Newton Abbot Ukelele Club has supported two local organisations to the tune of £400 thanks to donations received at its gigs over the past year.

Newton Abbot College music department and the Cwtch Hub were each presented with a cheque for £200 earlier this month.

Newton Abbot College head of music Matt Sim said he was delighted to receive the donation on behalf of his department, which he accepted at the Ukelele Club’s meeting on February 11 at the Old Rydon Inn in Kingsteignton. The funds will be put towards equipping a new recording studio for pupils at the school.

Ukelele club members headed to the Cwtch HUB on Wednesday (February 18) to present its second £200 donation. The money will support the Cwtch Hub in achieving its aims of improving mental health, reducing social isolation, tackling poverty, and creating opportunities by providing a safe inclusive space for people to meet, learn and share.

Kris Hanson was delighted to receive the donation of behalf of the Cwtch Hub. Не said the funds would be specifically allocated to provide a podcast area within the Hub on Union Street in Newton Abbot.

‘As well as our existing clients, who attend the affordable community cafe and other facilities, we are also known by many military veterans in the Teignbridge area. They will really benefit by recording their stories using this new podcast facility,’ Kris explained.

‘I am delighted that we are continuing to support local community initiatives and the Cwtch Hub clearly provides essential signposting, mentoring, social connection and opportunities for many individuals and families in our area,’ said Ukelele Club leader Roy Stevenson.

Newton Abbot Ukulele Club invites host venues to contribute to its charity pot when playing gigs and a distribution to local good causes is made at the end of every year. For more information on the Club, please visit https://newtonabbotukuleleclub.weebly.com