foden‟s band a history #01. 1900 the history of fodens band

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FODEN‟S BAND A HISTORY
Compiled by Stewart Green ©.
Including information provided by Allan Littlemore, F Don Burgess,
Jimmy Charles and members of Fodens Band.
Recording information with help from Frank Andrews (78‟s)
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INDEX
#01. History 1900 to date.
#02. Recordings – Track Listing of 78‟s, LP‟s, 45, and CD‟s.
#03. Musical Directors – List
#04. Bandmasters – List
#05. Band Managers
#06a. Competitions – Positions
#06b. Placings (Fodens Band)
#06c. Test Pieces for Championships
#06d. Quartet Results.
#07. List of Band Members 1900 to date.
#08. Longest Serving Band Members / Youngest / First Female
#09. Listen to the Band – History BBC Radio 2 Programme.
#10. BBC Radio Band of the Year
#11. Other Local Radio Programmes on Brass Band Music
#12. BBC Champion Brass / Best of Brass
The main files include Music History (History of a tune) and Biographies of Players.
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#00.
THE BRITISH BRASS BAND.
The British Style Brass Band (Named like this because the American Brass Band has a different line up
of instruments) dates back to the 1800‟s with its traditional roots being in the industrial north of
England.
In 1809 a Brass Band was formed in, and called the Stalybridge Old Band (Still in existence) and is
considered to be the first of this type of musical group.
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#01.
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1900
THE HISTORY OF FODENS BAND
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16-17 May 1900 The “Relief of Mafeking” happened when British Soldiers were in South Africa
defending it from the Dutch settlers known as Boers who wanted independence
from Britain.
Unable to stop the Boers the British were penned in at the small African township
called Mafeking.
The town had been left under siege for 217 days until it was finally given its
freedom by the relief forces.
The British troops in the town were Commanded by Lt. Gen. Robert Baden-Powell
(Later founded the Scout Movement) who was made a national hero as he kept the
troops moral high and refusing to surrender.
The event was transmitted to Reuters in London at 9.17pm on Friday the
18 May 1900.
This was the event that eventually led to the formation of the FODEN‟S BAND
which came into existence from the old Sandbach town band and Wheelock
Temperance Society Band who had been playing during an event to celebrate
the event at Mafekin.
26 May 1900
At 3pm on the 26 May 1900 Mr Francis Poole led a procession from Sandbach to
Elworth that included the “Sandbach Volunteer Brass band”.
Decorated floats and a new Foden Steam Traction engine joined the procession
and it was suggested by nearby Sandbach Chairman of the Council Cllr. H Billyard
that in the evening, all should meet on Sandbach Common for an informal
get together.
It was suggested that the bands lead the procession back to Sandbach and they
marched through Wheelock where they were joined by the Wheelock Temperance
Band. After various speeches it was planned to march back to Elworth for the
Evening bonfire, led by Weelock Temperance Band.
However a local public house in Sandbach, offered free drinks to band members on
this day. Some of the Temperance members felt that by accepting this offer it was
seen as being against their beliefs and so they decide to take their instruments back to
Wheelock and failed to continue with the planned march back to Elworth.
The return event had groups depicting the Army and Navy leading a parade to
Elworth where a bonfire had been built on which effigies of the Boer leaders,
Kruger and Kronje were to be burned rather like Guy Fawkes on the 5 November.
The members of the Sandbach Volunteer Band also decided not to return to Elworth
as the offer of free drinks was too tempting and they stayed in the public House.
The organisers were not pleased at this snub to the celebrations and vowed that
Elworth would have its own independent band for these occasions. They met together
in the “The Commercial Hotel” in Elworth to discuss this new venture. Mrs Danvers
of the “Commercial Hotel” gave the first “Golden” Guinea towards the fund with
John Pring of “Wiremaster”, Thomas Plant a local gentleman, John Poole a boot and
shoe manufacturer and Edwin Foden all donated to the fund along with numerous
other local people.
In “The History of Fodens Motor Works Band” published in 1936 as a promotion
leaflet for the company, it described the events of the march and says –
“A vigerous demand for a Military March was passed down the line. Not a trumpet or
a drum was heard!
Jim Davies, a founder member told Allan Littlemore that the Wheelock Temperance
Band was tired and it had volunteered to go home and the procession returned
without musical honours.”
“Indignation, brought the Elworth leaders together on the very same night ….
Resolved forthwith that Elworth henceforth should be musically independent –
resolved also that a public subscription should be raised for the purpose of organising
and equipping a BRASS BAND.”
1900
Fundraising events for the band included Harry Davies, Jim Davies and Percy Plant
going to Manchester to borrow a barrel organ which they pushed the 30 miles back to
Elworth where they then toured with it round the local villages gaining donations
before returning it to its owner by again pushing it the 30 miles.
September 1900 By September 1900, £30 had been raised to purchase instruments from the nearby
Knutsford band which had recently folded.
According to the book “By Royal Command” the instruments had been made by
Higham‟s of Manchester and they arrived the following week at Sandbach
Station. The instruments were then set out before rehearsals started at the
United Methodist Church Schoolroom with twenty four villagers who had never
played an instrument before.
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1900
ELWORTH BRASS BAND
(Later becoming the Elworth Silver Band)
Conductor
Sam Charlesworth
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1900
The Bands first public performance (if you could call it that) was just after collecting
their instruments they went out onto the streets of Elworth blowing any note that they
could make with the instruments none of them had played before.
Samuel Charlesworth a Music Teacher was employed to teach the new players how
to play their instruments and rehearsals took place in the left side of some horse
stables (Mellor‟s Stables) which were later to became a local bakehouse.
BAND MEMBERS
Cornet
Edwin Foden Jnr
Cornet
James Davies
Cornet
Samuel Whittaker
Cornet
John Edmonds
Cornet
Percy Plant
Cornet
Thomas Collins
Cornet
Ted Venables
Cornet
S. Edgar Charlesworth
Cornet
Harry Jennings
Soprano Cornet Vivian Pass
Tenor Horn
John Bateman
Tenor Horn
Herbert Davies
Tenor Horn
Henry Cooper
Tenor Horn
John Chapman
Baritone
Thomas Hough
Baritone
Herbert Prince
Trombone
Samuel Twemlow
Trombone
John Cowap
Euphonium
William Foden
Euphonium
Henry Burgess
E Flat Bass
Albert Hough
E Flat Bass
William Edmonds
B Flat Bass
Jack Boulton
Drums
A. E. (Bogie) Wright
Secretary of the Band
Francis Poole
Conductor and 1st Teacher
Sam Charlesworth
(from Talke o‟ th‟ Hill on the Staffordshire / Cheshire Boarder)
Sam Charlesworth was paid three guineas a year for his services along with a fee of one penny a week
from each of the band members for tuition (The Fee was paid by Band funds if the bandsman couldn‟t
afford it).
The first band-room was in the loft of Mellor‟s Stables in Marsh Green Road which was not ideal as
band member George Faulkner found out when he moved his chair back a bit and fell through the hole
left by the loft ladder.
The band was taught to play “Abide with me” which became appropriate when on the 22 January 1901
Queen Victoria died.
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Mr D. Henry BURGESS
It is unfair to write about any of the members of the band at this stage in their history but in 1936 a
history of the band was produced with a number of biographies and so I have decided to include the
information at a point when they have first joined the band.
In 1900 Henry Burgess was on Euphonium and according to the 1936 biography played the Bass
Trombone with the old Elworth band bringing it with him for a number of year‟s to the new Foden
Motor Works Band.
In 1902 he became Secretary of the band, a role he continued until 1910.
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NATIONAL NEWS
21 July 1900
COMPETITION – National Brass Band Championships, Crystal Palace, London
For the Crystal Palace 1,000 guinea trophy.
Test Piece “Gems from Sullivan‟s Opera No 1” J. Ord Hume.
RESULTS
FIRST
Denton Original
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Wingate Temperance
Fodens Motor Works didn‟t qualify 1900 to 1909.
HISTORY OF THE COMPETITION
The 1,000 Guinaes Trophy is now in the Museum of Welsh Life near Cardiff. In 1977 it was loaned to
Fodens Band for an exhibition and in 1980 for the final of the “Granada band of the Year” competition
at Belle Vue. Also known as the Crystal Palace Trophy or in Wales the “Caradog Cup” after the first
choir conductor to win the trophy, Griffith Rhys Jones known as “Caradog”.
In 1871 the Crystal Palace complex organisers decided to hold its first Brass Band Competition. It was
a five day National Union Brass and Choral Event and had a wonderful trophy designed for the winners
by S.J. Nicholl and made by silversmith‟s Messrs Cox of Southampton Street, London at a cost of no
more than 1,000 guineas thus the name of the trophy.
The first year only had one entry in the Choir Competition that of the “South Wales Choral Union”
from Aberdare conducted by Griffith Rhys Jones known as “Caradog”. The following year only one
other choir entered the competition and they came second. Had the “South Wales Choral Union” choir
won a third time they could have kept the trophy but it was decided that due to the lack of support the
whole competition would be cancelled and the trophy was kept in the vaults of Crystal Palace for 27
years.
When John Henry Iles acquired “The British Bandsman” newspaper he was keen to promote the brass
band world and approached Crystal Palace to hold a National event to find the best Brass Band.
Originally for London bands they needed a trophy and John recalled the choral competition trophy was
not in use and so approached the organisers to use it for his competition.
In 1900 the first competition took place and was won by Denton Original Band. The competition
continued until 1936 when the building was destroyed by fire.
On the 26 September 1936 the final competition of the National Brass Band Championship, Crystal
Palace, London took place with the following placings.
FIRST
FODENS (for the 5th time in seven Year‟s)
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Friary (Guildford)
On a sad note to the final year‟s competition was the death of Joe Brookes who was conducting the
Junior section entry by the Rivington and Adlington Band when he collapsed on stage and died.
Joe Brookes had been the Soprano cornetist with Fodens until 1915 when he left to join Horwich RMI
after being fired from the band for going on strike.
In the evening a rather subdued concert by the Massed Band was recorded for 78 and included
“Homeland Melodies” (Arr John Henry Iles) and was conducted by John Henry Iles.
On the 30 November 1936 the building caught fire and was destroyed.
In 1938 the Welsh decided to claim the trophy and the Earl of Plymouth along with the National
Museum of Wales led a campaign to have the trophy in Wales. The plea was even talked about in
Parliament but as the country was about to go to war the matter was dropped.
By 1952 the Crystal Palace Company had folded and the trophy became the property of the Greater
London Council. It was at this time the Welsh claim was again brought up and after much legal
wrangling the GLC finally decided in 1972 to let the Welsh to borrow the trophy for an exhibition
celebrating the centinary of the original competition‟s final win. In 1974 the Greater London Council
decided to make the loan on a permanent basis and it now forms part of the Welsh Folk Museum‟s
Gallery of Material Culture.
(Based on information by David Cawdell in 4 Bars Rest 2004)
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1901
ELWORTH SILVER BAND
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22 Jan 1901
Queen Victoria Died.
2 Feb 1901
Elworth Band played at the Elworth Church Memorial Service in honour of
Queen Victoria their first engagement.
12 Feb 1901
CONCERT – Torchlight Prosession at 7pm.
With New Uniforms and Straw hats the band led the Torchlight procession through
Elworth, Elton and Moston to celebrate the new King Edward VII.
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NATIONAL NEWS
28 Sept 1901
Test Piece “Gems from Sullivan‟s Opera No 3” by J. Ord Hume
RESULTS
FIRST
Lee Mount
SECOND
Irwell Springs
THIRD
Denton Original
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30 Nov 1901
Crewe Chronicle.
“BRASS BAND SOIREE AT ELWORTH”
The first annual Soiree in aid of funds of the Elworth Brass Band was held on Friday
in the Co-op Hall which had been decorated by the ladies of the village, including
Mrs Foden. Dancers attended in strong force and danced from 8pm to 4am to the
music of the Elworth Band.
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1902
ELWORTH SILVER BAND
Conductor
Sam Charlesworth
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22 March 1902
31 May 1902
7 June 1902
21 June 1902
Crewe Chronicle
“With Foden Motor to Congleton”
On Saturday Messrs, Fodens Sons and Co Ltd delivered a motor wagon, of the
pattern made famous throughout the civilised world by their victory in the military
motor trials. The latest wagon, built to the order of the Silver Springs Bleaching
and Dyeing Company of Timbersbrook, near Congleton, and the body of the wagon,
was modified to suit their requirements.
As this vehicle was one of the first to be delivered to a private firm, and as the
destination was within a reasonable distance, the builders decided to celebrate the
event with suitable festivities. Arrangements were made for the conveyance of the
Elworth Brass Band, and a number of other enthusiastic supporters. The procession
re-formed on arrival at Congleton and marched to Swan Bank, the motor and vehicles
following. At Swan Bank a halt was made while the band discoursed several
selections in good style.
After delivering the vehicle to Timbersbrook the party returned to the Lion and Swan
Hotel where they were entertained to a sumptuous dinner by Mr E Foden and
Mr Royale (of the purchasing firm). After dinner an enjoyable evening was spent,
with songs, toasts and selections by the band.
Crewe Chronicle.
“Coronation Committee Meeting – Elworth Coronation Plans – Mutiny of the Band”
Elworth Band refused to play for the Coronation unless they were paid £4.
Some members of the meeting wanted to dissolve the band or expel such members
who refused to play but that was ruled out by the Chairman.
An alternative resolution charging the members with disloyalty to their committee
and expressing the opinion that their action was dishonourable to the people of
Elworth was carried.
A further resolution was passed to apply for tenders for a band excluding the
Elworth Band from tenders.
Crewe Chronicle. (On Tenders for a band to play in Elworth for the Coronation)
75 tenders received for services of a band. The price they decided to pay was double
that demanded by the local band. “Newspaper Comment” we think they would have
been wiser and patched up their differences. The fact that Elworth has a band they
may well be proud of and the sum demanded was a mere acknowledgement of their
service.
Crewe Chronicle.
Elworth procession decided to have Crewe Carriage works Silver Band and
1902
26 June 1902
(Event)
1902
1902
Middlewich Centenary Brass Band.
Sandbach will have the Elworth Silver Band and the Volunteer Band.
Extraordinary meeting of inhabitants on Wednesday arising out of a dispute with
Elworth Silver Band, Rev T Lunt in Chair.
A letter was received from the band tendering their resignation.
The Chairman proposed a resolution that the band be dissolved and instruments
disposed of.
Mr W Foden made an offer of £58 1s 6d for the whole of the instruments.
A Committee was formed to dispose of the instruments to the best advantage.
As mentioned in the Chronicle (21 June 1902) Elworth couldn‟t be without a band
at this time of a National event of the Coronation and after putting out the job for
tender they hired the Crewe “London and North Western Railway Carriage Works
Band” for the occasion at a fee of £8.
A REVIEW OF THE EVENTS FOR THE CORONATION.
Two Concerts were arranged for the King‟s Coronation one in Elworth and the other
in Smallwood for which the band were to be paid £20 by Edwin Foden himself as it
was his home village. However the Committee decided that the band should play
only in Elworth and it was agreed that a fee of £4 would be obtained from the
Coronation Committee of Elworth for the bands engagement in the afternoon.
However Band members decided to play Elworth in the afternoon and Smallwood in
the Evening.
The Committee took the altruistic line that no fee should be charged to their
own village on such a National occasion.
The band was now in crisis as band members had asked for a fee of £4 to be fixed for
playing members and the committee turned down their request following it up by
calling in all the instruments owned by the band in disgust at being asked to pay the
band, which they then sold the instruments, giving the funds from the sale to a
charity called the “Elworth Charity”.
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Cornet
Edwin Foden Jnr
Cornet
James Davies
Cornet
(Edward) Ted Venables
Cornet
Cornet
Sam Charlesworth
Soprano Cornet Vivian Pass
Baritone
(Bill) William Peers
Baritone
Thomas Hough
Baritone
J Mellor
Baritone
George Faulkner
Baritone
George Mason
Trombone
Samuel P Twemlow
Trombone
John E Cowap
Euphonium
William Foden
Euphonium
Henry Burgess
Euphonium
(Ted) Edward Plant
Euphonium
W Arrowsmith
E Flat Bass
T Mitchell
E Flat Bass
F Wakefield
E Flat Bass
William Edmonds
B Flat Bass
Jack Boulton
Drums
E Spooner
Driver
Charlie Cross
Librarian
C Jones
The ELWORTH SILVER BAND did play for the Coronation Celebrations
in Sandbach and Smallwood although the actual Coronation itself was postponed
until the 9 August 1902 due to the new King having what was described as a cold
(It turned out to be appendicitis).
(King Edward VII 22 Jan 1901 –6 May 1910)
This was the last engagement of the band in its present form.
28 June 1902
5 July 1902
1902
1902
26 July 1902
Crewe Chronicle.
Changes were announced to the celebration programme due to the King‟s illness.
He was to have an operation for perity philitus.
Crewe Chronicle.
Elworth went ahead with its celebration despite being no coronation after all the King
was still the King. Elworth Silver Band played in the square and accompanied
singing for Sandbach‟s reduced celebrations.
Under the band rules the band were given 14 days notice of its disbandment when
the instruments were then taken off them and sold putting plans by the Committee
to have a reliable band in Elworth back to square one.
Having made an offer for the instruments at a meeting in June and had it rejected by
the committee Mr Edwin Foden offered to take over the band and had to purchase his
own instruments.
Edwin could have done nothing else as it was he who had caused the collapse of the
band in the first place by asking them to play at Smallwood.
Mr Foden purchased a set of Besson Silver plated instruments to replace those sold
by the Elworth Committee.
This was the start of the FODEN MOTOR WORKS BAND.
Crewe Chronicle.
The Elworth Silver Band is still making every effort to attain hurried perfections
and the remarkable progress that has always been characteristic of this band since
it‟s still recent inauguration shows no sign of abatement. They have been invited
to give a sacred concert in Crewe Park, in the near future. Remembering the class
of musical fare at these concerts it is undoubtedly a courageous act for a young band
to accept the invitation.
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1902
FODEN MOTOR WAGGON WORKS BAND
Conductor
Sam Charlesworth / William Rimmer
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(NOTE – The Foden Motor Waggon Works Band was spelt with two G‟s in Waggon in the early days
becoming Wagon later in its life)
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FODEN MOTOR WORKS BRIEF HISTORY TO 1902.
1856
In 1856 Edwin Foden joined "Plant and Hancock" as an indentured apprentice.
He then went to work at Crewe and Kidsgrove railway workshops before returning to
Elworth and the "Plant and Hancock Company" where at the age of 19 he became
shop Forman (1860).
1862
By 1862 the company started to produce small steam portable engines for industry
and agricultural use.
