*
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    


RNCM

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival tickets now on sale

November 15 • World class bands and soloists, discussion and interviews form a full weekend on showcase brass playing at the RNCM in January.


Superbrass

Superbrass Saturday: Festive Fanfare (Tony Swainson)

November 15 • An ideal early weekend treat for the festive season from those clever musical elves at Superbrass.


Sage

Minus 30 and dropping in Gateshead

November 15 • It nothing to do with the temperature, but the ever decreasing number of available seats left to snap up to enjoy the action at the Brass in Concert Championships on Saturday


BBE

BBE call for passionate brass banding trustees

November 15 • If you want to contribute to helping the banding community Brass Bands England wants to hear from you about becoming a trustee.


Contest: 47th Brass in Concert

Saturday 16 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment

Friday 22 November • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Llandudno Town Band

November 15 • Require a baritone / horn, bass and 2nd percussion to complete our line up. Our band has consolidated into an enthusiastic strong outfit. We have a junior band working along the local education authority.


Dobcross Silver Band

November 14 • Dobcross Silver Band are looking for a couple of cornet players. You are rewarded with enjoyable rehearsals, concerts and a progressive contesting band. If you are a team player looking for a change of scenery , get in touch.


Barnsley Brass

November 13 • Barnsley Brass requires an Eb bass player.. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge on the A61 just south of Barnsley.. Rehearsals are Monday and Thursday evenings at 8pm in our purpose built bandroom..


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd