Playing for Japan

This was a lunchtime concert given by violinist Toby Tramaseur with wife Midori Sugiyama to raise funds for the devastated nation they were touring when the disaster struck.

Toby and Midori, both with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, were travelling from city to city, and were in a coach on a high bridge over water when the earthquake shocks began to hit.

They were unharmed but anxious for Midori’s family members living across Japan.

Back home in Britain they want to show support by raising funds and so organised the event in St Barnabas church as well as playing in Herstmonceux on Saturday.

They were joined in Bexhill by local pianist Peter Lapham and talented youngster Oliver March who is 13.

Oliver is a pupil at St Richard’s school, as was Toby, and both must have been proud that principal Doreen Cronin attended the concert with students Elizabeth Terry, Matthew Greer and Tim Connley.