Foden's have announced that they are to receive £26,400 from the 'Heritage Lottery Fund', against a total cost of £35,520 for a 'Heritage and Digital Project'.
Work will commence on the innovative project in December, with a projected time-line finish date of March 2018.
Grateful
Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the award.
Since our bandroom fire in April we have been working closely with Carole Crompton to prepare a bid that will see the digitisation of our historical artefacts, original 78's recordings (outside of copyright) as well as original manuscripts.
Foden's will also make two CDs of this previously unrecorded unpublished music, with all the digitised information being housed on a new 'Heritage Website.' On top of this, training will be provided for various members and volunteers."
Just Giving
He continued: "Sadly, despite being insured for our losses the cost to restore damaged items of historical value were not covered and due to this we set up a 'Just Giving' page in April where all donated monies would go towards the costs of the restoration.
The restoration process is now due to start so we would ask people to please consider making a donation towards this fund."
https://www.justgiving.com/fodens-band
Thanks
Mark concluded: "Following the fire we wanted to ensure that all our historical artefacts were recorded, preserved and made available for all to see, enjoy and share. We would like to thank Carole Crompton for her work and guidance in submitting the successful bid."
Partners
Partners involved in the bid include Cheshire Archives, with spokepserosn Lisa Greenhalgh telling 4BR: "We understand the significance of Foden's heritage to the brass band community and the local community in Sandbach.
The Band's history is a significant resource of interest to local, national and international audiences."
More information
The Heritage Lottery Fund supports a wide range of applications. For further information go to: www.hlf.org.uk