*
banner

Foden's to search for lost treasures of the past

Foden's is hoping to locate 376 medals presented to the players who won 16 British Open and National titles between them in the band's golden era of historic success.

Medals
  Allan Littlemore has already been donated some of the priceless medals.

Former Foden's Band Manager Allan Littlemore is hoping to locate 376 small pieces of unique history to complete a very famous chapter of the Sandbach Band's contesting past.

Allan has already helped the band locate, curate and digitize over 130 historic 78 recordings originally recorded between 1914 and 1945, as well save and restore numerous artifacts.

Gold, silver and bronze

However, he is now looking to locate the unique gold, silver and bronze medals that were given to every Foden's player on winning the British Open or National Championship title on the eight occasions the band triumphed at each contest between 1909 and 1938.

Allan already has a wonderful collection of 33 medals donated to him from the families of some of the greatest players to don the famous red jackets under the likes of William Rimmer and Fred Mortimer, such as Arthur Webb (above) but now hopes to find more before they are lost for good.

Golden era

"Foden's has a history unrivalled at the British Open and National Championships during this period — a true golden era,"he said.

"The band's name is recorded for posterity, but so many of the players who helped create that history are almost forgotten. It's an ambitious mission, but one I hope will bring these players together once more."

The band's name is recorded for posterity, but so many of the players who helped create that history are almost forgotten. It's an ambitious mission, but one I hope will bring these players together once moreAllan Littlemore

Donated

Allan hopes that the medals can be donated to be curated and displayed with the stories behind each of them revealed once more.

"Each has its own story, its own history, so it would be wonderful to be able to record them all and help Foden's fill in an important part of their history,"he said.

"Luckily we have the names of all the players, but we now need to start tracking down the families to see if the medals are still in their possession."

Get in touch

If anyone knows anything about any of the famous Foden's medals, then please all Allan on 01270 763906

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    


Brass in Concert

New adjudication system being considered for Brass in Concert

May 17 • Adjudication rankings of equal value to be considered in potential revamp of judging at the Brass in Concert Championships later this year.


winter and Storheim

Norwegian brass band talent spotlighted for Maestro direction

May 17 • Eline Storheim and Samuel Winter have been chosen to be part of a two year conducting course.


wobplay

New releases set for Wobplay

May 17 • New CD releases from Black Dyke Band, Birmingham Citadel and Bone-afide alongside the Elgar International Festival will soon be able to be enjoyed on the digital platform.


Lostock

Tynan departs at Lostock Hall

May 17 • The brief but successful musical partnership between Lostock Hall Band and conductor Tommy Tynan has come to an end.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd