Work starts on new Covid memorial bandstand

Work has started on a new bandstand in Surrey which will act as both a memorial to those who died during the pandemic and as a tribute to NHS staff for their work during that time.

On Tuesday work began on Dorking Bandstand in Meadowbank, which was first thought-up during lockdown.

Stephen Williams, who is chair of The Dorking Bandstand charity, said: "We are all extremely excited that work is actually finally starting.

"It's been a long, difficult time and journey over the [last] five years and to actually be commencing now, and we hope to be opening on 14 June, is really, really exciting."

The plan came about when Williams was looking for a place to perform and thought the community could benefit from an outdoor venue.

"The use of a bandstand is limited by your imagination because in our researches we have come across people carrying out yoga practice, boxing lessons, meetings, dramatic performances and town councils even had council meetings in one of their bandstands," Williams said.

"It is going to bring a lot to the community in Dorking, but particularly to youth groups, smaller groups, and indeed we hope a wide range of people who would otherwise not really have an opportunity to perform more together."

Williams says the site, which has been designed to be a "low-cost, accessible, community venue for everyone", is expected to cost about £250,000 in total.

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