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Post
office clerical assistant and civil servant and pianist He was involved in Drama and the Yorkshire Mummers |
George William Farndale
FAR00614
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Hyperlinks to other pages are in dark blue.
Headlines of Jim’s life are in brown.
References and citations are in turquoise.
Context and local history are in purple.
Geographical
context is in green.
Harrogate
1886
George William Farndale, son of Joseph and Sophia Farndale (FAR00411) was born in Knaresborough District on 4 July 1886 (1939 Register). George
William Farndale’s birth was registered in Knaresborough District in the third
quarter of 1886 (GRO Vol 9a page 114).
1891
Census 1891 – Malta Terrace, Bilton with Harrogate,
Knaresborough
Joseph Farndale,
35, bootmaker
Sophia Farndale, 35
Maude Farndale, 11
Edith Farndale, 7
George W Farndale, 5
Charles F Farndale, 2
1901
Census 1901, 24 Cheltenham Place, Harrogate
Joseph Farndale, head aged 45, bootmaker
(born 1856)
Sophia Farndale, wife, aged 46
Maud Farndale, daughter, aged 22 (born
1879)
Edith Elizabeth Farndale, daughter, aged
17, milliner’s apprentice (born 1884)
George Farndale, son aged 14 (born 1887)
Charles Farndale, son, aged 12 (born
1889)
Esther Margaret Farndale, daughter aged
9 (born 1891)
1911
Census 1911, 24 Drigon Terrace, Harrogate (born
Great Ayton)
Joseph Farndale, head aged 56, bootmaker
Sophia Farndale, wife, aged 56
Richard Farndale, widow and father of
Joseph, aged 86 (born Nunthorpe) (born 1825)
George Farndale, son aged 25, post office clerk,
born Harrogate
Charles Farndale, son, aged 22, clothing
shop assistant, born Harrogate
William Farndale, nephew aged 24
Edith Elizabeth Farndale, daughter, aged
27, born Harrogate
Esther Margaret Farndale, daughter aged
20, drapery shop assistant, born Harrogate
1913
The London
Gazette, 2 May 1913 and The Edinburgh
Gazette, 6 May 1913. AFTER LIMITED COMPETITION AND UNDER CLAUSE 7 OF
THE ORDER IN COUJNCIL OF 10TH JANUARY 1910. Post Office: Clerical
Assistant: George William Farndale.
1914
Military Service:
011374 Corporal George William Farndale, RAOC,
awarded British War and Victory Medals. (Medal Roll)
1916
George William Farndale was given
a temporary exemption in 1918. The exemption may have been for ‘urgent private
affairs’, as was the reason for a later
period of exemption to 29 September 1918.
World War 1 Tribunal Appeal
Papers. George William Farndale, 19 Temple Street, Middlesbrough, Book-keeper and
Pay Cler, 24 March 1916: an exemption was granted until 30 July on the
understanding that this was to be final. (North Yorkshire Country Record
Office, Document Reference NRCC/CL 9/1/110.
Leeds
1921
George William Farndale, a
boarder, 34, civil service clerk with the Post Office Engineering Depot,
Basinghall Street, Leeds
He became involved in drama
by 1921:
Mr G W Farndale
Yorkshire Evening Post, 8
October 1921:
Mr Colin Bryce has now taken charge of the Leeds Sylvian Society’s rehearsals
of “The Cingales”. Mr G W Farndale, photo herewith, is to play Mr Rutland
Barrington's original comedy part of Boobhambs.
1922
George W Farndale married
Mary I Beecroft in Leeds in the fourth quarter of 1922.
1923
Audrey Farndale (FAR00886)
was born on 7 August 1923.
Leeds Mercury, 19 February
1923: LEEDS
CHARITY CONCERT. Members of the Leeds Sylvian Amateur Operatic Society
gave a successful concert in aid of the Leeds Workpeople's Hospital Fund to an
audience of about a thousdand people last night. A thoroughly praiseworthy
and entertaining programme of music was contributed to by the following members
of the Sylvian Society ... George Farndale...
Leeds Mercury, 4 December
1923: AMUSEMENTS
IN LEEDS. “THE ARCADIANS” AT THE LEEDS GRAND THEATRE. SUCCESSFUL FIRST NIGHT
FOR LEEDS “THALIANS”. Last night's production, by the Leeds “Thalian” Amateur
Operatic Society, inevitably challenged comparison with its predecessor on the
same boards. How successfully it emerged from the ordeal was proved by the
obvious enjoyment of a large audience, eager to encore each familiar number.
Well mounted, and notably well dressed, the production provides a capital
evening’s amusement - for do we not meet, once again, incomparable Peter Doddy,
and the equally irresistible Simplicitas? Played by Mr G W Farndale, the
Jonah jockey drove each quip and crank home with all the time honoured
lugubriousness.
The Stage, 6 December 1923: THE PROVINCES. … herself with the confidence of the average
professional. Another cleverly-played character was that of Peter Doody. G.
W. Farndale acting and singing in the recognised lugnbrioita manner. Muriel
Clarke and Mrs. Billle Ruston made good impression as Eileen ..
1924
Leeds Mercury, 13 December
1924: AMATEURS
AT THE GRAND. The Leeds “Thalian” Amateur Company appear at the Grand, next
week in a revival of the musical play, “Havana”. The Company only came
into being last year, since when they have successfully produced “The
Arcadians” at the Grand, and done much good work in the course of charity. ..
The comedy element, which is very strong, is in the hands of … Mr George Farndale, as Lix...
Yorkshire Post, 13
December 1924: THEATRICAL
REHEARSALS. AMATUER AND PANTOMIME PERFORMANCES. Next week the Leeds Thalian
Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, who were a considerable success last
year with “The Arcadians” will occupy the stage at the Grand Theatre, with
their performances of Leslie Stewart's tuneful musical play, “Havana” in aid of
the medical and other local charities. It is anticipated that the veteran
composer will himself visit Leeds to attend the production. Last year's
principals are again in the csst, which includes... Mr George Farndale...
1925
Chichester Observer, 8
April 1925: SHIPPAM’S
SOCIAL CLUB. Shippam’s Social Club wound up the seasons activities last week with another of the popular Assembly
Room concerts for members’ wives and friends.... the humorous songs, “Ragtime
Yokel”, Mr G Farndale... An amusing little sketch, “Everyday happenings
reversed”, by Messrs Farndale and H Lintott...
1926
Leeds Mercury, 31 December
1926: A YOUNG
COMPOSER. Miss Gladys Colette, who composed the music for this play, is even
now only 18.... the cast will include... and G W Farndale...
Leeds Mercury 20 October
1926: LEEDS
SYLVIANS IN “THE DANCING MISTRESS.” Miss
Gladys Laycock and Mr G Farndale, in the Leeds Sylvians’ production of
“The Dancing Mistress” at the Theatre Royal, Leeds, next week. Over £400 was
raised for Leeds charities last year.
1927
Leeds Mercury 1 January
1927: “LET’S
PRETEND”. NEXT WEEK’S PRODUCTION AT THE LITTLE THEATRE. “Let's pretend”, a delightful little play for
old and young children, by E P Genn, is being given by the combined companies
of the Leeds Art Theatre and the Leeds Repertory Company at the Little Theatre,
Leeds, on Monday. So confident are the producers of the play’s appeal that they
have billed it to run for a fortnight. The cast includes... George Farndale...
The Stage, 6 January 1927: LEEDS LITTLE
THEATRE. For the next fortnight the
fantasy, “Let's Pretend” by E P Genn, will be given at this theatre, through
the conjoined efforts of the Leeds Repertory Company and the Leeds Art Theatre.
The piece has an excellent reception on Monday, and both the juvenile as well
as the adult players showed a commendable grasp of the parts allotted to them.
