Five ukelele groups fundraise for Slieve Croob Community First Responders with a hooley at Turnip House near Leitrim
Five ukelele groups from around Down came together to raise vital funds for the Slieve Croob Community First Responders.
The ‘ukeahooley’ comprised an afternoon and evening of ukelele music from the Newcastle Ukes, Lecale Ukes, the crUkes (Crossgar), Castlewellan Ukes and Lisburn and Banbridge ukes.
In the rural setting and the relaxed atmosphere of Turnip house, the ukes chilled out and performed their toe-tapping
Paddy Rooney, who plays bass as in the Newcastle Ukes, said: “We got the idea back in January and came together to start organising the event.
“We chose The Turnip House as it is a very relaxed venue and the hosts John and Elaine McComb are brilliant. We managed to get sponsorship from CWC, a local health-related company, and it all just took off from there.
“So we invited the five groups and it was very quickly a sell out! Everyone had a great time. And we have raised well over £3000 – once we get the raffle counted and tally up the funds, we will present the money to Loretta Bribben and her team at the Slieve Croob Community First Responders.
“This event has created a lot in interest among uke players and I’m sure there will be more events coming up in the future. So well done to everyone for their efforts and contributions that made this possible.”
Speaking just before the break for a light evening meal, Loretta Gribben, the founder of the Slieve Croob Community First Responders talked about her group.
See Down News Facebook for event photos
She said: “My husband was a 57-year old bus driver and he loved a hooley and we would have danced to that sort of music the ukes are playing today.
“He died suddenly on 12th August and it took me several years to eventually get round to forming the first responders group.
“I am a nurse by profession. And I’m delighted that so far the responders have attended to 500 people with cardiac arrests – these were category 1 and 2 calls and we can be there in our area in 3 to 5 minutes mostly.
“We are now into our fourth year and have a base of 26 volunteers trained in defibrillator use. At the moment we have no plans for expansion. We run our operation 365 days a year 24/7 and cover an area of 106 square miles. Slieve Croob is very rural.
“So I am delighted at the achievements of the first responders so far. And now I am looking forward to joining the ukes and learning to play. I can’t sing a note but I’ll have to get a hat and flowers like everyone else and join in the craic.
“On behalf of the Slieve Croob Community First Responders, I’d like to thank everyone who has come along today and everyone who has made a contribution to our cause.”
The ukes enjoyed a light meal of flatbread with chilli beans or curry on cous cous. They then played on into the evening enjoying the good weather, the early summer evening, the company and the fabulous music.