1866
Folling Mr Plant‟s retirement in 1866 George Hancock made Edwin a partner in the
company and renamed it "Hancock and Foden" known locally as the
Elworth Foundry.
1870
In 1870 George Hancock retired from his business, officially but still acted as a
consultant and so the name changed to FODEN AND HANCOCK.
1876
In 1876 the name of the company changed to EDWIN FODEN AND SONS to
include William and Edwin Richard Foden the two sons.
1902
FODENS LTD formed to help propel the manufacturing company into the new era.
Edwin Foden was Managing Director.
Mr Cecil H. Brunner
Chairman
John and Reuben Stubbs Board Members.
Samuel Poole Twemlow (Edwin's Son in Law)
Company Secretary.
During the year the old Foundry building was rebuilt and enlarged along with new
offices on the other side of the road.
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FODEN MOTOR WORKS BAND
1902
Edwin Foden decided that the lack of success the band were having in concerts was
due to not having the right Professional Coach and Conductor with the band and so
he hired William Rimmer (40 Year old Cornet Player, trainer, conductor and
arranger) to take over the band.
(Information from “By Royal Command” and “Brass Bands” by Arthur R. Taylor.)
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WILLIAM RIMMER Biography.
William Rimmer was born in Birkdale, Southport in 1862 (1861 in some listings).
His father had been a bandmaster with the 3rd Volunteer Brigade, King‟s Liverpool Regiment.
At the age of 15 William started as a Side-Drummer with the Southport Rifle band where he eventually
became the third Cornet player, Second Cornet, Repiano and finally Solo Cornet. From Southport he
went on to play with Besses O‟th barn, Kingston Mills and Heywood Rifles.
By 1890 William was starting on his conducting career, coaching Wingates and Irwell Springs.
At the start of the 1900‟s William was becoming a big name in the brass band world and had become
the Music editor of “Richardson‟s Cornet Brass and Military Band Journal”.
His composing also brought his name to the fore with “The Cossack” (written for Fodens) and
“Slaidburn” (for Wingates). However he also wrote under a number of pseudonyms including F. Le
Due, Michael Laurent, Kenneth Henschel, Carl Hessler and Heather Dene.
In 1902 William Joined Fodens in Sandbach.
In 1909 William Rimmer decided to retire from contests to concentrate on the Southport Municipal
Military Band a group of musicians hired by Southport Corporation for the Summer Season to play
each morning and evening between May and December.
While in Southport William also conducted the Southport Orchestral Society and ensemble along with
being a member of the Southport Musical Festival executive committee.
In 1913 after dropping his Southport commitments William joined “Wright and Round” (Music
Publishers) in Liverpool, where he edited their magazine.
After the first “Great War” Rimmer returned to conducting bands with the Southport Corporation
Military Band for two years.
Over the years William Rimmer helped a number of bands to success in various competitions and
performances. (See list below)
In February 1936 William attended the Southport Tabernacle Orchestra‟s concert making his final
appearance with the William Rimmer composition “The Last Goodbye”. On the 9 February 1936
William Rimmer died unexpectedly. His funeral took place on the 12 February at the Baptist
Tabernacle, Southport with his internment at Birkdale Cemetery.
On the 31 March 1936 the BBC Broadcast a special tribute programme called “Homage to Rimmer”
with music written or arranged by William Rimmer and the programmes was presented by John Henry
Iles.
31 Mar 1936
BBC Manchester “Homage to Rimmer” (Paid £21) (see 3 Apr 1936)
Taking part were Foden‟s Motor Works Band led by Fred Mortimer with
Harry Mortimer on Principal Cornet, a quartet of players –
Clifton Jones (Cornet – Irwell Springs), Owen Bottomley (Cornet Black Dyke),
Fred Fletcher (Tenor Horn Wingates), and
Fred Appleby (Euphonium Hebden Bridge)
The broadcast was presented by John Henry Iles.
1. March - Honest Toil
2. Selection - Gems of Schubert
3. Overture - Rule Britannia
4. Humouresque – The Costers Wedding
5. Quartet – Mountain Breezes
6. Selection – Erotica
7. Hymn – Memories
3 Apr 1936
BBC Manchester “Homage to Rimmer” (Paid £21) (see 31 Mar 1936)
(Two Programmes presented “Live” in tribute to William Rimmer).
(Information from Brass Bands by Arthur R. Taylor ISBN 0246 11082 1 -1979)
LIST OF COMPOSITIONS
The Australasian
Avenger
Black Knight
The Bostonian
The British Flag
The Carnival King
Chiming Bells (About 1900)
The Comet
The Cossack (Fodens Signature Tune)
Cross of Honour
Dauntless
Dawn of Freedom
Faith and Free
For Freedom and Honour
Hailstorm (Cornet Solo)
Honest Toil
Kings of the Air
Jack O‟ The Lantern
Knight of the Road
Monarch
Military Church Parade
North Star
Punchinello
Ravenswood
Sergeants of the Guard
Silver Showers (Cornet Solo)
Slaidburn
Son‟s of Victory
Victor‟s Return
The Virtuoso
Viva Birkinshaw (Tribute to a Black Dyke Cornettist)
Weber‟s Last Waltz (Solo Euphonium)
The Wizard
ARRANGEMENTS
The Bohemian Girl (Balfe)
Cleopatra (Cornet Solo) (Written by Damare)
Rule Britannia Overture (Thomas Augustine Arne .b. 1710 .D. 1778)
ORCHESTRIAL WORKS
The Bells of St Malo
The Coster‟s Wooing
Southport Belles (March)
A Tarantella (For Piccolo and Orchestra)
Wedding Bells (Gavotte)
LIST OF PSEUDONYMS (Names composed under)
Sydney Dacre
E Damare
E Le Duc
F Le Duc
Heather Dene
Hiram Eden
Oliver Hertzer
Kenneth Henschall
Carl Hessler
H Holloway
Michael Laurent
E Morton (Not E Moreton which is Harry Mortimer)
W Raymond
Wilton Roche
Adrian Rolfe
W Royle
Karl Somers
Eric Walton
C Zadoc
Crafulla
Eugene Verner
LIST OF BANDS ASSOCIATED WITH WILLIAM RIMMER
Black Dyke Mills
Broxburn Public
Crooke (Wigan)
Earlstown Viaduct
Eccleston (Chorley)
Fodens Motor Works (1905-)
Freckleton Subscription
Gossage Soap works (Widnes)
Hebden Bridge
Irwell Bank (Farnworth)
Irwell Springs (Bacup)
Kingston Mills (Hyde)
Kings Cross Subscription (Halifax)
Lee Mount (Halifax)
Matlock
Pemberton Old (Wigan)
Pendleton Old
Rochdale Public
Rushton Temperance
Shaw (Oldham)
Standish Subscription
Wingates Temperance (Westhughton)
Wyke Temperance
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NATIONAL NEWS
Test Piece “Hiawatha” by Coleridge Taylor arr C Godfrey
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Wyke
THIRD
Luton Red Cross
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1903
Conductor
William Rimmer
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1 May 1903
CONCERT – Holmes Chapel
At the Holmes Chapel May Day Festival the band were dressed in a new Green
uniform.
1903
Famous Euphonium player Herbert Scott was appointed Professional Conductor.
1903 ?
COMPETITION – Ellesmere.
The Band came 2nd.
1903
COMPETITION – Sandbach
New Conductor Chris Smith (Professional)
The band were below strength and did not secure a prize.
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NATIONAL NEWS
26 Sept 1903
Test Piece “Die Meistersinger” by Wagner arr F C Shipley-Douglas.
RESULTS
FIRST
Besses O‟ Th Barn
SECOND
Rushden Temperance
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
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1904
Conductor
William Rimmer
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March 1904
COMPETITION – Crewe
First prize at a Quickstep contest in Crewe.
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NATIONAL NEWS
1 Oct 1904
Test Piece “Mendelssohn” arr C Godfrey.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Hebburn Colliery (A Holden)
SECOND
Wingates Temperance (W Rimmer)
THIRD
Irwell Springs (W Rimmer)
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1905
Conductor
William Rimmer
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NATIONAL NEWS
30 Sept 1905
Test Piece “Roland a Ronceveaux” by Mermet.
Conductor William Rimmer.
RESULTS
FIRST
Irwell Spring (W Rimmer)
SECOND
Wingate Temperance (W Rimmer)
THIRD
Lee Mount (A Owen)
FOURTH
Wyke (W Rimmer)
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1906
FODENS MOTOR WAGON
WORKS BAND
Conductor
William Rimmer
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Jan 1906
As a staunch Liberal, Edwin Foden made a promise that if the Liberal Party won the
local area of Eddisbury in the General Election he would give every member of his
workforce the day off. The Hon. A.L. Stanley defeated E.T.D. Cotton-Jodrell
(Conservative) by 1123 votes and so true to his word he gave every member of the
company a paid holiday.
The band decided to do a celebratory tour of the area in their new tour bus
“The Pillbox” as it was nicknamed. The band ended up outside Elworth House the
home of Edwin Foden to play his favourite Hymns.
1906
COMPETITION – Newtown
Third Prize – However there were only three bands that entered.
1906
COMPETITION – Clough Hall, Kidsgrove.
Mr Samuel Charlesworth led the band in this confidence building competition.
Also taking part were Besses, Black Dyke and Wyke Temperance and
Kingston Mills.
Fodens failed to be placed but were singled out for special praise.
Mr William Foden (The future Managing Director of Fodens) played
Solo Euphonium and was congratulated on his high standard.
Edwin appointed John Gladney (The Father of the Brass Band Movement) a 67 year
old Ulsterman who had a long career with Black Dyke. He had won the British Open
20 times at Belle Vue with Meltham Mills, Kingston Mills, Honley, Batley Old,
Black Dyke, Lindley and Pemberton Old.
He was supposed to show that Rimmers idea to cut out the dead wood from the band
was un-necessary but despite winning first prize at a contest in Haslington near
Crewe (Playing “Angels every bright and Fair” by Handel) in 1908 other successes
were not achieved, including a competition at Matlock.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
29 Sept 1906
Test Piece “Gems of Chopin” arr W Short
RESULTS
FIRST
Wingate Temperance (W Rimmer)
SECOND
Shaw (W Rimmer)
THIRD
Wyke (W Rimmer)
FOURTH
Pemberton Old (W Rimmer)
FIFTH
Goodshaw (W Halliwell)
SIXTH
UNPLACED
Gossage Soap Works (W Rimmer)
UNPLACED
Irwell bank (W Rimmer)
UNPLACED
Rushden Temperance (W Rimmer)
___________________________________________________________________________________
1906
###################################################################################
1907
FODENS MOTOR WAGON
WORKS BAND
Conductor
William Rimmer
###################################################################################
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
28 Sept 1907
Test Piece “Gems of Schumann” arr W Short.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Goodshaw
THIRD
Kings Cross Subscription
___________________________________________________________________________________
1907
With the band being Unplaced William Rimmer commented on having heard the
band playing at the recent contest and that there was only one thing fundamentally
wrong with the band and that was the quality of players. Mr Rimmer recommended a
complete reconstruction of the band and refused to conduct again at contests until
this was done. This also ment that Mr Edwin Foden would have to let his two sons go
from the band, something he was not immediately keen to do.
William Rimmer advised Edwin to reconstruct the band and to thin out players who
were not good enough including Mr Fodens own two sons.
This disagreement with the Directors led to William Rimmer ceasing to be the
conductor of the band. (see Spring 1908)
9 Dec 1907
Sam Charlesworth was presented with a clock as he was relinquishing his role of
conductor after 7 Year‟s with the band to concentrate on playing second trombone.
His replacement was Mr Alf J. Jackson a local organist was installed as conductor
with Alf Gray as Musical Director.
New players were engaged with auditions being held at the registered offices of
Fodens Limited.
###################################################################################
1908
FODENS MOTOR WAGON
WORKS BAND
Conductor
William Rimmer
###################################################################################
1907 or 1908
COMPETITION / Concert at “Haslington Flower Show”.
The band under its new Bandmaster Alf Jackson won first prize with the test piece
“Angels ever bright and fair” from Theodora by Handel.
Unknown date. Bands were marked in these village contests not only for their playing but also for
their marching ability. Fodens would not have won the first prize with drummer Mr
A. E. “Bogie” Wright who was so small he could hardly see over the drum he
carried. On one occasion he continued marching down the street in a straight line
while the rest of the band had turned into a side road and didn‟t discover he was
marching alone until the sound of the band was in the far distance.
Spring 1908
With a lack of success the band had to rethink and came to the conclusion that
William Rimmer‟s ideas were right and they were adopted by Edwin Foden.
In the spring of 1908 Edwin Foden called for his sons, Edwin Jnr and Billy, along
With Son in Law Sam Twemlow to tell them the bad news that
“If we‟re going to have a Band here why not have it a Tip Toppper”
in other words their place within the band was now at an end.
With the recommendations being put in place William Rimmer was asked back to
the band and after his reinstatement Mr Foden vowed never to Question him again.
Now with the major re organisation of the band they looked forward to taking part in
various contests and hopefully back to their winning ways.
___________________________________________________________________________________
BAND MEMBERS AT THE TIME WHO LEFT?
Edwin Foden Jnr, Sam Twemlow, (William) Billy Foden (Euphonium), E Foster,
Edward Jenkins (rejoined 1909?), H Bryant, F Griesdale, F Lowood and F West.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1908
With William Rimmer in the band-room he set about composing a new piece of
music for Fodens called “The Cossack” which became the signature tune
of the band.
10 Apr 1908
COMPETITION – Brierfield
The band went to the venue by train and came third winning a £5 prize behind
Irwell Bank and Heptonstall.
15 May 1908
COMPETITION – Darwen
Played “Verdi‟s Works” and came second between Crosfields and Shaw.
Whit Mon
COMPETITION – Shrewsbury
Came Second to Crosfields.
Following day COMPETITION – Huddersfield
Third prize behind Hebden Bridge and King‟s Cross.
1908
COMPETITION – Newtown
Third place in the set piece
July 1908
COMPETITION – Belle Vue (Regional Finals)
19 bands played the overture “Zampa” by Herold and came second to
Hebden Bridge.
July 1908
COMPETITION – Manchester‟s White City.
Placed Sixth out of Twelve.
Sept 1908
COMPETITION – Open Championships, Belle Vue, Manchester.
The band were only allowed into this Year‟s competition as a reserve band in case
one of the bands were unable to compete.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
26 Sept 1908
Test Piece “Rienzi” by Wagner arr S Cope.
Conductor for various bands William Rimmer.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Perfection Soap Works (W Halliwell)
THIRD
FOURTH
Shaw (W Rimmer)
FIFTH
Black Dyke Mills (W Rimmer)
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
1909
FODENS MOTOR WAGON
WORKS BAND
Conductor
William Rimmer
###################################################################################
10 Apr 1909
COMPETITION – Brierfield.
The band came 3rd winning £5.
15 May 1909
COMPETITION – Darwin
The band came 2nd winning £8.
31 May 1909
COMPETITION – Shrewsbury.
The band came 2nd winning £15.
1 June 1909
COMPETITION – Huddersfield.
5 June 1909
COMPETITION – New Brighton.
The band came 7th winning £5.
12 June 1909
COMPETITION – Newton.
The band came 3rd winning £17 / 2 / 0
10 July 1909
COMPETITION –Belle Vue, Manchester
(Monday)
The bands played “Zampa” by Herold as the test piece. It qualified Foden‟s
for the September contest at Crystal Palace for the first time ever.
They won £28 / 16 / 0 for second place.
17 July 1909
COMPETITION – Bradford, Yorkshire.
31 July 1909
COMPETITION – White City, Manchester (Nr Old Trafford).
The band came 6th winning £8.
27 Aug 1909
COMPETITION – Knighton.
6 Sept 1909
COMPETITION – “British Open Championships”, Belle Vue, Manchester.
Test Piece “Il Bravo” by Marliani arr C Godfrey.
William Rimmer took the rehearsals for the competition and was responsible for
conducting six bands on the day of the contest.
The Band came FIRST at their first attempt. They won £128 / 16 /0, a Cornet,
Three Medals (Possibly for the Proffessional Conductor, Bandmaster and Principal
Cornet) and the Challenge Cup (Cup to be returned).
William Rimmer was also proud of his other bands as five of his bands ended up in
the top sixth.
On the bands return they toured the Village of Elworth playing the test piece and the
marches “The Cossack” and “Pat in America”.
Conductor for Fodens William Rimmer.
FIRST
FODENS MOTOR WORKS BAND
(William Rimmer)
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills (William Rimmer)
THIRD
FOURTH
Hebden Bridge (William Rimmer)
FIFTH
Wingates Temperance (William Rimmer)
SIXTH
Irwell Springs (William Rimmer)
UNPLACED
Shaw (William Rimmer)
1909
With William Rimmer in charge Alf J. Jackson decided it was time to go as
Bandmaster. Mr Edwin Foden decided to appoint Ted Wormald to take over as
Bandmaster and by September he was leading the band in concerts.
Ted had come from Kingston Mills, at Hyde in North Cheshire.
11 Sept 1909
Crewe Chronicle Page 8
FODENS MOTOR WAGGON WORKS BAND, SANDBACH
Winners of Belle Vue September Contest.
1909
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Organisor
Edwin Foden (Organiser - Sponsor)
Bandmaster
Ted Wormald
Conductor
Ted Wormald (Conductor previously with Kingston Mills)
Conductor
William Rimmer (Professional Conductor of Black Dyke,
Wingates Temperance etc.)
Cornet
Edwin Firth (from Earby)
Cornet
Herbert Harrison (assistant Solo Cornet from Stockport)
Cornet
Joe Brookes (Cornet Soloist of Lindley and
Prize winner in solo contests)
Euphonium
Percy Shaw (Solo Euphonium from Copley in Halifax
and Sowerby Bridge)
Euphonium
Fred Risdale (Euphonium from Aberdare)
Trombone
George Hinkinson
(Solo Trombone from Crewe who previously played with Horwich)
Solo Horn
Fred Sowood (Formally with Wyke Temperance Band)
Cornet
Jim Thorpe
Jack Hodgkinson
Jim Easthope
J Ward
T Bartles
J. H. Griffiths
A. E West
Harry Gresty
W Bamford
Ben Rowarth
F Foster
George Walker
Walter Cradleton
Harry Cornack
J Smith
Bill Sheard
Ernest Evans
Librarian
C Jones
Secretary
Mr Don Henry Burgess
___________________________________________________________________________________
EDWIN FIRTH Biography.
(.b. 23 Dec 1888 .D. 1 June 1918)
Born on the 23 December 1888 Edwin‟s grandfather was Greenwood Firth a solo trombone player with
the Black Dyke band from 1855 to 1879 with his father Squire Firth who was also in the band world
with Black Dyke as a cornet player and later a band trainer and professional coach. His mother was
called Clara.
