John Rankin leads local ukulele players ahead of their performance at Paisley and District u3a’s monthly meeting on Thursday. Photo credit: John Rankin.

Fans of the ukulele can enjoy a free musical treat in Paisley this week.

Musicians from Barrhead Men’s Shed and the East Renfrewshire u3a Ukulele Group will perform at the Paisley and District u3a monthly meeting on Thursday, 5th March 2026 at 2pm.

The group, led by John Rankin, will play a selection of popular tunes. There will also be a singalong, and members of the audience will be able to try playing the ukulele afterwards if they wish.

John Rankin said: “The key thing our group enjoys about playing the ukulele is the joy it brings to our audiences. We often play at old folks’ homes and other community events. And to see the joy it brings never ceases to amaze us.”

u3a chair Kathy O’Donnell said: “I had a go at learning to play the ukulele a few years ago. It has such a happy sound. Some film buffs in the hall will probably know that the ukulele features on the soundtrack of several Hollywood movies including ’50 First Dates’ and ‘Finding Forrester.’ Songs like ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ and ‘What a wonderful world’ are popular tracks. I’m sure our members will be humming and smiling as they head home.”

Paisley and District u3a is a self-help learning organisation for people who no longer work full time. It is run by local volunteers who share their knowledge and skills. Scotland has around 12,000 members in 55 u3a groups.

You can find more information, here: https://paisleydistrict.u3asite.uk.

The event will take place at the Salvation Army Hall on Mill Street, Paisley, PA1 1ND. Refreshments will be available from 1.30pm.

 

By Ricky Kelly

Main writer for Renfrewshire News

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