Inwood Care Home, Horbury 8th March, 2025.

by Phil Barr. photos and Video Phil Barr

   The Wakeylele band arrived outside our latest performance venue under a clear blue mid – March sky with just a hint of the recent nithering easterly winds still lingering. The initial signs of a warm welcome were not particularly promising as access was dependent on staff (who were welcoming) being available to let us in because of the keypad security system but this only added to the amusement with Dave Flatters for one doing a silly dance as he waited to be let in – again. Once we were inside the attractive entrance hall, which included a grand piano, and all were signed in there followed another interval before we were shown through to the lounge where we set up in our designated area which in John W’s words was compact or bijou – in more coarse terms there wasn’t room to swing a cat round. (I hasten to add at this stage that I like felines and wouldn’t want the RSPCA on my back.) So, after much shuffling we were ready to go and David, having set the scene counted us in and we were off with the Wakeylele intro/ Side by Side combo – I suppose you could say that we hit them with our rhythm stick before they had chance to draw breath but David knows how to woo an audience so the harmonic strains of Any Dreams Will Do ensued with our ladies section,

which today comprised of Margaret, Sue , Maria and Glyn, beautifully contrasting with the male voice ‘choir.’

Now it was time for the first solo slot and up stepped Peter A, aka the Shafton Songster to deliver a proficient rendition of the Troggs hit, Love Is All Around.

Full band songs then resumed with Bring Me Sunshine and Country Roads keeping the audience involved before Mike S, sporting a vivid green shirt befitting of St Patrick’s Day entertained the residents with The Mountains of Mourne complete with finger picking sections for which he received generous applause.

Chris and Dave F then donned their head brollies as a clue that a weather medley was a strong possibility before the first half was concluded with a rousing version of It’s Now or Never. 

  Those band members who attended this afternoon’s gig may think at this stage that I had forgotten to mention David’s joke telling stints – as if! Here’s a sample, it being St Pat’s Day: What is the Irish people’s name for a fake diamond: Sham- rock. If that wasn’t enough David had no less than two other categories of jokes to deliver; Black Puddings, (it also being National Black Pudding Day would you believe) and more ukulele puns but I regret to say that anybody reading this has had their quota for the foreseeable. 

 There followed a welcome break as we were kindly invited to a cafe area where we could help ourselves to tea or coffee and some very tasty buns. 

   The second half began with the usual reveille call from Pop, the only potential   problem being that in such a confined space he might cause the windows to crack. King of the Road followed and then it was Chris’s turn to display his talents with a Joe Brown song which was also well received

although it was noticeable that there were one or two empty seats for the second half due no doubt to excess excitement at what had gone before. One resident was also seen to be searching for something in her handbag throughout the second half – possibly an autograph book or then again, she may have been looking for some paracetamol, although the tranquillity of our next number, A Slow Boat to China, may have helped any developing headaches. Moreover, a young enthusiastic staff member, Kimberley, did a great job giving out water to all who needed to keep hydrated  in the very warm and confined playing space as well as jollying along the residents who responded well throughout, not least as the gig drew to a climax, first with a super confident On the Road Again, then another great performance from Pop, wearing a colourful trawlerman’s hat and a Van Gogh – esque flowered shirt aided brilliantly by the aforementioned ladies quartet as he sang Three Little Birds before another old chestnut – Three… Wheels, etc…

all rounded off with the Old Time Medley with three gentlemen on the front row especially being fully committed in their vocal contributions. So, yet another gig in the bag and the icing on the cake came with effusive praise from the resident’s spokesperson who sounded genuinely appreciative of our efforts. 

I meant to mention that I believe I saw a collection plate for the soloists being passed round but from where I was sitting the offerings were limited to a Russian rouble, a couple of trouser buttons and a ten-bob note.  When I asked a resident to confirm this, she just said that it was the thought that counts. I jest of course, as the all the soloists did a great job as the videos show.

  Thanks once more to David for leading the band with such aplomb – the joke telling notwithstanding – although I actually look forward to it in a Tommy Cooper kind of way and to Mike and Jenny for their contribution to another enjoyable occasion. 

  Footnote: Well done to Mel who by the sound of it did a good job in arranging a club session for those who didn’t make the gig – another indication of the wealth of talent which exists within the group. Another footnote; as I was stuck in a traffic jam on Thornes Wharf Road what should come onto the radio as a background jingle was Enjoy Yourself. Mmmm.

 Next up is a return to the Ridings on Thursday, 27th March – 10.30 for 11a.m.