HUGs

Picture Gallery

Just some of our past events.

A Community Ukulele Group for all abilities

Attendance is desirable, ability is optional, fun is  compulsory 


Lombardy Lodge, Toton : December 2024

The troop turned out in force again to entertain the residents of this sheltered housing complex.


A mixture of popular classics and Christmas sing-alongs. We met an old friend from the Irish Club who managed to keep us entertained aswell.


Salvation Army : December 2024

We were invited to play at the Hucknall Salvation Army's over 60's Christmas party.


Yes, there were lots of tamborines, laughter and fabulous support singing from the audience.

Market Square, Hucknall : December 2024

Once again we were invited to play up to the switching on of the Christmas lights. Starting with seasonal songs, we added a bit of rock and roll after the switch on.


Cold, raining and windy but us Ukulele players are 'ard.

Byron's Rest, Hucknall : December 2024

The Byron's Rest is a lovely, warm welcoming establishment on the edge of the Market Square in Hucknall.


The troop met up for a "chat" prior to the Christmas Lights switch on, and somehow ended up with an impromptu singsong. It was just so nice.

The Grand Care Home, West Bridgeford : November 2024

The Grand is been equipped with 82 purpose-built bedrooms fitted with en-suite wet rooms, and you’ll also find beautiful lounge and dining areas on each of the four floors.


Always a warm welcome and very popular with the troop.

Fairway View Care Home: November 2024

Braving the subzero temperatures, snow and ice to entertain the residents, our brave intrepid troop soldiered on. 


Great mixture of old sing along classics and Christmas songs to get us all in the festive mood.     So proud of you lot 

Heydays:  November 2024

Heydays Day Services offers older people a warm and friendly opportunity to socialise and take part in a range of activities which enhance well-being, stimulate the mind and senses. Our first Christmas songs of the year.


Lots of audience interaction, the tambourines were a great hit.

Hucknall Day Nursery:  November 2024

Despite the crying, constant trips to the toilet, fidgeting and general unruliness from the Hucknall Ukulele Group (HUGs), we still managed  3 performances.  The kids however, behaved impeccably. 

Many thanks to Amanda and the staff for such an entertaining morning. The wheels on the bus haven't come off just yet.

Allestree Ukulele Club:  November 2024

Some of us spent a fabulous session with the A-up Allestree Ukulele Players and their special guest Phil Doleman. Lots of hints and tips plus a good old singsong.

You will find loads of ideas by following Phil on his YouTube channel, see: https://www.youtube.com/c/PhilDoleman/videos

Sound of Music Flash Mob:  November 2024

A community event organised by Jan Lees of the Hucknall Hope Lea Project featuring Carolyn Talkes-Nicholls (Torkard Ensemble)

and Nev Barter (Hucknall Ukulele Group).

A brilliant evening full of fun and laughter at the ARC Cinema, Hucknall.

Radford Care Group:  November 2024

Radford Care Group offers daytime activities for older people in Nottingham, with extended facilities for the more frail elderly.

They are a registered charity that has provided a service to older people since 1968. They organise activities such as exercise, arts and crafts, speakers, entertainment, short and long day trips out, as well as linking up with other services to offer even more.

Annesley Lodge, Hucknall:  October 2024


A big thank you to Cory and the staff at Annesley Lodge for making our day after a last minute performance cancellation. It was great fun with  a very attentive audience and lovely staff, even saw a couple dancing.

As you can see, all the Halloween preparations didn't go to waste, and it looks like we may be invited back... Win, win.

There were some very odd costumes and what you can't see is the pumpkin that was organising everything.

Nottingham Station:  October 2024


No matter how tempting it was, we ignored the violin case, gangster comments and resisted the urge to start a flash mob on the tram.

Surprisingly, the organisation went well, with everyone meeting up on time in the city on our way to the Irish Centre.

The trams were on time in both directions and John S our City Guide led with authority and enthusiasm.

Memory Cafe - The Irish Centre, Nottingham:  October 2024


A really fun day entertaining.

It was lovely to hear the audience joining in and singing along. We even had dancing. Well done every body.

Tea and cakes were superb.

