Altrincham's Oxfam store wants donations of musical instruments

The initiative has come about as a result of Oxfam and Channel 4 linking up to create ‘Don’t Stop the Music’, a two-part series in which renowned classical pianist, James Rhodes, aims to demonstrate how learning a musical instrument can benefit school children.

James has now launched the country's largest ever 'instrument amnesty', through which members of the public can donate musical instruments to any Oxfam shop and they will be passed on to schools in the UK for pupils to learn to play.

Catherine Poulton, deputy manager of the Oxfam Book and Music shop, on George Street, Altrincham, said: “This is a wonderful initiative.

"We’ve already had two violins, a saxophone, a recorder and a piano accordion donated, which we are passing onto schools, and we hope to get more.”

"Schools always welcome receiving instruments for their pupils to benefit from.”

In addition to the amnesty, Oxfam will be holding its ‘Oxjam’ music events across the country throughout October

The concerts have been held annually since 2006, based on the idea that a network of music loving people, can raise money to fund their shared goal of fighting poverty and suffering around the world.

“Oxjam has really grabbed people’s imagination," Catherine said.

"Hundreds get involved by putting on their own music events, performing in them or going along to just enjoy the gigs.

"They are great fun and raise money to support Oxfam’s vitally important work worldwide.”

Altrincham’s Oxfam, which specialises in both music and books, boasts a large selection of CDs and vinyl records, aiming to cater for all tastes.

Catherine added: “Music sales, particularly of vinyl records, have been increasing over the last year or so as people rediscover the joy of listening to the sound of vinyl.

“As part of Oxjam, and the instrument amnesty, we would like to have the best selection ever of records and CDs."

Visit oxfam.org.uk or pop into the George Street store for more information.