As a youngster Edwin was taught to play the cornet by his father and was also an accomplished singer
with the local Parish Church choir.
In 1899 Edwin joined the Skipton band which his father was conducting at the time and in 1902 he
made his debut at Crystal Palace as a thirteen year old Principal cornet player.
When the family moved to Earby, Edwin played for Barnsaldswick and Earby as well as playing for
other bands as guest soloist. Money from these guest appearances allowed Edwin to get professional
tuition and hired Alexander Owen and William Rimmer to help with his playing. This helped his
technique and soon his reputation soared.
In 1904 Edwin won his first significant contest in adult company at Bradford. With this success came
engagements all over the area including a week at the Rochdale Circus and Hippodrome where he was
billed as “Master Edwin Firth – Champion Boy Cornetist, Prize Winner and Gold medallist – a Musical
marvel”. At Mexbrough he was billed as “Edwin Firth – Prize Cornet Soloist and Trumpet virtuoso”.
In 1908 he attended the contest at the “Shoulder of Mutton Inn” at Mytholmroyd where he competed
against 24 of the finest players in the country. Edwin came first winning 25 shillings but more
significant were the players he beat into second and third place as they like Edwin would become
members of Fodens band. Second was Fred Mortimer from Hebden Bridge and third was Arthur Webb
of Houghton Main. No one could have predicted how the three would have played such an important
part of the history of the Sandbach band.
In 1908 a contest at Hanley, Stoke on Trent was attended by Edwin and the scouting directors for
Fodens Motor Works Band who had already decided to offer the young player the job of Principal
Cornet but needed to make sure. On listening to him playing “Fatherland” to perfection they were then
in no doubt that they should offer him the position.
On the 23rd December 1908 William Foden wrote to Edwin‟s father to invite his son to join the band
(Because he was 20 years old and considered a minor).
Dear Sir
We were over at the solo contest last Saturday at Hanley and were pleased at the way your son
went through his piece.
We have a first class band connected with the works and are open to take on another Solo Cornet
player. It is our intention to attend all the principal contests during the next season and have arranged
with William Rimmer to come over every fortnight to a rehearsal (he lived in Southport) and go with
us to the contests. We have a large Engineering Works and have several branches of trade associated
with it.
We do not know whethere your son has any special trade but we can come to terms with you, we would
do our best to put a good trade in his fingers which would, we think, be helpful to him in the future.
We shall be glad if you can arrange to come over and bring your son to a practice. We will then go
fully into the matter with you.
William Foden
Director.
In 1909 Edwin joined the band full time, but instead of joining the Foden Works he continued training
as a Watchmaker as well as being a freelance musician.
On the 22 October 1909 an agreement was made between Fodens Limited and Squire Firth and his son
Edwin.
It is hereby agreed that the aforementioned Edwin Firth shall be engaged by Fodens Limited
as their Principal Solo Cornet player at a payment of ten shillings and six pence plus expences for
every rehearsal attended, and fifteen shillings plus expences for every contest and engagement.
It is understood that Edwin shall attend one rehearsal a week during the two years, and also attended
every Contest and engagement at which his services shall be required by Fodens Limited.
(This arrangement was extended from the 31 December 1909 to the 31 December 1911.)
In Edwin Firth‟s diary it showed that he attended two rehearsals a week as well as playing in front of
Edwin Foden (Founder of the Band) who was too ill to attend rehearsals.
On the 5 January 1912 Sam Twemlow offered Edwin a new contract. The contract was sent to Edwin‟s
parent‟s home in Victoria Road, Earby.
Dear Edwin
Regarding renewal of Agreement, we have talked the matter over but cannot arrive at any
decision until we know more of what your ideas are. Would you care to come and work here, say in the
offices? Or would you prefer to go on as you are, with us paying you more money?
If you would suggest something by letter to give us an idead of what your future intentions are, we
could think the matter over and settle something with you at the next rehearsal.
If your father would care to come with you we shall be please to see him, and pay his expenses.
Sam Twelmow (Director)
In the event Edwin decided that he would like to do a combination of a job at Fodens Offices, plus a
small remuneration for playing with the band.
Harry Mortimer in his biography recited that Edwin Firth who had come to Fodens from Earby was at
the time a bachelor and Edwin Foden decided it was time for his daughters and grand-daughters to get
married and so he persuaded his new cornet player to get to know one of them and they eventually
married (Actually it was Doris, the daughter of Sam Twemlow and Grand-daughter of Edwin). The
same introduction greeted Harry Mortimer but he managed to evade capture.
In 1913 The British Bandsman decided to hold a competition to find the best new March. It was won
by Edwin Firth with his composition “Westward Ho”.
During 1914 Edwin made his first recording with Fodens.
In 1914 the country went to war with Germany and many of the men at the works and in the band
wanted to sign up to take part in the fight for good. Edwin who was by now aged 25 years old stayed at
the works.
In 1916 Edwin married Edwin Foden‟s grand-daughter Doris Twemlow (.b. Jan 1892 .D. 31 Dec 1991
the daughter of Sam Twemlow)
Three years after the start of the war in 1917 Edwin Firth finally decided to leave the band to join the
28th London Regiment (the Artists Rifles) as a Private (766890).
At first Edwin was allowed home at the weekends to play with the band and to see his wife.
In October 1917 Edwin played one of his last concerts at the Lyceum Theatre Crewe (21 Oct 1917)
before he went to join his regiment for what would be his last deployment.
At the end of 1917 on another brief leave from his regiment, Edwin Firth played at Chester Groves, by
the River. One of the tunes he played as an encore was “Goodbye” by Tosti, he thought that it would be
appropriate, however his fellow band members tried to talk him out of playing it as they saw this as a
bad omen. How right they were.
In February 1918 his company were posted to France and Edwin decided to borrow a battered cornet he
had found in the band room to the war so he could keep his lip in leaving behind his main instrument
for his return.
In April 1918 Edwin Firth‟s, Doris wife gave birth to a son Edwin Twemlow Firth but it was not a
happy time as the baby‟s father was still fighting in France.
In a place called Varennes, North West of Amiens on the 1 June 1918 while returning to the trenches a
shell exploded just outside some woods killing Edwin and his party, he was only 29 Year‟s old.
Private Edwin Firth 766890 of the London Regiment (Artists‟ Rifles) is buried in the Verennes Military
Cemetery near to Albert in France (Plot Number III E. 13).
Allan Littlemore persuaded the Sandbach Council to name “Firth Close” a cul-de-sac just off Bradwall
Road after this remarkable player. (2009?)
Edwin‟s name also appears on the Elworth War Memorial.
___________________________________________________________________________________
JIM THORPE / JAMES THORPE Biography.
.b. 1883 Glossop.
Jim followed on from the late Edwin Firth as Principal cornet player with the band.
By 1936 Mr Thorpe had won over 160 Gold and Silver Medals and a number of Silver Challenge cups.
Jim was also winner of the Empire Solo Championship at Belle Vue, Manchester.
From time to time he has assisted the Black Dyke Mills, Irwell Springs, Kensington Mills, Glossop,
Royston, Barrow Shipyard, Rushton, Clydebank, Glasgow and Cumberland Brass Band.
In 1936 Mr Thorpe was teaching and adjudicating within the brass band world.
(Edited from a 1936 history of the Foden Motor Works Band)
___________________________________________________________________________________
19 Sept 1909
CONCERT – LYCEUM THEATRE Crewe.
2 Concerts at 3.30pm and 8pm
Ted Foden (Organiser - Sponsor)
Conductor
Edward Wormald.
Band Members Edwin Firth (Cornet)
Jim Thorpe (Solo Cornet)
Jack Hodgkinson (Solo Cornet)
Herbert Harrison (Solo Cornet)
E Foster (Cornet)
Sam Twemlow (Cornet)
George Walker (Cornet)
Jim Easthope (Cornet)
J. H. Griffiths (2nd Cornet)
Joe Brookes (Soprano Cornet)
J Ward (Flugel Horn)
T Bartles (Flugel Horn)
A. E. West (Solo Horn)
Fred Sowood (First Horn) (1908-9 to 2 Jan 1956)
Walter Cradleton (2nd Horn)
J Smith (Solo Baritone)
Harry Cornack (Baritone)
Harry Gresty (B Flat Bass)
W Bamford (B Flat Bass)
Percy Shaw (Solo Euphonium)
George Hinkinson (Solo Trombone)
S. Edgar Charlesworth (2nd Trombone)
Ernest Evans (Bass Trombone)
Bill Sheard (E Flat Bass)
Ben Rowarth (E Flat Bass)
(List from Crewe Chronicle Photograph and report)
Small Item and Photo Page 8, 11 Sept Crewe Chronicle on their Championship Win.
25 Sept 1909
COMPETITION – National Brass Band Championships at Crystal Palace, London.
(The Foden Band Diary puts the date at the 26 October 1909)
The test piece was Wagner‟s “The Flying Dutchman” arranged by Sam Cope.
The band came second to William Rimmer‟s other band “Shaw”.
Fodens were awarded the “Daily Telegraph Cup” for Second place.
They won £100 and some instruments.
Test Piece “The Flying Dutchman” by Wagner arr C Godfrey.
RESULTS
FIRST
Shaw (W Rimmer)
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works (W Rimmer)
THIRD
Sept 1909
William Rimmer told Edwin Foden that before the next Year‟s competitions he
would be retiring from Competitions. He would be devoting his time to the Southport
Municipal Military Band and composing music. (See end of year for Biography)
1909
On Rimmer‟s recommendation, Edwin Foden appointed William Halliwell as
Conductor and Professional Coach. Mr Halliwell originated from Roby Mill near
Wigan and had previously been with the Upholland Temperance Band where he had
been Solo Cornet and Bandmaster.
17 Nov 1909
CONCERT – For the Macclesfield Town Band
Two Concerts with tea provided (Paid £20)
20 Nov 1909
CONCERT – For the Stockport and £ and week Employees Band
Two Concerts including Tea (Paid £18)
1 Dec 1909
CONCERT - Winsford Hospital Saturday Committee
Evening Concert (Paid £12)
___________________________________________________________________________________
WILLIAM HALLIWELL Biography.
.b. 11 March 1864 .D. 24 Apr 1946.
William was born in 1864 in Roby Mill a village next to Upholland and five miles from Wigan,
Lancashire . He had a brother called David Halliwell who gained an MBE and was Chairman of the
Roby Mills New Methodist Sunday School when they laid the foundation stone on the 2 September
1937 to a new school a sequel to the one that he and William had gone to in their earlier days.
William Halliwell‟s musical life started as a Harmonium player with the hope of his parents that he
would graduate to the organ. By the age of 12 William was good enough to play the organ at several
places of worship.
At the age of 16 William had managed to change to the cornet by joining the Upholland Temperance
Band where he gained a tutor and within twelve months he was playing solo cornet with the band. Four
years later he was appointed Bandmaster and started doing solo cornet and trumpet engagements for
concerts and oratorios with bands like the Wigan Orchestral Society.
In 1887 William was engaged by the Wigan Rifle Band as solo cornet appearing for his first outing at
the Belle Vue contest in July. Success led to him being appointed Bandmaster with the Rifle‟s,
however his personnel engagements started to take over and he soon decided to resign his position.
In February 1893 William was asked to return to the Wigan Rifle Band as conductor to help improve
the standard of musicianship. Although some of the members had moved on to the Pemberton Old
Band William was able to make a noticeable improvement to the band.
William was also Senior Bandmaster to the whole Brigade of Territorials and in 1894 was asked to take
charge of the Fifth Territorial Battalion, Manchester Regiment Band who provided the Guard of
Honour when Queen Victoria opened the Manchester Ship Canal on the 21 May 1894 (The canal had
been opened on the 1st January 1894 to traffic).
Over the year Mr Halliwell went on to conduct The Standish Brass Band.
In 1910 William Rimmer retired from conducting the famous Foden Motor Works Band and
recommended William Halliwell to take on the role as Professional Conductor with the band.
At the National Championships in 1911, William Rimmer was conducting four of the top six
prizewinning bands including Fodens.
1911 RESULTS FIRST
SECOND
Foden Motor Works (W Halliwell)
FOURTH
Shaw (W Halliwell)
SIXTH
Spencer‟s Steel Works (W Halliwell)
UNPLACED
Hebden Bridge (W Halliwell)
UNPLACED
Luton Red Cross (W Halliwell)
William Halliwell was no stranger to the Royal family playing in front of them at Crewe Hall with
Fodens in 1913 and in front of the King at Lambton Castle the home of Lord Durham and Buckingham
Palace with St Hilda‟s Colliery Band.
On leaving Fodens for reasons that the band played better for Fred Mortimer than they did for him, he
went on to conduct other bands, taking them to success at the National Competitions and Belle Vue.
Other bands Halliwell conducted included –
Irwell Springs, Nelson Old, Wingates, Black Dyke Mills, Clydebank Burgh,
Besses O „th Barn, Brighouse and Rastrick, Lincoln Melleable Works,
Sowerby Bridge, Harton Colliery, Munn and Feltons.
On the 24 April 1946 aged 82. He was buried in Upholland Church Cemetery.
(Adapted from an article by Allan Littlemore)
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
1910
FODENS MOTOR WAGON
WORKS BAND
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
5 Feb 1910
CONCERT – Sandbach Liberal Association (Paid £6)
18-26 Feb 1910 CONCERT – Manchester Motor Show
12 Concerts each day (Paid £110)
26 March 1910 COMPETITION – Barnsoldwick
(Easter Saturday) Awarded Third place winning £5.
28 Mar 1910
COMPETITION – Abergavenny
(Easter Mon)
Awarded First place winning £47 / 10 / 0
28 Mar 1910
COMPETITION – Mountain Ash
The band came Second winning £12.
16 May 1910
COMPETITION – Hawarden.
The band came Third winning £8.
17 May 1910
CONCERT – For the Tamworth and District Band of Hope (Paid £35)
21 May 1910
28 May 1910
COMPETITION – Darwin
The band came Fourth winning £4.
19 June 1910
Sacred Concerts at Crewe Alexandra Football Club (Paid £15)
25 June 1910
COMPETITION – Newtown.
29 June 1910
CONCERT – Huddersfield Corporation
12 Concerts (Paid £32)
9 July 1910
16 July 1910
24 July 1910
30 July 1910
4 Aug 1910
6 Aug 1910
13 Aug 1910
20 Aug 1910
27 Aug 1910
5 Sept 1910
1910
17 Sept 1910
1 Oct 1910
Northwich Annual Fate (Paid £15)
COMPETITION – Lister Park, Bradford, Yorkshire.
Sacred Concerts at Elworth (Paid £7/10/0)
Market Drayton Horticultural Society (Paid £15)
COMPETITION – New Brighton (Theatre), Wirral, Nr Liverpool.
Achieved first prize. Winning a Cup and Vase plus £80.
Hugglescote Horticultural Improvement Society (2 Concerts – Paid £35)
Elworth Show and Sports Day (Paid £10)
Shipley and Cotmanhay Floral and Horticultural Society (Teas provided) (Paid £25)
(Jennison Trophy)
Test Piece “Acis and Galatea” by Handel.
The contest was held at the newly built Kings Hall at the Belle Vue site.
The Band came FIRST winning a Cup, Hawkes Cornet, three Medals and £134.
Conductor for Fodens William Halliwell.
FIRST
Fodens Motor Works Band (W Halliwell).
SECOND
Shaw (W Halliwell)
THIRD
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Professional Conductor William Halliwell
Bandmaster
Edward Wormald
Principal Cornet Edwin Firth
Ass Cornet Solo Herbert Harrison (assistant cornet soloist from Stockport)
Solo Cornet
Jim Thorpe (.b. 1883 Joined Fodens in 1909)
Solo Cornet
Jack Hodgkinson
Soprano Cornet Soloist Joe Brookes
Repiano Cornet George Walker
2nd Cornet
J. H. Griffiths
2nd Cornet
S Bartles
3rd Cornet
F Foster
3rd Cornet
Jim Easthope
Flugel Horn
J Ward
First Horn
Fred Sowood
Solo Horn
A. E. West
2nd Horn
Walter Cradleton
Solo Baritone
J Smith
2nd Baritone
Harry Cornack
Solo Trombone George Hinkinson
2nd Trombone
Bass Trombone Ernest Evans
Solo Euphonium Percy Shaw
2nd Euphonium Alf Crossley
E Flat bass
Alec Bamford
E Flat bass
(William) Bill Sheard
B Flat bass
Ben Rowarth
B Flat bass
Harry Gresty
Cornet
T Brooks (Deputised for Joe Brookes)
Tenor Horn
T Bartles
B Flat Bass
W Bamford
Band Secretary Edwin R Foden
Band Secretary William Foden
COMPETITION – Colwyn Bay.
COMPETITION – National Brass Band Championships at Crystal Palace, London.
Competition piece “Gems of Schubert” arranged by William Rimmer.
They were second to play in the competition a position many thought would be a
handicap but the band defied the odds and came FIRST gaining the double win.
They were awarded £40, a Boosey‟s Cornet and medals along with the trophy
which had to be returned the following year.
DOUBLE WIN FOR FODENS
This was the first year Fodens Band had won both the “British Open Championships”
and the “National Brass Band Championships” being one of only a handful to have
done this in the competitions History. They also managed to do it again in 2013.
(1 Oct 1910)
Test Piece “Gems of Schubert” by William Rimmer.
Conductor William Halliwell.
RESULTS
FIRST
Fodens Motor Works (W Halliwell)
SECOND
Irwell Springs (Alexander Owen)
THIRD
FOURTH
Shaw (W Hallipwell)
UNPLACED
Oct 1910
Success came at a price for Edwin Foden. 5/- (5 Shillings) to each of the old people
of Elworth a Reward for the support from the local community towards the band.
Edwin Foden was in bad health but rallied enough to announce the 5 shilling
donation and a free tea and evening celebration would be arranged for the bands
return.
16 Oct 1910
CONCERT – Crewe Borough Band – 65% of takings
23 Oct 1910
CONCERT – Crewe Borough Band (2 Concerts) – 65% of takings
30 Oct 1910
CONCERT – St Patrick‟s Band, Wigan (2 Concerts) (Paid £30)
1 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Winsford Hospital Committee – Evening Concert (Paid £12)
5 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Rattering – Evening Concert (Paid 60% of the Takings)
6 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Leicester Boulevarde (Paid £35)
12 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Presbyterian Baptist Church, Wrexham (2 Concerts) (Paid £25)
14 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Congleton Liberal Association (Paid £14)
17 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Hanley Town Hall (On Our Own)
19 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Wilmslow Concert (Evening) (Paid £15)
20 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Northwich Salvation Army – 2 Concerts (Teas provided) (Paid £22)
22 Nov 1910
The day of the celebration of the National Brass Band Championship win
organised by Edwin Foden took place in the new extension to the factory, a
building that had not yet been occupied by the workers. For 70 years it was to
become the machine shop.
