MUSIC TO MY EARS. Phyllis Walker (seated centre), a resident at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown, with her daughter Jackie Brooks (seated right) and Jackie’s bandmates Jo Cartlidge (seated) and, standing from left: John Granger, Sue McLachlan, Judy Weldon, Claire Mills, Fred Shepherd, Ken Ranford and Jools Kane.
A Dorset care home enjoyed foot-tapping fun after a resident’s daughter brought her nine-piece ukulele band in for a live show.
There were smiles all round as the Ringwood-based Flamin’ Ukes entertained an appreciative audience at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown.
Singalong covers from the 1940s, 50s and 60s included Da Doo Ron Ron, Peggy Sue, Sweet Georgia Brown, Delilah and La Bamba.
The visit was arranged by band member Jackie Brooks whose mum Phyllis Walker lives at Amberwood House.
Jackie said: “Playing ukulele is so much fun but playing to a live audience is even better. You just can’t help smiling. We thought mum and the other residents would really enjoy it.”
The ukulele is a four-stringed small guitar originally popularised in Hawaii where its name translates as ‘jumping flea’.
In recent years, ukulele playing has seen a huge surge in popularity with many new groups being formed in the UK.
Because it is relatively easy to learn and a good starting point to go on to other instruments, the ukulele is widely taught in primary schools along with the more traditional recorder.
Amberwood House Activity Organiser Jan Burns said: “The Flamin’ Ukes gave us a lively, colourful show that went down really well and got everyone’s feet tapping. We all love it when musicians come in to play live at the home.”
