Foden's recently held their annual 'Patrons Concert' at the local Sandbach School where over 500 people enjoyed a fie evening’s brass entertainment.

Patrons

Directed by Associate Conductor Mike Fowles the band performed music from their latest CD release – appropriately entitled, ‘Patrons Choice – Vol 4’, as well as giving a sneak preview of their preparations on ‘Paganini Variations’ ahead of their North West Area title defence on Sunday, which was conducted by Allan Withington, who will lead the band at Blackpool.

Awards

The evening also saw soprano player Richard Poole receive his 'Player of the Year' award and bass player Stewart Baglin receive the ‘Bandsman of the Year’ accolade.

VIP

In attendance at the concert were many VIP guests, including the band's new Vice President, European MEP, Elizabeth Sweeney, who is a dedicated follower of brass bands, as she illuminated in her short vote of thanks for the evening.

Band Secretary Andy Rolfe told 4BR that plans are now well underway for the first solo and quartet competition on the 8th October4BR

Solo and Quartet

Meanwhile Band Secretary Andy Rolfe told 4BR that plans are now well underway for the first solo and quartet competition on the 8th October.

He said: "This solo competition is for any age or ability and is designed to encourage the development of music within the community at all levels. This is just one of the many plans that the band has for the future of brass banding in Sandbach."

Wedding support

Foden’s also received the welcome news that Sandbach Council will continue to financially support the band for an extended year, whilst there was an air of further celebration in the air after the recent wedding of solo cornet player Paul MacDonald to solo baritone player Natsumi Inaba.

A large number of Natsumi's family and friends attended the wedding from Japan, whilst the band provided music befoe during and after the service in Crewe.