*
banner

Foden's launch heritage website with golden memories

The unique history of one of the most famous names in world banding has been preserved for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Open
  Foden's launched their heritage website with some impressive items on show in Sandbach

Supporters, local dignitaries and brass band lovers gathered in Sandbach Town Hall on Tuesday evening (27th March) for the official launch of Foden's Band heritage website.

15 months of extensive research and dedicated hard work has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, who awarded the band £26,400 towards the total cost of £35,520 to enable them to incorporate a wide range of historical aspects into the innovative project.

Hat-trick medals

These included the digitisation of historical artefacts and original 78's recordings, as well as the preservation of original manuscripts and a vast amount of memorabilia and artefacts.

It also included medals presented to Foden's players for completing the famous 'Double' hat-trick in the 1930s, as well as other priceless items that have now been catalogued and archived.

The website itself includes numerous images, articles and resource material to help people enjoy and understand more about one of the world's most famous brass bands.

Historic works

The launch evening saw the current band perform a number of works that have now been saved for future generations to enjoy — from the march 'Viva Rimmer' to arrangements of Berlioz's 'Dance of the Will o' th' Wisps' made nearly 100 years ago by the great William Halliwell and a wonderful musical curiosity called 'Old Mother Hubbard — in the style of Handel' by Heley-Hutchinson.

Thanks

Band Manager Mark Wilkinson took the opportunity to thank the many supporters and patrons who contributed to the project — from the loan of artefacts to helping to meet the extensive cost of preservation of some of the historic music that was partially destroyed in the fire that engulfed their bandroom in 2016.

"This has been such an important project for Foden's Band,"he said, "One that has enabled us to save for future generations the history of one of the most famous banding names in the world.

Our thanks go to the countless people, such as Carole Hirst who led our project bid, who have supported us and especially to the Heritage Lottery Fund who recognised the importance of what we set out to achieve."

He added: "Although the official project has come to an end, it is only the start of an ongoing process that we hope will grow year on year as more material and amazing memorabilia becomes available to us."

Our thanks go to the countless people who have supported us and especially to the Heritage Lottery Fund who recognised the importance of what we set out to achieveBand Manager, Mark Wilkinson

Rare sight

Some of those items were on show on the night — including the rare sight of the current British Open Gold Shield (first presented in 1924), kindly loaned to the band for the event by British Open organisers Martin and Karyn Mortimer, next to its predecessor, the famous Jennison Trophy (above), first presented in 1889, and won outright by the band following its Belle Vue hat-trick in 1928.

Find out more:

To find out more about Foden's Heritage Website go to: http://www.fodensbandheritage.co.uk/

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    


Gregson

Focus on Gregson's Choice on National eve

October 8 • The International Staff Band of the Salvation Army will be joined by Ian Bousfield for an aperitif evening of music from the pen of Edward Gregson ahead of his Albert Hall challenge.


World of Brass

Cory and Baker CD brace launched

October 8 • The latest CD releases from Cory and Brett Baker will be on sale at the Royal Albert Hall this year.


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd