*
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    


4BR Review

Join the 4BR review on Wednesday night

July 14 • The latest episode has a World Championship flavour as a musical aperitif for your night's entertainment before the football begins...


Vilhelmsen

Vilhelmsen to concentrate on composing

July 14 • The award winning Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen steps down as principal cornet of Oslofjord Band to build on her compositional success


David Gallaher

Gallaher takes final fly past

July 14 • One of New Zealand banding's most respected figures has hung up his professional musical wings.


Hey Jude

Wright & Round: Hey Jude (Lennon & McCartney arr. Derek Broadbent)

July 14 • If things go to plan for England in the next few days, then this might be the perfect addition to any band's concert play list...


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 14 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on MONDAY 20th at 11 am in our bandroom.. We would welcome players of all ages and abilities to join us for a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. Of course there is tea and cake !!!. And you can even choose a piece to play


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 13 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We currently have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player, a 2nd EUPHONIUM player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd