The massed ukes are on their way

Pleasant pluckers. You should be warned. The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain are coming to the Queen’s Hall on April 29. Part of a world tour, with gigs booked elsewhere in Europe and in Australia.

Nothing the music-loving Aussies love more than to sit back, swill a couple of gallons of Fosters and savour the delights of the massed ukes. Pluckers but they perhaps prefer “strummers’’.

The orchestra – there are 16 players in the band – is so highly regarded that their itinerary includes the prestigious Sydney Opera House.

Veteran lovers of the instrument wonder if George Formby, acknowledged as he world’s ukelele strummer par excellence, can be lured out of retirement for this tour. George, it’s well known, was partial to a shilling but they’d have to dig him up.

How about the massed ukeleles for the Castle Esplanade? Strings attached.

Remember this

A DATE for your diary, I’m advised by Bill Phillips. He’s sharp with it, too. Saturday, November 10. Having served Queen and country, I’ve dutifully jotted it down.

It’ll be another “Concert of Remembrance’’ at the Usher Hall, produced by Bill and again he’ll be musical director. Knows a B flat from a bum note. Blew a bit of trombone himself as a Royal Marines reservist.

“We’ll present it along the lines of the Royal Albert Hall. Thirty flags on stage with the British Legion’s blessing, Highland dancers, the RAF pipe band from Leuchars.”

Bill is at 538 7140. His invitation comes splashed with a poppy.