MEMBERS of the Paulton Ukulele Band visited Somer Valley FM to give a live performance during the Bayly Brunch show, bringing a small group of players into the studio for an upbeat session of music and entertainment.

Although presenter Rob Bayly was initially apprehensive, he said: “I broadcast from quite a small studio, which used to be a bedroom in the caretaker’s house of Somevale School and is now home to Somer Valley FM. The Paulton Ukulele Band, affectionately known as PUB, can have up to forty members, so I asked if they could recreate their sound with only eight or nine players. In the end, they gave a fantastic and uplifting performance that put a huge smile on my face.”

PUB performed a varied set, including traditional Irish tunes, Lady Gaga dance tracks and George Harrison’s Here Comes the Sun. George, 17, played bass, while Dan, also 17, used a twin-neck ukulele.

Brian played percussion, Esther played a melodeon accordion alongside her daughter Lucy on tin whistle, Jenny played flute and piccolo, and Kevin provided comic elements to the performance.

Rosemary House, a member of the band which formed in 2023, said she found it difficult to decide who should play in the studio, as all members were keen to take part. She said: “We are a community band with members aged from 10 to 87 and play tunes to suit all ages. Many joined as beginners and are now confident strummers.”

Rob Bayly expressed his satisfaction with the performance, saying that Somer Valley FM values promoting local talent and that Paulton’s Ukulele Band sounded remarkably professional.

Those wishing to contact the band can do so via email at [email protected]. The Bayly Brunch Show is available to listen to again on the Somer Valley FM website at somervalleyfm.co.uk