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 in 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. Four conventions are held in Blackpool each year.[1]
The society publishes a regular newsletter entitled "The Vellum."[3] In 2011 the 'GFS' celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and today it has more than 1,200 members world-wide.
The various branches perform at local events, travel together and have regular 'thrashes' where everyone is welcome.[4]
George Harrison was a fan of Formby, a member of the Society and an advocate of the ukulele.[5] Harrison played an ukulele solo in the style of Formby at the end of "Free as a Bird". A member of the Society does not need to have musical ability to join the George Formby Society.[1]
Branches
- Sheffield and South Yorkshire[6]
- Stourbridge Branch
- Penn Ukulele Club
- Chester GFS Branch[1]
- Liverpool GFS Branch[1]
- London GFS Branch[1]
- Sale GFS Branch, Greater Manchester[1]
- Blackpool GFS Branch
- Surrey GFS Branch
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The George Formby Society
- ↑ Ukuleles at the Ready for George Formby Societys Convention, Adam Lusher, 08 Nov 2008, The Telegraph
- ↑ Whitcomb, Ian (2012). Ukulele Heroes - The Golden Age. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. pp. 67–8. ISBN 9781458416544.
- ↑ Mid Devon Gazette, George Formby Society to perform at Uffculme show, April 25, 2014
- ↑ Tranquada, Jim (2012). The Ukulele: a History. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 162–3. ISBN 978-0-8248-3544-6.
- ↑ Sheffield Telegraph, Turned out nice again, 27 October 2011