Appearances - 2024
Were you there? - have you got any comments or pickies for any of the appearances below? if so, please let us know using WUC FaceBook
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20/04/24 Great Malvern Farmer's Market
Hi Everyone, A very big thank you to this cheery bunch who played at the Malvern Farmers Market this morning. Lots of fun was had and they certainly kept me on my toes, including changing positions as I tried to introduce them to the crowd! Terry came up with the ‘line' of the day after I introduced Da Doo Ron Ron with ‘I met her on a Monday and my heart stood still!’, adding that he hoped a defibrillator was available!! Well done Jean, Joan and Barb as the Hand Jive Trio plus thanks to Joan and Barb for ‘bucketeering’. The quality of their enthusiasm and the band's performance led to a collection total of £108.25. A great result for Spectrum Days and to be added to the current running total of over £2000. Regards John
Peter, Dave, Shirley, Brian, Frank, John Hi, Terry, Jean, Liz, Eileen and Jackie, Martin, Joan, David, Ann, Steve, Nick, Barb and Jan
10/04/24 Alzheimer's Support Group - Worcester Warriors Foundation
Hi Everyone, Many of you know Stan of St Paul’s fame. His daughter got in touch with me last Friday(!) and we rapidly, with Virginia’s help, pulled a supergroup together for yesterday morning’s show for the Alzheimer’s Support Group organised by the Worcester Warriors Foundation. Amongst other sacrifices Jean cancelled the dentist and Ros the hairdresser to be there. Anyhow the most important thing to say came from Stan’s daughter Bev who sent the following -
"Thank you John and your team it was very good of you to get so many together at such short notice. I have had nothing but positive feedback from members of how they enjoyed the morning. It gives me great pleasure seeing my dad and other members of the group come to life when they hear your music. Big Thank you again, next time will give you more notice! Bev”
Anyway they gave us £50 for the charity and lovely cake! There was dancing and Stan joined us for “You Are My Sunshine”. Jean and Barb were the Hand Jive Twins, Shirley and Phil the tight rhythm section and Martin H gave Sue the Runaround!
Regards John
"Thank you John and your team it was very good of you to get so many together at such short notice. I have had nothing but positive feedback from members of how they enjoyed the morning. It gives me great pleasure seeing my dad and other members of the group come to life when they hear your music. Big Thank you again, next time will give you more notice! Bev”
Anyway they gave us £50 for the charity and lovely cake! There was dancing and Stan joined us for “You Are My Sunshine”. Jean and Barb were the Hand Jive Twins, Shirley and Phil the tight rhythm section and Martin H gave Sue the Runaround!
Regards John
05/04/24 Welland House Care Centre
Hi all, A small, but perfectly formed, group of 8 Wuccies headed out into the depths of Worcestershire today to play at the Welland House Care Centre, in (surprisingly!) Welland. We were last there just before Christmas, and we were made most welcome again by staff and residents alike, many of whom had been looking forward to our return. We gave out what's left of my percussion instruments, along with word sheets, and we all settled down for a good, old-fashioned sing-song! We played for just over an hour, and it was great the see so many of the residents joining in and getting up and dancing. The highlight, though, was when resident, Gary, did a solo rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. A great time was had by all, and the charity fund will grow by £80 as a result. Many thanks to all - on both sides of the ukulele - who did their bit to make the afternoon an enjoyable success! Photographic evidence of our presence is provided by Geoff. Cheers Trevor
28/03/24 Highwell House Care Home, Bromyard
Quick note from today’s gig in Bromyard. There was only space for eight of us but we represented WUC well. We were asked for 60’s and 70’s music. They sang and percussed (is that a word?) to everything. We turned the session into a quiz and awarded virtual points. Eddie was the champion, gaining points for answering, and he even turned the tables and asked his own questions! Afternoon tea was wonderful, served on a tea trolley, very posh.
Second half was just as much fun. When we sang, “When I’m 64”, one man said “I can give you 40 years on that”. Turns out he was 103! Amazing man. We were thanked and all promised “mates rates” when we’re ready to move in. I think that’s a first.
Anyway, we spent a couple of hours having fun and raising £87 for our charity. I’m sure we’ll be asked back again. Thanks to today’s band, you did a great job. My first time leading a gig for a few months, I’d forgotten how much fun it is. Elaine
Second half was just as much fun. When we sang, “When I’m 64”, one man said “I can give you 40 years on that”. Turns out he was 103! Amazing man. We were thanked and all promised “mates rates” when we’re ready to move in. I think that’s a first.
