South Cheshire Branch George Formby Society

28 February. Clear evening, starry night and many people watching the stars that night for alignments and aurora.
We watched completely different stars light up the stage at Wistaston Memorial Hall. The Stokies are a regular trio of Phil, Peter and John. Phil is distinguished by his unflappable composure and unique hat, Peter by his cheeky call-outs and greeting the audience with ‘Hello Playmates’ and John a distinguished presence in a dapper red waistcoat. Phil took care of organising the performers – especially the important role of controlling of the clipboard. Peter and John shared the MC role.

It was a classic night. If you missed it there is always the next event on 28 March.
and before then the George Formby Society’s Blackpool Convention on Sat-Sun 15-16 March 25.

We were delighted to present the Brian Edge Award for Outstanding Contribution: to Kath Ollier for faithfully organising refreshments month-in, month-out which are widely welcomed by all. In the picture I am celebrating the work in the kitchen. Thank you Kath for all the work you do which makes each event even better.

George Formby was represented by:

• Opening Thrash – all comers playing ‘It’s in the Air’, Chinese Blues and ‘Grandad’s Flannelette Nightshirt’ to open and the traditional close of ‘Leaning on the Lamp-post’ with players, singers and dancers.
• Alan – ‘George Formby Society’ (a song an small plug for the Blackpool Convention, Imperial Hotel 15/16 March)
  and ‘Ordinary People’
• The Stokies – Mr Wu’s a Window Cleaner
• Kyle – ‘Frank on his Tank’, ‘Up in the Air or Down in the Dumps’ and ‘Blackpool Rock’
• Phil – ‘Happy Go Lucky Me’
• Chris – ‘The Lancashire Torreador’
• Jonathan Baddeley – ‘Lancashire Lad and his Uke’ and ‘Chinese Blues’

Other great numbers and star performances:

• Graham – ‘Hard Travelling’ … from his extensive collection of railway songs and ‘When You’re Lonely’
• Des – ‘Penny Arcade’
• Christine – ‘Nightgale Sang in Berkeley Square’
• Chris – ‘Big Strong Man’
• Simon – ‘Stray Cat Strut’
• Maureen – ‘Cholesterol’ (a capella)
• Nigel & Miles – ‘Side by Side’
• Jonathan and Pam – ‘Noughts and Crosses’
• Alan – ‘You Made Me Love You’
• Terry – the ever-popular ‘Muckspreading’ and ‘HRH’
• Gabi – ‘All I Do is Dream of You’ and ‘Mexican hat Dance’ (a spectacular feat of entertainment, memory and audience participation -reworded to name-check every country in the world).
• and a short and sweet recital by Gladys.

Capturing the live action: