The Woking Pianothon returns on 3 October after a four-year absence with pianists invited to come along and help raise money for Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and The Woking Young Musicians’ Trust.

“The last pianothon was February 2022 in the piano bar of the New Victoria Theatre,” says organiser Pam Lunn. “We’ve been searching for a venue centrally that has a piano and that was prepared to let us use it without charge, as any money collected is split 50-50 between the hospice and the trust.

“It was held in Wolsey Place outside Sainsbury’s for many years, then Mercia Walk.

“We then moved into The Peacocks food court, and all these years we were fortunate to be loaned a piano by Chris Lovell of Handel Pianos in Sunningdale.

“Then we moved into the HG Wells Suite for several years until it closed, then the piano bar in the Victoria Theatre.

“Since then we’ve been homeless. Now Chris has kindly offered us the loan of a piano again, we will be holding the pianothon in Henry Plaza, Victoria Place, on 3 October.

“I hope plenty of pianists will come along to enable us to raise funds for the charities. All are welcome, any style of music, any standard, any age - anything goes!

“If people would like to take part, call me on 07917 874473 to arrange a time to play as we need to spread the performers over the day. It will begin at 9am through to 6pm.

“We are grateful to Chris, to Ady Hamilton for tuning the piano, and all who would like to sponsor the event.

“I’ve invited Will Forster MP to come along between 11am and 12 to present certificates to participants, and the Mayor of Woking, Rob Leach, be there at 12.30 to present certificates and chat to the musicians.”