The official launch of Foden’s ‘Heritage’ website; one that charts the remarkable history of one of the world’s most famous bands, rightly took place in the heart of the small Cheshire town that has provided them with such loyal support over the past 118 years. 

The intimate surroundings (with a surprisingly good acoustic) also enabled Foden’s to neatly unveil their 21st century portal back in time, accompanied by excellent music to mark the occasion.  

Touch of a button

Nothing too pompous or formal (including a witty speech by Band Manager Mark Wilkinson), the launch came at a touch of button; revealing images, artefacts, memorabilia, videos, manuscripts and music from the eras of the giants of Rimmer and the Mortimers to the latter day figureheads of Howard Snell and Bramwell Tovey.

It’s a splendid undertaking; one that has been researched with care and a great deal of passion. In a strange way the tragic fire that destroyed the Foden’s bandroom in 2016 also ignited a desire to ensure that their magnificent history was not lost in the ashes too - including for this occasion, a facsimile of a programme from 1936 that gave a tantalising glimpse of the band at the very apex of their glory.

The music on show was also redolent of an era now passed, but which through the wonders of technology has been resurrected to enjoy once more

Resurrected

The music on show was also redolent of an era now passed, but which through the wonders of technology has been resurrected to enjoy once more: The march ‘Viva Rimmer’ followed by the delicate horn solo ‘The North Star’ (played gracefully by Jonathan Bates) was balanced by the ‘musical comedy’ of ‘Old Mother Hubbard in the style of Handel’, Berlioz’s ‘Will o’th’ Wisps’ in a fascinating arrangement by William Halliwell and Rimmer’s bold arrangement of ‘Egmont’ overture.

After a break to enable people to start browsing the internet and get a closer look at some of the striking memorabilia on show (including the British Open Gold Shield and Jennison Trophy) it was back to ‘The Cossack’ (led with a swagger old Fred Mortimer would have loved by Richard Evans), ‘Bobby Shaftoe’, ‘The Sunshine of Your Smile’ (played superbly by Mark Wilkinson), ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ and the rousing finales of ‘Procession to the Minster’ and ‘Slaidburn’ to close.

It was a fine way to mark the opening of a fascinating new chapter of exploration into the heritage of a great brass band.

Iwan Fox