THERE was “strumthing” special at Holsworthy Methodist Church Thursday Friendship Group’s latest meeting — a visit from the Bude Ukulele Band. 

The colourful stringed orchestra – “a band of rocking pensioners” known as All@C – was led by Paul Davies and brought a toe-tapping programme of favourite tunes and songs to a delighted audience.

The lively numbers included I Love to Boogie, These Boots, Heartbeat, Peggy Sue, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Calendar Girl, and an updated version of Cliff Richard’s The Young Ones, now retitled The Old Ones, with words written by a band member.

The audience didn’t escape some participation, and the ukulele version of Carole King’s Locomotion was hard to resist, along with a bit of Lonnie Donegan skiffle and The Lambeth Walk.  There were some wartime standards: Wish Me Luck, Pack Up Your Troubles, Side By Side – and a husky evocation of Marlene Dietrich, as soloist Glenda Lavender sang Lili Marlene. 

A vote of thanks was given by Hilary Vivian, who said that the ukulele band had shown the joy of live music-making in a truly jolly afternoon.  A collection was taken in aid of that life-saving local charity, the Cornwall Air Ambulance, for which All@C has raised £6,000 over the years. Tea and cakes were then enjoyed by all. 

The Thursday Friendship Group meets in the Bodmin Street Blue Room or chapel hall, from 2pm to 3.30pm, where everyone is welcome to come and share tea, coffee, cake and a chat. Guest speakers are regularly planned for alternate Thursdays, and on the other Thursdays, the group holds games and quiz afternoons.  Please look out for posters about forthcoming activities.