Mercy Care Home - Allestree: October 2024


Some of us had the honour of playing at the Mercy Care Home with our friends from the A-up Allestree Ukulele Players (see "View Profile" on the screen) 

They meet at the Red Cow in Allestree on Mondays at 12:30 - 2:30. Lovely atmosphere, if you're ever in the area pop in and say hello, everyone and all levels welcome. 

The Spinney Retirement Complex - Nuthall: October 2024


A damp and dingy October afternoon saw us entertaining at The Spinney retirement housing complex at Nuthall, Nottingham. Mind you, the hats brightened things up a bit.


This was our second visit, the tea and biscuits were superb. Once again Rachel the tea and biscuit lady did Broxtowe Borough Council proud.

Melbourne House - Aspley:  October  2024

Melbourne House Nursing Home is purpose-built to offer skilled care, at the same time as providing a homely interior where residents are encouraged to remain as active and independent as possible.


Cakes and tea / coffee sustained the troop and a big thank you must go to Trayce for organising everything. We even got a donation from one of the visitors, can't be bad.

Green Spire UFC Autumn Fair:  September  2024

The troop found itself all the way to Ilkeston to join in the festivities at the United Reformed Church.


Lots of stalls and raffles to keep everyone occupied for the afternoon.


We'll, we soon put a stop to that, with a bit of dancing and singalong.


The hospitality, almond slices, fruit tarts and chocolate mini rolls really made the day... thank you.

Fairway View Care Home, Bulwell: September  2024

A very well appointed care home overlooking the Bulwell Forest Golf Club.


Thank you to all the staff and residents who made us feel so welcome. And the cheesecake was absolutely fabulous.


Looking forward to a repeat visit before Christmas.


It's always nice to be invited back.

Allestree Scarecrow Festival:  September 2024

Here, some of us, as members of the A-up Allestree Ukulele Players, have joined in for an afternoon entertaining at the Allestree Scarecrow Festival.   See the link below for a list of local Ukulele Groups around the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire area.


https://www.hucknallukes.com/.../reso.../everydays-a-uke-day

Hucknall Community Day: September 2024

A little bit of rain didn't dampen the spirits of the troop or the enthusiastic audience.

The Community Day is always a popular event organised by the Hucknall Rotary Club to promote and recognise community activities.

It's said that you usually play venues twice. Once on the way up and once on the way down. Let's hope we get invited back again next year for a third time.

PAPPFEST:  August 2024

The Hucknall Ukulele Group (HUGs) were invited to play at this well supported and brilliantly organised charity event. The huge effort made by all really paid off, even the weather played its part.  

A fantastic day, full of music, events, food, merchandising stalls, drinks. We seemed to generate quite a bit of interest with our setup, so looking forward to seeing you at the Bowman on a Tuesday evening. Huge thanks to everyone involved.

Grand Care Home, West Bridgford, Nottingham: August 2024

Once again supporting one of our own, where their mum is now a resident at this very nice and spacious facility.  Downside, we got a speeding ticket on the home.

Beaumont House, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire: August 2024

Most of us didn't have to go far to entertain at one of our local care homes.

A fun packed afternoon entertaining with all the old favourites. Not only the performers, but songs as well 🤣.

Grove Court, Chilwell, Nottingham: August 2024

Always a popular event, entertaining at this well presented retirement housing complex operated by Broxtowe Borough Council. A particular mention must go to Rachel, the tea lady, who kept us in refreshments for the duration.

Sharewear Charity Fundraiser, Bulwell: June 2024

We joined Sotto Voce and the Bulwell Riverside Community Choir to play in the beautiful church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour orchestrated by musical director Matt Burton.

Jubilee Court Care Home, Hucknall: May 2024

The troop turned out in force to support one of our own in a tribute to a loving mother and wife and the care she received at the Jubilee Court Care Home, Hucknall.  Did someone say fancy dress?

Boat & Horses Ukulele Festival: May n2024

Blessed with fine weather, the troop turned out in force to support this great initiative. A brilliant, friendly and welcoming venue.

Let's hope this becomes a location for an annual "Nottingham Ukulele Festival", who knows. 

And, the burger bar was simply divine.

Cruise Ship Buddleia returns to port: July 2023

The staff and residents of Buddleia  House had gone on a world tour in the Cruise Ship Buddleia. They sampled delights from all the different countries they visited.

The Hucknall Ukulele Group were specially commissioned to welcome the travellers back to their home port.

