*
banner

Foden's unearth a Midsummer gem from their proud history

A priceless manuscript score from a British Open victory nearly 100 years ago has been conserved by Foden's as part of their Heritage Lottery Fund project.

Score
  The score is one of the unearthed gems that are being conserved by Foden's under their Heritage project

In October 2016 Foden's were successful in their application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to gain funding help with their 'Heritage & Digital Project' — an innovative undertaking to digitise the Sandbach band's remarkable collection of historical artefacts, original non-copyright 78's recordings and original manuscripts.

Items of memorabilia



The work has been ongoing as Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "'Since the successful application, our team of volunteers led by historian Stewart Green have been busy digitising various items of memorabilia that will be housed on our new heritage website to be launched in March 2018."

Priceless manuscripts

>

Part of the process has also allowed Foden's to conserve a number of priceless original manuscripts: "Sadly a large number of the manuscripts were destroyed in the bandroom fire last year,"Mark added, "but intense research has still allowed us to unearth many remarkable gems, including an original score to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Thomas Keighley used by the band in winning the 1926 British Open Championships under William Halliwell."

Foden's has also recorded a number of original arrangements from the pens of the brass banding giants William Halliwell, William Rimmer and Fred Mortimer, as well as an unidentified arrangement of 'Egmont', used at the Grand Shield contest at Crystal Palace in 1928.

intense research has still allowed us to unearth many remarkable gems, including an original score to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Thomas Keighley used by the band in winning the 1926 British Open ChampionshipsFoden's

Proud history

Mark added: "This one has been a real unearthed gem, as the band didn't compete at the contest. It may have been purchased to play in concert, although we haven't found out where as yet.

He concluded: "We are extremely proud of our history and would like to thank the Heritage Lottery for their funding which allows us to safeguard this for future generations to enjoy worldwide."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


NYBBS

Fun and friendship key ingredients to NYBBS success

July 29 • A fantastic week of music making in Perthshire was rounded off with a memorable triptych concert.


Red Admira

Red Admiral still open for late arrivals

July 29 • If you want to be part of the live-broadcast Red Admiral Music Academy Entertainment Contest then you still have time...


Edward Gregson

National study scores now available

July 29 • Study scores of Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' are now available for Studio Music.


Ystradgynlais

Chitty, Chitty Band, Bang

July 29 • The Ystradgynlais Band has been entertaining their local supporters with a little bit of film star help...


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Chinnor Silver

July 29 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday 4th and would love you to come along and join us for a relaxed blow.There is no impact on your own band just an extra fun blow but with cake and coffeeThe rehearsal is at 11am in our organisations own bandroom


Alder Valley Brass

July 28 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd