Plinky Plonky Pete

As we are currently enjoying a spell of warm weather, for our weekly ukulele group practice we decided to met in the local pub instead of our usual community centre. I was playing the bass and because we were playing outside I used my battery powered amplifier.

In the above photo you may notice that I’m wearing some thumb braces. I’m found these to be very effective in relieving pain and giving good support.

When we’re performing gigs we’re lucky if we get offered a cup of tea or coffee and possibly a few biscuits. Last week we had the best gig ever, we enjoyed an Afternoon Tea.

The gig was for the Stafford Knot Rotary Club who host an annual meal for pensioners from the local area. We were the “warm up act”, performing some songs before their meal. Unfortunately it turned out that some of the pensioners were unable to attend the event. However, as there were a number of empty places we were invited to join them at their Afternoon Tea. We were able to enjoy a fine selection of sandwiches, cakes and also scones with jam and cream. It was definitely the best catering arrangement at any gig. I hope we go back again next year.

On a visit to Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, in a souvenir shop I noticed this basket full of ukuleles. There were ukuleles of many different colours and one with a multicolour design.

Together with a few friends from the “All About Uke” ukulele group we played a gig at a country pub. It was at The Royal Oak, Church Eaton near Stafford. I was playing the Kala bass ukulele and the set lasted about an hour. It was a most enjoyable evening and we were well received by the locals in the pub. It may become a regular event.

I was invited to attend the UHNM (University Hospitals of the North Midlands) Charity Champions Evening which recognises those who have raised funds for the Charity.

During the evening I was presented with a certificate and was asked to say a few words about my fundraising activities. I mentioned that, after having successful treatment at Royal Stoke University Hospital for prostate cancer, I wanted to do something to support their wonderful work.

Over the last few years, as Plinky Plonky Pete, I’ve arranged a variety of ukulele based activities to raise funds for the UHNM Charity.

My Plinky Plonky Pete music videos have just clocked up over 22,000 views on YouTube. Many thanks to all who have seen them and I hope you enjoyed watching them.

Many thanks to all those of you who supported our busking around Stafford last month for the Cancer Centres at Royal Stoke Hospital Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital Stafford. The total amount raised was £544.72p which is a tremendous amount for such a worthy cause. Many thanks to all those who donated.

A surprise Christmas present – a jar of personalised marmalade.

During December Plinky Plonky Pete, together with colleagues from the “All About Uke” ukulele group (Stafford), are busking around Stafford town centre to raise money for the Cancer Centres at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital Stafford. Here’s a photo of one of our visits to Marks and Spencer. It isn’t regular busking, it’s M&S busking. 

My latest music video “(Is This The Way To) Abbey Hulton” has just clocked up over a thousand views on YouTube. Many thanks to all those who have watched it. I hope you enjoyed it and were able to spot the various landmarks around Stoke-on-Trent.