*
banner

Foden's to search for lost treasures of the past

Foden's is hoping to locate 376 medals presented to the players who won 16 British Open and National titles between them in the band's golden era of historic success.

Medals
  Allan Littlemore has already been donated some of the priceless medals.

Former Foden's Band Manager Allan Littlemore is hoping to locate 376 small pieces of unique history to complete a very famous chapter of the Sandbach Band's contesting past.

Allan has already helped the band locate, curate and digitize over 130 historic 78 recordings originally recorded between 1914 and 1945, as well save and restore numerous artifacts.

Gold, silver and bronze

However, he is now looking to locate the unique gold, silver and bronze medals that were given to every Foden's player on winning the British Open or National Championship title on the eight occasions the band triumphed at each contest between 1909 and 1938.

Allan already has a wonderful collection of 33 medals donated to him from the families of some of the greatest players to don the famous red jackets under the likes of William Rimmer and Fred Mortimer, such as Arthur Webb (above) but now hopes to find more before they are lost for good.

Golden era

"Foden's has a history unrivalled at the British Open and National Championships during this period — a true golden era,"he said.

"The band's name is recorded for posterity, but so many of the players who helped create that history are almost forgotten. It's an ambitious mission, but one I hope will bring these players together once more."

The band's name is recorded for posterity, but so many of the players who helped create that history are almost forgotten. It's an ambitious mission, but one I hope will bring these players together once moreAllan Littlemore

Donated

Allan hopes that the medals can be donated to be curated and displayed with the stories behind each of them revealed once more.

"Each has its own story, its own history, so it would be wonderful to be able to record them all and help Foden's fill in an important part of their history,"he said.

"Luckily we have the names of all the players, but we now need to start tracking down the families to see if the medals are still in their possession."

Get in touch

If anyone knows anything about any of the famous Foden's medals, then please all Allan on 01270 763906

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 11

November 23 • Catch up with the latest 4BR Review with 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas


Swiss Nationals

Swiss set to celebrate 50th contest anniversary

November 23 • The Swiss National Championships will reach a significant milestone this year in Lucerne with new works set to test the 60 competing bands.


sewbba

Results: 2025 SEWBBA Tonyrefail Festival

November 23 • There was a welcome return of contesting action in South Wales as bands took to the stage in Tonyrefail.


Perth

Result: 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge

November 22 • Unite Scotland Kinneil claims victory in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Dobcross Silver Band

November 25 • Due to family commitments we have a rare vacancy for an Eb BASS PLAYER. . As current NW Area 3rd Section Champions and 2025 National Champions we start our journey in the 2nd Section in 2026! Are you the missing piece to our otherwise full band?


Fulham Brass Band

November 25 • Fulham Brass Band are seeking an inspirational and talented Musical Director to take the band forward and guide our return to the L&SC Championship Section. . . We rehearse on Monday evenings 7.15-9.45 at St Etheldreda's Church, Fulham Palace Road, London.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd