D'Ukes of Rutland, a local Ukulele group have put on three performances around Oakham this week with the hopes of raising funds for Ukraine.

D'Ukes was founded twelve years ago by Henry Lynch, who was inspired by a visit to Leicester Ukulele club and wanted to bring the opportunity to learn this popular instrument to the people of Rutland.

Gaining momentum due to the popularity of songs such as I'm Yours by Jason Mraz and Hey, Soul Sister by Train, the Ukulele is now a staple instrument and has proven a fantastic choice for those who have tried other instruments, but just can't master it.

Henry said: "We have taught people who don't have a musical bone in their body, who have tried a variety of instruments to no avail. The Ukulele is like that. If the spark is in there, we'll get it out of you."

Now the group has over 20 regular members and they rehearse on a Monday and Thursday.

The Monday night meetings are run by Henry himself and runs from 7:30pm until approximately 10pm at The Whipper Inn.

During this session, one member picks a song and a style, and everyone else does their best to join in, whatever their skill level. "I like to call it the circle of doom," Henry laughed. "Because we all sit in a circle, someone picks a song and a style, and everyone must try and play along. Even if the picker is a beginner, we can play slow and steady to help people learn."

Tom Moffat then runs the Thursday meeting from 2pm until 4pm, also at The Whipper Inn.

Tom said: "It's a social club. A group who have taken to the Ukulele because it is quite an easy instrument and is great for creating a social space."

At either group new members or those wanting to try something new can borrow a Ukulele and song book. If you just want to see what all the noise is about, you can always pop along for a beer and a listen in.

Henry said: "The group has gone from strength to strength but it's still a friendly space. What started out as a few musicians have become a group of friends and we all look after each other. We try and raise money and support the community too."

Tom added: "It was tragic what was happening in the Ukraine and, while we can't do much, this was something that would get us involved, get us helping in the way that we could."

The group were seen this week busking in Oakham Market Place on Wednesday and Saturday and outside Tesco on Thursday, dressed in yellow and blue to show their support of the Ukrainian people.

They performed a range of songs from 'Galway Girl' to classics like 'Any Dream Will Do' and have raised a whopping total of just over £750.

The team said: "A massive thank you to everyone who generously contributed to the Ukrainian fund!"

Tom concluded: "We only played and sang. The people of Rutland who donated did the real work."

To join this group or to find out more about their free Monday and Thursday sessions, visit their website 'Oakham Ukulele Club D'Ukes of Rutland' or contact Henry on 07919520254.

"You don't have to be an expert player, just join in! Come along and share the Ukulele love. We're all about doing local stuff." Henry concluded, proving once again that, true to Rutland's motto, Multum in Parvo, there really is much in the heart of the people of Rutland.

Find out more about what the people of Rutland have been doing to support the people of Ukraine here.