The Sunday Serenaders at Melksham United Church on 13th April will be Melksham Ukulele Social Club.
Margaret Henry, on behalf of the church reported, “They are a newly formed group of ukulele enthusiasts who got together late last year in response to an advert placed in the Melksham News.
“A few started to meet at one of the players’ houses and, as the numbers have grown to over 12 regular members, they now rehearse every Thursday evening at the Melksham Guide Hut, and have started playing live gigs.
“They are a mixed ability group, with everyone from absolute beginners to experienced guitarists switching to the uke, through to a professional ukulele teacher. Male and female, from teenage to 70+, the Melksham Ukulele Social Club (or MUSC for short) has a very broad appeal. The idea is fun, friendship and strumming. New members are always welcome – strictly ukuleles though – Hawaiian shirts optional!
“The players are going through a process of evaluating more songs to add to the current repertoire of 25. They try to have a broad mix of tunes from the 1930s, several from the 60’s and 70’s and a few more modern tunes, many lending themselves to audience participation, singing along with the choruses. As yet, they do not have a George Formby song in the set!
“The word ‘Ukulele’ is actually a Hawaiian word, and translates as ‘Jumping Flea’, coined by the Hawaiians to describe the frantic movements up and down the fret board when playing the Ukulele at pace. We look forward to experiencing the Jumping Fleas at 3.00pm on Sunday 13th April at Melksham United Church.
“We will enjoy the music for an hour and then take tea and cake together. Programmes at the door £5. Proceeds to church funds. Come and enjoy the music and the fellowship.”