Ukulele club hits right note

CHRIS GEE

AMUSIC club is strumming up support thanks to the rising popularity of the ukelele.

Rossendale Ukulele Club has only been going for 14 months, starting off with six players. Now the group boasts a membership of 49 - and is looking for more local interest.

The club began playing in the Rostron Arms in Edenfield but have moved in recent weeks to a bigger space at the Railway Hotel in Ramsbottom where they rehearse on Thursdays from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

The club was formed by Carl Hayden, 71, a retired truck driver for TNT who lives in Edenfield.

He had never played a musical instrument since leaving school until his three sons bought him a ukelele for a retirement present six years ago.

Now as well as founding the Rossendale Group he plays with the Clitheroe Ukulele Orchestra.

Carl said: “I mentioned to my sons that I would maybe like to try playing an instrument, maybe a banjo, after I retired. Lo and behold they got me a ukelele and I gave it a go.

“I had some music lessons with Steve Davenport in Helmshore which got me to a proficient level and it’s just gone from there.

“The instrument has become more and more popular over the past few years, there’s dozens of clubs in the North West and it’s definitely seen a revival.

“A ukulele is lightweight and portable and it’s suitable for people to participate rather than have a massive amount of technical skill.”

Carl says it has been great to see the growing interest in the club and have more people playing.

He added: “We have room for all abilities and we welcome beginners who we will give encouragement and help with some basic strumming patterns.

“We want to get away from the old George Formby cliches who in most cases didn’t play a ukulele but a hybrid instrument called a banjolele.

“We play songs from the 1950s right up to hit songs that have been in the charts in the past few months.

“We’ve got several members from Ramsbottom, Tottington, Bury and even Bolton but we’d like more from Rossendale if possible.”

Anyone who wishes to join is encouraged to attend one of the weekly sessions or alternatively to contact Carl on 01706 825006 (just don’t mention George Formby cleaning windows!) ●● Rossendale Ukulele Club - Leader Carl Hayden is fourth from the right