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Cookridge instrument inventor busks for charity
A Cookridge pensioner who makes his own musical instruments hit the high notes in aid of charity – by busking at a supermarket.
Ken Smith, 76, spent an afternoon playing the bongo-uke – an instrument he says he has invented himself – at Asda's Holt Park store.
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Ken, who started playing the ukulele after he retired, entertained customers to raise money for Holy Trinity Church's Fit at 50 campaign.
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And Ken also has a claim to fame – his great-nephew is fledgling singer Shaun Smith, who appeared in the finals of Britain's Got Talent.
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Ken said: "I'm very proud of him and I'm basking in his reflective glory. It was a big moment, although I don't see him that often.
"I only took up the ukulele as a hobby after I retired. It keeps me busy and I enjoy making and designing new instruments.
"The bongo-uke is a cross between bongo drums and a ukulele. I've registered the design for it and I'm very proud of it.
"Nobody's come back and told me it was done before. I think it might be
the only new instrument of the 21st century.
"I'm used to playing in front of an audience and I've done charity events for Red Nose Day before. It's all for a good cause."
The musician was accompanied at the event by his friend Peter Waterhouse, who plays the bones.
Ken – a member of the George Formby Society and the Yorkshire Ukulele Circle – has played at Asda twice in the past week.
Holy Trinity Church's Fit at 50 campaign was launched to mark the 50th birthday of the church and is aiming to raise 200,000 for repairs.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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