NATIONAL Trust properties across the south west are to be filled with the sound of music thanks to volunteer Simon Arnold.

The first performance in this area will be on Friday morning (September 21) at Cotehele.

Simon has started a challenge to play nearly every working piano or organ at a National Trust property in the south west to raise money to help keep music alive in these historic places.

Simon’s challenge, ‘Pachelbel’s Progress’ will see him play at 15 venues over 11 days in September with the repertoire chosen to reflect the spirit of each place.

Simon, who was a chorister at Christ Church cathedral choir school in Oxford and studied music at university in Bath said: ‘Music has been part of my life since I was a child and is still something that I do every day in my retirement, especially as I volunteer to play at six National Trust places. I am hoping to raise enough money to restore some of the most impressive musical instruments in the National Trust’s collection, including Killerton’s pipe organ which is in need of a new pedal-board to bring it back to full fitness and also a 200-year-old Broadwood grand piano.’

One special piece that will be played at each place is Pachelbel’s Canon - Simon’s favourite piece of music.

Other National Trust properties taking part include: Lanhydrock (September 22 pm); Trelissick (September 24 am); Trerice (September 24 pm) and Knightshayes (October 1).

ENDS