Horsham musician, 89, stages ‘Song A Day Challenge’ to raise funds for nurses

But the coronavirus lockdown put paid to the plans and instead pianist Alan Woolven has set himmself a special ‘song challenge.’

He is playing a song from memory every day from VE Day until his 90th birthday on May 24 to raise funds for the Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

Meanwhile, he is also entertaining neighbours near his Horsham home every Thursday when he plays the accordion during the Clap for Carers weekly event.

His granddaughter Stephanie Woolven said: “I’m so proud of my Grandpa.”

She added: “His musical ability was spotted at an early age and he was encouraged to play with ENSA (the Entertainments National Service Association) during the war.”

“I played all through the war,” said Alan. “I got time off school to play.”

Alan performed on the bandstand in Horsham’s Carfax for VE Day in 1945 following the tragic death of his mother in a cycling accident when she was accompanying Alan home from a performance in Southwater.

Alan, then aged just 14, gave the performance because he had promised his mother he would do it.

After National Service in the RAF, Alan started a popular local dance band, The Serenaders.

He went on later to perform with a string of top names including Anita Harris, Charlie Drake and Dame Vera Lynn. He was invited to and performed at Dame Vera’s 100th birthday party.

Now Alan is raising funds for the Cavell Nurses’ Trust with his Song A Day Challenge, performing, recording and uploading a song every day to his Facebook Page. Songs include, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, tunes from Les Miserables, Chattanooga Choo Choo - and more.

See https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-woolven

And https://www.facebook.com/AlansAngelsfromAbove

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.