A very intelligent conception of Jack comes from Master Laurence Waite, and a
similar happy rendering of East Wind is introduced by Vera Hudson,. George
Farndale thoroughly grasped the spirit of the part of Peter the Butler and
to Gentleman Joe, George Marston gives elocutionary point and finish.
Leeds Mercury, 18 January
1927. LITTLE
THEATRE. The fairy pantomime, “Let's Pretend” opened its third week at the
Leeds Little Theatre last night.... the leading players include... Mr George
Farndale...
1928
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 3 January 1928: LEEDS SYLVIANS AT WORKHOUSE. Seven hundred inmates of the
Leeds Beckett Street Workhouse Infirmary were entertained by the Leeds Sylvian
Society, last night, to a supper of sausage and mashed potatoes, mince pies and
sweets, followed by a concert, which was given by the members themselves.
During the meal, music was provided by a panatrope. Each man and woman wore a
coloured paper hat, and the room was decorated with red and white flowers. The
artists who contributed to the concert programme included... Mr George
Farndale...
1929
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 9 February 1929: LORD ROTHES APPEAL. The Earl of Rothes, in responding, said that
in the whole of his visits throughout the country he found the same tremendous
keenness among the “Imps”. As the men and women of tomorrow they realised what
great responsibilities awaited them, and they knew that as members of a great
and growing organisation they could begin working at once for the good of the
Empire, both home and overseas. … during the evening an excellent musical
programme was given by … Mr George Farndale, humorist...
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 23 February 1929: THE ENTERTAININERS. During the afternoon and evening a first
class round of amusements and entertainments engaged attention.... In the
evening, appreciative audiences heard two excellent performances of A A
Milne's play, “The Man in the Bowler Hat”, in which the producer, Mr Clifford
Buckton, had an efficient cost which included... and Mr George Farndale...
Leeds Mercury, 9 August
1929: SYLVIANS’
NEXT PRODUCTION. The Leeds Sylvians will soon be ready to put into rehearsal
their next production, “Mercenary Mary,” to be staged at the Grand in the
middle of November... Mary is to be played by Miss Gladys Lacock,... The male
parts are in the hands of … George Farndale (Chris) ...
Bognor Regis Observer, 6
November 1929: SOCIAL
CLUB OPENING. There was an excellent attendance at the opening night of the
“Unicorn” Social Cub on Monday evening.... among those who contributed to
the entertainment were... G Farndale...
Leeds Mercury, 16 November
1929: SYBIL
THORNDIKE IN A NEW SORT OF ROLE. AND THE SYLVIANS, REVUES, VARIETY AND TALKIES.
SRTAGE ATTRACTIONS NEXT WEEK. 1- Miss Sybil Thorndike in “Madam Plays Nap” … 3
– Mr George Farndale as “Mr Skinner” in “Mercenary Mary” by the Sylvians at
the Leeds Grand …
Yorkshire Evening Post, 19
November 1929: AN
AMATUER TRIUMPH. ... George Farndale, as the lisping Chris, also inclined
too much to the grotesque, though the laughter they provoked may be held to
justify the means...
The Stage, 21 November
1929: LEEDS.
The chief laughter makers are... George Farndale (Chris) …
Bognor Regis Observer, 11
December 1929: SHIPPAMS’
SOCIAL CLUB. Members of Shippam's social
club gave their annual concerts in the Assembly Room, Chichester, on Wednesday
and Thursday evening of last week, and there were crowded attendances on either
occasion. A laughable sketch, “An insurance claim”, was a main item that
found particular appreciation... and G Farndale (the agent), playing their
parts in a very capable manner... The rest of the programme included the
following... humerous: “The Poor Old Cow”, Mr G Farndale...
1930
The Stage, 20 November
1930: GRAND.
... the stage is held by the Leeds Sylvian Operatic Society in a presentation
of “No, No, Nannete.” In the principal parts... and George Farndale and ... combined in a
“riot” or fun...
1931
Portsmouth Evening News,
27 November 1931:
CHICHESTER, SOCIAL CLUB CONCERT. A farce called “The Referee” ended the
programme of an excellent concert given by Shippam Social Club at the Assembly
Room last night. It was a very laughable affair, in which the parts were
taken by... G Farndale...
Portsmouth Evening News,
26 November 1931:
CHICHESTER LICENSED VICTUALLERS. ANNUAL DINNER. … the entertainers were …
Farndale (comedian).
Northern Whig, 28 November
1931 and Burnley Express, 28 November 1931: WIRELESS PROGRAMMES. … 9 – The Yorkshire Mummers
in a Pierotie Phantasie. Artists taking part: Dorothy Lee, Millie
Hodgson, Phyllis Bryant, Albert Murgatroyd, George Farndale and John
Woods-Smith. At the piano: Norman Sykes and Dorothy Spooner. Arranged and
produced by John Woods-Smith (from Leeds)…
Bognor Regis Observer, 2
December 1931: SHIPPAMS’
SOCIAL CLUB. FINE CONCERT IN CHICHESTER. Shipham's Social Club are fortunate in
having sufficient talent amongst its members to be able to put on a first class
concert, and their “annual” is eagerly looked forward to. This year's concert
was held in the Assembly Room on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week,
and during the three nights comment drew over one thousand people... Mr G
Farndale, evidently a prime favourite, also gave a character song. “Come and
have a cuddle”. His impersonation was very clever, and his patter
kept the audience convulsed. I was rather sorry to notice that he was
inclined to step over the line a bit. It was a pity, as it was quite
unnecessary, and rather detracted from the performance.
Leeds Mercury, 16 December
1931: … 9.30
– “The Yorkshire Mummers” … George Farndale …
1932
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 3 February 1932: … during the evening a
musical programme was given by... and Mr G W Farndale...
Sheffield Daily Telegraph,
6 February 1932:
… 9.30 – “The Yorkshire Mummers” … George Farndale …
There are a very large
number of similar radio listings.
The Staffordshire Sentinel, 29
February 1932:
The Yorkshire Mummers – Dorothy Hodson, George
Farndale, Phyllis Murgitroyd, Billy Hodson, John Woods Smith; Dorothy
Spooner and Norman Sykes, at the pianos, arranged and produced by John
Woods Smith, from Leeds
Mummers' plays are folk
plays performed by troupes of amateur actors, traditionally all male, known
as mummers or guisers (also by local names such as rhymers, pace-eggers,
soulers, tipteerers, wrenboys, and galoshins). Historically, mummers' plays
consisted of informal groups of costumed community members that visited from
house to house on various holidays. Today the term refers especially to a play
in which a number of characters are called on stage, two of whom engage in a
combat, the loser being revived by a doctor character. This play is sometimes
found associated with a sword dance though both also exist in Britain
independently.
Mumming spread from the
British Isles to a number of former British colonies. It is sometimes performed
in the street but more usually during visits to houses and pubs. It is
generally performed seasonally or annually, often at Christmas, Easter or on
Plough Monday, more rarely on Halloween or All Souls' Day, and often with a
collection of money, in which the practice may be compared with other customs
such as those of Halloween, Bonfire Night, wassailing, pace egging and
first-footing at new year.
Although the term mummer
has been in use since the Middle Ages, no scripts or details survive from that
era and the term may have been used loosely to describe performers of several
different kinds. The earliest evidence of mummers' plays as they are known
today is from the mid- to late 18th century. Mummers' plays should not be
confused with the earlier mystery plays.
Aberdeen Press and Journal
29 February 1932:
NORTH REGIONAL. .. 7.15 – “The Yorkshire Mummers” (from Leeds) … George
Farndale …
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 2 April 1932: THE YORKSHIRE MUMMERS. Four coppers thundered into a
telephone box, the line was put through to “North Regional Listeners, One
Million”, and, the other night, the Yorkshire Mummers embarked on their fifth
show. It had its ups and downs, but many more of the former than the latter. The
comedian, George Farndale, who, I think, may be considered a radio “find”
scarcely got enough to do. He has the sort of voice, Formbyesque, which the
assumption of age can wither excellently, and one of the brightest items
was a duologue between him and John Wood Smith as veterans of 90. A comedy
number in which three old ladies of the mid Victorian times sniffed at the
modern girl, was rather surprising for the Mummers, somewhat indistinct, due, I
thought, to over acting. As a whole, however, the entertainment came through up
to the standard which we expect from a company so well established in the
northern programmes.
