Welcome

Cheltenham Ukulele Group is a friendly ukulele group, based in Cheltenham, catering for all levels of playing ability & musical style.

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In Memory of Ken Wanless
1946 – 2025

Sadly we lost Ken Wanless, the leader of Cheltenham Ukulele Group, on 30^th September, after a short battle with Legionnaires Disease.

Ken was always very kind and helpful, encouraging everyone to sing as well as play. He loved to stretch us, for example with different strumming patterns.  He had a dry sense of humour, bits of which were heard every Monday evening and at all the gigs he attended.

Ken joined UkeGlos at the Exmouth Arms in 2009, becoming leader of the newly formed Cheltenham Ukulele Group some years later. The group went from strength to strength, meeting weekly. ‘CheltUke’ continued to meet via Zoom during Covid, then moved to Charlton Kings Social Club. Ken would always be one of the first to arrive, and greeted others as they arrived. He would be on stage, trying out new songs, and then leading the singing and playing during the session. Over the years, he helped the club raise thousands of pounds for various charities, playing at fetes and care homes.

In 2010, with some other members, he started a professional ukulele band called ‘UkesAnon’, which played regular gigs right up to 2024. The band played all over Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean, and Stratford, playing at weddings, parties, festivals and care homes. Once again giving Ken the chance to perform, which he loved.

One of Ken’s last ideas for the club was to introduce a Punk song book (!). The members are working on this, and it should be out in the New Year.

Ken is sadly missed by the whole ukulele group, and we will remember him with fondness every time we sing one of his favourite songs.