A local group of ukulele players hopes to put an end to the snobbery that surrounds their favourite four-stringed instrument.
The Mossley Ukulele Group is looking forward to the most prestigious gig of its eight year history, supporting ukulele masters Anarchy in the Ukulele at The Vale in Mossley this March.
And the group’s 20 members, who are aged from early 40s up to 89, say it will be the perfect opportunity to introduce the joys of the pint-sized instrument to new audiences.
With a feelgood set list that includes Spirit In The Sky, Bad Moon Rising, Let It Be, Oasis’ Half The World Away, Pulp’s Common People and James’ Sit Down, Mossley Ukulele Group was started by music teacher Nicola Chambers in 2016.
Nicola, 45, who also plays tenor horn and is a former brass bander, says she was quickly won over by the charms of the ukulele when she first encountered one around 15 years ago.
Previously a secondary school music teacher, Nicola now tutors the instrument in schools as part of Tameside Music Service, as well as running adult sessions for Mossley Ukulele Group twice a month at The Vale.
So passionate about its appeal, Nicola also signed up to run the north west branch of the Ukulele Project, a national organisation which promotes the power of playing music together as a way to boost wellbeing and bring people together. This recently involved donating ukuleles to Stalybridge Library for a loan scheme.
Nicola, who grew up in Mossley, before moving to Stalybridge in 2019, said: “Mossley Ukulele Group is a lifeline for people and has started so many new friendships. We’re a friendly bunch and playing and singing together is very powerful.
“The ukulele is a unique instrument as it’s affordable to buy, light and portable to carry around, easy for a beginner to learn – and, you can sing at the same time as playing.
“I don’t know why there is still such a silly snobbery attached to it. Some people think it’s a toy or a joke and don’t get me started on how often people ask me if I can play George Formby’s When I’m Cleaning Windows!”
A family affair, Nicola’s mum Janet and auntie Maria are both part of the Mossley Ukulele Group and also help out with organisation. Along with the other members, the three are looking forward to the gig at The Vale.
Nicola said: “Over the years we have performed live many times, including at the Saddleworth Show, Mossley Light Festival and Tameside Rotary Club Beer Festival. But supporting Anarchy in the Ukulele is a real coup for us and we are very excited.
“All profits from the gig will be donated to the Ukulele Project, which hopes to donate 1,000 ukuleles to school, community groups and libraries.”
Anarchy in the Ukulele and Mossley Ukulele Group are at The Vale on Thursday 28 March 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, with all profits donated to The Ukulele Project, to fund the purchase of instruments for schools and community groups. https://www.the-vale.co.uk/
