I was saddened to learn of the passing of a gentleman who joined the George Formby Society in 2012 and who was a great supporter of the GFS Shop. I refer to Robert Platten, who purchased perhaps everything we had to offer to a non- player. He especially favoured my DVDs of the Blackpool conventions and bought so many that, eventually, I told him we would send any new releases to him free of charge. During the COVID lock-down, he was ever-present on my Zoom sessions and, as I have mentioned previously, although he did not play, he always had the songbooks to hand and followed along during the sessions. I understand that Robert was in his ninety-sixth year. He was a talented painter and would send Kathryn and I, Christmas cards featuring his own artwork. We always regarded them as something special, and they were a pleasure to receive. Kathryn spoke with Robert on many occasions by telephone, and he was always thoughtful and genuinely interested in our lives. On behalf of those within the George Formby Society who knew Robert and befriended him on social media, I send his family our deepest sympathies. PP 05/03/2026

1930 - 2026

Robert Platten