Master of Ceremonies and his activities as a past Chairman of the Society. Dennis joined the Society in the early 80’s and has worked for the Society virtually since walking through the door at his first Blackpool convention. After spending some time as a committee member, he then took on the role of Vice-Chairman before finally accepting the title of Chairman of the GFS. One of the nicest members (and believe me, there are lots of ‘nice’ members), Dennis is always helpful to members both new and old and can always be relied upon to give sound advice in the setting up of the banjolele. He is also a very active member of the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle as well as a lover of walking in the Yorkshire Dales. This honour is well earned and couldn’t come to a more deserving person.

Kitty Barrett Ray Bernard George Cheetham Dennis Mitchell Keith Smith Alan Southworth Dickie Speake Dennis Taylor Pat Taylor Tony Thornton John Walley Bernard Young