The Woking Pianothon has made a triumphant return after a four-year absence.

“The last pianothon was February 2022 in the piano bar of the New Victoria Theatre,” said organiser Pam Lunn.

Pianists were once more invited to come along, this time to Henry Plaza in Victoria Place, and play the Yamaha baby grand piano, helping to raise money for Woking and Sam Beare Hospice and The Woking Young Musicians’ Trust. Where else could one hear a free recital?

“It was a great success,” said Mel Beynon, chair of trustees of Woking Young Musicians Trust. “Pam took on the huge responsibility of organising it all, the trustees of the musicians trust supported her during the day, and we also had the very warm support of local MP Will Forster and the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Rob Leach to thank.”

The Mayor attended for more than an hour, handing out certificates to the players and playing a few notes on the piano himself. Mr Forster also gave out certificates.

“Beyond that, there was the invaluable support and interest of the people of Woking,” Mel added. “Some just popped in out of curiosity and stayed perhaps little longer than they had intended, others spent many hours enjoying the huge variety of music.

“It was joyous to see tiny tots who had perhaps never seen a grand piano and never heard it, glued to the spot, fascinated by what they were experiencing.

“The pianists ranged from very young students fresh from their second or third piano lesson who had a hard time reaching the pedals and finding their notes at the same time, to the experienced professional and semi-professionals who gave so willingly of their time and talent.

“The hugely varied day ended with bravura performances by two young men, Athidh and José, who came along at the very end of the day. They were breathtaking.

“Without a piano, of course, the event would not have taken place and our thanks must go to Chris Lovell of Handel Pianos of Ascot and his team who so generously entrusted into our care a beautiful Yamaha baby grand, to Ady Hamilton who tuned the lovely instrument and to Sara Cook of Woking council who arranged for us to use the beautiful Henry Plaza.

“It is by far the most impressive venue we have ever had and I do hope that surrounding shops also benefited from a slightly larger than usual footfall.

“The ‘resurrection’ of our pianothon is something of a triumph for Pam - it was originally founded by Sue Hamilton.

“As far as we are aware, this is an event unique to Woking. We would like to think that it is a valuable asset to the whole community, that over the years has produced some truly stunningly talented young people.

“We don't have a final figure of the amount of money donated right at this moment, but people seemed to be going back and forth to the collecting boxes throughout the day. Thank you all for your generosity.

“We hope to have another pianothon next year, so do join us then for another very special musical experience.”