HE’S been sharing his music with people across the world for more than 70 years.

And now it’s time for the City of Oxford Silver Band’s president Frank Wolff to blow his own trumpet.

The 83-year-old has been awarded a lifetime award for his 60-year service to the band.

Widower Mr Wolff, who lives in Rowles Road, Kennington, was given the award at an Oxford and District Brass Band Association event at the Marlborough School in Woodstock.

But the father of two and grandfather of five has revealed his musical talent was born out of a little white lie about his age.

He said: “My mother sent me to a Salvation Army party and at the end they said any boy who was interested could learn to play a brass instrument.

“I told a little lie when I went as you had to be 12 to start, but I was only 11.”

Mr Wolff has been playing ever since with his talent taking him across the world and to perform with famous players such as the late dancer and musician Roy Castle.

He was handed the award at an event on Sunday.

Mr Wolff said: “I really wasn’t expecting it and it was really lovely to receive the award.

“I will keep going though, as they say if you stop, you drop, and at the moment I am in extremely good health so I will keep playing.”

Kate Banks, a member of the band, said: “Frank has been an enormous benefit and influence to the band, especially with the younger players from when he was their music director.”

Four other players were handed awards.

They were Richard Cox, Ken Membury, Les Taylor and Doug White.

Mr Wolff will be playing a New Year’s Day show at dementia care home Vale House, in Sandford Road, Littlemore, to raise money for the home.

He will perform from 7.30pm and tickets are £5, available on the door. He hopes to raise £1,000.

BRASS FACTS

  • The City of Oxford Silver Band is Oxfordshire’s longest established brass band.
  • It was formed in 1887 when 10 friends met to play regularly as the Headington Brass Band.
  • It went through a series of different names before becoming the the City of Oxford Silver Band in 1952.
  • It plays all kinds of brass band music, including marches, popular tunes, classical tunes and jazz.
  • The band of around 30 includes players of cornets, horns, baritone, euphoniums, trombones, basses and percussion.
  • In June 2011, the band played at the 10th anniversary of Prime Minister David Cameron becoming MP for Witney.
  • In 2012, the band celebrated its 125th anniversary.
  • This year it kicked offthe Cowley Road Carnival on July 7.