The Foden's Band has dedicated its Whit Friday victory in Tameside to their President, Peter Fletcher.

John Barber, Foden's Chairman told 4BR: "Sadly, Peter passed away last week and he was a huge fan of the Whit Friday marches. We would like to dedicate our victory to him."

The President

Foden's competed at all of the eleven Tameside venues, appropriately playing William German's march, 'The President' and taking time out of the band's preparations for next week's English National Championship, John was naturally delighted that they'd regained the title they lost last year to rivals Fairey (Geneva).

Sadly, Peter passed away last week and he was a huge fan of the Whit Friday marches. We would like to dedicate our victory to himJohn Barber, Foden's Chairman

Feel good

He added: "We are naturally delighted to be crowned Tameside Champion once again, and it puts everybody in good heart ahead of the English National next weekend. There is a real feel good factor within the band and we'd like to place on record the contribution of MD Michael Fowles in what was his first competitive outing with the band."

English focus

With Whit Friday behind them, the focus is now on Preston and the start of extensive rehearsals under the band's Professional Conductor, Allan Withington.