A LOCAL group of musicians had a busy festive season at the end of 2023, performing their special renditions of popular songs at a variety of local events, with many more gigs planned for 2024. The Anchor Ukes are a Newcastle-based ukelele group which boasts around 40 active members. Many of the group members live in Newcastle, with others living in surrounding towns and villages in County Down.
“We’re all mostly local,” Anchor Ukes member and Newcastle resident Aileen McVey said. In the lead up to Christmas 2023, the Anchor Ukes had nine performances scheduled in the local area. Aileen said that they try to get to every event they are asked to play at. Some of the recent events the group was involved in during the past year included the Christmas lights switch-on and the Eats and Beats Festival in Newcastle, local Halloween events and performances at local charities. “We have a bit of fun, that’s what it’s all about,” Aileen said. “Hopefully the people watching will pick up the vibe and enjoy it just as much.” The group also has a number of events pencilled in for 2024 already. “We’ve plans for something new involving other NI uke groups, so keep an eye on our social media channels for further updates,” Anchor Ukes member Valerie McCracken said. Early beginnings The Anchor Ukes began in June 2019 at the Anchor Bar in Newcastle, when a staff member brought in ukulele tutor Roisin Erskine from Crossgar to teach the enthusiastic group. “I was there on the first night – a little apprehensive and unsure, but I thought that the risk was worth taking,”
Aileen said. A Facebook post sparked her interest in the group. “I had already got a ukulele the Christmas before. “I was making good enough progress with it but a friend pointed it out to me because she knew that I had gotten a ukulele.” “It really is good craic,” Aileen said. “As a bunch, we are very laid-back. I have met so many lovely people.” Newcastle resident Camilla Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Anchor Ukes. She said that she saw in 2019 that the Anchor Bar was starting a regular ukulele session and decided to check it out. “I’d been interested in learning how to play the guitar, but the idea of lessons didn’t really appeal to me. “This seemed like the perfect solution – two less strings and a group setting. I just liked the sound of it,” Camilla said. She said she has enjoyed her time playing with the musical group. “It’s really good fun and we have a busy gig schedule throughout the year. “We just love to see people smiling and singing along with us,” Camilla said. “We regularly have visitors from other uke groups – love of the instrument really is a great ice breaker! Learning a new skill has also been very enjoyable.”
Weekly jam sessions Since the group’s early beginnings, the Anchor Ukes have changed their meeting location, but their enjoyment of the music and spirit of fun amongst the members has continued. Currently the group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm at O’Hare’s pub in Newcastle, with around 30 people showing up each week for the music and camaraderie. Their first jam session of 2024 was held last night (Tuesday) at O’Hare’s. “Playing with others is just incredible. It’s a lovely feeling,” Aileen said. “A big part of the ukulele thing is the socializing and the craic.” The group also likes to have themes for some of their Tuesday night practices, such as a country and western night. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do have fun,” Aileen said. The one thing the group members all share is an enthusiasm for the ukulele. “We’re all quite passionate about it,” Aileen said. “It’s quite easy to play. You can pick it up and in a short time you can play a tune. “It never fails to put a smile on my face when I’m playing it.” Valerie, who resides in Dundrum, said the group chose to play the ukulele as their primary instrument because it was accessible to so many people. “I think it’s because the uke is so easy to learn, it’s easy to carry around, it’s relatively inexpensive to buy, sounds great and is great fun to play,” Valerie said. “I used to play guitar as a child and thought the uke would be something to get me back into music. “I got one for my birthday and started learning the basics online with YouTube tutorials. “I then heard of a group starting in The Anchor Bar so decided to go along and see if I could join,” she said.
Eclectic mix The type of music the Anchor Ukes play varies, depending on their audience. “We do all types of music – it’s an eclectic mix,” Aileen said. She said that they try to perform mostly “lively” songs that are “upbeat” but will tailor it to the occasion they are playing for. For example, if they are playing at a care home they try to perform songs the residents may remember from years gone by, such as ‘The Mountains of Mourne’ and ‘I’ll Tell Me Ma’. Camilla said they play “a broad mixture” including, rock, country, showtunes and music from a variety of decades. “We’ll have a bash at almost anything really,” she said. Valerie added: “If we can find notes for a song, we’ll give it a try.” The Anchor Ukes welcome anyone who would like to take part to join them at their Tuesday evening sessions in O’Hare’s. People don’t have to know how to play the ukulele or have their own, as the group have a few spares for newcomers to use on the night. “Everybody’s welcome, even if you have no experience,” Aileen said. “We’re always looking for new people to come along and give it a go, no experience necessary and no need to read music,”
Valerie said. As their group numbers have grown, the Anchor Ukes also have added a few other instruments to complement the ukulele sound. “We have lots of different instruments involved, including flute, harmonica, tin whistle, bass guitar, spoons, bongo drums, and bodhrán. “We encourage anyone who wants to join with any type of instrument, come and join the fun,” Valerie said. Valerie said she most enjoys the fun and friendship aspect of the Anchor Ukes. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we always leave a practice session with big smiles on our faces. “We chat, have a drink, often tea and coffee, strum a few tunes and catch up with the week’s news. “For many of the group, it’s a social night out to meet friends and for others it’s more about the music, so everyone has different reasons for being involved but the ukulele is the focal point. “Everyone has great dedication to the group and it is something we are very proud of,” Valerie said. Memorable moments One of her most memorable experiences with the group was on a rainy October night during her first gig with the group at the Hallowtides Festival in Newcastle. “We were squashed into a tiny gazebo with the rain pouring down and I was only able to play three notes, but we pulled together, completed the playlist and were buzzing with excitement when we finished. I look back on that now and feel how far we’ve come, and how well we now play as a group,” Valerie said. One memorable experience for Anchor Ukes member Aileen was when they performed for pupils at a special school in Banbridge. Aileen said the ukulele players really enjoyed getting to participate in some music sessions with the children, who welcomed them into their classrooms. “The kids were amazing,” Aileen said. Other memorable moments included being part of a flash mob at St George’s Market and performing at the Belfast Uke Jam with other ukulele enthusiasts. “There’s a great uke community throughout Northern Ireland,” Aileen said. Camilla said she also really enjoyed performing at St George’s Market. “Just before the March 2020 lockdown, we played in St George’s Market in Belfast,” she said. “This was, by far, our biggest gig to date. “We’d only been playing nine months at that stage. “The crowd absolutely loved us and the atmosphere was electric. “We all left there buzzing and keen for more.” Valerie said anyone looking for a new hobby this year should give the ukulele and the Anchor Ukes a chance. “I think the main thing is to give it a try, and have fun. You can put as little, or as much, commitment into it as you want, with no pressure. “It’s great fun, great craic and if you only want to play two chords, that’s fine. “But if you want to become a pro, that’s fine too. You’ll meet new people, from all walks of life and collectively have great fun,” Valerie said. “We all have a passion for the little ukulele instrument, and collectively, have gained widespread recognition for our enthusiasm, community spirit and fun,” she said. “The level of dedication that everyone shows is a testament to everyone and is something we are very proud of.” For more information, you can visit the group’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AnchorUkes/.