Startforth-based ukulele group tunes up for festive performances

A GROUP of musicians who picked up the ukulele for the first time earlier this year are preparing to perform a series of festive concerts.

The Musikality Ukulele Group was launched in January. Originally based at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, the group now meets weekly at the former Startforth Primary School.

Dan Kilford, who runs the group, said although numbers fluctuated week-to-week and some members joined part way through the year, the nature of playing the ukulele meant everyone was up to speed.

“Everyone came in as novices, but everyone can now read song sheets and chord sheets proficiently – and everyone has had a really good laugh doing so,” he said.

Mr Kilford added that the idea was not to intimidate anyone who wanted to have a go at playing the ukulele and to provide a friendly setting.

“In the first week, we learnt three chords which led to five or six songs just using those chords.

“We have spent the year playing Folsom Prison Blues,” he joked.

The group’s first performance was at the Staindrop Big Gig in the summer and three more shows have been lined up for December.

Firstly, the players will squeeze into the Firkin Alley micro pub in Barnard Castle on Friday, December 8.

Then on Saturday, December 9, the group will play at St Mary’s Parish Church, Barnard Castle, from 3pm to 5pm, as part of the Christmas Tree Festival.

Finally, on Saturday, December 16, the group will be part of Carols on the Green, in Staindrop, when they will be accompanied by the Staindrop Primary School Choir.

This performance will start at 5pm and later the group are planning to play at the Wheatsheaf in the village.

Mr Kilford said a specific set of Christmas songs had been put together.

This will encompass everything from Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody and Shakin Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone, to more traditional tunes, such as Jingle Bells.

As well as playing, the group sings and will be accompanied by a drummer and bass player.

Mr Kilford said that with the group now settled in Startforth, he was keen to attract new members.

“We have nights where there are 14 or 15 people playing and others when there are only a handful.”

Group member Wendy Bellaris said anyone who fancied having a go would be made most welcome.

“It’s fun and you can start playing straight away. A lot of people think you need to read music, but you don’t.”

The group meets each Tuesday at the former Startforth School from 5.30pm to 7pm. It costs £6 per session.

Musikality is Mr Kilford’s music tuition service. For more details about the ukulele group, he can be contacted on 07985 483566.