According to a report of the time, along with the old folk who stayed behind after
their celebratory tea the evening concert was attended by about three thousand
members of the public (Possibly exaggerated).
BAND PROGRAMME
March -King‟s Courier (William Rimmer)
A Sailor‟s Life (Cope)
Cleopatra (Damare) Solo Cornet Edwin Firth
A Military Church Parade (J. Ord Hume)
The Gypsy‟s Warning (Hartmann) Solo Euphonium Percy Shaw
Winning Test Piece
Gems of Schubert (Arranged Rimmer)
At the end of the evening Mr Edwin Foden arose from his chair at the side of the
stage and accepted the Crystal Palace Trophy from Mr Cooper.
National Anthem and Three Cheers for Edwin Foden.
Nov 1910
The win at Crystal palace also saw the end of the band‟s secretary
Mr Don Henry Burgess who decided to retire.
He had held the position since the bands formation and he felt it was time to
leave on a high note.
1910
Arthur Webb (Snr) joined the band from Greasbrough and Parkgate bands and
played soprano with Houghton Main. Arthur hated working in the mines and decided
to take an audition on tenor horn for the Foden band and was selected for the position
and moved his family to Elworth.
___________________________________________________________________________________
ARTHUR WEBB SNR Biography.
Joining from the Greasbrough and Parks band along with the Houghton Main band, Arthur had also
worked in the mines before coming to Sandbach.
His Granddaughter Anne Corbett relates that Arthur had lost one of his teeth and to continue playing he
fashioned a replacement tooth out of wood.
When the Foden Works started lying off players, Arthur was among those who went to the Foden
family to ask for more money. Not able to get extra money from the company Arthur decided to sweep
the yards to raise some extra cash. When William Foden found him doing this he went straight to the
board and asked for more money for the band saying that he didn‟t want to see his principal horn player
sweeping the roads.
With a family to raise Arthur was forced to sell some of his 218 awards and medals to anyone who
wanted them, usually at the Fox Inn at Elworth. He also donated a number of medals to the local
bowling club as awards. Arthur was proud of his awards and wore many of them on regular occasions.
Arthur Thompson was a local businessman who had acquired one of his medals and wore Arthur‟s
medal on his watch chain.
___________________________________________________________________________________
27 Nov 1910
CONCERT – Macclesfield Town Band – 2 Concerts (Paid 65% of the takings)
30 Nov 1910
CONCERT – J H White, Chester (2 Concerts) (Paid 62½ % of the takings)
3 Dec 1910
CONCERT – J H White, Chester (2 Concerts) (Paid 62½ % of the takings)
16 Dec 1910
CONCERT – Stockport L and NWR Evening Concert (Paid £17)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1910 BAND MEMBERS (Taken from the Belle Vue Challenge Cup Programme)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conductor
William Halliwell (of Oak Lea, Spring Bank, Wigan)
Bandmaster
Edward Wormald
Soprano Cornet Joe Brookes
Solo Cornet
Edwin Firth (of Victoria Road. Earby)
1st Cornet
James Thorpe
1st Cornet
Herbert Harrison
1st Cornet
Jack Hodgkinson
Repriano Cornet George Walker
2nd Cornet
J. H. Griffiths
2nd Cornet
S Bartles
3rd Cornet
F Foster
Flugel
J Ward
Solo Tenor Horn A. E. West
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Walter Cradleton
1st Baritone
J Smith
2nd Baritone
Harry Cornack
2nd Euphonium Alf E. Crossley
2nd Trombone
E Flat Bass
Alec Bamford
E Flat Bass
J. William Sheard
B Flat Bass
Harry Gesty
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums / Percussion
(Not in Programme)
###################################################################################
1911
FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
Jan 1911
Feb 1911
Mar 1911
6 Apr 1911
CONCERT – Blackpool, H Lees (2 Concerts) (Paid £33)
COMPETITION – Abergavenny.
The band came First winning £46 / 10 / 0
7 May 1911
CONCERT – Stalybridge, H Lees (2 Concerts) (Paid £25)
20 May 1911
CONCERT – J H White, Chester (Paid 62½ % of the takings)
27 May 1911
CONCERT – Holmes Chapel (Tea Provided) (Paid £12)
29 May to 3 June 1911
CONCERT – Scottish Exhibition, Glasgow (Paid £140)
4 June 1911
CONCERT – Paisley, H Leas (Paid £30)
4-7 June 1911
CONCERT – Rothsay Council (Paid £70)
10 June 1911
The band came First winning £82 / 10 / 0.
11 June 1911
CONCERT – Crewe Borough (Paid 65%)
17 June 1911
CONCERT – Harrisihead (Tea Provided) (Paid £14)
23 June 1911
CONCERT - Celebration for the Coronation of King George V.
Unlike the 1902 celebration when the band had a variety of venues booked it was
decided that the band would only play in Elworth.
Edwin Foden‟s health was failing and he only heard the band as it passed by his
window.
1 July 1911
COMPETITION – Douglas, Isle of Man.
13 July 1911
CONCERT – Forsyths Brothers, Hoyton (Less 10%) (Paid £25)
15 July 1911
COMPETITION – Bradford, Lister Park.
16 July 1911
CONCERT – Scarborough (Paid £40)
20 July 1911
CONCERT – Blackburn Corporation (Paid £30)
26 July 1911
CONCERT – Whitchurch Show (Paid £25)
28 July 1911
CONCERT – Market Drayton (Paid £18)
29 July 1911
The band came First winning £66.
3,4,5 and 7 Aug 1911
CONCERT – Royal Lancashire Show (Paid £87)
6 Aug 1911
CONCERT – Blackpool Palace, H Lees (Paid £35)
13 Aug 1911
CONCERT – Morecambe, H Lees (Paid £35)
19 Aug 1911
CONCERT – Hugglescote, Horticultural Society (Tea Provided) (Paid £35)
26-27 Aug 1911 CONCERT – Tow law (Lodgings Found) (Paid £60)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FUNERAL PROCESSION
31 Aug 1911
On Thursday the 31 August 1911 Edwin Foden Died. The funeral cortège was led
by FODEN'S BAND playing Methodist Hymns.
Edwin was interred in Elworth Park Church cemetery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Sept 1911
Crewe Chronicle.
OBITUARY OF EDWIN FODEN (Part of the Article)
Apart from his love of engineering, Mr Foden‟s chief recreation was in matters musical. In fact, one
might say he had a passion for music. He was the prime mover in the formation of the Elworth Band,
which was the forerunner of the present magnificent organisation known as Foden‟s Band, an
organisation which created such a sensation in brass band circles two years ago, and again last year
when it carried off both the Belle Vue and Crystal palace trophies. Mr Foden has watched over the
progress of this band with parental pride. When the original village band was disbanded Mr Foden
provided at his own expense a complete new set of Bessons Silver instruments and from that time he
determined that he should not cease his labours until the band had reached the highest pinnacle it was
possible for a brass band to reach. The old players were gradually weeded out and classical players
were engaged. Rehearsals were regularly held, and whenever it was possible for Mr Foden to be
present he invariably attended, encouraging the players by his presence and good advice. Whenever
possible he accompanied the band to the various contests at which they were engaged, and he had been
known to make the journey from the Isle of Man and back again, just to spend the afternoon at one of
the contests. Some months ago Mr Foden, fearing the worse, asked that the band should play on the
lawn in front of his house for the last time, as he very sorrowfully put it. Since then the band has
frequently played for him on a Sunday morning, and this had been one of the great delights of his latter
days. His passion for music was not confined to brass band playing. He was particularly fond of the
organ, and although he was not himself proficient, had a very fine organ erected in his house for the use
of his children, one of them in particular, Mrs S P Twemlow, having become a very accomplished
17 Apr 1911
organist. In all good music Mr Foden took a special delight and was always present as all first class
concerts and recitals in the district.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 Sept 1911
Test Piece “Eugene Onegin” by Tchaikowsky arr C Godfrey.
The band came second behind Hebden Bridge winning £52 / 1 / 0.
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
7 Sept 1911
CONCERT – Smallthorn (Tea Provided) (Paid £20)
13 Sept 1911
CONCERT – Middlewich Show (Tea Provided) (Paid £14)
30 Sept 1911
COMPETITION – National Brass Band Championship, Crystal Palace, London.
Test Piece “Les Huguenots” by Giacomo Meyerbeer.
The band came Second to Perfection Soap Works winning £110 / 15 / 0.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Wingates Temperance (A Owen)
FOURTH
Shaw (W Halliwell)
FIFTH
Batley Old (A Gray)
SIXTH
UNPLACED
UNPLACED
8 Oct 1911
CONCERT – For Ellenbrook and Boothstown band (Tea Provided) (Paid £30)
15 Oct 1911
Proceeds from this concert went to the Crewe Cottage Hospital.
Musical Director / Conductor
William Halliwell
Bandmaster
Ted Wormald
(Details from the Crewe Chronicle)
(The bands Diary put the date at the 14 October 1911 Crewe Theatre – On Our Own
However the advertising for the concert in the Chronicle puts it as the 15 th)
25 Oct 1911
CONCERT – Congleton (Tea Provided) (Paid £20)
26 Nov 1911
CONCERT – Walkden (Tea Provided) (Paid £18)
26 Nov 1911
CONCERT – Nuneaton (Paid 60% of the Profits)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conductor
Bandmaster
Edward Wormald
Solo Cornet
Edwin Firth (of Victoria Road. Earby)
1st Cornet
James Thorpe
1st Cornet
Herbert Harrison
1st Cornet
Jack Hodgkinson
Repriano Cornet George Walker
2nd Cornet
J. H. Griffiths
2nd Cornet
J Ward (Swapped from Flugel)
3rd Cornet
F Foster
Flugel
S Bartles (Swapped from 2nd Cornet)
Solo Tenor Horn Arthur Webb
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Walter Cradleton
1st Baritone
Frank Webb
2nd Baritone
Harry Cornack
2nd Euphonium M Hinchcliffe
Solo Trombone Matthew Cullen
2nd Trombone
E Flat Bass
Alec Bamford
E Flat Bass
J. William Sheard
B Flat Bass
A. H Crossley
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums / Percussion
(Not in Programme)
###################################################################################
1912
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
1912
With the band playing more and more concerts a decision was made, not to enter
minor competitions in 1912. They did however win the British Open Championship
for the third time. (see 2 Oct 1912)
24 Mar 1912
CONCERT – Leigh – 2 Concerts (Paid £23)
27 May 1912
CONCERT – Shrewsbury Fate (Paid £26)
30 May 1912
CONCERT – Park Hall Oswestry (Teas Provided) (Paid £23)
1 June 1912
6 June 1912
CONCERT – Blackburn (Paid £30)
22 June 1912
COMPETITION – Blackpool.
29 June 1912
Test Piece “Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner
Judge Mr J Ord Hume.
The band came second winning £22 / 2 / 0 (Band Book Entry)
MARCH CONTEST
FIRST
Foden‟s Motor Works Band
SECOND
Ferndale
SELECTION CONTEST
FIRST
Shaw
SECOND
Foden‟s Motor Works Band
THIRD
Crossfield‟s
FOURTH
Abba Valley
FIFTH
Goodshaw
30 June 1912
CONCERT – Newtown (Paid £20) (see above)
14 July 1912
CONCERT – Sandbach and Elworth (Paid £17)
Spring 1912
At the Queensbury Solo Contest the band found a new player in the competition, one
was 18 year old Charles Dawson.
He had been playing with Denaby Ambulance Band and beat off competition from
Harold Pinches of Black Dyke Mills Band to win the solo cornet competition.
1912
A concert in Blackpool Tower served as an audition for the young soloist Charles
Dawson (Charles Dawson .b. 1894 .D. Aug 1984) who played his winning
“Carnival de Venice” and he was acquired for the Elworth Band.
16 July 1912
Hubert Shergold was auditioned for the band by Edwin Foden, Billy Foden and
Sam Twemlow. The interviewers arranged for Hubert to have tea with a local lady
and by 7pm that night Hubert Shergold officially joined the band under the baton of
William Halliwell who had seen his potential at a competition.
Herbert had originated in Wilton, Dorset and moved with his family to Bridgnorth in
Shropshire where he was taught by his father to play the cornet and eventually joined
the local Volunteer Prize Band.
By 1911 he had joined the Gossages Soap Band but they were bought out by
Brunner Mold (Later to become ICI) and unhappy with the new style of management
Hurbert looked for another band to play with coming across Fodens at a contest who
were in urgent need of a flugel player.
At his first rehearsal Hubert recalled that as the band struck up the hairs on the back
of his neck stood on end.
___________________________________________________________________________________
HUBERT SHERGOLD.
At some time in his life Hubert managed to poke out one of his eyes, which left him with a problem of
not being able to see the conductor. Jimmy Charles (1960 onwards) recalls that most people didn‟t
know he had only one eye as he had a glass one fitted into the socket. Seeing the conductor with his
good eye from the usual position in the band was another thing and so it was arranged that the Flugel
position within the band was moved permanently onto the second row next to the Repiano Cornet so he
could see what was going on and that was the arrangement until he left the band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
17 July 1912
CONCERT – Park Hall Oswestry (Teas Provided) (Paid £25)
31 July 1912
CONCERT – Whitchurch Show (Tea Provided) (Paid £25)
1-5 Aug 1912
CONCERT – Laves Show, Preston (Paid £92)
7 Aug 1912
CONCERT – Alfraton (Tea Provided) (Paid £40)
17 Aug 1912
CONCERT – Haslington (Paid £12)
24-25 Aug 1912 CONCERT – Tow Law (Board and Lodgings) (Paid £60)
28 Aug 1912
CONCERT – Chester Show (Paid £25)
At the Groves in Chester a regular venue for the band.
Coronation March (Le Prophete) (Giacomo Meyerbeer)
Overture from Zampa (Herold)
Selection from Tannhauser (Wagner)
Gypsy‟s Warning (Hartmann) Solo Euphonium Percy Shaw
Selection from Weber‟s Works (Weber)
Lend me your Aid (Gounod) Trombone Solo George Hinkinson
INTERVAL
Overture Bohemian Girl (Balfe)
William Tell (Rossini)
Cleopatra (Damare) Solo Cornet Edwin Firth
Selection from L‟Africaine (Meyeerbeer)
2 Sept 1912
COMPETITION – Open Championship, Belle Vue (Diamond Jubilee Event).
Test Piece was “Les Diamants de la Couronne” (The Crown of Diamonds) by Auber.
The band were drawn 19th in order of playing and won the competition wining £50
for the band and each member was given a Diamond encrusted Gold Medal
(27 winning medals) in celebration of the event “A prize well worth Winning”.
Edwin Firth himself could also feel very proud as he was instrumental in the
success of the piece playing an important long descending chromatic solo near the
end of the music.
(The 27 medals had a single diamond at its centre)
FIRST Fodens. The band won £257 / 10 / 0
Test Piece “Les Diaments de la Couronne” by Auber arr Lieut Charles Godfrey.
Conductor for Fodens Mr William Halliwell
FIRST
SECOND
St Hilda Colliery (W Halliwell)
THIRD
Shaw (W Halliwell)
1912 BAND Included.
Edwin Firth (Cornet)
Hubert Shergold (Flugel)
Arthur Webb (Tenor Horn)
Percy Shaw (Euphonium)
George Hinkinson (Trombone)
EXPENCES - COST OF THE TRIP TO LONDON
Rail fare and food
£9- 12 Shillings
Mr W Halliwell‟s fee
£10
24 Men
£1
Ted Wormald (Bandmaster)
10 Shillings
14 Sept 1912
CONCERT – Chester Regatta (Tea Provided) (Paid £18)
18 Sept 1912
CONCERT – Middlewich (Tea Provided) (Paid £13)
19 Sept 1912
CONCERT – Oswestry Show (Tea Provided) (Paid £30)
20 Sept 1912
CONCERT – Northallerton (Tea Provided) (Paid £40)
28 Sept 1912
6 Oct 1912
23 Oct 1912
3 Nov 1912
17 Nov 1912
23 Nov 1912
11 Dec 1912
The band came Third winning £33 / 13 / 0
(£20, a Highams Cornet and case Valued at 13 Guineas)
Test Piece “William Tell” by Rossini arr William Rimmer.
RESULTS
FIRST
St. Hilda Coliery (W Halliwell)
SECOND
Irwell Springs (W Halliwell)
THIRD
EXPENCES - COST OF THE TRIP TO LONDON
Hotel Expences
£35
Rail fare
£20
CONCERT – LYCEUM THEATRE, Crewe.
FODENS BAND in 2 Concerts
Foden‟s Band Presents
Conductor Mr Edward (Ted) Wormald
Incl;
Miss Chesters A.L.C.M. accompanist
Miss Lilian Cooper
Mr G. Hinkinson (Solo Trombone)
(Tea Provided) (Paid £20)
Small Feature Pg 8, 12 Oct Crewe Chronicle.
Pic and Feature on FODENS in New Uniforms Pg 5, 9 Nov Crewe Chronicle.
CONCERT – Congleton (Tea Provided) (Paid £20)
Conductor Mr E Wormald.
PROGRAMME INCLUDED
1. Les Diaments de la Couronne (Auber arr Lieut Charles Godfrey)
Test piece for Belle Vue.
2. Overture – Merry wives of Windsor
3. Air Varie – Maidstone
4. Pandora (Damare) Cornet solo Mr Edwin Firth
5. The Lost Chord (Played in resonse to an encore for Mr Edwin Firth)
6. Ora pro nobis (unkn) Trombone Solo Unknown
SOLOISTS Mr J Brooks (Soprano) and Mr percy Shaw (Euphonium)
Arranced visit by Mr John Eaton Snr
Before the final selection Mr G.W. Stubbs brieftly thanked Mr Wormald
for the excellent Concerts.
Mr Fred Birks ably carried out the details.
Feature November Congleton Chronicle.
CONCERT – Leigh (Tea Provided) (Paid £25)
CONCERT – Wigan (Tea Provided) (Paid £30)
CONCERT – Marple (Tea Provided) (Paid £20)
CONCERT – Stockport – 1 Concert (Paid £17/10/-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conductor
Bandmaster
Edward Wormald
Solo Cornet
Edwin Firth
1st Cornet
James Thorpe
1st Cornet
Herbert Harrison
1st Cornet
Jack Hodgkinson / Jack W Hodgkinson
Repriano Cornet Charles Dawson
2nd Cornet
Sam Wilkinson
2nd Cornet
H Peers
3rd Cornet
Edward Jenkins (Rejoined)
Flugel
Hubert Shergold
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Walter Cradleton
1st Baritone
John Heywood
2nd Baritone
Harry Cornack
Bass Euphonium Frank Webb (Moved)
2nd Trombone
Matthew Cullen (Moved from solo trombone)
2nd Trombone
Edward Wormald (Ted Wormald - bandmaster)
E Flat Bass
Alec Bamford
E Flat Bass
J. William Sheard
E Flat Bass
A. H Crossley (moved from Bb Bass)
B Flat Bass
Harry Gresty
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums / Percussion
(Not in Programme)
###################################################################################
1913
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
6-11 Jan 1913
CONCERT – Winter Exhibition Rusholme (Paid £95)
24 Mar 1913
COMPETITION – Abergavenny.
