April 5th saw the third George Formby day take place at The Crossing Club in the little village of Grosmont, North Yorkshire. Readers may recall that the first event in January last year was badly affected by heavy snow but a second attempt in April 2013 was a great success. It is safe to say that this year’s event was better still. The only drawback was that the very small venue meant that numbers had to be strictly limited and those who attended last year were given priority. Although not an official George Formby Society event the GFS was well represented along with members of a local ukulele group The Eskuleles. There was a contingent from Hartlepool Ukulele Group including Geoff Lilley and Alan Playle who have both been to GFS conventions recently. The Stockton to Darlington Ukulele Express was represented by GFS member Simon Brown. The day kicked off with a thrash and then a concert commered by the organiser, Caroline Stewart. The beginners then took a short walk across the railway crossing to The Station Tavern where the landlord had kindly allowed us use of a large room for a Formby style lesson. This was conducted by our very own teacher Andy Poppleton. The second part of the afternoon was compered by the very talented Paul Culkin who wowed the audience with some of his own compositions. There was also an unrehearsed first ever performance by Caroline and Paul of his original song 'Up North Again' which was very well received. Bradley Clarke amazed and inspired the beginners with The Practice Piece and Lamppost. We also had sterling performances from our very own Peter Pollard, Andy Poppleton, Dale Norman, Ian Walker and Alan Kershaw who as usual, had the audience in the palm of his hand with his infectious charm. It was also wonderful to see Trevor Alder and Bob Rayner who had made a mammoth journey to spend a couple of hours in Grosmont. We also saw members Philip and June Hindle and Joe and Kath Kendall. There were a few Formby fans who are based in the area and it was nice to meet up with them again. The day was a great mixture of Formby and non-Formby music but there were definitely a few converts at the end and several GFS songbooks and 'How to play Formby solos' books were sold by Kathryn Pollard. There was a raucous version of The Laughing Policeman from Jimmy No Shoes and Paul Temple both of whom are trying hard to master the Formby split stroke! A Doo Wop number by three of the Eskuleles was enhanced by the dancing of the aforementioned Jimmy No Shoes plus Sue Jackson and Nicola Chalton. It's difficult to pick out a highlight when everyone clearly had so much fun. The last part of the day was compered by Peter Pollard and he had the pleasure of introducing the performer who most would agree gave one of the best performances of the day. Helen Pryor had attended her very first GFS Convention in March and loved it. Despite being a member of the Inspiration Choir who sing in huge venues Helen was very nervous about performing on her own but thankfully she was persuaded and played and sang When You're Smiling and You're Nobody 'till Somebody Loves You beautifully. Of course the day wouldn't be complete without a bit of the real thing so there were several excerpts from Songs from the Films shown on the big screen just to remind us that 'It's all about George!' The B&B's in Grosmont were all booked up with GFS folk so it was inevitable that after a break for some food the fun would continue into the evening. This saw several duets and trios notably Bradley, Dale and Marcus Whittle singing The Blackpool Belle and there were even got a few kind comments from the locals who can be notoriously difficult to please! Joe Kendall has been practising Wigan Boat Express since the last GFS Convention and he made his performing debut as part of a trio with Peter and Caroline. Just like last year the majority of those that stayed over had a trip on the NYMR steam train to Goathland and walked to a lovely pub at Beck Hole where a little more singing and playing took place and everyone was treated to Carlin peas and Ginger Parkin as it was Carlin Sunday. The afternoon was great fun with a surprising number of people coming into the pub asking if we had been to the George Formby Day over the weekend. News travels fast In Grosmont! The day couldn't have taken place without the help of the GFS boys who were always on hand to help with the sound, cue minidiscs, compere and just generally muck in. What a great time was had by all and the messages received afterwards confirmed that everyone had a great time and are mad keen for the next one! Caroline Stewart

grosmont 2014 Formby day