WHEN Cynthia Godley sold her beloved cornet over forty years ago, little did she know she would be bidding for it back on an internet auction site years later.

Cynthia, who lives in Highcliffe and is a member of Christchurch U3A’s Vintage Brass Band, had to sell her instrument in 1968 after other commitments left little time for the five different orchestras she played for.

She first started playing on a tatty old trumpet when she was 12 but always dreamed of owning a silver cornet.

When she heard a young man joining the RAF was selling his, she saved hard from her paper round to buy it, although she can’t remember what she paid.

Despite eventually having to sell the instrument, Cynthia said she still hankered after it, buying herself a replacement once she had gained her Masters degree in 1996.

“I always regretted selling my original cornet and have said so to some of the band, but never expected to see it again and set about looking for a replacement,” she said.

“When looking at cornets on eBay a few months ago, there under “vintage instruments” was my original cornet complete with its funny coffin-like box!

“I really could not believe it. I resisted bidding until the last minute and, oh the joy, was successful!”

Cynthia added: “When it arrived a few days later it was like having an old friend back – although it was in a bit of a sorry state.”

Cynthia said she paid £24.99 on ebay for the instrument, and once she had her treasured instrument back in her hands, discovered it was made between 1884 and 1889.

She will be playing it in the U3A’s latest concert on Saturday December 12 at St James’ Church in Pokesdown at 7pm.