ROSSENDALE PROBUS CLUB
OUR bi monthly meeting at Ashday Lea on June 22 once again revealed the depth of talent and know how which lies within this assembly of retirees and available for dissemination to the wider world when club secretary, Peter, and chairman, Ray, provided an agreeable mixture of instruction and entertainment to an involved and appreciative audience.
Drawing upon an earlier life as a driving instructor, Peter’s presentation covered the Highway Code and, in particular, some of its less well known instructions and items of information, having established at an early stage that very few had actually read the publication in depth since passing their driving tests many decades ago, since when many new rulings had changed or been introduced.
Following an open Q and A session, each member was presented with a written DVSAbased test paper, with a copy of the Highway
Code as a prize for the highest score (modesty forbids me from naming the winner, albeit with only a 70% result as against the required 90% for a pass!).
In complete contrast, Ray’s subject was the
Ukelele, from its origins in Madeira, via its popularity with the Hawaiian royal family to the introduction of the instrument to the USA and a wider audience at the Chicago World Fair of 1893.
There are six different sizes and, these days, can be constructed from a range of materials from wood varieties to plastic and can command prices from the low hundreds to a thousand pounds sterling.
One variant is the banjolele popularised by George Formby and (Ten Ton) Tessie O’Shea in the 30’s and 40’s Music Halls.
Ray proceeded to demonstrate the strumming and picking method of playing and the genre of music sung to it, namely Folk, Sacred and Rock and Roll.
It would seem that his interest and playing of the instrument was one result of Covid lockdown, having only taken it up some 12 months ago, his previous interest being the guitar.
A lively Q and A session with further performances concluded his session.
All members are encouraged to bring guests and support our next meeting on July 6 when we will be entertained by talented organist Elizabeth Harrison followed by a buffet lunch and raffle, the proceeds from this event going towards Cancer Research UK.
As usual, 10am for 10.30am start.