Anyway, we spent a couple of hours having fun and raising £87 for our charity. I’m sure we’ll be asked back again. Thanks to today’s band, you did a great job. My first time leading a gig for a few months, I’d forgotten how much fun it is. Elaine
23/03/24 Spectrum Days Busk
HI all,
Well, it was hard to believe that we have passed the Spring equinox and that we are only a week away from putting the clocks forward. Boy, was it chilly on the High Street outside the Debenhams today! However, we ukulele players are noted for our resolve and our resilience, and 37 of us turned out today, to stand in the shade of what little sunshine there was, and to entertain the great people of Worcester for very nearly 4 hours. We were ably assisted by our bucket-rattlers, and we were delighted to see a goodly group of staff, members and carers of Spectrum Days who turned out to support us supporting them! A special mention to Jim and Tash! It wouldn't have been a proper Spectrum Days do without them!
Perhaps it was the far from spring-like weather keeping people away, but there didn't seem to be that many passers-by chuckin' it in the bucket. However, the rucksack containing the cash on my trek back to the car was heavy, and, once I had got home, it took me quite some time to tot up the total. I had to wash some of the cash - money laundering? - as I think someone must have spilled part of a drink into one of the buckets. (WUC have had a Lucky Bucket for a few years: we've now also got a Mucky Bucket!) When all the cash was clean and dry, the counting began, and I am delighted to report that the total collected was £466.73! Wow! (Even more surprising than the truly impressive amount raised was the fact that there were no foreign coins at all in the collection... and no shopping-trolley tokens! ) A HUGE "thank you!" and a HUGE "well done!" to everyone who took part.
Attached are photos from Geoff and Rosemary (who was a very busy bee this afternoon). The little girl with Anne is Lily in Pink (not to be confused with Lily the Pink), and we are grateful to her dad, Nathan, who took the photo, emailed it to Geoff and consented to us using the photo in our emails and on Facebook.
I'll have a look at what's on when, and then I'll look to book another busk at the end of April/beginning of May, when it can only be a bit warmer! Can't it....??!!
Cheers
Trevor
Well, it was hard to believe that we have passed the Spring equinox and that we are only a week away from putting the clocks forward. Boy, was it chilly on the High Street outside the Debenhams today! However, we ukulele players are noted for our resolve and our resilience, and 37 of us turned out today, to stand in the shade of what little sunshine there was, and to entertain the great people of Worcester for very nearly 4 hours. We were ably assisted by our bucket-rattlers, and we were delighted to see a goodly group of staff, members and carers of Spectrum Days who turned out to support us supporting them! A special mention to Jim and Tash! It wouldn't have been a proper Spectrum Days do without them!
Perhaps it was the far from spring-like weather keeping people away, but there didn't seem to be that many passers-by chuckin' it in the bucket. However, the rucksack containing the cash on my trek back to the car was heavy, and, once I had got home, it took me quite some time to tot up the total. I had to wash some of the cash - money laundering? - as I think someone must have spilled part of a drink into one of the buckets. (WUC have had a Lucky Bucket for a few years: we've now also got a Mucky Bucket!) When all the cash was clean and dry, the counting began, and I am delighted to report that the total collected was £466.73! Wow! (Even more surprising than the truly impressive amount raised was the fact that there were no foreign coins at all in the collection... and no shopping-trolley tokens! ) A HUGE "thank you!" and a HUGE "well done!" to everyone who took part.
Attached are photos from Geoff and Rosemary (who was a very busy bee this afternoon). The little girl with Anne is Lily in Pink (not to be confused with Lily the Pink), and we are grateful to her dad, Nathan, who took the photo, emailed it to Geoff and consented to us using the photo in our emails and on Facebook.
I'll have a look at what's on when, and then I'll look to book another busk at the end of April/beginning of May, when it can only be a bit warmer! Can't it....??!!
Cheers
Trevor
21/03/24 Delores' Wake - Blackpole Inn, Worcester
Hi all
A group of 14 of us met at the Blackpole Inn, Worcester, this afternoon to play at the wake of an erstwhile resident of Bilford Court. We came across Dolores at the gigs we've done at Bilford Court, and it was very much a case of "once you've met her, you don't forget her"! She loved a good sing-along, and - being Irish - would often ask for a song from the Emerald Isle, and we would oblige, if we could. Well, this afternoon, we played a set of 10 songs, five of which, at some time, had made their way in an easterly direction across the Irish Sea. The friends and family at the wake had copies of the lyrics, and there was great audience participation. We had a spare microphone, and offered everyone the chance to perform a ukularaoke song. Eventually. Dimitri was brave enough (or coerced) to pick up the mike and help us along with Bring Me Sunshine. He went down a storm, and didn't want to give up the mike, so he also gave his all on Fields of Athenry and I'll Fly Away.
