Popular community music group celebrates its first anniversary with a new identity, plans for a new home and an exciting collaboration supporting the future of Andover’s young people.
A community ukulele group that has spent the past year bringing people together through music is preparing for an exciting new chapter, with a new name, a new home and plans to support one of Andover’s much-loved environmental charities.
Formerly known as Hatherden Ukulele Group, or HUGs, the group has announced that it will now be called Harmonywood Ukulele Group, retaining its familiar HUGs identity while strengthening its connections with the local community.
The name change comes as the group prepares to relocate from its current home at Hatherden School to Augusta Park Community Centre, marking another significant milestone for the organisation, which celebrated its first anniversary in September.
However, the change is about much more than a new name or venue.
The group hopes to establish a meaningful relationship with local charity Andover Trees United, taking inspiration from Harmony Woods, the woodland project that has become an important part of the charity’s work in encouraging young people to connect with nature and understand the importance of environmental sustainability.
Through this collaboration, HUGs hopes to use the power of music to help raise awareness of the charity’s activities, support its charitable ambitions and encourage more people to get involved in their local community.
Bringing Music and Nature Together
For HUGs founder and chairman Ivor, the decision to rename the group Harmonywood Ukulele Group reflects a desire to build stronger community relationships while supporting causes that make a lasting difference.
Andover Trees United works to promote environmental awareness and sustainability, particularly among younger generations, with Harmony Woods providing opportunities for children and the wider community to engage with the natural environment.
By adopting the Harmonywood name, the ukulele group hopes to create a connection between two organisations that share a common belief in bringing people together and making a positive contribution to the area.
Ivor explained that the group is looking forward to working alongside the charity and using its music to help promote and support its aims.
The collaboration could provide opportunities to combine music, community engagement and environmental education, bringing together people who might not otherwise have crossed paths.
For a group founded on friendship, accessibility and community spirit, it represents a natural progression.
Four Strings, One Community
At the heart of HUGs is a simple message: “4 strings, 1 community.”
The group was established to make music accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or previous musical experience.
Unlike some traditional music groups, there is no expectation that newcomers can read music, understand musical theory or have experience playing an instrument.
In fact, organisers actively encourage complete beginners to come along and discover just how enjoyable learning the ukulele can be.
With only four strings, the ukulele is widely regarded as one of the more approachable instruments for beginners, allowing people to learn basic chords and begin playing familiar songs relatively quickly.
The emphasis at HUGs is firmly on having fun rather than achieving musical perfection.
Sessions are relaxed, friendly and designed to help people build confidence at their own pace, with tuition available every other week to support those developing their skills.
Experienced players are equally welcome, helping to create a supportive environment where members can learn from one another and share their enthusiasm for music.
There are no membership fees, and the group aims to keep participation affordable, removing some of the financial barriers that might otherwise discourage people from taking up a new hobby.
More Than Just Learning an Instrument
While learning to play the ukulele is the activity that brings members together, the benefits of joining HUGs extend well beyond music.
Research into group music-making has highlighted potential benefits for mental wellbeing, social connection and confidence, particularly when people are learning and performing together in a supportive environment.
For those who may be feeling isolated, looking to make new friends or simply searching for an enjoyable way to spend an evening, joining a community music group can provide a valuable opportunity to connect with others.
Learning an instrument also offers a sense of achievement, with each new chord or song providing a small but meaningful milestone.
HUGs encourages members to embrace those experiences without pressure or judgement.
Its promotional message describes music as a way of discovering new skills, friendships, companionship and mindfulness, while encouraging people to explore what they might be capable of achieving.
The group’s philosophy is that nobody needs to be a musician to begin enjoying music.
All that is required is an interest in giving something new a try.
Giving Something Back to Andover
Community support has been central to HUGs since its formation.
Alongside providing an enjoyable social activity for its members, the group directs much of its income towards charitable causes in the local area.
This includes supporting local charities and bringing music to residents in care homes, helping to share the enjoyment of live music with people who might otherwise have limited opportunities to experience it.
The planned collaboration with Andover Trees United will build on that charitable approach, providing another opportunity for the group to make a positive contribution beyond its regular sessions.
As HUGs enters its second year, its members hope that the combination of music, friendship and community involvement will encourage even more residents to discover what the group has to offer.
A New Home and a Warm Welcome
HUGs currently meets on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm until 8.30pm at Hatherden School hall, opposite the village church.
With its forthcoming move to Augusta Park Community Centre, the group is looking forward to becoming part of another growing community in Andover.
The move also offers an opportunity to introduce the group to residents who may never previously have considered learning a musical instrument.
Whether someone has always wanted to play music, is looking for a new hobby or simply wants to meet people in a friendly and welcoming environment, HUGs is keen to hear from them.
As the group celebrates its first year and looks ahead to its next chapter, the message remains simple: music should be fun, accessible and something that brings people together.
And with a new identity inspired by Harmony Woods, HUGs hopes that its next chapter will not only create music but also help make a difference to the community around it.
How to Join Harmonywood Ukulele Group
New members of all abilities are welcome, including complete beginners. No previous musical knowledge is required, and tuition is available every other week.
Anyone interested in joining, learning more about the move to Augusta Park Community Centre or finding out about the group’s activities can contact Ivor (Iv), founder and chairman, directly by emailing ukejam@outlook.com.
The group asks prospective members to make contact by email rather than leaving messages on its social media page.
A Proven Record of Community Support
The group has already attracted recognition for its work. Earlier this year, it received a £1,000 community grant from Hampshire County Councillor Phil North to help keep its activities affordable and accessible.
Founded by Ivor Evans alongside friends Paul and Jim, the group has focused on friendship, wellbeing and charitable giving from the outset.
Speaking to Love Andover in March, Ivor said:
“Hatherden Ukulele Group is about much more than music. It’s a place where people feel welcome, supported and part of something positive.”
He added that the group was proud of the friendships it had built and the charitable support it provided through performances and donations.
The inspiration behind its new name also has a remarkable local history. According to Andover Trees United, Harmony Woods was created through a decade-long project involving local schools, transforming 12 acres of farmland into community woodland.
Between 2012 and 2022, thousands of children and young people were given the opportunity to participate in tree planting, helping create a lasting environmental legacy for Andover.
By linking its musical identity to this project, HUGs hopes to contribute to that legacy in its own way — demonstrating how two very different community organisations can work towards a shared goal.