Son of Sunderland police officer turned entertainer followed in his father's footsteps

Like father like son. A Sunderland man has re-lived his days as a panto star in college - years after his dad entertained generations of children.

George Ford got in touch with the Echo after we featured the story of his father Bill Ford.

Providing laughs for generations of children

Bill was one of three entertainers to feature in our story about Wearside stage acts who made a difference.

Pc Bill Ford was not only a fine policeman.

Each year, he put on a comedy routine for the sons and daughters of Wearside’s policemen and women.

For 30 years, he served in the Force as an officer and then a Detective Sergeant.

Slapstick which ended in the swimming pool

But Bill Ford was much more than that to Sunderland children. For decades, wide-eyed youngsters would get to watch Uncle Bill, the man who loved to get on stage and do a comedy routine.

Son George told us: "He also did similar each year at the police swimming gala at Newcastle Road baths, when would perform a sketch that he had written.

"This usually ended in him and a PC Joe Corkhill (a star swimmer on the force at this time) ending up in the water much to everyone’s delight.

Miming to The Beatles with his dad

"Taking this a stage further, Dad frequently involved his children in these sketches. Miming to ‘She loves you’ one year comes to mind. Slapstick always seemed to be a central feature."

Sadly, Bill died in 2020 but he left so many wonderful memories.

Starring as a panto dame

George added: "My own interest was generated from these family performances and my participation in comedy when at Monkwearmouth College performing as dame in the 1967 panto."

George, who is now retired after being an executive headteacher for 20 years, also appeared at the Empire Theatre in Sunderland "with the JETS (junior empire theatre society ) with shows under the direction of a lecturer - Rosa Cutter."

Thanks to George and we want more theatrical memories.

Did you have your moment in the spotlight and do you still have photos of video of it all?

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