The original Ukulele Day was in October 2008 at the Queen's Head in Wolverley run by Ray. This was mainly a playing party but one of the guests was George Hinchcliffe, a member of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
Kidderminster Ukulele Day
The club have held it's second Ukulele Day which was on Saturday 22nd November 2014 in St George's Social Club, Kidderminster.
Our first one was held in 2012 and was very successful. The day began with stalls selling various ukuleles and associated mechandise and members talking to the general public about playing and what to look for in an instrument.
Next we held a beginners' class in the church hall next door. We had nineteen attend and our own members gave almost one to one tuition.
Later there was a workshop for those who wanted to know more about advanced techniques, understanding chord structure, barred chords and movable chord shapes all of which make for more interesting playing.
John Colter gave a talk on setting up the uke, string height, saddle and nut positions and general maintainence.
We also had a talk about George Harrison and his uke playing.
Later there was a chance to shine with an open mic spot and finally the mass bands played a selection from our song books.
Ukulele Day 2014
In 2014, our Ukulele day was on Saturday 22nd November at St. George's Social Club
We had the Rockstar Music shop from Blackheath along with a stall selling members' instruments and strings and things. John Croft showed off his Vintage ukuleles and ukulele banjos and advised people on what to look out for when buying second hand. Richard Bending of UBJ had brought a selection of ukes that he had made including a walking stick uke and some of the tools he uses. To date he has made 26 ukes.
Later there was a beginners' workshop followed by a very informative talk on melody playing for the uke run by Barry and Richard.
After tea we had the concert spots. SUSA opened proceedings and we were very pleased to have representatives from Ukenited of Gloucester and the Worcester Uke Club performing for us. UBJ, from Swindon, Wiltshire, who are on their 4th CD, did a very enjoyable spot.
To finish the night we had "the big bash" and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.
Many thanks to all involved in last nights bash. We both had a great night.
Everyone I spoke to thought that it was a great success and enjoyed it immensely, so make sure that you do it again in two years time, when I'd love to return. John Croft
Saturday was enormous fun! We (that's the royal we, Bryan, Chris, John, Helen and our guest from Newcastle Kath) all enjoyed it tremendously. So much so, as you know both John and Helen purchased ukes and are joining SUSA on Thursdays.
We really enjoyed the day. The people are what make it interesting and enjoyable and we will definitely be there again - we just like being there. Rockstar Music
Thanks for yesterday – you all did a great job of organising things, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Thank you for the kind words in your email today, Graham. I’ve forwarded it to Barry,and Chris. We had a great time; we always enjoy coming to Kidderminster, and seeing you all. I hope people have been inspired by the workshop. The important thing is to practise regularly; everyone knows that, but too often life gets in the way! Barry’s playing puts us all to shame, but only because he has practised a minimum of two hours every day for many years! UBJ
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