Foden’s recent double triumph at the Royal Albert Hall has thrown up a few interesting facts and figures
1. The win is the band’s 13th success – but only their first this century.
Their last win came in 1999, to go with the victories of 1910, 1930, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1950, 1953 and 1958.
2. They are now second on the list of all time winners at the contest – a little way behind Black Dyke on 22 victories, but now four ahead of Brighouse & Rastrick and Fairey who have 9 wins apiece.
3. The band’s last ‘Double’ of National and British Open triumphs in the same year came in 1910 – when the great William Halliwell led them to success.
It was the year when Labour Exchanges, more commonly called ‘Dole Offices’ were established in the UK, Leo Tolstoy and Florence Nightingale died and Newcastle United won the FA Cup.
4. That year the test piece was ‘Gems of Schubert’, which had been arranged for brass band by their former MD, William Rimmer. 102 year later the test piece, ‘Daphnis & Chloe’ was also arranged by a former MD, Howard Snell.
5. The victory gave Allan Withington his seventh National title success – with his previous attempts with Brighouse in 1997, Fairey in 2002 and Grimethorpe in 2006, immediately followed by another win. Foden’s fans should be confident of putting a few quid on a repeat success in 2013 then...
6. His seven victories only include the one in the first half of the draw – number 6 in 1997 with Brighouse. The rest have come off draw numbers 14, 14, 19, 16, 18 and now 17.
7. He is now joint third on the all time list of winning conductors at the Nationals – although top of the list of ones who are still alive!
The man to beat remains William Halliwell on 10, followed by Harry Mortimer (9). He is now level with seven wins with the greats of Fred Mortimer and Peter Parkes and just ahead of James Watson (6), Nicholas Childs (5) and William Rimmer (5).
He (Allan Withington) is now joint third on the all time list of winning conductors at the Nationals – although top of the list of ones who are still alive!4BR
8. Black Dyke’s 9th place is thought to be their lowest finish at the Royal Albert Hall for over 50 years – beating the 8th places of 2010 and 1962.
9. Brighouse & Rastrick meanwhile failed in what was their third attempt at joining the National ‘Hat –trick’ club – coming second as they did in 1999 – also beaten by Foden’s.
10. Foden’s become the first band since Cory in 2000 to be crowned double champions.
PS. The draw really wasn't undertaken by a rubber chicken....
Thanks to Peter Bates for being a good sport for the shot though!