Expences for the trip were £23 including Mr Halliwell‟s fee.
________________________________________________________________________________
SANDBACH
23 April 1913
King George V and Queen Mary visited Sandbach. They were accompanied by the
Marquis of Crewe, K.G.
A Special Medal was made for the tour with a picture of the King and Queen on
the Head and on the tail side was the date they visited each town on their tour.
(se Below)
________________________________________________________________________________
23 Apr 1913
The band played for King George V and Queen Mary by Royal Command.
E.R. Foden decided that nothing was too good for the band and so he purchased a
new set of uniforms in the “Prussian Style” for the band in 1912 to be worn on stage.
These new uniforms were put to good use when in 1913 it was announced that
King George and Queen Mary would be visiting the North West and Midlands in
April 1913 to see the “Industrial North” and would be staying at Crewe Hall the
residential home of the Marquis of Crewe.
A request for the band to play in front of the King and Queen and a programme was
put together with the assistance of Lady Crewe.
On the morning of the 23 April 1913 the band travelled by Steam Wagon to Crewe
Hall where they got into their new uniforms and at 9.30am they played the following
programme in front of the hall.
PROGRAMME
Overture from Bohemian Girl (Balf)
Merry Widow Selection (Lehar)
Selection from Tannhauser (Wagner)
The Lost Chord (Sullivan) (Cornet Solo Edwin Firth)
Selection from Yeomen of the Guard (Sullivan)
Waltz from The Dollar Princess (Fall)
After the band had played this selection of music the Marquis of Crewe was
instructed to convey their Majesties congratulations and asked the band if they would
be prepared to play the following day at 9am with a much longer programme.
This they did.
Selection from William Tell (Rossini)
Waltz from Salome
Cleopatra (Damare) Cornet Solo Edwin Firth
Evening Bells
Waltz from Inspiration
March from The King‟s Courier
Selection from The Quaker Girl
March „Honest Toil‟ (William Rimmer)
Overture from Light Cavalry (Suppe)
Waltz from The Merry Widow (Lehar)
Overture from Tancredi (Rossini)
March from Harlequin
After the event the King and Queen congratulated William Halliwell and the band
and as the Royal Cortège left Crewe Hall Foden‟s played the National Anthem.
This was indeed a memorable event for the band and I am told the only time that
William Halliwell conducted the band in a concert outside of a competition.
BAND FOR THE EVENT
William Halliwell (Conductor)
Edward Wormald (Bandmaster)
Edwin Firth (Cornet)
James Thorpe (1st Cornet)
Herbert Harrison (1st Cornet)
Jack Hodgkinson (1st Cornet)
Charles Dawson (Repiano Cornet)
Sam Wilkinson (2nd Cornet)
Horace Brookes (2nd Cornet)
Edward Jenkins (3rd Cornet)
Arthur Webb (Solo Tenor Horn)
Fred Sowood (1st Horn)
Walter Cradleton (2nd Horn)
Frank Haywood (1st Baritone)
Harry Cornack (2nd Baritone)
Percy Shaw (Solo Euphonium)
Frank Webb (2nd Euphonium)
George Hinkinson (Solo Trombone)
Matthew Cullen (2nd Trombone)
Ernest Evans (Bass Trombone)
J. William Sheard (E Flat Bass)
Alfred Crossley (E Flat Bass)
Harry Gesty (B Flat Bass)
Ben Rowarth (B Flat Bass)
James Easthope (Drums)
___________________________________________________________________________________
OTHER BAND MEMBERS in 1913
R Brookes (Cornet), R Cradleton (Horn), J Heywood (Horn), H Crossley (Euphonium),
G Easthorpe (Euphonium).
___________________________________________________________________________________
1913
The Royal Concert also sounded the end of (Edward) Ted Wormald‟s five year
association with the band as bandmaster. His place was taken by Tom Hynes another
ex member of the Gossages Soap band and friend of Hubert Shergold (Flugel)
12 May 1913
Shrewsbury United Friendly Society (Paid £26)
Mr Hughes 8 New Street, Shrewsbury (Tea Provided)
17 May 1913
Expences £4-10 shillings including rail fare from Crewe to Liverpool and the
Ferry Across the Mersey.
24 May 1913
CONCERT – Holmes Chapel (Tea Provided) (Paid £12)
28 May 1913
CONCERT – Groves Enclosure Chester (Wednesday 7.30pm) (Paid £15)
31 May 1913
CONCERT – County Borough, Stockport (Paid £22)
9 June 1913
CONCERT – Sheffield Corporation (Paid £35)
B.F. Pilley. 21 Newlyn Rd, Woodseats, Sheffield.
10 June 1913
CONCERT – A Ball Lower Peover, Tabley Arms Hotel (Paid £10)
Hours 5 until 8pm and Teas
15 June 1913
18 June 1913
21 June 1913
22 June 1913
28 June 1913
5 July 1913
6 July 1913
9 July 1913
12 July 1913
13 July 1913
26 July 1913
27 July 1913
30 July 1913
2 Aug 1913
3 Aug 1913
4 Aug 1913
10 Aug 1913
12 Aug 1913
18 Aug 1913
27 Aug 1913
28 Aug 1913
1 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Crewe Sunday Concerts (Paid 62½ % - Made £30)
G Chesters, 62 Samuel Street, Crewe.
CONCERT – Tilstone Fete Committee (Paid £25)
Tarporley Park.
Play for dancing, Hours to 10pm
Maurice Wooley (Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Newtown (Paid £21/5/9½)
2 Concerts afternoon and evening on our own on Sports ground.
CONCERT – Huddesfield Park (Paid £30)
CONCERT – Higglescote – 2 Concerts (Paid £30 or £32)
Dinners and Teas
F Haywood, North Street.
CONCERT – Leicester
S P Blackesley Leicester. Boulevard Leicester (Paid 50% of Door takings)
2 Concerts – Afternoon and Evening
CONCERT – Wrenbury
Garden Party at the Royals, Aston, Wrenbury (Paid £20)
John Griffiths, The School House, Wrenbury, Nantwich.
Time of Playing 2 O Clock till 8pm. Teas at the interval.
CONCERT – Groves Enclosure Chester (Saturday 7.30pm) (Paid £15)
CONCERT – Groves Enclosure Chester (Sunday 8.15pm) (Paid £15)
CONCERT – Skipton – 2 Concerts (Paid 60%)
Arthur Clifford, 14 Swadford Street, Skipton.
Scarborough – 2 Concerts (Paid £40)
J Winder. Grand Floral Hall, Scarborough.
CONCERT – Whitchurch
Whitchurch and District Agricultural Society (Paid £20)
Earnest E Wright (Secty) 56 High Street (Annual Show)
To Play during the afternoon and dancing in the evening till 8pm.
Leave Whitchurch 8.29pm (Depart Crewe 9.45am)
CONCERT – Chester Groves Enclosure (Paid £15)
Evening Concert 7.30pm
CONCERT – Elworth Recreation Ground
1 Evening Concert – Collection for Elworth Charity (Raised £15/2/11½)
CONCERT – Stockport
County Borough of Stockport (Paid £20 or £25 if fine day)
2 Concerts – Vernon Park
Hyde Football Club CANCELLED
H Houghton 38 Gowen Rd, Hyde, Cheshire (2 Concerts were to be paid £25)
CONCERT – Hyde.
Clay Cross Floral Society Nr Chesterfield (Paid £32)
Playing 1-7.30pm
H Stanley, East Street.
CONCERT – Cannock and District Horticultural Society (Paid £30)
CONCERT – Chester
Chester Agricultural Show in Afternoon and Groves Enclosure at Night. (Paid £25)
2.30pm to 5.30pm / 7.30 to 9.30pm
CONCERT – Audlem Flower Show (Paid £20)
Tea Provided.
Test Piece “A Souvenir of Gounod” arr by C Godfrey.
Conductor for Fodens William Halliwell
FIRST
SECOND
Shaw (W Halliwell)
THIRD
Fifth
Crosfields Soap Works (W Halliwell)
Sixth
St Hilds Colliery (W Halliwell)
Unplaced
Hebden Bridge
Unplaced
Luton
Unplaced
Mansfield Colliery
Unplaced
Nelson Old
They won £182 / 17 / 0
Awarded first prize for the 4th time in five Year‟s.
4 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Blackburn – 2 Concerts (Paid £30)
6 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Groves Enclosure Chester (Saturday 7.30pm) (Paid £15)
10 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Middlewich Show (Paid £14)
Tea Provided
18 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Ellesmere.
Oswestry and District Agricultural Society at Ellesmere (Paid £25)
Concerts at 12 to 2.30pm, 3pm to 5.30pm.
George Whitfield, Southfield St, Oswestry.
20 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Preston
Merigold Brothers Preston (Paid £30) (Saturday)
27 Sept 1913
COMPETITION – National Brass Band Championship, Royal Albert Hall, London.
For the first time an original composition was used as the test piece. It was called
“Labour of Love” and was composed by Percy Fletcher. Unfortunately
the band were unsuccessful in wining, coming a poor eighth place.
Test Piece “Labour and Love” by Percy Fletcher
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
St. Hilda Colliery (W Halliwell)
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills (J Greenwood)
FOURTH
Crosfield‟s Soap Works (W Halliwell)
UNPLACED
This was the last competition until 1920 due to the Great War.
1913
CONCERT – HASLINGTON FLOWER SHOW
The band played Selections in the afternoon and for dancing in the evening all
for a fee of £15.
18 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Ellesmere
Oswestry and District Agricultural Society at Ellesmere (Paid £25)
Concerts at 12 to 2.30pm, 3pm to 5.30pm.
George Whitfield, Southfield St, Oswestry.
20 Sept 1913
CONCERT – Preston
Merigold Brothers Preston (Paid £30) (Saturday)
29 Sept to 4 Oct 1913
CONCERT – Hanley
GRAND THEATRE, HANLEY Week of shows
The band played twice nightly.
Chas Elphinstone (Secretary and Manager)
21 Tunes nightly 20 Minutes for each for the sum of £75 (Lowest) if success £80.
EXTRA INFO The theatre was opened in 1898 on Trinity Street and later became
a cinema until it burnt down in 1932 being rebuilt as the ODEON Cinema in 1937.
Oct 1913
Following on from taking part in the National Championships the band were booked
for a series of twice nightly concerts at the Grand Theatre, Hanley, Stoke on Trent.
Normally this wouldn‟t be a problem for members of the band but one member was
due to get married on the day of the Nationals and had postponed the date until the
following Monday which was then booked up for the series of concerts at the Grand.
The unfortunate Bridegroom, having gone through with the wedding during the
daytime he was then whisked away to Hanley to do the concerts in the evening.
(Information from “By Royal Command” by F D Burgess, Pg 18.)
5 Oct 1913
CONCERT – Widnes (Paid 25)
2 Concerts Tea Provided
Captain Byfield 13 Thomas Street, Runcorn.
11 Oct 1913
CONCERT – Alderley Edge (Paid £15)
S Bailey.
1 Concert about 2.30pm
12 Oct 1913
CONCERT – Northwich Victoria Football Club (Paid £15)
1 Afternoon Concert – Tea Provided.
F Richardson 23 Chester Road.
CONCERT – Congleton Liberal Club (Paid £15)
1 Evening Concert
F J Birks 30 High Street, Congleton.
19 Oct 1913
CONCERT – Wigan Old Boys Reed Band (Paid £30)
2 Concerts
Rd Orchestra?. Sidlow lane, Wigan
22 Oct 1913
CONCERT – Macclesfield Old Town Silver Band (Paid £22)
2 Concerts
30 Nov 1913
CONCERT – Salford
Concert at Regent Theatre, Salford
For Eccles Borough Band (Paid £30)
G Leroft 148 Reushaw St, Partiecroft?
___________________________________________________________________________________
EXTRA INFORMATION.
The REGENT THEATRE in Cross lane, Salford was built by Frank Matcham and opened on the 2
September 1895. It was destroyed by fire in 1952.
___________________________________________________________________________________
15 Oct 1913
6 to 7 Dec 1913 EDDISON BELL at the FODEN WORKS (Recording a record) (Paid £40)
(Date from diary) J E Hough, Glengall Road, London
RECORDS
Black Dyke and Besses had produced recordings during the early part of the century
and in 1913 Fodens were in negotiations with the Edison Bell Company to make a
recording.
The band booked a whole weekend off in December 1913 to make the recording at
the Elworth Works and duly on the Friday evening the main office floor was cleared
making way for the recording equipment and the band.
Recording a disc in those days involved making a master disc in wax that was
warmed to a specific temperature in an oven and then recorded on. These would them
be made into the 78 master discs.
All in all 12 items were recorded by the Quartet and 20 recordings were made of the
full band the first of which were released the following year.
CONDUCTOR Tom Hynes
10” 78 recordings
Released in January 1914.
Side 1. THE PILGRIM (FODENS QUARTET)
Edison Bell
1357
Quartet 1. = Jack Hodgkinson (Cornet)
Charlie Dawson (Cornet)
Ernest Evans (Trombone)
Side 2. IN THIS HOUR OF SOFTENED SPLENDOUR
Quartet 2. = Edwin Firth (Cornet)
Jim Thorpe (Cornet)
Fred Sowood (Horn)
Released Feb 1914
The Village Blacksmith (Part 1)
Edison Bell
1355
The Village Blacksmith (Part 2)
1355 b
(SEE DISCOGRAPHY FOR MORE DETAILS)
The whole of 1914 saw eighteen recordings of the band issued on the Edison Bell
label.
14 Dec 1913
CONCERT – South Salford Silver Prize Band (Paid £25)
2 Concerts 3pm and 7.30pm
W Clarke 24 Derby Street.
21 Dec 1913
CONCERT – Ellesmere Port Church Silver Band. (Paid £30)
2 Concerts 3.15pm
George Griffiths 9 Grosvenor Street, Ellesmere Port.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conductor
Bandmaster
Edward Wormald
Solo Cornet
Edwin Firth
1st Cornet
James Thorpe
1st Cornet
Herbert Harrison
1st Cornet
Jack Hodgkinson / Jack W Hodgkinson
2nd Cornet
Sam Wilkinson
2nd Cornet
F Brooks
3rd Cornet
Edward Jenkins (Rejoined)
Flugel
Hubert Shergold (F Shergold)
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Walter Cradleton
1st Baritone
John Heywood
2nd Baritone
Harry Cornack
2nd Euphonium Fred Thorpe
2nd Trombone
Matthew Cullen
E Flat Bass
Alfred Crossley
E Flat Bass
J. William Sheard
E Flat Bass
A. H Crossley (moved from Bb Bass)
B Flat Bass
Harry Gresty
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums / Percussion
(Not in Programme)
###################################################################################
1914
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
17 Jan 1914
CONCERT – Sheffield – Woodg??? Hall (Paid £30)
H J Kelly 89 Carvel Street, Sheffield
22 Feb 1914
CONCERT – Leigh Grand Theatre / Hippodrome Leigh (Paid £25)
William Woolstencroft Esq.
2 Concerts 3pm and 8pm
10 Mar 1914
CONCERT – Sandbach Town Band (Paid £15)
1 Concert
14 Mar 1914
CONCERT – Rookery Social Club and Institute (Paid £25)
H Leese, 26 Alderley Lane, Harriseahead, Tunstall
2 Concerts (Tea Provided)
18 Mar 1914
CONCERT – Royal Buckley Town Band (Paid £25)
11 Windwell Rd, Buckley
R E Bellis Society
22 Mar 1914
CONCERT – South Salford Silver Band (Paid £30)
W Clarke 20 Derby Street.
2 Concerts 3 O Clock and 7.30pm
29 Mar 1914
During the early 1900‟s it was still considered to be in bad taste if you produced a
concert or entertainment on the Sabbath and so many such shows were advertised as
“Sacred Concerts” and included a couple of Hymns for authenticity. The same was
true of the shows at the Lyceum Theatre.
2 GRAND SACRED CONCERTS by Fodens Band
Incl;
Fodens Band
Miss Gregory L.L.C.M. (Soprano)
Madam Partington (Contralto)
Miss Ann Stubbs L.L.C.M. (Piano Accompanist)
11 April 1914
2 May 1914
16 May 1914
17 May 1914
20 May 1914
(Wed)
24 May 1914
1 June 1914
6 June 1914
10 June 1914
14 June 1914
17 June 1914
(Wed)
20 June 1914
27 June 1914
Tickets were also available for this concert from Mr J Stubbs Music Warehouse,
High Street, Crewe.
1914 Quartet 1. = Jack Hodgkinson (Cornet)
Charlie Dawson (Cornet)
Ernest Evans (Trombone)
1914 Quartet 2. = Edwin Firth (Cornet)
Jim Thorpe (Cornet)
Fred Sowood (Horn)
The Band Diary gives the date as being with the Crewe Temperance Band (Paid £20)
Two Concerts
Sec; W B Wrigley, 46, Henry Street, Crewe.
CONCERT – Official opening of CONGLETON PARK (Easter Sunday).
The band played at 2pm for the official opening of the Bandstand in Congleton Park
followed in the evening by a concert at Congleton Town Hall. The band were paid
£16 for the day‟s events.
(Dr Tern, Bradshaw House, Congleton)
CONCERT – Knutsford Jubilee Festival (Paid £20)
Jas H Dean 2 Minshull Street, Knutsford (Tea Included)
The Band played at the Knutsford May Day celebrations and were driven there by a
new Steam bus called “Puffing Billy” a three ton chassis with a body built by
Jackson‟s of Smallwood. (Registration M 6359)
Mr Jackson (the coach builder) accompanied the new bus to iron out any problems
on this “Test Run” for the vehicle. However he dislodged one of the flugel horns
from the storage space and the bus had to be stopped while it was retrieved from the
verge. E R Foden who was monitoring the fuel consumption was not pleased as
the stoppage messed up his calculations.
CONCERT – Heaton Park, Manchester (Paid £25)
R Laint, General Superintendent
CONCERT – Vernon Park, Stockport (Paid £25)
2 Concerts 3 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm
F Harris Sup.
If wet to play in the Town Hall 3.30 to 7.30pm
CONCERT – Chester Concerts in the Groves (Paid £16)
S P Davies
CONCERT – Northwich Victoria Football Club
Terms (Paid £15 if takings are not more than £30)
(Paid £20 if takings are not more than £50)
(Paid £25 if takings are more than £50)
Sec J C Brain “Crown Hotel” Northwich.
