One of the banding movement’s leading administrators and historians has announced that after nearly 40 years of selfless work on behalf of two of the UKs most successful Championship Section bands, he is to finally enjoy a well earned retirement.

Mortimer fan

Allan Littlemore first attended a brass band concert by Foden’s in 1948, and immediately became a fan of a band that was still under the baton of the great Fred Mortimer.

In 1953, and living in the small village of Elworth not far from the famous Foden’s motor works factory, he travelled to the Albert Hall where he saw Harry Mortimer lead them to National success — and cement an association that eventually saw him become Head of Personnel at the Foden’s works.

Look after

His brass banding life was to change in 1975 though, as he recalled when speaking to 4BR.

"On his retirement, Managing Director Ted Foden asked me ‘look after my band’.

I did wonder what I had let myself in for, but I did just that for the next fifteen years, hopefully playing a small part in enabling one of the most famous names in the banding world to survive and prosper."

History

Allan later wrote an acclaimed centenary history of the band and was responsible for being able to save much of their priceless memorabilia, including championship winning medals and programmes from former players.

He also ensured that the sound of the Fred Mortimer band was saved for future generations to enjoy after donating numerous recordings to the British Library sound archive.

Leyland role

After he retired from Foden’s, Allan was eventually persuaded by Richard Evans to use his administrative expertise to assist the Leyland Band — and in the roles of Chairman and more latterly, President, he has been instrumental in also helping secure their long term future and prosperity.

Modestly, he told 4BR that despite not playing a single note, he considered himself to have been exceptionally fortunate to have been able to play a part in the history of two great brass bands.

the bands have been successful in winning the North West Regional titles, All England Masters, British Open, National Championships and Brass in Concert — and my contribution was merely to choose a plastic token out of a velvet bagAllan Littlemore

Velvet bag

"I have been very fortunate to have worked with some wonderful people over the years — both at Foden’s and Leyland for a total of 37 years."

He added: "In that time the bands have been successful in winning the North West Regional titles, All England Masters, British Open, National Championships and Brass in Concert — and my contribution was merely to choose a plastic token out of a velvet bag.

I will miss the contests and concerts, recordings and most importantly the association with the players and supporters, but the 100 mile round trip on the nation’s race track, the M6 motorway has finally proved too daunting.

I still count myself to have been one heck of a lucky man though."