In autumn 2016 a tiny group of pensioners decided, with some trepidation but inspired by the U3A ethos of ‘lifelong learning’, to learn to play a new musical instrument. Today, just a very few years later, All@C have become, if not a global then certainly a local phenomenon, with a repertoire of over two hundred well loved songs and a track record of performance at street festivals, the Memory Café, nursing homes and the theatre stage.
Without question it’s been ‘a journey’! and one of wonderful discoveries – joyful music, new friendships and un-dreamed of fun – but the best one is that singing along with this little instrument makes us feel great, and does the same for our audience.
We perform always in aid of the fantastic, invaluable Cornwall Air Ambulance, and instead of a fee we invite your generous donations in our trusty bucket to help support this most deserving of charities, so vital to all of us who live in the West Country. Up until Covid-19 first struck we had already raised over £2500… while we were just having fun! This was our first certificate:
If you’d like to find out more, come along to a rehearsal and say hello. You will need to have your own ukulele – we don’t offer lessons – also an idea of some basic chords which you can find in an array of ukulele tutorials online. Loads of enthusiasm will carry you far! Decent instruments can be obtained for as little as £15; you can spend much more, or borrow a small child’s. See the ukulele page for more information.
After a couple of visits practising with us you can progress to full membership, if you and we decide that we can’t be without each other. Until then we would ask that you make a contribution of £2 a week towards the hire of our rehearsal space. See our treasurer Alastair when you come.
Rehearsals – in normal times we meet for rehearsals every Wednesday morning at Launcells parish hall in the village of Grimscott, from 10.30 till 12 o’clock. Distancing is observed when required and we keep the hall very well ventilated throughout.
Gigs – are mostly in the Bude area, and mostly during the day. To arrange a gig, why not pop along to a rehearsal and meet one of the directors to have a chat and ensure availability.
Membership – There is an annual fee, currently £30, which covers our costs including hire of rehearsal space. There is nothing further to pay except travelling costs to gigs. There is no uniform to buy, although a hat or anything with red sequins is always desirable, not to mention a Hawaiian shirt (I said not to mention a Hawaiian shirt…)
So, whether you already play like a pro or want to play better, or possibly even move to the ukulele from the guitar or mandolin, why not come along to a rehearsal and see if you might enjoy our kind of music? We all find it rewarding, great fun and amazingly good for both physical and mental health, so you probably will too. Contact us now!