George Formby Society

The George Formby Society was created after the death of George Formby, a well known entertainer in vaudeville and movies in Great Britain. When Formby died in 1961, a small group of fans, brought together by an ad in The Stage placed by Londoner George Wilson,[1] met together in the Imperial Hotel (Blackpool) to form the George Formby Society.[2] The first meeting drew a lot of attention and many celebrities of the day were there, including Arthur Askey. In 2011 the 'GFS' celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and today it has over 1,200 members world wide.

George Harrison was a huge fan of Formby, a member of the Society and an advocate of the ukulele.[3] Harrison was an admirer of George Formby and played an ukulele solo in the style of Formby at the end of "Free as a Bird".

The society publishes a regular newsletter entitled "The Vellum."[4]

A member does not need to have musical ability to join the George Formby Society.[5]

The various branches perform at local events, travel together and have regular 'thrashes' where everyone is welcome.[6]

Annual conventions

The highlight of the year is the four conventions traditionally held in Blackpool.[7]

Branches

References

  1. ↑ The George Formby Society
  2. ↑ The Stage UK, George’s genius – George Formby Society
  3. ↑ Tranquada, Jim (2012). The Ukulele: a History. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 162–3. ISBN 978-0-8248-3544-6.
  4. ↑ Whitcomb, Ian (2012). Ukulele Heroes - The Golden Age. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. pp. 67–8. ISBN 9781458416544.
  5. ↑ The George Formby Society
  6. ↑ Mid Devon Gazette, George Formby Society to perform at Uffculme show, April 25, 2014
  7. ↑ The George Formby Society
  8. ↑ Sheffield Telegraph, Turned out nice again, 27 October 2011
  9. ↑ The George Formby Society
  10. ↑ The George Formby Society
  11. ↑ The George Formby Society
  12. ↑ The George Formby Society
  13. ↑ The George Formby Society

External links