THE Ukes of Wellington are a newly formed ukulele group made up of beginners and experienced players brought together by Wellington-based music teacher Gareth Clarke.

The group were formed after ukulele-shaped posters were put up around town last summer and they played their first gig at Cotleigh Brewery two weeks ago.  

They do not play the usual chord- strumming ukulele tunes but three-part arrangements and more. Under Gareth’s expert instruction, intermediate players are encouraged to tackle more complex parts and proficient players are allowed to shine in solos.  

The group meet upstairs at The Dolphin pub in Waterloo Road every ?Friday from 7-8pm and players are offered half an hour before the session starts to warm up or have some instruction. 

The Ukes have a hard core repertoire of covers from The Clash, Chuck Berry, Lenny Loggins, Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen. Rock classics will be on offer at Christmas alongside beautiful carols and old favourites.

Anyone who has a ukulele and  knows the basics is invited to The Dolphin to join in.

The group can be heard on their Facebook page, The Ukes of Wellington, and on BBC Radio Somerset tomorrow (Thursday, October 26) at 11.45am.