Autumn Escape to the Canary Islands

With ukulele, banjo-uke, violin, guitar and piano, Andy Eastwood’s act is an upbeat blend of dazzling instrumental artistry, foot-tapping songs and bright, breezy humour.
Born in Lancashire to a musical family, Andy began performing at an early age, studying classical violin and piano. But he also developed a passion for jazz and popular music, and having taught himself ukulele he made history at Oxford University as the only musician ever to give his degree recital on the instrument! He is now considered one of the world’s foremost ukulele players and is proud to have contributed to its continuing popularity.
The legendary Sir Ken Dodd gave Andy his break into theatre, and he made over 300 performances as special guest with the great comedian - who described him as ‘a one-man music festival’ - as well as working alongside stars such as Cannon & Ball, Joe Pasquale, Frank Skinner, Des O’Connor and Roy Hudd.
Andy’s one-man show is a popular attraction for cruise liners and corporate functions, and his tour schedule of major theatres and cabaret venues worldwide prompted The Stage to call him ‘the busiest man in showbusiness’. Audiences too have taken him to their hearts: two award-winning summer seasons in Blackpool have earned him the title of the resort’s ‘Top Solo Artist’.
For several years Andy portrayed ukulele legend George Formby in the touring show We’ll Meet Again (over 1000 performances), and recently his festival appearances have taken him to Italy, Germany, The Czech Republic, Finland and Oklahoma City, USA. Recently Andy has starred in his own production Those Were The Days at theatres around Britain, and in traditional pantomime each winter. He also produces the popular Midday Variety series at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. Don’t miss your chance to see this unique entertainer in action!

Simone has spanned her 20 year career travelling around the world having sung for major artists such as George Michael, Take That, Ariana Grande, Paloma Faith and Emeli Sande.  She has performed for the Queen and the Royal Family more than once, taken to the stage at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena and the London O2 and sang as part of the official choir for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics.  
She has appeared on many prime time TV shows such as The Baftas, This Morning and the Graham Norton show and has also appeared as a TV Judge on the BBC1 show “All Together Now” as well as featuring as the “Olympic Performer” on BBC1’s I Can See Your Voice.

Andy has recently retired as a teacher of 33 years, mainly A level and some GCSE. He is an Advanced Skills Teacher (dubbed “Super Teacher” by the press) and was the fourteenth teacher in the UK to gain the award. He was also a regional finalist in the “Teacher of the Year” competition. He is therefore used to talking to large groups (school assemblies of up to 800 people) as well as smaller class-sized groups.
Having taught for 15 years at a boarding school which was a 24 hour, 7 days a week commitment, he often used to teach a wide range of extra-curricular topics including juggling, basic sleight-of-hand magic and table tennis coaching - this, of course, was in addition to his subject specialisms of economics and business.
In retirement Andy has set himself a target to visit as many countries as possible and to combine this with his love of photography. Andy has won several national photographic competitions within his specialist interests of landscape, travel and street photography. So far he and his camera have visited 28 countries, the highlights being Peru, India, South Africa, Cuba, Iceland and northern Finland.
Having been on several cruises as a passenger and seen the workshops on offer, Andy feels confident he could deliver talks and workshops to a high standard, both technically and entertainingly.

Peter Young has been an auctioneer for over sixty years. Specialising in antiques and chattels for most of his career, he was initiated into the profession as an articled pupil to the leading and well-respected auctioneer Rupert Spencer.
Although his main passion now lies with fine art, Peter gained his early experience through farm and livestock auctioneering where at weekly cattle markets and chattels auction sales his daily interactions with the rich tapestry of characters that he met, realised that a combination of auctions and antiques would provide the ingredients for an interesting and rewarding career.
Qualifying as an Auctioneer, he became a partner in a leading firm of auctioneers before setting up his own business specialising in Fine Art and antiques. Gaining a wide-ranging field of expertise, working with a diverse group of people, including media personalities and members of the aristocracy. He was involved in the production of ‘Going For A Song’ a leading antiques roadshow shown on the BBC in the 1960s with the renowned antiques experts Arthur Negus, Sir Mortimer Wheeler and Max Robertson. Peter’s media experience also extends to regular appearances on both local and national television and radio. Recently, he hosted a guest spot on the BBC roadshow bus, identifying and valuing antiques. He has appeared on Look North and Calendar as well as numerous radio stations both local and national. Since retiring from the hectic world of auction sales, Peter retains a full diary having turned his talents to lecturing and after-dinner speaking. He currently heads the Three Counties Art & Antiques History Society which meets on the first Thursday of each month at Ye Olde Bell, the premier 18th century coaching house in Barnby Moor, Nottinghamshire.
Cruise ship lecturing began in 2007, and he has been a regular guest speaker for Fred Olsen and Saga on their worldwide voyages, being a popular raconteur, giving lighthearted and fascinating insights into the world of Art, antiques and auction sales delivering his humorous tales to full audiences.
Until recently Peter held a private pilot’s licence and was regularly to be found at many aero clubs accompanied by his faithful Border Collie sheepdog. A love of country life now finds him beekeeping, attending traction engine rallies and ploughing matches. The family love theatre and particularly the music of Gilbert & Sullivan.

Stuart has been playing the ukulele for 30 years and is a very able and skilled player. He has led the local ukulele group for 10 years and regularly leads the band performances at local events. Angela Sykes has played for 7 years and is a competent player. Both have taught many people to play ukulele and are committed to making learning easy and fun. We are also experienced craft instructors and having mastered many skills over the years we can offer an interesting range of crafts. Angela ran her own craft shop for 20 years and Stuart was the artist in residence at Brockhole National Park Centre in the Lake District for 10 years, both of which involved teaching and demonstrating crafts to many people.