*
banner

Foden's enjoy Welsh hospitality

Foden's recently enjoyed some homely Welsh hospitality before helping 50 youngsters to enjoy themselves.

Foden's
 

Members of the Foden’s Band recently headed to North Wales to enjoy their fourth visit to Dolgellau in Gwynedd.

Over 50

Over 50 local youngsters (including many who were young at heart) spent the afternoon with Mark Wilkinson, Andy Rolfe, Mark Landon, Stu Baglin and Helen Williams working on a number of short pieces that were to be included in the evening concert later in the day.

After a full band rehearsal lead by Glyn Williams, the workshop band split into sectionals and worked on the finer points of the music before a quick cup of tea and a last run through of the pieces chosen.

Time for tea

The rest of Foden’s arrived in time for tea (provided by the wonderful Llewella Williams) and then prepared for the concert.

The audience was entertained by Foden’s on fine form, with solo spots from Richard Poole, Helen and Glyn Williams and Mark Landon.

The Dolgellau concert has become a firm favourite in Foden’s hectic calendarFoden's Band

Playing

After the interval, Foden’s were joined by the workshop band to perform the pices they had worked on throughout the day, including ‘True & Trusty’, ‘Mbale’, ‘Anna Magdalena’s Minuet’ and ‘Swingin’ in the Hall of the Mountain King’ before the highly enjoyable event was rounded off with a tub thumping rendition of Eshkari’s soundtrack from ‘Stardust the Motion Picture’, arranged by Gareth Westwood.

Fantastic hospitality

A Foden’s spokesperson told 4BR: "The Dolgellau concert has become a firm favourite in Foden’s hectic calendar which is in no small part due to the welcome and fantastic hospitality given to all the band members by the Williams family who organize the whole event.

The band extends its thanks to Llewella, Emlyn, Linda and Aled and all their helpers and looks forward to next year."

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd