STOURBRIDGE BRANCH - CHRISTMAS M

Its amazing what playing a ukulele can do, like on Friday morning on the 10^th December I was waiting on Tipton south bound platform for the 26 mins past 7 train to Birmingham New Street, to travel by another train to Birmingham International, to go to the National Exhibition Centre [With Uke] to take an audition for Britain's Got Talent. Had to be there for 9.00am to sign in, although the auditions were between 10.00-11.00am. It's my third attempt over the past two years - perhaps this may be the year I get through to round two, which will be at one of the theatres in Birmingham. I came into contact with another two Uke players one from Liverpool and one from Coventry who is part of The Vjays Music and Songs of 40s,50s & 60s act. As before it will be the end of January before anyone has heard if they have got through to the second round. On the Saturday before 4^th December I was at Tipton Library, along with some other Uke players from Cradley Heath who meet at The Holly Bush Pub there on a Monday Night and also a fellow from The Comedian Pub Tipton, the purpose is to promote a new idea in Sandwell Libraries to Hire out Ukes complete with Chord book & tuition DVD to anyone who is interested. Each Library in the Borough has about three wooden Ukes such is the popularity of the instrument it can even be found in school bands. At a recent Lunch time Organ Concert which I attend once a month at Walsall Town Hall it was announced in the E & S that a Ukulele Orchestra from Rood End School Walsall would be appearing as guests of The Borough Organist Peter Morris at the December Concert on the 8^th. It proved to be a miss print they will be appearing there may be Jan.12^th of Feb.Concerts will keep You posted the concerts are between 1-2 pm on Wednesdays[Once a Month]also organ Concerts take place at West Bromwich Town Hall 1-2 on Thursday once a month. Richard Hall will be playing the Organ there on 13^th Jan. before I leave the Organ scene Thursday 27^th Jan. Chris Powell will be playing for Kingswinford Electronic Organ Society at Kingswinford British Legion. Chris is a George Formby fan and always features some of George's or Billy Uke Scott's numbers during His two hour concerts.

Now moving on to Our 19^th anniversary meeting on 15^th December - well what a night with some really great performances by all who were at the meeting. Almost at the very end while Andrew Little was playing "Out In The Middle East" Bernard who plays the Wash board had changed His clothes to appear as an Egyptian & along with Jane Partington did the Sand Dance while Andrew was playing the mentioned number - as You will see on the photos I am amazed at Bernard's talents. He used to work at Contactor Switchgear 1941-1946, I started there 1^st Jan 1951-15^th Aug 1986 when it closed. There were a number of entertainers who worked there in its 50yrs history.

Apart from an interval of 30 minutes, while everyone had the Christmas buffet, which was well prepared by Christine, Diane and Pat who worked hard to make the evening a success, which was none stop from 8.00pm- 11.30pm. My thanks to everyone who had travelled a distance to attend Dave & Jane Partington from Lytham St Annes, Peter Nixon and Pat (his mom) from Chesterfield, Andrew Little Stoke On Trent, Karen from Macclesfield, Roy & Sue Westwood from Worcester, Jim & Jackie O'Rourke from Wellington Shropshire, and to everyone I thank You all for attending and thus making the evening a success. Also a special Thank You to Adam & Sara from the Summer House for their hospitality & for Ellie who was busy behind the bar & was taking an interest in the performances. Not forgetting Dave, Christine, Matthew & Jonathan Richards with all the PA equipment & for Keyboard backing & likewise Dave Partington on Guitar & Bernard Francis on wash board.

I was out with Bernard, Roy & Rod Phillips entertaining the residents at Island Court care home Sedgley on Monday lunch time which was organised by Phillip Solomon who also has a radio programme on WCR Wolverhampton Community Radio Station where I have been interviewed twice in two years, Rod Phillips had His Zylophone, Bernard on The Wash Board & Roy & Myself with two Ukes & it was enjoyed by all the residents at the home. Before I close this report Roy & Myself were at the Bonded Warehouse Stourbridge on Saturday 11^th for a Concert by the Midlands Fretted Orchestra of which Gabriella plays for from time to time, there are 35 in the orchestra for those who have never seen them I would advice You to do so they are local & meet at Bearwood for practise sessions. I will find more details for the next report.

All that is left for Now is to wish Everyone A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year & also Many thanks for all Your Xmas Cards which I did not have chance on Wednesday at the meeting to write the ones which I had for You, but Very Many Thanks,

To All Who read this report A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year wherever You May Be Including those Who for some reason Can't attend the Stourbridge Branch meetings We think of You.

Entertaining at Island Court Dec 20th

Malcolm Bernard Rod Roy & The Matron at the Home Waiting to sign in for the B.G.T. Audition Dec10th 9am Walsall Town Hall Organ 8th Dec