CONCERT – Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Whit Monday Friendly Society Fate (Paid £26)
Geo. J Eccleston, 23 King Street, Shrewsbury.
(Tea Included)
COMPETITION – New Brighton (Merseyside).
CONCERT – Knutsford Division Liberal Association (Paid £18)
H Cliffe Sec, 26 Cranford Avenue, Knutsford.
(Tea Provided)
S P Davies
CONCERT – County Borough of Stockport (Paid £22)
Park Department Vernon Park
F Harris Esq, Stockport
3 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm.
29 June to 4 July 1914
CONCERT – Douglas Isle of Man (Paid £110 Inclusive)
A Robertson, Town Clark, Douglas.
11 July 1914
12 July 1914
S P Davies
17 July 1914
CONCERT – Driffield Show (Paid £32)
G R Kirby, The Falcon, Driffield.
18 July 1914
CONCERT – Armley Park, Leeds (Paid 60% of the Takings - £349.30)
Jo Sharp 2 Christ Church View, Armley, Leeds.
19 July 1914
J Winder
22 July 1914
CONCERT – Bolton Parks Committee. (Paid £20)
J Partington 12 Henry Street, Bolton
2 Concerts.
25 and 26 July 1914
S P Davies
2 Aug 1914
(Sun)
S P Davies – Evening Concert.
(Also 20 May / 17 June / 25 July / 26 July / 2 Aug)
4 Aug1914
WAR BROKE OUT
The first casualty of the war was the Prussian style uniforms that ER Foden had
purchased for the band a year ago as anything German may offend; they were
dropped in favour of a less offensive uniform.
4 Aug 1914
CONCERT – Alexandra Park Oldham (Paid £25)
(Tues)
Two Concerts Inclusive.
Alfred Barlow Secretary.
7 Aug 1914
CONCERT – Wem and District Agricultural Association (Paid £25)
Philip Lee Secretary. (Tea Provided)
8 Aug 1914
CONCERT – Frodsham Horticultural Society (Paid £20)
Endowed Boys School CANCELLED
1 Concert from 2pm
11 Aug 1914
CONCERT – Clay Cross, Chesterfield (Paid £40)
Times of Playing 1pm to 8.30pm
H Stanley, East Street, Clay Cross.
13 Aug 1914
Market Drayton Flower Show (Paid £20) CANCELLED
C B Jones, Alexandra Road.
Playing 2.30pm to 9pm
(Tea Provided)
15 Aug 1914
CONCERT – Haslington Flower Show (Paid £15)
Selections in Afternoon commencing 2 O Clock and dancing till 9pm in the evening.
R White, Merefield Cottage, Henry Street, Haslington.
17 Aug 1914
Cannock and District Horticultural Society (Paid £30) CANCELLED
John Bud Market Place, Cannock
18 Aug 1914
CONCERT – Biddulph Show (Paid £20)
Playing from 2 to 7pm
A Proctor Sec. 56 Tunstall Rd, Biddulph.
(Tea Provided)
20 Aug 1914
CONCERT – Blackburn Park (Two Concerts) (£30)
Lewis Beard, Town Hall, Blackburn.
23 Aug 1914
(16 May / 14 June / 11 July and 23 Aug 1914 Saturdays 3 to 5pm and 6.30 to 8.30pm
Sundays 3.30pm to 5pm)
27 Aug 1914
Middlewich Floral and Horticultural Society (Paid £20) CANCELLED
2 Concerts 3pm to 5pm and 6.15pm to 9pm
7 Sept 1914
Test Piece “Joseph und Seine Bruder (Joseph and his Brethren)” by Mehul
arr C Godfrey.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Wingates
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works Band.
Sept 1914
COMPETITION – National Brass Band Championships, Crystal Palace, London.
NOT HELD DUE TO THE WAR.
11 Sept 1914
CONCERT – Blackburn Park (Paid £30)
Two Concerts
Lewis Beard, Town Hall.
12 Sept 1914
CONCERT – Sandbach
Sandbach Co-op Society‟s Fate (Paid £12)
Commencing 1.45pm. Play in Procession (Tea Provided)
17 Sept 1914
Oswestry Show at Oswastry (Paid £25) CANCELLED
George Whitfield Secretary, Smithfield Street, Oswastry.
19 Sept 1914
CONCERT – Chester (Paid £3)
One Concert for National Relief Fund.
27 Sept 1914
One Afternoon concert for National Relief Fund.
If wet 4 Oct 1914
4 Oct 1914
CONCERT – Keighley (Paid £25)
Two Concerts.
Dinner and Tea.
19 Oct 1914 (Week long engagement) Grand Theatre, Hanley (Paid £80)
Performances Twice Nightly
8 Nov 1914
MARCH - Chester Lord Mayor‟s Church Parade (Paid £10)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conductor
Bandmaster
Edward Wormald
Solo Cornet
Edwin Firth
1st Cornet
James Thorpe
1st Cornet
Herbert Harrison
1st Cornet
Jack Hodgkinson
2nd Cornet
Sam Wilkinson
2nd Cornet
H Jenkins
3rd Cornet
Edward Jenkins
Flugel
Hubert Shergold / (F Shergold in Programme)
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Walter Cradleton
1st Baritone
Frank Haywood / (J Haywood in programme)
2nd Baritone
Harry Cornack
2nd Euphonium Fred Thorpe
2nd Trombone
Matthew Cullen
E Flat Bass
K Sadler
E Flat Bass
J. William Sheard
B Flat Bass
Harry Gesty
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums / Percussion
James Easthope (Not in Programme)
###################################################################################
1915
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
1915
By the spring of 1915 employees of FODENS (Steam engine Manufacturer) were
demanding more pay and better conditions leading to a strike at the factory.
Workers were having to work long hours in the factory and the burden of trying to
meet increasing demand for government requirements and personal casualties of war
took their toll on the employees and arguments with management led to the strike.
As the band members were employed by the company this also affected the band
Twelve members of the band, who thought their position within the band gave them
some sort of special power, decided to form a picket line at the works entrance of
Fodens. They were mistaken as after the strike all twelve were dismissed.
Many others were forced to find employment elsewhere as the full blown strike at
the factory started to take hold.
Among those who left the band were –
Joe Brookes (Soprano)
John Heywood (Baritone)
Harry Cornack (Baritone)
With the end of the strike and a return to work the band started recruiting new
members and what good players they found. At the Belle Vue contest the judge
commented “From the opening bars to the last note the playing of this band was
almost flawless – it was a musical treat”
13 May 1915
Blackburn (Paid £30) CANCELLED
Two Concerts.
Lewis Beard, Town Hall
16 May 1915
Vernon Park, Stockport (Paid £20) CANCELLED
2 Concerts
F Harris Parks Department, Vernon Park, Stockport.
4 July 1915
Coventry (Paid £32) CANCELLED
J Cattell, Superintendents Office
Coventry Lodge, Coventry
17 July 1915
One Concert
(See 18 July 1915, 31 July 1915, 1 Aug 1915, 2 Aug 1915)
18 July 1915
One Concert
31 July 1915
One Concert
1 to 2 Aug 1915 CONCERT – Chester (Paid £15)
One Concert
(See 17 July 1915, 18 July 1915, 31 July 1915)
3 Aug 1915
Oldham Alexandra Park (Paid £25) CANCELLED
Two Concerts
15 Aug 1915
Coventry (Paid £32) CANCELLED
J Cattell, Superintendents Office
Coventry Lodge, Coventry
15 Aug 1915
CONCERT – Northwich
Northwich (Paid £15. If a success £20) (Actually Paid £18)
Wm. Yarwood, The Mount, Castle, Northwich.
(Tea Provided)
22 Aug 1915
CONCERT – Winsford
Winsford Working Men‟s Hospital Saturday Committee. (Paid £16)
Sec. W F Nenrall 44 School Road.
2 Concerts
4 Sept 1915
(or 6 Sept 1915) Test Piece “Il Furioso” by Donizetti arr C Godfrey.
Sept 1915
5 Sept 1915
26 Sept 1915
3 Oct 1915
15 Nov 1915
5 Dec 1915
FIRST
SECOND
Horwich RMI
THIRD
Kings Cross
The band won £134 / 18 /0
CONCERT – White Heather Society, Altringham (Paid £20)
Sec. A Chadwick 35 Finchley Road.
Tea Provided.
CONCERT – Northwich
Northwich Patriotic Committee (Paid £20)
S Dunaut 54 Witton Street, Northwich
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Macclesfield
Macclesfield Volunteer Fire Brigade (Paid £22)
W H Braid 25 Bridge St, Macclesfield.
2 Concerts
CONCERT – Grand Theatre, Hanley (Paid £80)
One week (2 performances Nightly 20 to 30 Minutes) Not less 25 Performers.
FODEN'S MOTOR WORKS BAND
Two Sacred Concerts (Paid £20)
In Connection with Crewe Temperance.
Conductor Mr Tom Hynes
###################################################################################
1916
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
1916
Edwin Firth (Cornet) married Doris Twemlow (.b. Jan 1892 .D. 31 Dec 1991)
the daughter of Sam Twemlow and grand daughter of Edwin Foden the founder of
the band.
23 Apr 1916
CONCERT – Macclesfield
Macclesfield Volunteer Fire Brigade (Paid £22)
Two Concerts (Easter Sunday)
W H Braid 25 Bridge Street
(Tea Provided)
27 May 1916
Sandbach May Festival (Teas Provided)
A picture has come to our attention via the book “Cheshire Life” by Mike Eddison
and John Hopkins which shows what happed to the “Prussian Style Uniforms” that
were worn by Fodens band but had to be abandoned because if their association with
the Great War (Purchased in 1913). It shows Joiners at Fodens Motor Works winning
first prize at the Sandbach Festival with a mock up German Zeppelin on top of a
Steam Wagon wearing the uniforms along with other soldiers in costume.
(ISBN 978-0-7524-4364-5) A Postcard of the float was made available.
Whit Weekend Groves Enclosure Chester (Paid £20) CANCELLED
(May-June 1916) Two Concerts S P Davies, Town Hall Chester
4 June 1916
Two Concerts (Sunday) 3-5pm and 7-9pm
Frank Harris Supt.
Originally booked for the 28 May.
18 June 1916
CONCERT – Northwich (Paid £20)
W J Harwood, The Mount, Castle, Northwich.
(Tea Provided)
24 June 1916
F W Brock Esq. Heyeswood, Hartford
Garden Party (Tea Provided)
1 July 1916
CONCERT – Coventry (Paid £15)
W J Cottell Cemetery
1 Evening Concert (Tea Provided)
2 July 1916
W J Cottell Cemetery Lodge, Coventry
12 July 1916
CONCERT – Groves Enclosure Chester (Paid £15)
One Evening Concert
(see also 29 July 1916, 30 July 1916)
13 July 1916
CONCERT – Tunstall (Paid £20)
Two Concerts (Tea Provided)
W H Flint, “Lynton” Queens Avenue, Tunstall
15 July 1916
CONCERT – Matlock Bath (Paid £30)
Two Concerts (3 and 7pm)
C Randle, Council Chamberts, Matlock Bath.
(Tea Provided)
16 July 1916
CONCERT – Burnley (Paid £30)
Two Concerts (Sunday)
P Thomas Esq. Town Hall, Burnley.
Afternoon Townley Park, Evening Queen‟s Park.
29 July 1916
One Evening Concert
30 July 1916
One Evening Concert
6 Aug 1916
E Randle (Tea Provided)
2 Aug 1916
CONCERT – MIDDLEWICH CONCERTS
The band played two concerts for Roland Seddon a local Salt Baron to help
with the War effort. The band were paid £15 for 2 Concerts.
The band played at Chadwick Fields, Middlewich
7 Aug 1916
CONCERT – Alfreton Flower Show (Paid £40)
W Helliwell, Sunny Bank, Alfreton.
(Tea Provided)
12 Aug 1916
CONCERT – Biddulph (Paid £20)
Jas. Harrison 46 Well Street, Biddulph
(Tea Provided)
13 Aug 1916
CONCERT – Vernon Park Stockport (Paid £25)
26 to 27 Aug 1916
CONCERT – Winsford
Winsford Hospital Saturday Committee (Paid £30)
Two Concerts Both Days.
W F Newall, Station Road. Winsford.
2 Sept 1916
Test Piece “La Traviata” by G Verdi arr C Godfrey Jnr.
Fodens came in 2nd place to Horwich RMI winning £40 / 15 /0.
Conductor for Fodens William Halliwell (Paid £11 by Fodens for the day)
FIRST
Horwich RMI
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works Band (Played 5th).
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
William Halliwell also conducted Irwell Springs who came 6th and played 1st.
Sept 1916
3 Sept 1916
Chester (Paid £15)
One evening concert (S P Davies)
16 Sept 1916
CONCERT – Macclesfield (Paid £22)
2 Concerts
W H Braid, Biddulph (Tea Provided)
29 Oct 1916
In 2 Sacred Concerts for the Crewe Temperance Society.
Conductor
Tom Hynes
(Tea Provided)
###################################################################################
1917
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
1917
Edwin Firth (Cornet) left the band to join the 28 th London regiment (the Artists
Rifles) as a private. In February 1918 his company were posted to France and
Edwin decided to borrow a battered cornet he found in the band room to the
war so he could keep his lip in and left behind his main instrument for his return.
(see 21 Oct 1917 and 1918)
8 Apr 1917
CONCERT – Ashton in Makerfield (Paid £25)
Two Concerts
Miss or Mrs E Foden 1a Bryn Street, Ashton in Makerfield Nr Wigan.
27 to 28 May 1917
(Whit Sun and Mon)
Two Concerts.
W J Cottell. Cemetery Lodge, Coventry
2 to 3 June 1917 CONCERT – Birmingham (Paid £60)
2 Concerts Both days
W H Morton, Parks Department, Council House, Birmingham.
9 June 1917
CONCERT – Groves Enclosure, Chester (Paid £16)
1 Concert (see also 23 June 1917, 21 July 1917, 11 Aug 1917)
17 June 1917
CONCERT – Northwich Patriotic Committee (Paid £27)
Two Concerts
Sec J A Breathnall 46, Victoria Road, Northwich.
23 June 1917
1 Concert (see also 9 June 1917, 21 July 1917, 11 Aug 1917)
1 July 1917
CONCERT –
Longton Park (Paid £40/ 12 / 10 ½ from Collections made by Ourselves at gates)
7 July 1917
8 July 1917
21 July 1917
28 July 1917
4 Aug 1917
5 Aug 1917
11 Aug 1917
12 Aug 1917
18 Aug 1917
25 Aug 1917
1 Sept 1917
Sept 1917
8 Sept 1917
15 Sept 1917
21 Oct 1917
CONCERT – Northwich (Red Cross Society) Fate (Paid £15)
Miss G Reid, Struan, Northwich.
(Tea Provided)
Two Concerts.
W J Cottell. Cemetery Lodge, Coventry
1 Concert (see also 9 June 1917, 23 June 1917, 11 Aug 1917)
CONCERT – Crewe
Crewe Amalgamated Bowling Clubs (Paid £15)
1 Evening concert in aid of Red Cross.
Dan Green, 105 Hungerford Road, Crewe.
CONCERT – Audley
Audley Oddfellows Fate and Gala (Paid £22)
Secty. E Viggars 6 Chapel Street, Bignall Road.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Manchester Racecourse.
Pendleton and Salford Limited Friendly Societies Council (Paid £30)
Two Concerts on Manchester Racecourse.
Theo Reeves, 67 Lower Seedley Road, Seedley.
1 Concert (see also 9 June 1917, 23 June 1917, 21 July 1917)
On a brief leave from France, Edwin Firth played at the concert at Chester Groves,
by the River. One of the tunes he played was “Goodbye” by Tosti. Days later he
was sent back to France.
CONCERT – Winsford Hospital Saturday Committee (Paid £15)
One Concert
CONCERT – Sandbach Hospital Fate and Pageant (Paid £15)
J H Broad, Secty
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Chester – One Evening Concert (Paid £16)
Test Piece “La Pre aux Clercs” by Herold arr C Godfrey.
The band came Sixth winning £8 / 3 / 0.
FIRST
Horwich RMI
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Woodlands Village
FOURTH
Glazebury Church
FIFTH
Pemberton Old
SIXTH
Nantwich (Red Cross Society) (Paid £20)
Selections and Dances 3 to 9.30pm
W Stonehewer Bank House, Nantwich
CONCERT – Longton Park (Red Cross) (Paid £25)
Two Concerts
W H Jones, Sec.
(Tea Provided)
FODEN'S MOTOR WORKS BAND in
2 Concerts 3pm and 8pm
Conductor
Tom Hynes
Soloists
Arthur Webb (Horn)
Ellis Westwood (Trombone)
Private Edwin Firth (Cornet) (See 1918)
Hubert Shergold (Flugel Horn)
Fred Thorpe (Euphonium)
11 Nov 1917
The band were paid £20 and were joined by Crewe Temperance Band.
CONCERT – Burslem (Coliseum) (Paid £18)
One Concert
J Paterson Brodie, Lloyds bank Chambers, Burslem.
###################################################################################
1918
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
29 Mar 1918
(Good Friday) W H Braid 25 Bridge Street, Macclesfield
31 Mar 1918
CONCERT – Northwich (W J Yarwood) (Paid £20)
(Easter Sunday) Two Concerts 2.30pm and 7.30pm
(Tea Provided)
April 1918
In April 1918 Edwin Firth‟s Doris wife gave birth to a son Edwin Twemlow Firth
but it was not a happy time as the babies father was still in France in a place called
Varennes, North West of Amiens and on the 1 June 1918 while returning to the
trenches a shell exploded just outside some woods killing Edwin and his party,
he was only 29 Year‟s old.
1 June 1918
Private Edwin Firth 766890 died at the age of 29. He is buried in the
Verennes Military Cemetery near to Albert in France.
A Cul-de-sac in Sandbach is named after him, Edwin Firth close (2009?).
May-June 1918 CONCERT – Silverdale (Paid 25)
(Whit Monday) Two Concerts
John Lowe 53 Abbey Street, Silverdale
(Tea Provided)
3 June 1918
One Evening Concert
(see 13 July 1918, 5 Aug 1918, 24 Aug 1918, 14 Sept 1918)
23 June 1918
CONCERT – Elworth Red Cross (Paid Gratis)
6 to 7 July 1918 CONCERT – Birmingham Parks (Paid £65)
W.H. Morton, Council House, Birmingham.
10 July 1918
Tarporley (British Red Cross Society) (Paid £20)
Hons. Mrs Marshall Brookes.
Aux Military Hospital, Portal, Tarporley.
