Some of the greatest names in Foden’s history are to be commemorated within the local Elworth Community where the famous Sandbach band has been based for over 100 years.
Nine streets
Nine new streets will bear the names of former players, conductors, administrators, supporters and even the music associated with the band.
A new housing development is currently being built on the former Foden’s Motor Works site by Barratt Homes, and with the co-operation of the band and the local council, nine names were submitted and approved by the local authority, the Post Office and local property gazetteers to be used as addresses for residents who will begin moving in later this year.
Honour
Foden’s Andy Rolfe, proudly told 4BR: "We were initially asked by the local council to propose a few names for the streets to honour the old motor works.
Between the committee, elder statesmens such as Jimmy Charles, Granville Jennings and honorary member Allan Littlemore, we finally ended up with the nine potential street names."
Great players and servants
He added: "We wanted to ensure we honoured not only the great players and servants such as Harry Mortimer, Teddy Gray, Arthur Webb Snr and Hubert Shergold, but also other leading conductors and people who have made Foden's what it is today.
The legendary William Rimmer and our signature march ‘The Cossack’ are therefore included, as are two recent names in our rich history; Peter Fletcher, a previous president who passed away in 2011 and also the regular support we receive from our loyal patrons.
We are very grateful to Barrett Homes in agreeing to leave a lasting legacy of the band on the famous site."
We were initially asked by the local council to propose a few names for the streets to honour the old motor worksAndy Rolfe
Groves, Crescents, Walks and Streets
The new streets will incorporate ‘Rimmer Grove’ as well as ‘Cossack Walk’, whilst Rimmer's great successor as conductor, William Halliwell will also be remembered in ‘Halliwell Court’.
Three former playing greats will be remembered, with ‘Teddy Gray Avenue’ honouring one of the great principal cornet players of the band.
‘Webb Close’ after Arthur Webb Snr, and ‘Shergold Close’, after Hubert Shergold, commemorate two legendary performers who played for over 40 years with the band, including their golden period of National wins at Crystal Palace under Fred Mortimer.
Mortimer Way
‘Harry Mortimer Way’ perhaps needs no further explanation, whilst ‘Peter Fletcher Crescent’ honours the former Band President and ‘Patron’s Drive’, recognises the band’s worldwide group of supporters.
