WHEN composer John Hare moved to his new home in Suffolk, his only regret was that he could not bring his beloved grand piano with him.

The pianist, who is also a language expert, acquired the Estonia concert grand piano 20 years ago after he retired from his job as an English and French teacher in the Middle East.

But now, aged 86, he has moved to Playford Court sheltered housing complex in Sudbury to be nearer to his daughter, who lives in Coddenham. However, his flat is too small to accommodate the �27,000 instrument.

He offered to put the piano in the common room at Playford Court, but none of the other residents were music buffs. So he has decided to look for a venue or music group in Suffolk that would like to borrow the piano long-term, and free of charge. The only proviso is that he would like to hear one of his compositions performed professionally on the piano in public.

He said: “It’s an excellent piano, which has been admired and coveted by all sorts of people. At the moment, it is on loan to a music society in Cornwall, but it is my greatest wish to have it near me again.

“So if it could come to Suffolk and be used in a big hall for recitals, then that would be wonderful.”

Mr Hare began composing as a 16-year-old while at Finchden Manor – a therapeutic educational community in Kent – having ‘run away’ from the historical Charterhouse school in Surrey.

Musical groups interested in borrowing the piano can call Mr Hare on 01787 379885.