Composer Andy Scott is to make a unique contribution to the Foden's 'Restoration Fund' appeal with the announcement that he will write a commission dedicated to one of the band's great stalwart former players and administrators.

Legendary figure

A legendary figure in the UK banding world, Jimmie Charles joined Foden's in December 1960, and over the next 40 years played in various positions — including cornet, horn and baritone.

He has also become a highly respected librarian and archivist, spending countless hours researching and curating items from the band's rich history.

Pledge

As Composer-in-Residence, Andy will now write a short work dedicated to Jimmie as a mark of respect, with supporters and brass band lovers being asked to pledge financial support to help with the immense ongoing work that is being undertaken by Jimmie and others to help restore historic artifacts from the band following the disastrous fire that engulfed their headquarters in 2016.

Loyal servant

Andy told 4BR: "On 17th April last year I was driving past the Foden's bandroom and saw the terrible fire. Everybody at Foden's of course was affected, none more so than Jimmie.

Jimmie is such a loyal servant of the band that he started work on restoring a new library of music and rescuing artifacts immediately after the flames were extinguished. He is an amazing servant of the band and a real character.

Now, as Foden's settles into its new bandroom in Bradwall near Sandbach, I wanted to write a short work that is dedicated to him and his work. I hope people will identify with what Jimmie has done for the band and pledge some money to the fund as a result."

Musical inspiration

Andy revealed that Jimmie had recently unearthed a recording of Foden's playing on the BBC radio programme 'Friday Night is Music Night' from October 1966 — featuring him playing a duet alongside the great Teddy Gray. That music will now form the inspiration behind his work.

Anyone who would like to offer a pledge towards the commission is asked to contact Mark Wilkinson at marklwilky@hotmail.com prior to the 1st June 2017

Jimmie is such a loyal servant of the band that he started work on restoring a new library of music and rescuing artifacts immediately after the flames were extinguishedComposer, Andy Scott

Help Restoration Fund

You can also contribute to the ongoing work through the Foden's 'Restoration Appeal at:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/fodens-brand/start-up-and-restoration-fund?utm_campaign=campaign-share-facebook&utm_content=Foden%27s+Band+-+Start+up+and+Restoration+Fund&utm_medium=campaignpage&utm_source=facebook