h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

There's something about uke players that makes them seek gangs to roam with, safety in numbers perhaps or reassurance that this is a respectable instrument, honest guv. Feeling this urge for myself, I googled for local clubs and eventually found an apparently active one half an hour's drive away in Stockport. The other week I steeled myself for disappointment, took uke in hand and went off to investigate club night.

I arrived at the door of a large suburban pub, full of obvious locals and a karaoke night in the function room. Unable to back off without at least having a quick half, I asked where the uke players had gone to. He gave me a knowing grin and directed me upstairs, with the promise "there's lots of them up there".

Up the creaky stairs, past the empty store room to a heavy door across the landing. Barging into the room, the strumming and singing got louder and I discovered 40 or more uke players having a noisy run through of the set for the weekend gig at a food festival in town. The next gig was at a local beer festival. Hope they're not taking this too seriously. I may have to go again to find out.

there must be something happy about ukeleles. I remember enjoying listening to this book on radio four last year.

The Uke of Wallington: One Man and His Ukulele Round Britain

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/mark+wallington/the+uke+of+wallington/8882583/

Ah yes, I remember listening to that one - the uke guy who went off "on tour" around the UK by bus, playing at every open mic he could find along the way. Nice idea

[Amy P]