Out of the blue we occasionally get an email that floors us, and affirms that what we do is a good thing. Here are a few of them …
From ‘Myrtle’ (age 58) – June 2013
Dear Mark and Jane,
Just wanted to add a personal thank you for all you’ve done for me – and now for my big brother Godfrey (Moscomen). He started with Danielle in March and is really enjoying the uke. We’re so grateful to her for encouraging him. So picture last Saturday, here at Stratford, my 73 year old brother and me playing the uke together. The first time in our whole lives we’ve ever done such a thing. Godfrey has never learnt a musical instrument before and not shown any inclination to do so. I was thrilled when we played “Four Strong Winds” and “Sloop John B”. As Godfrey said, our darling Mother would be so happy looking down on us. So, again thank you for all you are doing for so many people. You touch us in ways you could not possibly have imagined. With much love and gratitude, Myrtle.xx
From Kristi (mother of Arlo, age 10) – June 2013
Hey Mark,
Brochure looks great. We are happy for Arlo to be in your pics. I’m so proud of how well he is doing. Thanks for introducing him to an instrument that is a conductor of friendship, love and peace.
A school speech by Lucinda, age 7.
I couldn’t believe it . . .
Mummy said “yes” you can come with me to ukulele tonight.
I straight away put on my happy face and ran and got my shoes on. I kissed daddy and Ruby goodnight and drove off in the dark with Mummy.
I couldn’t believe it . . .
I was in a room filled with people wearing funny hats and shirts. Even weirder, they were all holding tiny, four-stringed guitars. No, it wasn’t a dream.
I couldn’t believe it . . .
Mummy’s ukulele teacher, Mark, gave me my own ukulele to use. It was black with a beautiful golden dolphin.
I was so happy to be playing with my Mum and all her friends. I already knew most of the songs.
I couldn’t believe it . . .
Mark let me sing with Mummy into the microphone. We sang Banana Pancakes together, and everyone clapped.
It was a wonderful night. We all sang lots more songs until I put my hand up and asked “Mark, can we sing ‘Somebody that I used to know?’”
I couldn’t believe it . . .
He said yes and asked me to sing in the microphone AGAIN. Boy was I having a good time.
You know some people think the Ukulele is just a silly toy. They don’t know anything! The Ukulele is MAGIC. It can play every song in the world and can make everyone as happy as me and my Mum.
A poem, from the early days, by Dianne Pope
On the merits of playing music together
“Hi Mark,
Thanks for the emails. I certainly enjoyed the other day and intend to continue attending. I very much enjoy making music but not so much on my own – the opportunity to play along with others is really great,
Kind regards, Annie”
A first timer gets a mild shock at the Ukastle Ukestra
“G’day Mark,
Thanks so much for the welcome on Tuesday, I really enjoyed it, although I did a lot of Z chord strumming. There was a small moment of panic when Betty’s bag tipped over and 2 spent twelve guage shotgun cartridges fell out. But she assures me they’re to go on her fingers when playing her washboard! till then, Ben”
A great activity to do with loved ones
We both really enjoy our Tuesday afternoons and also having a common interest (which has been lacking for us) George & Vera – LakeMacUkestra
I wish to express our thanks, not just for the great night, but for the pleasure you’ve brought into our girls’ lives. To be part of such a happy group, learning and enjoying yourself at the same time is wonderful, and they have a ball
Alva from Newcastle (age 80ish), talking about her daughter (Lizzie – age 50ish) and grand-daughter (Sarah – age 25ish) – Alva doesn’t play, but attended the Hunter Ukestras Christmas Party to watch her family.
Hi Mark just to say having a great fun time I think we have a new lease of life, Bill has researched so much, I kept saying just get anything until you know if you like it but he did not agree, so it the uke is something he has found that is giving great added value to his life and resurrected I believe a gift that was taken from him as a small child and again as a teenager, so here’s hoping we will be hanging around for many years, see you tomorrow with thanks Valda McDonnagh