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32-strong ukulele group serenades exhibits at Coventry Transport Museum

04 July 2024

People visiting Coventry Transport Museum last week would have been treated to an unexpected musical delight as a 32-strong ukulele group brought a quirky sound to the historic venue.

On Wednesday (26 June) the group serenaded the exhibits with transport-themed songs as part of an ongoing tradition which has seen them play at a host of unique venues while incorporating transport into their musical adventures.

The group is one of more than a 1,000 which makes up University of the Third Age (U3A), a UK-wide collection of 1000+ charities that provide the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun.

Led by Martin Delahay, the ukulele group has previously entertained on the Severn Valley Railway, a boat on the River Severn, and at the Midland Air Museum in Coventry.

But on this occasion the group used their excursion to get the museum's halls echoing with lively renditions of transport-themed tunes, including the classic Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two), which was strategically performed in front of the museum’s own Rambler Tandem which is displayed in the Cycle Pioneers gallery.

Martin said: “We had such a wonderful time, and the staff were incredibly helpful. It’s a fantastic and fascinating museum that really deserves more recognition. I want to say a massive thank you to all at the museum for welcoming us to the venue so warmly.”

Matthew Mullen, venue manager at the museum said: “We were delighted to welcome the group to the museum on Wednesday and I know that both staff and visitors alike thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see such a unique set of performances.

“This collaboration underscores the museum’s role as not just a static display but a vibrant part of the community’s cultural fabric, providing a platform for local groups to engage with and enliven the historic artefacts on display.”

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