ALRESFORD Ukulele Jam have contributed to the next generation of ukulele players by donating £1,000 to the Friends of Sun Hill Infant School after their performance at a Christmas bazaar.

Infant school headteacher Kim Owen-Jones said: “For the past couple of years the Alresford Ukulele Jam have brought their own unique brand of festive happiness to our annual Christmas bazaar and now it wouldn’t be the same without them.

“The extremely generous donation will be used to engage the next generation of players by funding both instruments and teacher training to enable the school to offer whole class experiences in Year 2 in the New Year.”

Founded just two years ago in Alresford, the band have set about raising money for charity through a range of private events as well as some of Hampshire’s music festivals.

An Alresford Ukulele Jam spokesman said: “One of our first gigs was at the infant school Christmas bazaar so it has a special place in our hearts. We have really enjoyed bringing our eclectic mix of music and Christmas cheer to the event and we are pleased to give the gift of (ukulele) music to the school.”

The spokesman continued: “Every year, through the generosity of the audience, we raise money at the event playing as a ‘J-uke Box’ where people can ask for a song and donate money to the Christmas bazaar fund.

“As a group, we were fortunate enough to be invited to the school to help provide some music lessons over the last year.

“The ukulele jam were able to provide funds to the school charity, the Friends of Sun Hill Infants, to help them bring the ‘gift of uke’ to Sun Hill in time for the new school year.

“It’s magic and we cannot wait to welcome the Alresford Ukulele Jam of tomorrow!”

Alresford Ukulele Jam are currently taking bookings for next year and can be contacted via e-mail at alresfordukejam@outlook.

com.