The Foden's Band has launched a special fundraising appeal to enable them to start a long-term process of repairing, restoring and conserving as many historic artefacts and memorabilia seriously damaged in the terrible fire that engulfed its bandroom in Sandbach on 17th April.

Expert restoration

Despite the excellent work of the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, considerable smoke, fire and water damage occurred, with many items lost forever.

However, it is hoped that with expert restoration help, a number of historic items can be saved, repaired and conserved for future generations to enjoy.

Grateful

Band Secretary Andy Rolfe told 4BR: "It has been a traumatic few weeks for the band, but we are immensely grateful to everyone who has offered to help us in some way. We have discussed setting up a separate special fund with the agreement of our insurers to enable to save as much as we can of our priceless history.

The bandroom contained 116 years of artefacts, a music library of over 3500 works — many hand written by some of the most famous names in banding history — as well as old instruments, uniforms and memorabilia.

We now face a huge challenge to regroup and rebuild, and we would be extremely grateful for any contribution people can make towards restoring the items of historical significance we have left."

We now face a huge challenge to regroup and rebuild, and we would be extremely grateful for any contribution people can make towards restoring the items of historical significance we have leftAndy Rolfe

Help

If you wish to help, please go to: https://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/fodens-brand/start-up-and-restoration-fund