Strumming fun

From left, Meg, Cheryl, Lynne and Pat. Photo: STEWART CHAMBERS 204855_02

By Jessica Anstice

With absolutely no musical background or experience, a small group of people once gathered to learn to play the ukulele in Pakenham.

U-Bute Uke Group was formed in 2017 and over the ensuing years under the guidance of Jennifer and David Keates, it has grown into a large and enthusiastic group of mature, but not over-ripe, members that meet every week.

Each week the group meets to play a wide range of music, from rock and country to old standards at Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham.

Rather than a small ukulele group they are now more of an ‘ukestra’, with 40 plus members who have become advanced ukulele players.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously, as our aim is to simply enjoy making music together while having a great deal of fun in the process,” Ms Keates said.

“We have enjoyed performing at many local clubs and organisations – always encouraging our audience to join in for a good old fashioned sing-a-long.”