Picture courtesy The George Formby Society

In 1944 George Formby and his wife, Beryl, visited Castleford to participate in the annual 'Reight Neet Aht' charity event at the Co-operative Hall. After being signed on as an ARP warden, so he could compete in a marbles or taws team, George spoke to the audience.

He told them, "it is grand to be back in Castleford because I met Beryl here in Castleford when I was a little lad." (laughter).

George had first met Beryl Ingham, as she was then, when they were playing at Castleford's Theatre Royal in 1923. She and her sister, May, were a clog-dancing speciality "The Two Violets". Beryl became Mrs Formby in the following year. George and Beryl visited the town a few times.

Beryl died at Christmas 1960 and George a few months later, on the 6th March 1961.

Website copyright © Anthony Wallis 2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008