What a magical night we all had at Newbury Soup Kitchen
MY ukulele group (NUTS) played and sang at the Newbury Soup Kitchen Christmas meal on Thursday, December 16.
I just had to write and tell you, from my perspective, as a once-a-year volunteer providing the festive musical entertainment, what a magical night it was.
Meryl and her band of volunteers are amazing for what they do, not only on this night but all through the year in providing their customers with a regular hot meal but also an opportunity to gather with each other socially, to receive reassurance and encouragement. In short, to feel loved.
This year’s festive meal seemed extra special, however.
Up and down Newbury high street in pubs and restaurants, those who were still confident enough to gather, were enjoying Christmas parties in the warm, eating, drinking and being merry.
Hidden from view, behind the high street, largely unnoticed, was the soup kitchen serving a wonderful hot Christmas dinner for its customers just in front of the Salvation Army hall.
A very authentic Santa was ringing his bell, cracking jokes and being the splendid chap he always has been.
My group, Newbury Ukulele Town Strummers (aka NUTS) were there to play and sing festive songs under the stars.
We have provided this entertainment willingly for a number of years and it’s always a pleasure. The soup kitchen customers were in good spirits, they enjoyed their Christmas meal, some danced together, some sang with us and clapped enthusiastically.
They requested Stop the Cavalry, which we duly delivered.
However, the crowning moment for me was when a lovely soup kitchener approached me and asked if he could sing a song.
He mentioned that singing was his passion and that he felt if he could get back into singing, he could get his life back on track.
He told me he sang Elvis and so with that, I invited him to take the mic and we accompanied him in Blue Christmas.
The most amazing, pitch perfect, voice belted out into the night.
‘Elvis was in the room’, so to speak. The applause and cheers rang out from the band, his comrades and volunteers.
With this recognition, he became visibly taller and his beaming smile told you that this was a special moment he might remember for some time.
It was an amazing end to my year leading Newbury Ukulele Town Strummers and one I will also hold dear for a long time to come.
I’d love to thank my club members via the NWN for their support of the ukulele club over the past seven years and especially for those that volunteer for gigs such as the soup kitchen event last night.
Many are in their 60s, 70s and some 80s.
They are all truly amazing and have such fun as well as giving to others. Anyone can join NUTS, from beginner ukulele players to pros.
We also welcome percussionists, singers, harmonica players.
We meet fortnightly at the Bowlers Arms, Wash Common, on Thursday evenings for a good ol’ pub strum and singalong.
We strum in the pub, we strum in canal boats, at garden parties, fetes, for charity and next year in Spain. Ukulele is easy to play, it’s social, therapeutic, wholesome and uplifting – our club is a perfect way to make new friends too.
Any age is welcome and we look forward to welcoming more new members in 2022.
To get involved or for good-value ukulele tuition, please enquire via Helen at www.newburyukulele.weebly.com or message 07963 647087.
We start back at NUTs mid-January 2022.
Happy Christmas everyone!
HELEN BATES
Newbury Ukulele Town Strummers (NUTS)