Video Nation

Listening to the Southampton Ukulele Jam (SUJ) in full flow couldn't be further from the George Fornby songs which you may have associated with uke playing.

In June last year, 19 ukulele players came together at the Talking Heads in the Portswood area of Southampton to play a few tunes - it quickly ballooned into the Southampton Ukulele Jam, regularly attracting 40 aficionados of the instrument.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain broke new ground in Uke-playing during the past decade and have attracted international attention, and groups like the Southampton one have sprung up in its wake.

Catherine Wright

The local group was the brainchild of Catherine Wright bought her first uke for just £16 and now admits to having it strategically placed in her kitchen so she can strum anytime.

Catherine got tired of strumming alone so put out feelers on the internet and the SUJ was born.

As for the songs - you'll hear everything from reggae, punk, chart smashes, 80s anthems and Motown classics.

The jam sessions give the experts the chance to impress while newbies can get a few pointers, learn the trickier chords or just strum along.

They've also taken their music onto the streets, entertaining shoppers in Winchester last summer.

Catherine is ever enthusiastic about uke-music: "It's irresistible. It's the juxtaposition of the silly little instrument and the fast temp thrashy rock song that just makes people smile."