Reporter: Phil Barr Photographs and Video: Jane Barr, Richard Hancock

Horbury Uke Fest 2nd April 2023

Members of our band arrived in instalments from noon onwards at Cluntergate Community Centre in Horbury exactly a week after the first showing of the newest TV version of the Dickens epic, with Great Expectations for the afternoon ahead. Local talent came together from various points of the district, and although this was a friendly gathering, Wakeylele was keen to put on a good show. 

 The Merrie Pluckers from Ossett preceded us with a varied itinerary, and it was good to see Rob (“He’s one of our own” to borrow a football chant) starring on the uke. However, before we knew, it was our turn to take the ‘stage. ‘ and even before a note was played, eyes were drawn to the headgear of some band members. Pippa only needed to add a chick and Cadbury’s egg to her hat to be a strong contender for an Easter bonnet competition whilst Maria opted for a more subtle minimalist look with a trilby featuring a single daisy (plastic) as an accoutrement. Meanwhile, Dave F went for a punk cockerel effect which contrasted well with Roy’s Roy Rodgers fedora. To enhance this blaze of colour even further, Dave Blackburn sported a fetching waistcoat which reminded me of a rubik’s cube. 

  And so to the performance itself ( and about time I hear/ sense  some people thinking). On the Road Again has become the band’s signing off song, but this time it took centre stage and was followed immediately by Any Dream..,and Bad Moon Rising to complete the first triplet – an idea hatched by David –  possibly one evening over a single malt. Whatever the inspiration we were warming to the challenge and the chords of Button Up Your Overcoat and Carolina in the Morning ensured that no slacking could be afforded. Another challenge to be overcome was picking up on David’s opening chords for each song against the background buzz, but with his masterful stamping foot and visual checks that the band’s eyes and brains were focused, standards were not allowed to drop. Only the premiere of Don’t Jump Off the Roof, Dad failed to spark into life ,  David wisely serving notice to the audience that it had only been introduced recently. Even a fine looking Fez, produced by a member of the audience, which Tommy Cooper would have been proud to wear, couldn’t quite inspire the necessary Fizz. This, though, proved to be a brief blip as the tempo   increased and another ‘first’ – I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch of …..went down a storm. (Sorry, Peter A you may have to plan another short break away!) So, with the crowd baying for more, Leaning on a Lamp and Maxwell were belted out and more windows had to be opened as the temperature soared. Mags was on cracking form on percussion – in fact I think I spotted a security guy removing an overzealous autograph hunter at one point as he attempted to surf over the crowd to reach her. Another high point was Over the Rainbow with the band now on the top of their game – the longish intro sounding spot on to my ears at least and judging from the video, everyone really bouncing with enthusiasm. (I was able to zoom in on individuals on the original.)

With time running down and not wanting to outstay our welcome David deftly omitted three of the  scheduled remaining numbers and went for the ever popular Wagon Wheel before concluding with a smooth rendition of What a Day for a Daydream, Loving Spoonful’s 1966 hit – a mere stripling of a song in Wakeylele’s canon!

   So ended our contribution to what felt like a very successful and happy afternoon. Many thanks to organiser Lorraine Lane, the event was much appreciated by all attending. It was good to perform in the company of like-minded people and to get the chance to see what other groups do. I was impressed with the small group of players from Garforth and their selection of songs but I wasn’t there for the whole afternoon and no doubt Richard and others  will be able to share what they heard and liked. Large thanks to David, ( makes a change from huge) for conducting and leading the group in what was, at times, testing surroundings, to volunteers who provided refreshments and of course to Lorraine who did a great job in making this event possible. The icing on the cake was that the healthy sum of £533 was raised for two charities, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, (our chosen  charity), and the Cats Protection Society. 

Next up is a gig at the Ridings, Wakefield on Friday,14th April at 11a.m (tbc).

Merry Pluckers’ excellent performance featured a variety of instruments and their usual high standards which included a solo (Geof Wallace) and superb duet by leader Kevin and David Hirst