Hucknall Christmas Festival: December 2023

One of the coldest nights of the year saw the Hucknall Ukulele Group and friends perform at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Hucknall.

The troop had the crowd singing along to a selection of Christmas favourites. Credit must go to the Hucknall Rotary Club and Ashfield Events for promoting  such an  enjoyable evening for both performers and audience alike.


Halloween at Buddleia House: October 2023

Would you go out in the dark with this lot around?

Fortunately we managed to keep the spooks under control and had a lovely time during the afternoon.


Park House Care Home: Bulwell February 2023

Community spirit and musical joy strums its way to Park House Care Home as it welcomed the vibrant sounds of the Hucknall Ukulele Group. 

Known for their lively tunes and infectious enthusiasm, brought smiles and toe-tapping rhythms to the residents and staff, fostering an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

See the rest of the review [HERE]

Newgate Lodge Retirement Party: Mansfield November 2023

A popular venue in collaboration with the Mansfield Ukulele Group. 

To spice things up a bit we had a hat and shoes competition during the second set, judged by a member of the audience. 

Congratulations to Chris and David who walked away with the top prizes.


Hope Lea Project Open Day: Hucknall, August 2023

A local registered charity which aims to improve the quality of life for people with a learning disability.

The group pictured here with Sir Mark Spencer, Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries  at the time.


Hucknall Community Day. September 2023

On one of the hottest days of the year.

The Community Day is always a popular event organised by the Hucknall Rotary Club to promote and recognise community activities

Bulwell Bogs Family Day. August 2023

Stepping in at the last minute, the Hucknall Ukulele Group together with friends from Mapperley, Bulwell, Mansfield and other Ukulele Groups. 

A brilliant community spirit actioned to save the day.

Fabulous day with lots of activities culminating in the popular Duck Race.

Ukulele Flash Mob: Titchfield Park Hucknall. July 2023

Took a bit of organising, but we got there.

Joined by members from several local Ukulele Groups plus the Bulwell Riverside Choir.

 Special thanks to Lee and David (local councillors) who helped with the mirad of regulations and official permissions. 

Buddleia House Coronation Lunch: Hucknall. May 2023

Our second visit to the Buddleia House residential care home, saw us invited to their Coronation Lunch on Monday 8th May 2023.

We couldn't let the opportunity go by without taking along the ukuleles for a bit of a sing song'

Macmillan Cancer Support. May 2023

Presenting Green King Brewery with donations from the Coronation Fun-Strum held at the Bowman on Sunday 7th May 2023.

We raised £119.97 including a PayPal donation. A big thank you to all the groups and individuals who took part to make this such a memorable event

Coronation Fun-Strum at the Bowman. May 2023

On Sunday 7th May, the Hucknall Ukulele Group (HUGs) hosted what we believe to be the largest organised ukulele meeting in Nottinghamshire.

With technical help and assistance from Neil Marriott and the Nottingham Ukulele Orchestra, the event featured a number of local groups each leading a pre-planned set.

With sponsorship from Animal Doctor, all registered ukulele players received a full colour complimentary song book covering the whole event.

Sets  included the Mapperley Ukulele Group, the Mansfield Ukulele Group, Long Eaton U3A Ukulele Group, Hucknall Ukulele Group and the Nottingham Ukulele Orchestra.

Entertainment at the Spinney, Nuthall. May 2023

The Spinney is a retirement housing complex run by Broxstowe Borough Council under their independent living scheme.

The communal living area provided a great backdrop to the HUGs Performance Troop from the Hucknall Ukulele Group playing their selection of sing-along songs.

As you can see, we were lucky to have the King made an appearance.

Entertainment at Buddleia House Care Home, Hucknall.  March 2023

The very first outing of the HUGs Performance Troop. Basically a collection of ukulele enthusiasts who can make it on a particular day.

Buddleia House is a purpose-built care home based in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. One of the first in the UK to apply the Montessori method to dementia care. 

A big thank you must go to the staff who made this such a memorable event.

HUGs Christmas bit of a do...  The Bowman November 2022

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Charity Evening at the Bowman. We raised £26 for the Alzheimer's Society who strongly support musical participation within the community. Check out the fabulous work by Nottingham's own Vicky McClure.

It was lovely to see the support from the Hucknall U3A members along with MUGs from Mansfield.