Although the circumstances were essentially, sad, the mood in the room was a joyful one, remembering and celebrating Dolores. Everyone was sure she would have had a ball, had she been there!
As well as the £75.00 gig fee, there had been collections at Bilford Court and at the Crematorium, which Julie, Dolores' daughter, decided to pass on to us to support Spectrum Days. The total collected at the two venues was £299.72... plus a shopping-trolley token. I reckon that it's the thought that counts, so I've bought the token for £1.00 (which it resembles!), meaning that the grand total in buckets is £301.72. (Anyone want to buy a British Heart Foundation shopping-trolley token, for a mere £1.25?)
Many thanks to everyone who played and helped to make the event so successful, and many thanks to Dolores' friends and family for allowing us to take part in it.
Two photos from Geoff attached.
Cheers
Trevor
A group of 14 of us met at the Blackpole Inn, Worcester, this afternoon to play at the wake of an erstwhile resident of Bilford Court. We came across Dolores at the gigs we've done at Bilford Court, and it was very much a case of "once you've met her, you don't forget her"! She loved a good sing-along, and - being Irish - would often ask for a song from the Emerald Isle, and we would oblige, if we could. Well, this afternoon, we played a set of 10 songs, five of which, at some time, had made their way in an easterly direction across the Irish Sea. The friends and family at the wake had copies of the lyrics, and there was great audience participation. We had a spare microphone, and offered everyone the chance to perform a ukularaoke song. Eventually. Dimitri was brave enough (or coerced) to pick up the mike and help us along with Bring Me Sunshine. He went down a storm, and didn't want to give up the mike, so he also gave his all on Fields of Athenry and I'll Fly Away.
Although the circumstances were essentially, sad, the mood in the room was a joyful one, remembering and celebrating Dolores. Everyone was sure she would have had a ball, had she been there!
As well as the £75.00 gig fee, there had been collections at Bilford Court and at the Crematorium, which Julie, Dolores' daughter, decided to pass on to us to support Spectrum Days. The total collected at the two venues was £299.72... plus a shopping-trolley token. I reckon that it's the thought that counts, so I've bought the token for £1.00 (which it resembles!), meaning that the grand total in buckets is £301.72. (Anyone want to buy a British Heart Foundation shopping-trolley token, for a mere £1.25?)
Many thanks to everyone who played and helped to make the event so successful, and many thanks to Dolores' friends and family for allowing us to take part in it.
Two photos from Geoff attached.
Cheers
Trevor
21/03/24 The Warf Care Home, Stourport
Hi Everyone, A brief report following our gig today. The pretty bunch below were our representatives this afternoon and did their utmost to maintain the WUC reputation, as they provided an hour of fun and jollity as only WUCs know how. We had a lot of banter, mostly at my expense, a joke from Yvonne and much more from the audience who provided percussive accompaniment, again thanks to Yvonne. The staff were dragged onboard and there were a couple of nice moments when they told us their names and those behind me sang a relevant song e.g. Michelle and Carrie-Ann! Thank you Jean and Yvonne for being the hand-jivers today. Big thank you to Mark on the bass for holding the chaos together with Shirley's tambourine and lastly, to Teddy the Shih Tzu who ..
1) Didn't howl or bark.
2) Provided a sumptuous comedic moment that can't be detailed here!
We have added £75 gig fee and were handed £13 by a couple of the residents after we spoke about Spectrum Days and thanked the Wharf for the fee. All in all we proved that when we all pull together we really do have the know how to have fun and frolics.
Regards John
Looking intelligent are Mark, Rick, Martin S, Liz, Joan, Yvonne, Jean, Shirley and Trevor R.
1) Didn't howl or bark.
2) Provided a sumptuous comedic moment that can't be detailed here!
We have added £75 gig fee and were handed £13 by a couple of the residents after we spoke about Spectrum Days and thanked the Wharf for the fee. All in all we proved that when we all pull together we really do have the know how to have fun and frolics.
Regards John
Looking intelligent are Mark, Rick, Martin S, Liz, Joan, Yvonne, Jean, Shirley and Trevor R.
07/03/24 Spectrum Days
Hi All, Many, many thanks to the group of Wuccies who put their all into the gig at Spectrum Days this morning. As ever, the gig was a joyous and joyful affair, with lots of audience participation and dancing. The hour went by really quickly, with lots of singing and laughter. The only downside, I think, was two naughty people behind me, who apparently changed the words of “Hi Ho Silver Lining!” to “Hi Ho Wolverhampton!” I suppose it’s what you come to expect from Wolves fans! (I won’t name any names, but you know who you are, Colin and Jim!!!)
