ALTHOUGH George Formby was born in Wigan in 1904, forever he will be associated with Warrington.

Nevertheless when you look at the singing comedian’s life you see Warrington running through it like Blackpool through a stick of rock.

So what’s the story?

To talk about George Formby you of course first need to introduce his father George Formby Senior.

He was also a Wiganer, born James Lawler Booth, and went on to become a smash music hall comedian and singer in the early part of the 20th century.

So famous and popular was he that a young Charlie Chaplin borrowed some of his act for his own early days with the Fred Karno troupe.

Formby Snr made a stack of money and bought an expensive house in Stockton Heath, Hillcrest, which is on London Road. Sadly, in 1921, Formby Snr died aged 45.

His death had a profound effect on his son, George Hoy Booth, who was still a teenager. Whether it was the weight of expectation after his father’s death, trainee jockey George junior began performing on stage, originally under the name George Hoy, and his new career began.

His first appearance was at the Earlestown Hippodrome.

Shortly afterwards two events set him on the path to world fame and fortune.

First, he revived the George Formby name in honour of his father, and second he took up the ukulele. I understand that young George was taught how to play the instrument by his mother, Eliza, at the family home in Stockton Heath. Can anyone confirm this?

George made another fateful decision. He married Beryl Ingham, who became his manager.

It’s well known that Beryl was overbearing while George was compliant and submissive. Nevertheless, the combination was electrifying and George went on to become a hugely successful recording artist and movie star.

He’s remembered now for such classics as Leaning On A Lamp Post, and When I’m Cleaning Windows. The films he appeared in include Turned Out Nice Again, which was George’s famous catchphrase.

Along with Gracie Fields and Vera Lynn, George Formby was one of the entertainers who kept up people’s spirits during the Second World War.

George’s marriage to Beryl had been a successful one, but not happy. She died in December 1960 while George was in panto in Bristol.

According to fan website george formby.org he learned of her death at the home of his friend Fred Bailey in Lower Walton after driving up after the Christmas Eve performance.

Little bit of homework for you: can anyone shed any light on where Fred Bailey’s house is?

Next week I’ll look at the tragedy of George’s final years and his legacy.