GEORGE FORMBY STOURBRIDGE BRANCH

GEORGE FORMBY STOURBRIDGE BRANCH - APRIL 2015

Malcolm's Report

I start this report about a fund raising event for Dudley Hippodrome at the Station Hotel, Dudley, on Friday 10th April. It was a very well attended function. There were faggots and peas and entertainment all for £10. The GFS was represented by Lee Mannering, Roy Holloway, Paul Culkin (who played one number) likewise myself just the one due to time factor with other artistes.

Moving on to our own meeting which was also well attended and with excellent performances by all the uke players remembering George Formby with at least one of his numbers played by each artist. Featured from time to time are the numbers by Billy Uke Scott and they were written and composed by Billy. None were recorded, but they are played at GFS meetings like "I've Got a Girlfriend", "Down by the Old Turn Style", "Chinese Manderin", "One of the Guests at the Guest House", etc. Billy only appeared in two Films in the 1940 "A Night of Magic" and "Rainbow Round the Corner", although a few years younger than George he toured the country and was on radio programmes in the 40s and 50s. I became friends with him in the late 80s and whenever he was in the area Glenys and I would go and see him and at the GFS meetings, of which he was also a member. He passed away in November 2004 at the age of 81yrs and that was George's centenary year. Bob Elwell who used to attend our meetings (I hope to see Bob back again when he is better healthwise and our washboard player Bernard Francis) Bob played some of Billy's numbers. There is a CD on sale at GFS meetings Blackpool of Billy Uke Scott. He was on a radio programme a few years ago "It's a Funny Business" presented by Mike Craige.

The application forms have to be in for the 1940s two weekends on SVR by the 10th May.

Turned out nice again.

Your Roving Reporter

Malcolm Palmer

PERFORMERS