A New Year at the Ridings

      The Ridings Centre 30th January 2026

Report by Phil Barr Videos David Flatters, Phil Barr

   On yet another wet, murky and raw January morning Wakeylele arrived with bushy tails all ready to disperse the winter gloom and spread a bit of joy to the good folk of the merrie city, which from its outward appearance was looking anything but. The winter chill had predictably also seeped into the Ridings but that was soon to change as Pop prepared his troops for another live performance, hoping to warm the cockles and muscles of everyone in the vicinity. For once, the finery of the costumes had to take second place to overcoat and thermals, although big Mike braved the elements to show off his elegant matching shirt and hat chosen, I understand, by his personal stylist. 

  All tuned-up and ready to go, with Joe and Roy, having set up the swivel microphone, our leader introduced the band and we were off and with only one or two minor wobbles, never really looked back as the tried and tested numbers were reeled off in quick succession. YAA volunteers, whose life – saving organisation Pop, rightly promoted more than  once, were just a few of those in attendance seen to jig or/and sing along to the likes of Bad Moon Rising, Country Roads, (which I thought sounded particularly good today) and Come Up and See Me, with Mike Carr providing the extra uke highlights, as he paid homage to his musical hero. (Pop’s quirky intro to this song had, just previously, kept the band on its toes.)

  Soon it was time for a well-earned break and a chance to get the circulation going again, with icicles starting to form on the ends of a few noses with others in danger of their digits turning gangrenous. 

  Talking of cold places and all the current malarkey centred on the issue of Greenland, some of you may not have heard that a U.S citizen claiming his name to be Donald Trumpet, actually called the other night – (bold as brass) – to insist that he intends to take over Wakeylele, which at best would probably mean that our subs would double. Fortunately, he didn’t reckon with our feisty treasurer, who gave him short shrift, to the extent that before he rang off, she was sure that she could hear whimpering sounds emanating from the other side of the Atlantic. 

    So, to the second half, which, as is usually the case, went down a storm with the band warmed through and high on caffeine. Country Roads was performed with its usual swagger, San Francisco Bay Blues went with a swing as did Urban Spaceman, with Mike and Joe kazooing to good effect before we Zinged through to the conclusion of the first gig of 2026.

   Another satisfying morning was thus in the bag, thanks to Pop and his band of merry people. The January blues had been well and truly driven away for another day; Pop has already mentioned the complimentary remarks he received and Jane told me that, as she sat down, just before the end next to a lady she didn’t know, the lady remarked, “Aren’t they good – it really cheers you up”.

Well done to everyone, including Richard, back at Houston, and Dave Flatters for your much-appreciated tech support. A special shoutout today to Mags, who arrived on one leg to deliver her usual virtuoso performance, not to mention the everyday heroes like Malcolm, Chris, and Maria, who keep going no matter what — true role models all.
Next up, with no time for a proper post, is the Christmas rust build-up at next Friday’s gig (6th February) at The White Rose Centre, arriving at 10:30 for an 11 a.m. start.