Reading Station’s piano Winnie was my great-grandmother’s

“My great-grandparents, Alfred and May Stephan bought it in Shrewsbury, in the 1920s,” Ms Marsland said.

“They bought it for my great-uncle Brian – who became an excellent pianist.

“He went on to own a grand piano and played in Paris – he excelled at it.”

In the 1950s it moved to Nottingham, then in the 1970s it went to Ms Marsland’s grandmother in Radlett and Watford.

After their grandmother died, her brother had it in Caversham.

“Then it magically appeared in Reading Station,” she added.

The sound of someone tinkling the ivories has become commonplace at UK railway stations.

Global stars such as Sara Bareilles and Sir Elton John, who donated a Yamaha piano to St Pancras in 2016, have also given public performances.

Elton’s signed piano, still at the station, reads: “Enjoy this piano. It’s a gift. Love, Elton John.”