13 July 1918
One Evening Concert
(see 8 June 1918, 5 Aug 1918, 24 Aug 1918, 14 Sept 1918)
20 July 1918
CONCERT – Abbey Fields Hospital, Sandbach (Paid – Gratis)
Between 1914 and 1918 during the The Great War between Britain and Germany
“Abbey Fields” on Middlewich Road, Sandbach was converted into a Hospital
for the wounded. The Reverend William Plaskett from the Hope Street Chapel was
the Free Church Chaplin at Abbey Fields. His wife and daughter Rene also
worked in the Hospital as VAD auxiliary nurses.
24 July 1918
CONCERT – Chester
Chester V.A.D. Hospital Upton (Paid £20)
Lady Grosvenor, Oakfields V.A.D. Hospital, Upton Nr Chester
(Tea Provided)
27 July 1918
CONCERT – Butt Lane, Primitive Methodist Chapel (Paid £25)
Geo. J Wise. 46 Woodshutts Street, Butt Lane, Talke.
3 Aug 1918
CONCERT – Audley Oddfellows Fate and Gala (Paid £25)
E Viggars, Chapel Street, Bignall End, Staffs.
(Tea Provided)
5 Aug 1918
(Bank Holiday) Two Evening Concerts
(see 8 June 1918, 13 July 1918, 24 Aug 1918, 14 Sept 1918)
7 Aug 1918
CONCERT – Crewe Red Cross Garden Party (Paid £12)
Barklay Towers.
Mr Stringer, Butcher, Nantwich Road, Crewe.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Cholmondeley Castle (Paid £25)
3pm to 5pm
6 to 9pm Dancing
Lady Lettice Harrison
17 Aug 1918
CONCERT – Sandbach Hospital Fate (£15)
J H Broad Secty.
(Tea Provided)
24 Aug 1918
One Evening Concert
(see 8 June 1918, 13 July 1918, 5 Aug 1918, 14 Sept 1918)
7 Sept 1918
Test Piece “Il Bravo” by Marlini arr C Godfrey
FIRST
Wingates Temperance (W Halliwell)
SECOND
Irwell Springs
THIRD
Besses O‟ The‟ Barn
FOURTH
Carlton Main
FIFTH
Fodens Motor Works Band. (W Halliwell)
The band came Fifth winning £11 / 3 / 0.
Fodens hired deputies for the concert, Lawrence (G Trombone), George Rogerson
(Bb Player), J Sadler (2nd Baritone), Sam Wilkinson (Repiano).
8 Sept 1918
Two Concerts
W J Yarwood, The Dock, Northwich
(Tea Provided)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1918
___________________________________________________________________________________
13 Sept 1918
CONCERT - Peel Park, Salford for LLOYD GEORGE‟S VISIT (Paid £30)
Selections from 10am to 1pm.
J and C Lord, Weaste, Manchester.
The occasion included a visit from Prime Minister Lloyd George. Although the
Foden brothers were Liberals they still charged the highest fee they could for
the event.
14 Sept 1918
One Evening Concert
(see 8 June 1918, 13 July 1918, 5 Aug 1918, 24 Aug 1918)
15 Sept 1918
CONCERT – Sacred Concert at New Brighton.
Victoria Gardens, New Brighton Promenade (Paid £30)
Two Concerts 3pm and 8.15pm
D P Charlesworth 25 Rice lane, Egremont
(Earliest Programme available)
In Aid of New Brighton, Egremont, Edith Road and
Brighton Canteens for Wounded Soldiers and Sailors.
Under the patronage and presence of
His Worship the Mayor and Mayoress of Wallasey.
At 3pm and 8.15pm tickets 2/- (reserved) and 1/- and 6d.
AFTERNOON SHOW 3pm
1. The Victor‟s Return (William Rimmer)
2. Masaniello (Daniel Francis-Esprit Auber .b. 1782 .D. 1871)
3. The Sailor‟s Grave (Arthur Sullivan) Trombone Solo Mr Ellis Westwood
4. A Life for the Czar – Grand Selection
(Michael Ivanovitch Glinks .b. 1803 .D.1857)
INTERVAL
1. Rhapsody Number 1 (Franz Liszt arr William Rimmer)
2. Descriptive Fantasia – Rustic Scenes (William Rimmer)
3. Arbucklenian (St Jacome) Cornet Solo Mr James Thorpe
14 Aug 1918
4. Grand Selection – Rossini‟s Works (arr A Owen)
5. God Save the King
EVENING CONCERT 8.15pm
1. On the Quarterdeck (Ancliffe)
2. Overture Poet and Peasant (Suppe) Horn Solo Mr A Webb
3. The British Grenadiers (Hartmann) Euphonium Solo Mr Fred Thorpe
4. Grand Selection – Il Bravo (Marliani) (Test Piece Belle Vue 1918)
INTERVAL
1. Rhapsody No 2 (Franz Liszt)
2. The Village Blacksmith (Gaetas)
3. Cleopatra (Damare) Cornet Solo Mr James Thorpe
4. National Selection – The United Kingdom (William Rimmer)
25 Sept 1918
28 Sept 1918
11 Nov 1918
17 Nov 1918
24 Nov 1918
CONCERT – Chester
Broxton Red Cross Fate at Mrs Robert Barbours House “Bank Head” (Paid £25)
Selections and Dancing 2.30 to Dark
C Dennis Esq, Broxton Old Hall, Handley, Chester.
CONCERT – Wesleyan Church, Kidsgrove (Paid £25)
W. H. Wright. The Mount, Kidsgrove.
(Tea Provided)
The GREAT WORLD WAR ended at 5am with the signing of the
armistice in a railway carriage in the forest of Compiegne.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month all fighting officially stopped.
UNITED THANKSGIVING SERVICE at St Mary‟s Parish Church 3pm.
Opening Voluntary “Lead Kindly Light” played by Fodens Band
Conductor Mr Hines.
HYMNS
1. All People that on Earth do dwell.
2. Psalm XLVI God is our Hope and Strength.
3. Psalm XCVIII O Sing unto the Lord a new Song.
4. Psalm XLVII God me merciful unto us.
5. Hymn 165 and 376
O God our Help in Ages Past
Now Thank we all our God.
7. Hymn - Oh King of Kings Whose Reign of Old.
8. The Hallelujah Chorus Played by Fodens Band
9. The Trumpet of Victory Played by Mr W Nock on the Church Organ.
10. The National Anthem
11. Concluding Voluntary Played by Fodens Band.
(Programme available)
CONCERT – Hippodrome Warrington (Paid £30)
Thos. Mather. 65 Laira Street, Warrington
(Tea Provided)
15 Dec 1918
In Two Concerts along with the Crewe Temperance Band (Paid £22)
Conductor
Tom Hynes
###################################################################################
1919
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
18 April 1919
CONCERT – East Kirby (Paid £25)
A Cawkill 3, Crocus St, East Kirby
(Included Board and Lodgings) (See also 19 Apr, 20 Apr)
19 April 1919
CONCERT – Hucknall (Paid £25)
20 April 1919
CONCERT – Shirebrooke (Paid £25)
10 May 1919
CONCERT – Audley Wesleyan Choir (Paid £25)
Wm. Riley, Bignall End, Staffs
(Tea Provided)
24 May 1919
EMPIRE SOLO CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Empire solo championships were organised for the first time to show off the best
solo players in the brass band world. The Elworth based band put forward
Jim Thorpe who had been born in Glossop in 1883 and had joined Fodens
in 1910 as second cornet. After the death of Edwin Firth in April 1918, Jim became
principal cornet with the band.
With such interest there were heats in the morning with the final in the evening and
afternoon of that Saturday 24 May 1919.
There were three classes Cornet (Entered by Jim Thorpe), Trombone and Euphonium
(Entered by Arthur Webb who usually played the Tenor Horn)
Arthur Webb borrowed his brothers Euphonium for the event but failed to impress
the judges with a slip up in the tune “Jenny Jones”.
Of the seven that went through to the finals, three were from Fodens,
1st Charles Dawson, 2nd James Thorpe and in 6th place Herbert Harrison.
Jim and the other finalists played “Pretty Jane” by John Hartmann in the Kings Hall
(Belle Vue). The winner of the event was Jim Thorpe who was awarded £20 prize
money a Gold Medal and because he played the best of any of the instrumentalists he
was awarded the “Best Musician of the Day Award”.
8 June 1919
CONCERT – Hanley Park (or Victoria Hall) (Paid £30)
(Whit Sunday) Two Concerts. Afternoon and Evening.
Incl;
March – On the Quarter Deck
Overture – Masaniello
Cleopatra (Cornet Solo Jim Thorpe)
(Programme available)
9 June 1919
CONCERT – Wood Lane Hospital Committee (Paid £27)
(Whit Monday) E Jepson, 22 Church St, Wood Lane, Staffs
(Tea Provided)
14 June 1919
CONCERT – Town Hall Chester (Paid £20)
S P Davies, One Evening Concert.
(see 5 July 1919, 20 July 1919, 2 Aug 1919, 10 Aug 1919, 30 Aug 1919)
16 June 1919
Funeral of Mr J Potts, Elworth (Paid £10)
22 June 1919
CONCERT – Stawford Park, Stalybridge (Paid £32)
S Turner
Stawford Park, Stalybridge
24 June 1919
CONCERT – “Springfields” Bradwall (Paid £15)
S P Twemlow
(Tea Provided)
25 June 1919
CONCERT – Peter Jones Garden Party (Paid £30)
Greenbank, Eaton Road, Chester.
(Tea Provided)
26 June 1919
CONCERT – Widnes (Paid £30)
John Miller, Mersey Road, Widnes.
28 to 29 June 1919
CONCERT – Birmingham (Paid £70)
W H Morter, Parks Department, Council House, Birmingham.
5 July 1919
CONCERT – Town Hall Chester (Paid £20) CANCELLED
(see 14 June 1919, 20 July 1919, 2 Aug 1919, 10 Aug 1919, 30 Aug 1919)
5 July 1919
COMPETITION – Glasgow (Gold Shield)
6 July 1919
CONCERT – Glasgow (Paid £42/12/6)
Parkhead, H Paisley
James Alexander 121 Inveresk Rd, Mussellburgh
(Tea Provided)
13 July 1919
Two Concerts
W J Cattell Cemetery Lodge, Coventry
19 July 1919
CONCERT – Elworth (Paid ??).
The band played for the Elworth Peace Celebrations Committee.
F Kirkhaw, Bradwall Rd.
20 July 1919
Town Hall Chester (Paid £20) (Possibly CANCELLED)
(see 14 June 1919, 5 July 1919, 2 Aug 1919, 10 Aug 1919, 30 Aug 1919)
21 July 1919
CONCERT – Chesterton War Memorial (Paid £27)
Gerald Greatret.
(Tea Provided)
23 July 1919
CONCERT – Nantwich Fate (£25)
Geoff Harding, 10 Wellington Rd, Nantwich
(Tea Provided)
26 July 1919
CONCERT – Winsford Hospital Fete (Paid £27)
W F Newall, Station Road, Winsford.
(Tea Provided)
27 July 1919
CONCERT – Leek (Paid £27)
Mr E Birch. 45 Barngate Street, Leek.
(Tea Provided)
31 July 1919
CONCERT – Market Drayton Horticultural Show (£25)
S C Mansford, Aston Villa
(Meal included)
2 Aug 1919
CONCERT – Sandbach (Paid £10)
The band played for the “Sandbach Discharge Soldiers and Sailors Comrades
of War” fund. The event was arranged by William Foden.
1.15pm to 5pm.
(Tea Provided) (See below)
2 Aug 1919
(see 14 June 1919, 5 July 1919, 20 July 1919, 10 Aug 1919, 30 Aug 1919)
3 Aug 1919
W J Yarwood, The Mount, Castle, Northwich
(Tea Provided)
4 Aug 1919
CONCERT – Oakengates District Horticultural Society (Paid £30)
(Tea Provided)
8 Aug 1919
CONCERT – Wem Agricultural Association (Paid £30)
Philip Lee, Wem, Shropshire
9 Aug 1919
CONCERT – Frodsham Horticultural Show (Paid £30)
J Clegg, Overton House, Frodsham
(Tea Provided)
10 Aug 1919
14 Aug 1919
15 Aug 1919
16 Aug 1919
28 Aug 1919
30 Aug 1919
30 Aug 1919
1 Sept 1919
1919
Sept 1919
3 Sept 1919
6 Sept 1919
7 Sept 1919
11 Sept 1919
13 Sept 1919
14 Sept 1919
18 Sept 1919
20 Sept 1919
21 Sept 1919
27 Sept 1919
28 Sept 1919
4 Oct 1919
W A Meir, 119 Biddulph Rd, Pitts Hill, Tunstall
CONCERT – Knighton Show and Fate (Paid £50)
Morris James Sec.
(Tea Provided)
COMPETITION – Fallowfield (Cup), Manchester
CONCERT – Hanley Park (Paid £30)
E B Sharpley, Town Clerks Office, Town Hall, Stoke on Trent
Sandbach (Paid £10) CANCELLED (see Below)
James Sparrow, Bold Street, Sandbach
(Tea Provided)
Fodens failed to get a placing.
Test Piece “Lily of Killarney” by Benedict arr C Godgrey
FIRST
Harton Colliery
SECOND
Wingates Temperance
THIRD
St Hilda Colliery
UNPLACED
FODENS 1st QUARTET MEMBERS
Fred Thorpe (Tenor Horn)
Frank Barlow (Euphonium)
Jim Thorpe (Cornet)
CONCERT – Doddington Lea Walgherton, Wybunbury (Paid £27)
Mr J Manley
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Wilmslow Victory Carnival (Paid £35)
T Passant, Grove Street, Wilmslow.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Crewe (Paid 50% = £39/6/11)
E Evans Esq, 28 Swinnerton Street, Crewe.
John Miller, 7 Mersey Rd, Widnes
CONCERT – Sandbach Co-operative Society (Paid £15)
James Sparrow, Bold Street, Sandbach
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – New Brighton (Paid £40)
F C Askaw 273 Liscard Road, Liscard
CONCERT – Oswestry Agricultural Society (Paid £30)
Mr George Whitefield
(Tea Provided)
S P Davies, Town Hall, Chester.
CONCERT – Smallthorne Staffs (Paid £30)
John Latham, Leek Rd, Smallthorne
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Madeley (Paid £27)
Joseph Inskeep Barhill, Madeley
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Sandbach Comrades of War (Paid £20)
H Charlesworth (£20 refunded to H Charlesworth for the Fund)
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Kidsgrove (Paid £27)
11 Oct 1919
18 Oct 1919
2 Nov 1919
9 Nov 1919
20 Nov 1919
29 Nov 1919
30 Nov 1919
7 Dec 1919
14 Dec 1919
W Deakin, 35 Heathcote Rd, Kidsgrove
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Primitive Methodist Church, Burslem (Paid £27)
F W Cousens, 92 High Lane, Burslem
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Leek National Reserve (Paid £27)
E Birch 45 Barngate Street, Leek
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Manchester National Sunday League (Paid £20)
Regents Theatre Salford
J W Pearce, 41 Ashbourne Grove
CONCERT – Crewe (Paid £25)
J Latham, 66 Brooklyn St, Crewe.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Longton (Paid £27)
John Beswick, Spratslade House, Longton
(Tea Provided)
J Maycock Liberal Club, Macclesfield
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Stoke on Trent (Paid £27)
Wm. Chapman, Old Bank Chambers, Glebe Street, Stoke.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Stalybridge (Paid 50% = £7/1/- )
Fred Swift, Wakefield Rd
CONCERT – East Kirkby (Paid 50% = £40)
A Cawkill 3 Crocus Street, East Kirkby.
###################################################################################
1920
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
1 Jan 1920
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Hanley (Paid £30)
T Bickley, 63 Park Road, Hanley
25 Jan 1920
CONCERT – Free Trade Hall, Manchester (Paid £27)
1 Concert
J W Pearce
41 Ashbourne Grove, Nr Broughton, Manchester
27 Jan 1920
CONCERT – Rochdale (Paid £35)
2 Concerts
Jas. Ellinger 28, Oxford Street, Manchester
1 Feb 1920
F Kirkdean, Bradwall Road, Sandbach
(Tea Provided)
8 Feb 1920
CONCERT – Macclesfield (Paid £39/15/6)
Worked by Mr Braid
21 Feb 1920
CONCERT – The Canteen Froghall (Paid £27)
W H Foster, Kingsley Holt, Nr Cheadle, Staffs
(Tea Provided)
22 Feb 1920
Regents Theatre, Salford (Paid £27) CANCELLED
1 Concert
J W Pearce
41 Ashbourne Grove, Nr Broughton, Manchester
29 Feb 1920
CONCERT – King‟s Hall Stoke (Paid £27)
Wm Chapman, Old Bank Chambers, Glebe Street, Stoke on Trent.
(Tea Provided)
7 Mar 1920
CONCERT – Runcorn (Paid £27)
J Taylor 12 Stanley Street, Runcorn
(Tea Provided)
Miss M Stubbs 39 High Street, Crewe
28 Mar 1920
CONCERT – Burslem (£35)
A Forward, Market Place, Burslem
4 Apr 1920
CONCERT – Victoria Hall Hanley (Paid £35)
J Bickley “Brondesbury”, The Park, Hanley.
5 Apr 1920
CONCERT – Belper, Nr Derby (Paid £50)
J B Muir, Hon Sec. Belper Boating Association.
(Tea Provided)
25 Apr 1920
CONCERT – Free Trade Hall Manchester (Paid £27)
J W Pearce, 41 Ashbourne Grove, Manchester.
(The Band Diary has the date 28 March Crossed out)
2 May 1920
CONCERT – Warrington Park Hall (Paid £35)
J Miller, Mersey Road, Widnes.
15 May 1920
S P Davies, Town Hall Chester.
(see 5 June 1920, 11 July 1920, 8 Aug 1920)
22 May 1920
COMPETITION – Fallowfield (Manchester).
23 May 1920
CONCERT – Stawford Park, Stalybridge (Paid £32)
Samuel Turner Stawford Park, Stalybridge.
25 May 1920
CONCERT – Tamworth Band of Hope (Paid £50)
Fred Biddulph, 6 Moor Street, Tamworth.
(Tea Provided)
30 May 1920
J Bickley.
1 June 1920
CONCERT – “Westfields” Sandbach (Concert)
5 June 1920
(see 15 May 1920, 11 July 1920, 8 Aug 1920)
6 June 1920
CONCERT – Leek National Reserve Band (Paid £30)
E Birch, 45, Barngate Street.
(Tea Provided)
12 June 1920
CONTEST – Empire Solo Concert at Belle Vue, Manchester.
Jim Thorpe, Principal Cornet with Fodens won first place, playing “Pretty Jane”.