1933
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 1 March 1933: The popular Yorkshire Mummers on Saturday evening again
“take the air” with Phyllis Brandt, Dorothy Lee, Millie Hodgson,
Frederick Brooke, George Beaumont, George Farndale, and John Woods
Smith, who is also the arranger and producer. At the pianos will be Billy
Hobson and Jack Lawton. The programme which Miss Gracie Fields is to
broadcast from Rochdale tonight will comprise of the following songs...
BBC Programme Index: Sat 18th Mar 1933, 18:30
on Regional Programme London: The Yorkshire Mummers. PHYLLIS BRYANT ; DOROTHY
LEE ; MILLIE HODGSON ; FREDERICK BROOKE ; GEORGE BEAUMONT ; GEORGE FARNDALE;
JOHN WOODS SMITH At the Pianos, BILLY HOBSON and DOROTHY SPOONER THE YORKSHIRE
MUMMERS MELODYMAKERS Arranged and produced by JOHN WOODS SMITH (North Regional
Programme) – see
BBC
programme index.
Liverpool Daily Post, 25
May 1933: THE
YORKSHIRE MUMMERS. NORTH REGIONAL PROGRAMME. … 7.15. The Yorkshire Mummers with
… George Farndale …
Halifax Evening Courier, 7
November 1933: GRAND
THEATRE, LEEDS. The first amateur performance of the musical comedy, “Mr
Cinders”, was given by the Leeds Sylvian Operatic and Dramatic Society, last
night, before a packed house.... Other parts were well filled by Mr George
Farndale as the policeman...
Chichester Observer, 29
November 1933:
… Each part was well done by everyone in the sketch, and the result was very
amusing. The village choir scene was very good and the falsetto voices of the
females blended well with the male section of the choir under the direction of
Rev Peregrine Chick-pen (Mr G Farndale). The National Anthem concluded a
really first class and entertaining evening.
1934
John Woods Smith, Director
of the Yorkshire Mummers
Huddersfield Daily
Examiner 01 December 1934:
THE YORKSHIRE MUMMERS AT THE
THEATRE ROYAL.
The Yorkshire Mummers, the
popular BBC favourites, who are coming to the Theatre Royal next week were formed in
October 1931, on the instigation of the BBC, who desired that a
regular programme of a light nature be given monthly from the Leeds
studios. This was put into the hands of John Woods Smith, whose first programme
caused something of a sensation. The success of the experiment was thus
assured, the party continued for three years regular broadcasting to all
Regionals, National and Empire. They have put on a new programme every
month. John Woods Smith is probably one of the oldest regular broadcasters
in the north. When asked some little time ago as to what he attributed to the
success of the Mummers he replied: “The wonderful team spirit displayed by
the whole party”, in fact he always refers to them as his “boys and girls,”
and a happier party would be hard to find, thus they make light of anything
they undertake, and certainly enjoy their work. The cast is as follows:
·
Millie Hodgson, comedian, one of the original members of the
party;
·
Doris Cullerne, soprano, who was for many years one of the
principal sopranos of the D’Oyly Caret Opera Company;
·
Frederick Brooke, baritone, who hails from Cleckheaton;
·
Millie Evans, soubrette;
·
George Farndale, comedian, another one of the original members;
·
Ethel Roe, at one of the pianos, has that rare ability of being
able to play any type of music, whether it be classical or syncopated;
·
Fred Ainsworth is the other pianist.
There are also the Yorkshire
Mummers’ Mabelles under the direction of Mabel Glover. She needs no
introduction to Huddersfield audiences. The orchestra is in the hands of Billy
Hobson, one of the earliest members of the auction numbers. There will be two performances
each evening, at 6:30 and 8:45.
