4BR has been informed that the musical partnership between conductor Allan Withington and Foden's Band has come to an end.

Four year period

The decision brings to a close a four year period that saw the Sandbach band and their Norwegian based MD achieve considerable contesting success as well as concert and recording acclaim — including a historic British Open/National Championship 'Double' in 2012.

Run its course

Allan told 4BR: "The partnership with Foden's has now run its course as we found ourselves in disagreement as to the form any future development of the band was to take.

I would like to thank Foden's for an interesting four years and I will now concentrate on my playing and conducting alongside work commitments both in Norway and on the continent."

Enjoyed

Foden's Band Mark Wilkinson added: "All at Foden's would like to thank Allan for his four year association with us.

During this time we have enjoyed working with him on a number of projects as well as contest performances and have always found him to be extremely musical, professional and well prepared.

The obvious highlight was in 2012 when were crowned 'Double Champions', but both parties have decided that now is the right time to part company but do so on the best of terms and have not ruled out working together in the future."

I would like to thank Foden`s for an interesting four years and I will now concentrate on my playing and conducting alongside work commitments both in Norway and on the continentAllan Withington

No appointment

4BR understands that no decision has been taken by the band on the appointment of a new professional Musical Director, or to who will take the band to the 2016 North West Regional Championship in February in Blackpool.