Blackpool 1950s:

Frank Randle with his leading lady Jackie "Cinderella" Herrick and her neice Carol

It is always lovely to see Jackie and Carol at the 77 Memorial events.

Frank Randle Remembrance Day

Saturday 5th July 2008 - a fine day for All - read on!

On this, the first anniversary of the Cuthbert Club plaque installation on Blackpool's North Pier, Cuthbert Club members and Mancunian fans gathered together again to honour the One! The Only! Mr Frank Randle! at the site of the Cuthbert Club's Frank Randle Blue Plaque. But first, the Day began at the Carleton Cemetery cafe with a delicious spread of food and warming drinks (thank you Cath!) to compliment the great show of Shorts put on by Steve King. Phil Baker, Steve and his dog Sally were our illustrious guides to Frank's graveside where we placed flowers and cards to the already existing flowers at Frank's clean-looking memorial stone... and 51 years after his death we reflected how he might be thrilled to know how loved he is still to this day! Later events included a visit to the Grundy Art Gallery on Queen Street to see the silver salver that Frank gave to the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool in 1944. This memento of Frank's largesse was bought at Bonhams Auction in Chester on 16 June by Blackpool Council (for £360!). We understand that, upon the close of the current exhibition of Variety posters the salver will be placed in the Library next door as a permanent exhibit.

Train to Blackpool

Greeting Audrey Lupton Lane

Colin and Frank (the Old Hiker!)

Lord Chester with notes for Frank

Group at Frank's graveside (1)

Group at Frank's graveside (2)

Group at Frank's graveside (3)

Frank's silver salver (opposite)

On exhibition in the Grundy Museum - Mrs Cuthbert, Colin Daffern and Phil Baker spied it in the foyer and were pleased to be allowed to take photographs! It went missing from the Council store in the 1960s and was re-acquired by the Council buying it back at Bonhams Auction in 2008 - marvellous! Here is the description accompanying the exhibit:

This circular silver salver, known as a waiter, was sent as a gift to the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool by Frank Randle, who worked with George Formby in Blackpool. (sic)

Known as 'King Fun of Blackpool', Frank Randle was one of the great music hall comedians. As with other comedians he had his catchphrases, which included, 'Gerrof mi foot', 'I've supped some beer toneet' and 'She's a hot'un'.

This piece by Elkington and Co., Birmingham was recently acquired by Blackpool Council for its collection of commemorative civic silver that charts the civic history of Blackpool via presentations made to mayors, aldermen and civic leaders.

Norman Evans' grave (1)

Norman Evans' grave (2)

Jackie Herrick and Family (1)

Jackie Herrick, Audrey Lupton Lane, Slim Ingram, Ann Stevenson & Cuthbert

Jackie, Audrey, Slim (2)

Plaque Gatherers (1)

Chris Astin, Michael Leader, Cuthbert

Plaque Gatherers (2)

Thanks to everyone who was able to join in the fun. Cuthbert received lots of apologies from Cuthbert Club and Frank Randle fans who were unable to make it to this year's event. And so at 77 2008 those present were (with our apologies to the many others whose names do not appear in this list below) - in alphabetical order by First Name:

Alan Hess

Ann Stevenson

Audrey Lupton Lane

Bob Dickinson

Brian Tough

Carol Meakin

Chris Astin

Colin Daffern

Cuthbert and Mrs Cuthbert

Jackie Herrick

Ken Birch

Lady Julia and Lord Dave Chester

Michael Leader

Mike Hudson

Paul Culkin

Peter Houghton

Phil Baker

Rita Armin

Slim Ingram

Stan and Jude Challis

Steve King

Trevor Hoyle

FRANK RANDLE'S BLUE PLAQUE

THE DAY OF THE UNVEILING is known as 777 (owing to that date being the 50th anniversary of Frank's death on 07/07/57).

77 2009 will be on 4th July 2009

We look forward to seeing a grand turnout again - we are hoping to hold a screening of Holidays With Pay on the Pier at the next 777 Remembered on Saturday 4th July 2009 - so please put this date in your diaries NOW!!!