``It caught on like wildfire, like a rash,'' Ms Black said.

``I wanted someone to play with.''

Ms Black was inspired to pick up a ukulele about three years ago thanks to a documentary.

The New Zealand-born woman said the sound of the instrument appealed to her ``because it's a bit Polynesian''.

``I downloaded lessons online,'' Ms Black said.

Now, Ms Black and about five friends meet once a week to work through a book of 250 songs.

``It's lots of fun,'' she said.