1936
Shipley Times and Express,
11 January 1936:
DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME. The company were then entertained to a delightful
programme of songs, duets and “stories”. The artists, all of whom gave of their
best, and were deservedly applauded for their artistic performances were... Mr
Jack Wood Smith and partner (Mr Farndale), Humorists of the Yorkshire Mummers
of the famous BBC...
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 29 February 1936: OUR FOOD SUPPLIES. The toast of the National Farmers Union to
which Mr Wain replied, was proposed by... Mr Eddie Nutter, the Yorkshire
dialect comedian, … and Mr G W Farndale entertained the company with song
and story.
1938
Lincolnshire Echo 12
January 1938: Lincoln
County Hospital’s first public effort of 1938 in aid of the New Buildings Fund
will be the concert which will be held at the Savoy Cinema, Lincoln on Sunday
evening. Included in the programme will be... the only contributor to the
programme from beyond the city will be Mr G W Farndale, the Leeds
entertainer who was formerly with the Lancashire Mummers...
1939
1939 Register – 16 Hetton Road, Leeds
George W Farndale, born 4
July 1886, post office engineering clerk
Mary I Farndale, born 18
August 1888
Audrey Ingham (Farndale),
born 7 August 1923, at school
1940
South Yorkshire Times and
Mexborough & Swinton Times, 16 November 1940: OBITUARY. The death of Mrs Jane Elizabeth
Hearnshaw, 81, occurred at 125, Doncaster Road, Denaby, on Friday.... Mourners
were … Mr and Mrs G W Farndale...
1942
Chichester Observer, 22
August 1942: The
Portland Church Heating Fund benefited by a large sum as a result of a
performance at the Portfield Parish Hall, on Tuesday of last week, given by the
“Versatile” Concert Party. The programme included songs comment music,
sketches and monologues, and the artists were... Mr George Farndale …
1944
The Stage, 24 August 1944: WALLY PATCH. Thanks
Messrs FARNDALE and B A MAYER for Happy and Successful Sixteen Weeks with
their No 1 tour of “Ten Little N…”
The Stage, 14 December
1944: In
association with Farndale Limited, another tour has been arranged
beginning early in the new year of B A Mayer’s production of Agatha
Christie's play, “Ten Little N…s”. It has had successful seasons in New
York, London and Paris, and on tour. Terrence de Marney produced the play in
London and Paris.
1945
The Stage, 30 August 1945: NOTICE OF REMOVAL. New
Address. FARNDALE LTD. 45, Charges Street, W1. Telephone: Six Lines GROsvenor
3312 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7.
Worthing Herald, 11
January 1946: ANOTHER
NEW PLAY AT THEATRE ROYAL On Monday next Farndale Limited will present, at
Brighton Theatre Royal, a new play, prior to its presentation in London. It
is “So Brief the Spring”, a romantic comedy by the famous Lancashire author,
Walter Greenwood, author of “Love on the Dole.” and the present Westminster
Theatre success, “The Cure for Love”. Walter Greenwood wrote his play
especially for Robert Newton, who stars in it....
1948
George W Farndale, died age 62 at Leeds District in the fourth quarter of 1948. (DR)
Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 3 March 1949: GEORGE WILLIAM FARNDALE, of 16 Hetton Road, Leeds, died 15th
December, 1948. Particulars to Clegg and Baines, Solicitors, 20 Park Row,
Leeds, 1, before 4th May, 1949.
Probate: FARNDALE George
William of 16 Hetton Road Leeds died 15 December 1948 Probate Wakefield 23
February to Midland Bank Executor and Trustee Company Limited, Effects £2337
10s 11d.
London Gazette, 4 March
1949: FARNDALE, George
William, 16, Hetton Road, Leeds, Retired Civil Servant, 15th
December, 1948 – Clegg and Baines, Solicitors., notices of claim given to 4 May
1949.