WOKING Young Musicians Trust held its awards ceremony in St Peter’s Church, Old Woking. 

The customary format was followed, a concert in the church and a sumptuous tea in the church hall. Although it was on the same weekend as the coronation, there was still an enthusiastic audience.

Mel Beynon, the trust’s chairman, introduced each of the performers with some remarks about their musical achievements and aspirations, and the concert was concluded by some encouraging thoughts from Cllr Saj Hussain in one of his last engagements in his term of office as Mayor of Woking..

The programme was pleasingly varied. Four performers were in the 14 to 19 age group, pianists Lucia Herndandez Turnbull and Charlie Perkins contrasting with Antony Harris, marimba, and Zoe Legge, voice.

A special feature of this year’s concert was the inauguration of an award specifically for six to 11-year-olds, the result of a generous bequest from the late Ruth Felton, a valued trustee for many years.

The concert featured two performers in this category: Lucas Oliver, violin, aged nine, and Alex Qu, aged eight, who played both marimba and piano.

The trust is pleased to be able to give such encouragement to aspiring young musicians and to provide a valuable contribution to the musical activity of the area.

The Woking Young Musicians Trust is a charity which awards grants to students showing outstanding ability in any sphere of music. For details for applying for an award, visit www.wokingymt.org.