Foden's Band has told 4BR that they are determined to rebuild from the ashes following a devastating fire at their rehearsal room in Sandbach last week.

Lost

The fire on Sunday 17th April destroyed most of the bandroom which has been their home in the Cheshire village since 1993, including their priceless library of music and much of their historic memorabilia which dates back to the early years of the band. Some instruments and uniforms were also lost.

Following an investigation by Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service and Cheshire Police, it has been confirmed that the cause is believed to be an accidental electrical fault. The band will now share premises in the area while decisions about a future base are undertaken.

Saddened

Band Manager Mark Wilkinson commented: "Everyone connected with Foden's is extremely saddened by the incident, especially the loss of our musical archives and memorabilia.

Instruments can easily be replaced, but to lose items of such sentimental and historical value is devastating both to the band and the wider brass band community."

Support

He added: "However, it's at times like this when you realise what a fantastic movement we are part of. We have been inundated with hundreds of messages of support and offers of help from bands and individuals, not only in our local area, but across the UK and overseas.

We have also received numerous offers of help from various music publishing companies to start the rebuilding of our music library."

Renewed determination

Mark also revealed that Foden's will emerge from the incident with renewed determination.

"Despite our loss we participated in three concerts last week — something that would not have been possible without the offers of help. As far as the band is concerned, the show will go on.

All existing and new concerts will be honoured and our wide-ranging Youth development commitments will continue with a busy period of rehearsals and concerts for the Foden's Youth & Junior Bands.

All existing and new concerts will be honoured and our wide-ranging Youth development commitments will continue with a busy period of rehearsals and concerts for the Foden's Youth & Junior BandsMark Wilkinson

No Brass in Concert

Mark did however revealed that the fire means an end to their Brass in Concert appearance this year.

"We have reluctantly taken the step of withdrawing from the Brass in Concert Championship due to the amount of time and effort needed to commission and arrange a programme which would represent the band in the way that the contest demands.

The incident has brought us all even closer together, and the rebuilding process has already started.

Again, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to all who have offered help and support; it has been truly heart-warming at this stressful time."