Active and outrageous seniors of the Clarence Valley will get the chance to become part of a growing musical trend by learning the basics of ukulele playing as part of an ageing festival that kicks off in early March. Music teacher and ukulele enthusiast, Anne Commerford, will run ukulele lessons on March 8, 15, 22 and 29 as part of the Active and Outrageous Ageing Festival in the Clarence Valley. Ms Commerford said participants could learn all the basics of ukulele playing over four weeks. “It promises to be a lot of fun,” she said. “We will work towards a short performance at the Active and Outrageous Seniors Expos in Grafton and Yamba.” Ms Commerford said there was a growing body of scientific research suggesting that playing and/or learning to play a musical instrument could delay the onset of dementia. “I have taught many older people who do not read music and have never picked up an instrument,” she said. “They are surprised at how easy the ukulele is to learn. If you don’t have your own ukulele, instruments will be available to hire for a small fee.” The Uke’n Lessons for seniors classes are aimed at beginners. Other Active and Outrageous Seniors Festival events include: April 1: Seniors expo at South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club. A variety of information stalls, speakers and entertainers are booked to ensure there is something for everyone. Australian Hearing will conduct free hearing tests for seniors in the fully-equipped hearing bus. Seniors and health committee chair, Brian Carter, asked for the seniors, social, educational, sporting and health clubs across the valley to participate by having a free of charge stall to promote the vast range of groups and activities on offer for seniors. April 4: Seniors expo at Yamba Bowling Club. Yamba’s Be Fit – For You group facilitator, Pam Coulson, will bring her group to the club to demonstrate how easy it is to participate in this DVD-supported exercise program for seniors. Many exhibitors and guest speakers will be at both expos to help you to plan your week. A full program for the expos will be available in early March. April 9: Fun Day in Grafton. Coutts Crossing Croquet Club secretary, Peter Martin, sees the day as an opportunity for seniors to try something different. Face painting for seniors, croquet, boules (also known as bocce or petanque) and other entertainment will be available. The day will kick off with groups of active an outrageous seniors walking down the footpaths, from Memorial Park to Market Square. The Active and Outrageous Seniors Festival committee is working on tools to encourage seniors to try something new each month and is looking for support from the media to feature seniors who have accomplished something interesting and different each month. A full program of events will take place across the Clarence Valley. To ensure your Seniors Week Event is included in the program and for further information and bookings for the Active and Outrageous Seniors expos or fun day please contact Heather Lamberton, 6645 0001 or heather.lamberton@clarence.nsw.gov.au by February 8.