Hi DUGs,
Happy New Year to you all... Again!
A disappointing start to 2026 with the cancellation of our first meeting.
But, considering the conditions on the roads and pavements, I think we were better to be safe than sorry. Let's just hope we manage to get together this week!
I do hope we were able to contact everyone in time and nobody made an unnecessary journey. As well as an email, we tried to contact everyone by WhatsApp or text message.
This does highlight how important getting the WhatsApp group set up is. Currently, only ten members have joined the group. The WhatsApp group would allow us to send one message to quickly reach all our members.
On Wednesday afternoon, I had to send about 15 or 16 separate text messages. Less than ten recipients acknowledged the message (with WhatsApp, there is no need to respond, as we can see, instantly, who has read the message.
WhatsApp will also help us keep track of members who will be taking part in upcoming events.
I know one of the problems with WhatsApp groups (and Facebook Messenger, Google Messages, Microsoft Teams, etc.) is being inundated with continual and annoying notifications when individuals use it for personal exchanges. Be assured, Pauline has set this WA Group to ensure this cannot happen.
I found a good YouTube tutorial on setting up WhatsApp on your phone:
If you are still unsure , please have a word with Pauline or myself. We will be glad to help.
Workshop
As I said in last week's newsletter, Sarah sent some notes and tutorial links following the December Chucking Workshop
All of these are in the Members' area of the DUG website - Chucking Workshop
I should have some news about Workshops for 2026 very soon. The committee are currently discussing content with Sarah. I'll let you know more we know more.
BraveUke 2026
This year's festival will run from 1st- 3rd May
This may seen a long way away, but it is not too soon to start thinking and preparing for it.
We have been asked to perform again this year (we have been promoted to the Saturday evening concert).
Tickets sold out on the morning they went on sale, so this will be a big event.
We will be playing for around 25 minutes again, so we need to start thinking about choosing about our set-list.
Playlist
I'm sticking with last week's playlist (I already have it all set up)
The playlist comprises of a few of our most recent new songs.
This will, of course, include Chasing Cars from our November Workshop.
I made good use of my time last Wednesday evening by working on It's Raining Again. I think I have managed to add the 'Da-da da da-da da' sections, as well as the 'It's raining; it's pouring' outro. The new song sheet is here: song sheet. But, be aware, this may change, depending on how it goes on Wednesday.
If you're not familiar with the song, it's worth a listen: https://youtu.be/HveGp5nDozM?si=Wg0hFyrfq9V9W39-
I'm also putting in the Proclaimers, I'm On My Way, as this has been suggested as a good song to practice our chucking.
This Is The Life
It's Raining Again
Bad Romance
Chasing Cars
I'm On My Way
Walking on Sunshine
I'll Tell Me Ma
Fisherman's Blues
Open Mic
I still haven't got up to do an open mic spot all year 😉
So, I'll try again to put that right on Wednesday!
I do hope we will have a few other members stepping up this year.