Ridings Centre Yorks Air Ambulance Gig 28th November, 2025
Late November and a blue sky as the Wakeylele band set off for town from their homes but early unexpected drama in Walton as we witnessed a hive of police activity at the gateway to Elmwood Farm with someone being helped to their feet after seemingly being handcuffed, while another policeman was running up the road presumably in pursuit of someone. Fearing that the road was about to be blocked as another police car screeched to a halt, I was starting to rehearse a line about being on an essential musical mission, but fortunately the coast was still clear all the way to the Ridings and we could breathe a sigh of relief.
With Christmas rapidly approaching, there was more than a smattering of seasonal knitwear and accoutrements as the band assembled with Dave Flatters wearing some fetching white pigtails and Pop taking the lead with a full Christmas wardrobe outfit. This man’s insatiable appetite for anything musical is already legendary, of course and someone told me recently that he is in the process of planning a gig at the top of Ben Nevis on New Year’s Day. Whatever the substance of that story we were ready to roll, beginning with a near faultless performance of On the Road Again and shortly after a creditable rendition of the less commonly played Ain’t Misbehavin’ before the first Christmas offerings with Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree and Let it Snow. The plaintiff tones of Pop’s harmonica then led us into Silent Night, along with M. Bus – Carr’s* intricate uke picking with Mags immaculate timing on her triangle, the chimes blending nicely with whole band humming, leading to sales of Kleenex soaring in Boots.
Having flown through the first few numbers, Pop decided to take a break, allowing plenty of time for the band to chat and maybe dream of which ukulele they would like to find in their (large) Christmas stocking this year alongside the usual tangerine, nuts and ankle socks.
Meanwhile, the tech department (Joe), was not able to increase the volume of the sound equipment, which somewhat hampered Pop’s ability to be heard at times unless he sucked the mic, but our wealth of experience along with Val’s spot -on timing on bass and Mags all – round ability on percussion saved the day with Chris also providing occasional conductor’s hand waving prompts. It was also satisfying that Pop’s prompting and timing on The Union song paid dividends on the ‘night.’
Outside, meanwhile, the day had definitely taken a turn for the worse as the rain or hail pounded down on the glass dome above us but, no matter as the atmosphere inside was welcoming and cosy as the band continued to entertain the growing number of spectators, both very young and old who warmed to the mixture of tunes on offer. In addition, Sooty today sported a santa hat, which, along with Stuart’s Harry Corbett training, was enough to keep one toddler happy.
The band was now in full cry as the closing songs were performed with Wagon Wheel always bringing out the best in everyone, along with the seasonal Winter Wonderland before the closing Christmas greeting rounded off a mainly successful morning, not least including the amount of people contributing money to the YAA. Indeed, a member of staff told us that as a result of the band attracting people to the merchandise stalls area, compared to an occasion without the band’s presence, the total takings could and has risen at least five-fold from £50 to £250 – £300. Many thanks to Pop and his cheerful endeavour – the band also rose to the occasion once more to provide some pre – Christmas cheer.
It is quite appropriate that our next gig, a week today, is playing for the YAA staff at their annual Christmas dinner at Wentbridge House Hotel, meeting at 11a.m for an 11.30 a.m. start.
*I’m assuming that it was Mike doing the intricate intro to Silent Night – if not, well done to you and please identify yourself.