Making the most of what they enjoy

WHEN Dave Munro and Amanda Collins returned from the UK after a three-week ukulele festival tour, they realised they were keen for more and there was a space for an event in Heathcote.

The couple are founding members of the Heathcote Ukulele Group (HUG).

“We followed the old rule of ‘make what you most enjoy’ when we were planning the festival,” Mr Munro said.

They anticipated a larger event in their late 2024 talks, but with the closure of the council hub for renovations, plans became more compact and the Heartcote Ukulele Festival was held at The Watering Hole last Sunday.

“With the common sense of HUG member Libby Murphy rounding out the admin team, we set about putting together a program that stretched across the whole Sunday,” Ms Collins said.

“We had 102 registered performers, and we estimate the whole event had between 250 and 300 people across the day, including a very generous audience.

“We were thrilled to have performers from many central Victorian ukulele groups, notably Trentham, Bendigo, Whittlesea, Lockington, as well as Nagambie, Castlemaine, Shepparton, (and) Clonbinane.

“Melbourne and Sydney were also represented, and of course, our Heathcote Ukulele Group.

“Our oldest performer was 94 years old.”

During the event many old favourites were played including Midnight Special and Blame it on the Bossa Nova.

“Many of the ukulele classics got an airing, but we also had a large number of original songs played on the day, from local songwriters,” Ms Collins said.

“The event was designed to be a free event, and we were lucky enough to receive support from several sponsors, Community Bank Heathcote (Bendigo Bank), Pawsitive Healing, The Watering Hole, Heathcote Community House, and the de Castella family.

“One of the best things about ukulele is that it’s impossible to take yourself too seriously.

“We know that singing and music is soothing to the nervous system, too.

“There’s a lot that’s not right with the world at the moment, and people need a good laugh.

“I like to think we provided that.

“We called it Heartcote, and not Heathcote, because we know this town has a lot of heart.

“For 4500 people, we do a lot of great things.

“It’s a lovely place to live, and it’s in the heart of Victoria.”

Ms Collins would love feedback on the event and said that anyone hoping for another festival should head to heartcote.wordpress.com and complete the survey.

“In the meantime, it’s uke circle as usual on a Wednesday evening,” she said.

“Ukulele players of every level are most welcome; join the HUG Facebook group to keep tabs on what’s happening.

“Right now, we have our sights on the Carols at Barrack Reserve in December.”

The owner of The Watering Hole, Joan Stammers, said it was a great, fun event.

“It’s a different kind of music and great for family entertainment,” she said.

“The weather has been kind, and the fantastic attendance has set it up for a great ongoing festival.”

Kathy Connor from Locky Ukers said the group thoroughly enjoyed the festival.

“It’s wonderful,” she said.

“It is really good to meet up with other ukulele groups, hear different songs and get new ideas.

“We’ve made some new friends and look forward to more get-togethers.”