Colyton Rebel Ukulele Strummers

History

The Legend of the Rebel Strummers

According to local folklore, the Uke of Monmouth decided to challenge Lord George of Formby over his insistence to keep leaning on the lampposts of Colyton. Despite warnings from General P. Simon that there could be trouble over Bridgwater the Uke called on the men and women folk to gather their tuning forks and march against the Arms of George - now known as the Gerrard Arms. And so it was, in 1658 - nearly five o’clock - that the Colyton folk polished their weapons and marched in the key of G, shouting, I will survive! Sadly, the Uke of Monmouth was only five foot two and, being stuck in the middle, soon realised there was a bad moon rising. Rebellion was now blowing in the wind. Despite his cries of ‘Help!’ the Uke realised his hopes had been banjoed. His final plea to his followers to ‘never give in’ was, due to a series of chinese whispers, misheard as ‘strum at the inn’. And to this day the men and women folk of Colyton and surrounding areas meet on a Tuesday evening to honour his name.