21/02/24 St Andrew's Centre Pershore and Lunch Club
Hi Everyone, A big thank you to the 12 plucky, pluckers who played yesterday in Pershore. I received the following from the organiser Donna.
"Dear John and Worcester Ukulele group,
Please find attached the photos from today, huge thanks to everyone for the most upliftng lunch club everyone commented on how much they enjoyed it.”
All we can ask for, so thanks again to Tom, Phil the Bass, Brian, Jean, Frank, Jerry, Joan, David H, Barbara T, Maureen and Martin H. Oh and an enthusiastic audience member grabbed our bucket and came back with £66.45 to add to the £75 gig fee making £141.45 for Spectrum Days. I am sure the collection was helped by what Barb said to the audience by way of introducing our charity. Well done Barb, you bought Spectrum Days to life. Regards, John
"Dear John and Worcester Ukulele group,
Please find attached the photos from today, huge thanks to everyone for the most upliftng lunch club everyone commented on how much they enjoyed it.”
All we can ask for, so thanks again to Tom, Phil the Bass, Brian, Jean, Frank, Jerry, Joan, David H, Barbara T, Maureen and Martin H. Oh and an enthusiastic audience member grabbed our bucket and came back with £66.45 to add to the £75 gig fee making £141.45 for Spectrum Days. I am sure the collection was helped by what Barb said to the audience by way of introducing our charity. Well done Barb, you bought Spectrum Days to life. Regards, John
15/02/24 St Paul's Church Friendship and Lunch Club
Hi, It was a sunny and warmer day, as a sunny and warm hearted bunch of Wuccies met at St Paul’s. Thanks go to Trevor T, John Hi, Colin B, Brian, Jean, Ann, Martin S, Pete L, Nick, Frank, Sue, Jerry, Joan, Dave Su, Barbara T, Shirley, Martin H, Liz and Michael. Interesting acoustic as ever but a happy audience joined in enthusiastically. Thanks to Trevor for talking to them about Spectrum Days. Special thanks to the ‘hand-jive’ duo Joan and Jean and Martin for a super RunAround Sue. Stan joined us for ‘You are My Sunshine’ and overall we were very well received. Organiser Peter rang later and said thank you for a great concert! So there! It was he who asked for and took the photo of the three of us for their church website (lucky them!) and to publicise our charity. Oh, and over £90 for the charity as well. Regards John
03/02/24 Bromyard Road Methodist Church
Well at last WUC has broken the duck for gigging in 2024 and supporting our new charity. 15 of us went to Bromyard Road Methodist Church this afternoon to play to a well attended audience who were supporting their own charity linked to Nigeria. They were a lovely audience who joined in with clapping and singing with many of the songs. The biggest surprise was that most of them joined in doing the hand-jive led with great enthusiasm by Jean!! Never seen that before, not Jean acting daft but the audience en masse joining in! There was a great deal of smiley enthusiasm and banter with a tiny hint of rust but we must have entertained because despite there being no fee they took our bucket away and gave us £67.14 which given they were supporting another charity, was very generous!
Well done Pete L, Rick, Colin, Martin S, Jean, Dave Su, Shirley, Maureen, John M, Brian, Bev, Martin H and Bill the Bass. Special mention to Colin for leading his Buddy Holly Medley, Brian for harmonies and Martin H for leading with gusto Runaround Sue plus scatdabadoo in the Jungle Book Medley! Photos are courtesy of Pat who described herself as a WUC groupie who used to send videos to Colin!!! One more thing, there was a young lady called Scarlet, age 8, in the audience who had bought her own ukulele. We checked her out and she can already play C, Am, F and G! She is booked to do the rolling start next time on the Jungle Book Medley!! One for the future eh!
Regards
Bête Noire
Well done Pete L, Rick, Colin, Martin S, Jean, Dave Su, Shirley, Maureen, John M, Brian, Bev, Martin H and Bill the Bass. Special mention to Colin for leading his Buddy Holly Medley, Brian for harmonies and Martin H for leading with gusto Runaround Sue plus scatdabadoo in the Jungle Book Medley! Photos are courtesy of Pat who described herself as a WUC groupie who used to send videos to Colin!!! One more thing, there was a young lady called Scarlet, age 8, in the audience who had bought her own ukulele. We checked her out and she can already play C, Am, F and G! She is booked to do the rolling start next time on the Jungle Book Medley!! One for the future eh!
Regards
Bête Noire
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There was a guy taking photos & videos at the Bromyard Road Methodist Church gig. We didn't expect to get quite such a professional result & this is just part one - watch this space for part two!