Always a loyal supporter of the George Formby Society, particularly the Stourbridge branch, I have been informed by my dear friend Christine Richards that Roy Holloway passed away on 12 March 2026. Sadly, the Society database does not record the exact date when Roy joined the Society, but I can trace his membership back to the Spring 1991 edition of The Vellum magazine, when the editor at that time, Stan Evans, thoughtfully published the full membership list of names and addresses so that members might more easily keep in touch with one another. Roy was in his ninety-first year, and for at least thirty-five of those years, he was an active member of the Society, a remarkable testament to loyalty. He clearly valued the meetings, the magazine, and, above all, the friendships that our unique organisation offers, particularly to those able to attend regular branch gatherings. Roy was also a great friend of Malcolm Palmer, who founded the Stourbridge branch in December 1991. Whenever Malcolm contributed to our magazine, he rarely failed to express his gratitude for Roy’s steadfast support. Roy attended and enjoyed the conventions in Blackpool and also supported The Vellum by sending occasional news clippings to the editor. In the early days of the Stourbridge branch, Malcolm reported that the average attendance ranged between six and ten members. Roy was always among that faithful group. Loyal members such as Roy Holloway are increasingly rare, and I offer my sincere condolences to Roy’s family and friends. Peter Pollard 29/04/2026

roy holloway