*
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    


UK Music sURBEY

UK Music launches annual survey

April 29 • Musicians and organisations urged to complete annual survey to help create an accurate assessment of the value of the UK music sector.


Flowers

Flowers to target World title in 2026

April 29 • The National Champion will look to become World Champion in Kerkrade next year.


Regent Brass

40th anniversary celebrations for Regent Brass

April 29 • Great memories of a pioneering band were recalled in a get together concert for former players of Brent Youth Band and Regent Brass.


Opera

WNO musicians vote to accept new agreement

April 29 • The orchestral member of Welsh National Opera have voted to a new agreement to protect their full time future.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: 103rd Spring Festival

Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool. . FY1 1HU


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


wantage silver band

April 29 • A friendly and ambitious first section band, Wantage Concert Brass are looking for an experienced and dedicated MUSICAL DIRECTOR to help drive the band's continued growth and development, building on their best result to date at the recent area contest.


wantage silver band

April 29 • Wantage Concert Brass have a Bb BASS vacancy - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 29 • Wantage Concert Brass are looking for a TROMBONE and BASS TROMBONE player - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd