Escapees July-August 2023

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RVers’ Sharing Tips, Opinions and Advice from the Road Submissions sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com.

Spreading Cheer with Ukuleles at The Florida SKP Resort The group was named “The Ukulele Orchestra of

This past winter, The Florida SKP RESORT in Wauchula, Florida, was blessed to have members Rosie and Mike Sinclair, from the Isle of Wight, UK, as new park members. Mike and Rosie travel the world, performing ukulele concerts, participating in festivals and giving classes. They are well known in the growing “Uke” community. The couple brought with them "from across the pond,” not only their delightful accents, but also an enthusiastic presence and love of ukulele music. T his season, their mission was to get music into the park and spread cheer throughout the land. First, the couple gave concerts at park events and happy hours, then they went one step further: offering to teach ukulele classes once a week. The classes were well attended and evolved to 32 members, with newcomers arriving weekly as the word spread about all the fun the group was having. First, participants were guided through chords, strumming and tempo and graduated to familiar songs. Then, due to popular demand, they began holding jam sessions every Friday afternoon, where spectators were welcome to listen as the group improved and pushed their limits. After each weekly lesson, group members received digital copies of music, teaching notes and website links.

Wauchula” by its band leader, Michael, and the group has performed in SKP Park events, such as birthday parties, where they humbly march down the street strumming “Happy Birthday” to the celebratory member. The last recipient was founding member Miss Vera, who turned 93 and was serenaded by the group at the Friday jam. Most recently, the group crashed the Hawaiian Luau, where they “Flash Mobbed” the party with a lively performance of “Yellow Bird.” The goal of Mike and Rosie was achieved. You can now hear strumming and singing throughout the park as the students practice or gather in small groups to learn from one another. The lessons will close at the end of March, but the ukuleles will be strummed in places far and wide as group members head north and west. The few who remain for the summer will be hosted and assisted by Marsha and Bud Hodgkins until the tuneful snowbirds return. “The Ukulele Orchestra of Wauchula” would like to extend our appreciation to Mike and Rosie for sharing their expertise with us and expending their patience in spreading the joy of music for us all to share. Michael and Rosie have been gracious in every way. They have the true spirit of Escapees’ “caring and sharing.” “We believe in music…We believe in Love.” Tamara Milliard #108259

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023