AN OXFORD trombone player who dedicated his life to music will be honoured at a big band charity concert today.

BBO Big Band (Bucks, Berks, Oxon) will stage the event in memory of former member Peter Mayhew of Headington, who passed away in November.

Mr Mayhew, who died aged 86 after falling ill with bone cancer, was one of the founding members of the band in 1986.

From the age of six, he dedicated his life to playing music, so much so that he continued to play from memory as his sight deteriorated in later life.

Mr Mayhew, who served with the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers during his national service, was helped by Blind Veterans UK, which provided specialist equipment and training as his vision faded, and the concert will raise cash for the Sussex-based military charity.

Our top stories

His wife Sheena Mayhew, 83, said: “His vision went in about 2009 and playing then became difficult – he couldn’t read the music. It made a difference, the help from Blind Veterans. They were marvellous. He still played trombone from what he could remember without music.”

As a founder member of the 20-piece BBO Band, the trombone player gave more than 20 years to the band and helped it raise more than £345,000 for various charities over the years.

Mrs Mayhew said: “He was a lovely person and friends with everyone, just really nice, kind and helpful. He was a lovely husband, good in every way and he loved his music.

“His music was quite varied but he did an awful lot with orchestral bands around Oxford. His love was always for brass bands.”

He played in many Oxfordshire bands including the Oxford Orchestral Society, the Harold Elmey Big Band and the Morris Motors Band, having worked at the Cowley plant during the 90s.

Mr Mayhew moved to Headington in 1949 after his military service.

Band member Hilary Spiers said: “He was very kind to me. I joined and he kind of took me under his wing and I looked up to him as a bit of a mentor.”

Friend John Cantwell, who met Mr Mayhew through Blind Veterans UK Oxford lunch club, said: “You only had to scratch the surface and immediately you’d see his love for music. It was a passion.

“It is great the big band offered to do the concert in memory of him, it was a pleasure knowing him and he will be missed. Peter loved playing with this band so much and this concert will be a fitting tribute to a great man.”

The concert is at 8.15pm at the British Legion Club in Station Approach, Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

For more information contact hspiers@waitrose.com