A UKULELE club will be touring in and around Romsey this September, raising money for local charities.
Romsey Ukulele Group (RUG) has begun its schedule of September performances, continuing its commitment to supporting Romsey charities.
The band of buskers announced the dates on Facebook at the end of August, with performances planned in locations such as Romsey Makers Market and Isaac Watts Community Group Church Hall in Shirley.
The community group kicked off the month at Romsey Food Fair on Sunday, September 4 supporting local cancer support charity Jane Scarth House with an array of tunes.
RUG committee member Roger Eustis said: “We play music from all genres - 50's, 60's, 70's, Punk, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars - we have a go at everything. The important element is that people on each side of the ukulele have a great time - the players and audience have a wonderful time, together.
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“RUG's remit has always been to provide a friendly, welcoming environment in which people of all abilities can enjoy the pleasures of making music with like-minded people.
“We can turn a complete beginner into a competent and valued colleague within a few weeks - some new members performed at Romsey Abbey after just four weeks with the group.
“Over the past 7 years we have created a reputation for spreading the joy of the humble ukulele and have brought smiles to thousands of faces.”
One RUG player said: “For me personally, playing ukulele has been something of a lifeline through lockdown and difficult times. I feel blessed to be part of such a lovely group.”
Another commented: “It’s a warm-hearted club, where everyone has a voice and a story, with no judgement, and where many members have made life-long friends.”
The group was born in 2015 when the founding member moved to the UK from New Zealand and put an advert in the paper to see if anyone would want to join her ukulele group. The musical collective now has 150 members, with 40-55 attending weekly practices at Braishfield Social Club and 10-25 members performing at gigs.
Roger added: “Not everyone wants to perform, and that's just fine - everyone gives and takes what is right for them. Importantly, we are committed to supporting local Romsey charities.”
All of the profits from the group’s public gigs are donated to the chosen charities: Jane Scarth, Romsey Opportunities, Romsey Young Carers and the Gateway Stroke Club have all been beneficiaries. Additionally, RUG has raised funds for Ukraine and for Children In Need.
For more go to romseyukulele.co.uk/.
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