The musical contribution of Jimmie Charles to Foden's Band has been marked by a special work written in his honour by composer Andy Scott.

The world premiere of 'Of Good & Pure Souls' came at a concert in Sandbach conducted by Michael Fowles.

Jimmie recently celebrated his 80th birthday — a landmark that also hallmarked 64 years of dedicated service to the Sandbach band.

Remarkable

Speaking about the composition Andy commented: "Jimmie has been a part of the Foden's family as a multi-faceted player and librarian for a remarkable period. His selfless loyalty to the band makes him much loved in the brass band world.

In my time as Composer-in-Residence Jimmie became a good friend and I offered to write a piece of music that was dedicated to him. He always quietly sings a tune and draws you in to listening. He just loves music."

Lyrically sung

Andy added: "My musical approach to this piece was to try and capture the softly and lyrically sung element of Jimmie.

At his home we would make our way to the end of his garden to sit in the sun with a beer whilst he would go into the shed and put an old vinyl brass band recording on his record player and tell stories."