Cliviger ukulele group tuning in to online tuition

Alan Scholes (73) from Southward Bottom, Cliviger, is offering free tuition to his beginners class on Facebook as the coronavirus lockdown has put an end to the popular sessions.

"It is a very popular instrument," he said, "and our main group which has about 30 on its books and has performed at many events including the Todmorden Show, Rotary, and various churches and charitable organisations in the area proved very popular.

"That led to the formation of a beginners' group for about a dozen players. Since we can no longer meet I thought starting a beginners' grup on the Mount Zion Church Facebook page might provide something for these folk to do during the coronavirus lock-down.

"It also provides an opportunity for others to join in and learn, and there is a link from the Cliviger News facebook pages.

"Our first tuition session went on line this week and another five will follow. One person has already put the comment 'Oh my word I am totally doing this. Had one for years and I've never made much progress on it'," said Alan.

Music is available on download and Alan plays and introduces each session.

"It may well find people something different to do during this difficult time," he explained.

He keeps the group for the more experienced in touch by sending regular items for them to practise.

Alan and two neighbours - both in the main group - also leading singing in Red Lees Road on the clapping-for-key-workers night and have even entertained residents in others nearly streets including the elderly in Mount Crescent.

"We use social distancing, and it gives others a lot of pleasure."