13 June 1920
CONCERT – Crewe (Paid 50% = amount unknown)
E Evans 28 Swinnerton Street, Crewe.
19 June 1920
CONTEST- Glasgow Contest, Scotland.
20 June 1920
CONCERT – Glasgow (Paid £60)
Jas. Whitton City Chambers, 249 George Street, Glasgow.
26 June 1920
CONCERT – Sandiway (Paid £30)
Harry Dewhurst, Dale Ford, Sandiway.
(Tea Provided)
27 June 1920
CONCERT – Burslem Hospital Fund (Paid £35)
H Edwards, Town Hall, Burslem
(Tea Provided)
29 June 1920
CONCERT – Elworth Church Garden Party (Paid Unknown)
3 to 4 July 1920 CONCERT – Birmingham (Paid £70)
W H Morter, Park Superintendent
6 July 1920
CONCERT – Sandbach Church Fate (Paid £20)
J W Hilditch
(Tea Provided)
10 July 1920
(Tea Provided)
11 July 1920
(see 15 May 1920, 5 June 1920, 8 Aug 1920)
13 July 1920
CONCERT – “Westfields” Sandbach (Free Concert)
For Mr William Foden (Sandbach Wesleyans)
EXTRA INFO – “Westfields” was the Home of the Foden family and was
21 Mar 1920
18 July 1920
19 July 1920
22 July 1920
25 July 1920
25 July 1920
30 July 1920
31 July 1920
1 Aug 1920
2 Aug 1920
5 Aug 1920
6 Aug 1920
7 Aug 1920
8 Aug 1920
21 Aug 1920
6 Sept 1920
12 Sept 1920
19 Sept 1920
23 Sept 1920
situated next to where the Cheshire East Council offices now stand.
CONCERT – Longton Park (Paid £35)
E B Sharples, Town Clark Stoke on Trent
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Chesterton War Memorial (Paid £30)
Gerald Greatre, Chesterton.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Widnes Park (Paid £35)
H S Oppentiem, Town Hall
Llandudno (Paid £60) CANCELLED
R J Williams, Sec. Town Hall, Llandudno.
(Tea Provided)
T W Cowley, Bull Ring Chambers
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Liverpool D.D.S.S. (Paid £40)
W Devery, Quadrael, 12 Spencer Street, Liverpool.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Audley (Paid £30)
Edmund Wiggars, 12 Booth Street, Audley
(Tea Provided)
Mr Charlesworth, Egremont.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Oakengates and District Horticultural Society (Paid £35)
A Brothwood, Bereley, Ketley, Wellington
(Tea Provided)
Sydney C Mansford
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Wem (Paid £30)
Philip Lee
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Frodsham (Paid £30)
J C Cragg, Overton House, Frodsham
(Tea Provided)
(see 15 May 1920, 5 June 1920, 11 July 1920)
CONCERT – Ellesmere Port (Paid £40)
A Taylor sec. Ellesmere Port Co-op Society.
(Tea Provided)
The band failed to get a placing for the second year in a row.
After a dispute with the management of the competition this was the last year
Foden‟s entered for four Year‟s (1921-1924)
Test Piece “I Lombardi” by G Verdi arr C Godfrey.
FIRST
Besses O‟ Th‟ Barn
SECOND
Wingates Temperance
THIRD
Yorkshire Main
UNPLACED
Unplaced
Congleton Town (C Anderson)
CONCERT – Cheadle (Staffs) (Paid £35)
Earnest Beardmore 60 Black Lane, Cheadle.
H W Cook, Town Clark, Wallasey.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Ellesmere (Paid £30)
George Whitfield, Smithfield Street, Oswestry.
There had been no competition between 1914 and 1919 with this being the first event
after the war.
Test Piece “Coriolanus” by Cyril Jenkins
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Lincoln Iron Works (W Halliwell)
THIRD
Irwell Springs (J Greenwood)
FOURTH
Fodens Motor Works were UNPLACED
26 Sept 1920
CONCERT – Crewe (Paid 50% = £45/1/-)
William Simmons, 8 Bank Street, Crewe.
3 Oct 1920
S Shone, Grosvenor Street, Runcorn.
(Tea Provided)
10 Oct 1920
CONCERT – Warrington (Paid £35)
John Millar, 7 Mersey Road, Widnes
(Tea Provided)
17 Oct 1920
CONCERT – Liverpool (Paid £40)
Harry Watkins, 36 Spencer Street, Everton, Liverpool.
(Tea Provided)
28 Nov 1920
CONCERT – Kings Hall Stoke (Paid £35)
Wm Chapman, Old Bank Chambers, Glebe Street, Stoke on Trent
(Tea Provided)
1920
FODENS MEMBERS (Euphonium and Horns) (Picture in Allan Littlemore book)
Tom Hynes (Conductor)
Joe Moores (Bass)
Alex Hilton (Euphonium)
Harry Gresty (Bass - B Flat Horn)
Frank Webb (Euphonium)
John Hill (Bass)
Ben Rowarth (E Flat bass)
___________________________________________________________________________________
25 Sept 1920
JOE and REG MOORES Biography.
Joe Moores .b. 1890 (Runcorn) .D. 1978 (Aged 88). Bass Trombone 1920 to 1964
John Moores was the father of Arthur Moores who went to work as an engine fitter for Foden‟s Motor
Works up to 1914 and according to his Grandaughter (Ann Steed) played the cello and Trombone. He
had four sons and one daughter including Arthur Moores and Joe Moores (.b. 1890).
Arthur had a daughter called Gladys and three younger children who when he died an an early age
were put into an orphanage and lost touch with the other side of the family which included Joe.
In 1890 John‟s son Joe was born. In 1919 Joe moved to Sandbach to play Bass Trombone with Foden‟s
Motor Works Band from 1920 to 24 June 1964.
Joe had a son called Reg Moores who like his father joined the band and played Repiano Cornet with
Fodens from 1925 to after 1954 and another son who joined the Cheshire Police Force. Being in the
police force meant that during the Second World War he wasn‟t called up but his brother Reg was not
so lucky. Between 1939 and 1945 Reg took leave from the band and joined up.
Reg was married to Olive and had a daughter.
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
1921
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
(6 Feb 1921, 6 Mar 1921, 17 Apr 1921 at Manchester may have been cancelled)
1 Jan 1921
Thomas Bickley, Piccadilly, Hanley
(Tea Provided)
23 Jan 1921
CONCERT – Burslem Coliseum (Paid £35)
H Edwards, Town hall, Burslem
(Tea Provided)
6 Feb 1921
CONCERT – Manchester
Free Trade Hall, Manchester (Paid £27 Guineas for 3 Shows see below)
J W Pearce, 41 Ashbourne Grove, H Broughton, Manchester.
(see 6 Feb 1921, 6 Mar 1921, 17 Apr 1921)
6 Mar 1921
(see 6 Feb 1921, 17 Apr 1921)
13 Mar 1921
CONCERT – King‟s Hall Stoke on Trent (Paid £35)
Wm Chapman, Old Bank Chambers, Glebe Street, Stoke on Trent.
(Tea Provided)
25 Mar 1921
W H Braid, 25 Bridge Street, Macclesfield
(Tea Provided)
28 Mar 1921
Belper Boating Association (Paid £50) CANCELLED
R B Muir, Belper Nr Derby
(Tea Provided)
10 Apr 1921
CONCERT – Burslem (Paid £35)
S Sillitoe, Sec Comrades of the Great War
Navigation Road, Burslem.
(Tea Provided)
17 Apr 1921
(see 6 Feb 1921, 6 Mar 1921)
24 Apr 1921
CONCERT – Grand Hanley (Paid Gratis)
Warriors Day. A Bulmer.
14 May 1921
CONCERT – Kingsley and District Football League (Paid £35)
Froghall Canteen
W H Foster, Kingsley Hall, Nr Cheadle, Staffs.
(Tea Provided)
15 May 1921
T Bickley, 52 Piccadilly Hanley.
(Tea Provided)
16 May 1921
CONCERT – Apedale Hall (Paid £35)
E Jepson 3, Biglake,Bignall End
(Tea Provided)
17 May 1921
CONCERT – Tamworth (£60)
F Biddulph, 6 Moor Street, Tamworth
21 May 1921
S P Davies, Town Hall, Chester (see 19 June 1921)
5 June 1921
CONCERT – Stamford Park, Stayleybridge (Paid £37)
Samual Turner, Stamford Park S Briedgen.
12 June 1921
CONCERT – Trentham Gardens Stoke on Trent.
F Todd, Estate Office, Trentham
(Tea Provided) (see 17 July 1921)
18 June 1921
CONTEST - Glasgow and Hull
19 June 1921
S P Davies, Town Hall, Chester (see 21 May 1921)
25 June 1921
CONTEST Newtown
26 June 1921
H A Lloyd, Robin Hood Inn, Longton
(Tea Provided)
26 June 1921
Crewe (Paid Unknown) (Booked before Longton possibly Cancelled)
W Simmons. 8 Bank Street, Crewe
28 June 1921
CONCERT – Sandbach Garden Party (Paid Free)
Messrs Foden
3 to 3 July 1921 CONCERT – Birmingham (Paid £75)
W H Mortes, Parks Department, Council House, Birmingham.
Norton Cricket Club, Smallthorne (Paid £35) CANCELLED
E Baddeley, sec, 14 Victoria Street, Smallthorne.
10 July 1921
Samuel Turner, Stamford Park, Stayleybridge.
16 July 1921
17 July 1921
CONCERT – Trentham Gardens Stoke on Trent.
(Tea Provided) (see 12 June 1921)
22 to 23 July 1921
CONCERT – Birmingham Horticultural Society (Paid £70)
L W Webster, 62 Frederick Road, Sleekford, Birmingham.
23 July 1921
CONTEST - Crystal Palace
24 July 1921
CONCERT – Nuneaton (Paid £60)
F S Clay. Town Clark, Nuneaton
30 July 1921
31 July 1921
Geo. Livsey L. L. B. Town Clark, Town Hall.
1 Aug 1921
CONCERT – Runcorn Cottage Gardeners Association (Paid £35)
(Bank Holiday) (Tea Provided)
7 Aug 1921
CONCERT – Nelson (Paid £52/10/-)
J H Baldwick, Town Clark, Nelson
11 Aug 1921
CONCERT – Uttoxeter Agricultural Society (Paid £40)
G Fletcher Bagshaw, Secretary.
12 Aug 1921
CONCERT – Wem Show (Paid £30)
Philip Lee Secretary
(Tea Provided)
23 Aug 1921
CONCERT – Sandbach Cricket Club Garden Party (Paid £15)
Mr J Cook, Sec.
(Tea Provided)
28 Aug 1921
W J Cattell, Cemetery Lodge, Coventry
3 Sept 1921
CONCERT – Trentham Gardens (Paid £35)
F Todd Esq. Estate Officer, Trentham.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
5 Sept 1921
Fodens Motor Works Band Didn‟t Take Part this year.
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 July 1921
17 Sept 1921
22 Sept 1921
24 Sept 1921
24 Sept 1921
CONCERT – Sandbach Liberal Garden Party (Paid £18)
Mr Jones, Reporter.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Oswestry (Paid £30)
George Whitfield, Smithfield Street, Oswestry
The band came 2nd to St Hilda‟s winning £102 / 10 / 0.
Test Piece “Life Divine” by Cyril Jenkins.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
FOURTH
Black Dyke Mills (J Greenwood)
FIFTH
SIXTH
UNPLACED
UNPLACED
Lincoln Iron Works (W Halliwell)
CONCERT – at the Championships.
While down in London the Band took part in a MASSED BAND CONCERT
after the main contest in the evening and were paid £10.
25 Sept 1921
CONCERT - Islington Empire, London (Paid £30)
For the National Sunday League.
26 Sept 1921
EDISON BELL RECORDING SESSION (3 Hours).
The band were paid £60.
21 Oct 1921
CONCERT – Crewe Theatre (Paid £15) (Lyceum Crewe)
“Royal Divorce” (see below)
___________________________________________________________________________________
EXTRA INFO.
The Play at the Lyceum Theatre “A Royal Divorce” had the following cast details.
17- 22 Oct 1921 A ROYAL DIVORCE
W.W. Kelly's Company
by W. G. Wills
Incl;
Mr G Raymond Wallace
Miss Murial Monteath (Mrs G.R.Wallace)
Little Eileen
Miss Elaine Harper
(see Above)
21 Oct 1921 Performance included the “Foden Motor Works Band”.
___________________________________________________________________________________
23 Oct 1921
Harry Hayward, 22 Market Place, Burslem
(Tea Provided)
6 Nov 1921
CONCERT – The Grand, Hanley (Paid Gratis)
Gratis for Colin, North Staffs Infirmary
13 Nov 1921
CONCERT - LYCEUM THEATRE Crewe.
2 Grand Concerts
Conductor
Tom Hynes
The test piece "Life Divine" will be played at both concerts.
Fodens came 2nd at the National Brass Band Championships with this piece.
'Life Divine' was also released on 78 in November this year on the
Winner lable 3588 conducted by Tom Hynes.
(From the book FODEN'S BAND by Allan Littlemore.)
15 Nov 1921
CONCERT – Girls Club, Crewe (Paid 50% of Takings = £24/12/3)
Mrs W R Jones 298 Walthall Street, Crewe
20 Nov 1921
CONCERT – New Brighton Tower (£40)
J Bebbington (Inspector)
Chief Constables Office, Wallasey
(Tea Provided)
###################################################################################
1922
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
CONCERT – New Brighton Tower (Paid £50)
J Bebbington (Inspector)
Central Police Officer, Wallasey.
12 Feb 1922
CONCERT – Winsford (Paid £25)
(Captain S A) T Greaves 251 High Street, Winsford
(Tea Provided)
19 Feb 1922
CONCERT – Crewe (Paid 50% of Takings = £30/7/0)
E Sephton, 7 Bulkeley Street, Buxton Ave, Crewe
27 Feb 1922
CONCERT – Hanley Grand (Paid £115 one week‟s shows)
(1 Week)
One Week, A Bulman
2 Apr 1922
CONCERT – Burslem North Staffs, Crippled Aid Society (Paid £35)
Mrs E Hodgson Todd, Newcastle Street, Burslem
4 to 5 June 1922 CONCERT –
West Stanley Durham (Paid £78 and Board and Lodgings and Railway Fares)
W Fraham 22 Elvin Street, South Moor (Paid in total £100 26June 1922)
11 June 1922
8 Jan 1922
G B Sharpley, Town Clark
(Tea Provided)
18 June 1922
CONCERT – Victoria Gardens New Brighton (Paid £50)
Geo. Livsey LLB Town Clerk
25 June 1922
Samuel Turner Sec and Superintendent
27 June 1922
CONCERT – Springfields (Mr Twemlow‟s) (Paid £15)
1 July 1922
CONCERT – Rochdale (Failing Park) (Paid £40)
A Blagden Superintendent
2 July 1922
CONCERT – Blackpool Tower (50% of takings = £90)
Arranged by Mr E.R. Foden
9 July 1922
CONCERT – Nelson (Paid £52/10/0)
J H Baldwick, Town Clerk
15 July 1922
CONCERT – Knutsford Liberal Association (Paid £30)
H Cliffe, Sec 40 South King Street, Manchester.
(Tea Provided)
16 July 1922
Geo. Livsey Town Clerk Wallasey
22 July 1922
(see 23 July 1922, 26 Aug 1922, 27 Aug 1922)
23 July 1922
(see 22 July 1922, 26 Aug 1922, 27 Aug 1922)
30 July 1922
CONCERT – Northwich Hospital (Paid £30)
A Daniels, New Street, Northwich, Sec.
(Tea Provided)
1 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Oakley Hall, Market Drayton (Paid £35)
C Cyril Dennis
(Tea Provided)
2 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Chesterfield Horticultural Society (Paid £50)
C W Hadfield, Town Clerks Office Chesterfield
(Tea Provided)
3 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Staffordshire Agricultural Show (Paid £40)
Uttoxeter T H Garlick Eccleshall.
4 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Web Show (Paid £30)
Philip Lee, Secretary
(Tea Provided)
7 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Runcorn Allotment Holders Association (Paid £50)
(Bank Holiday) Leonard Watson, 13 Cawley Street, Runcorn
(Tea Provided)
10 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Trentham Garden (Paid £35)
F Todd Secretary
(Tea Provided)
13 Aug 1922
F S Clay, Town Clerk
19 to 20 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Selston, Notts (Paid £65 and Board and Lodgings)
James Bradshaw, “Crescent” Selston, Notts.
25 Aug 1922
CONCERT – Knighton Rad (Paid £50)
Morris James Sec.
(Tea Provided)
26 Aug 1922
(see 22 July 1922, 23 July 1922, 27 Aug 1922)
27 Aug 1922
(see 22 July 1922, 23 July 1922, 26 Aug 1922)
3 Sept 1922
T W Cowley, Bull Ring Chambers, Northwich
(Tea Provided)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
4 Sept 1922
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 Sept 1922
H R Lloyd, Robin Hood Inn, Longton.
(Tea Provided)
23 Sept 1922
This year also saw the bands in the competition performing for the first
time in a concert format (Two Half Circles) rather than an inwardly facing square.
The bands were also sitting rather than standing.
The band came Fifth winning £15.
Test Piece “Freedom” by Hubert Bath.
RESULTS
FIRST
Horwich RMI (J Greenwood)
SECOND
THIRD
FOURTH
FIFTH
SIXTH
UNPLACED
Black Dyke Mills (W Halliwell)
UNPLACED
Wingates (W Halliwell)
The Band were recorded by the Edison Bell Company for a 78. (Paid £60)
8 Oct 1922
CONCERT – British Legion Sandbach (Paid 50% of Takings)
A Jones, Sandbach
14 Oct 1922
COMPETITION – Southport.
15 Oct 1922
CONCERT – Runcorn
Runcorn and District Allotment Association (Paid 50% of takings = £17/10/6)
W F Mitchell, 35 Lowland Road, Runcorn
2 Concerts
11 Nov 1922
CONCERT – Carnarvon (Paid £60)
W J Matthews Briggs Chambers, Bridge St, Carnarvon, Wales.
(Tea Provided)
12 Nov 1922
CONCERT – Empire Theatre Longton (Paid £35)
Leonard Hallam, 31 Campbell Road, Stoke on Trent
(Tea Provided)
19 Nov 1922
CONCERT – Crewe
Crewe Temperance Band (Paid 50% of Takings = £20/17/9)
W B Wrigley, 30 Hulme St, Crewe. Sec.
26 Nov 1922
CONCERT – Kings Hall, Stoke “Mayor‟s Charity” (Paid £35)
Wm Chapman, Old Bank Chambers, Glebe Street.
(Tea Provided)
Unk day 1922
COMPETITION – Newcastle.
The band were unplaced.
###################################################################################
1923
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
BAND SIGNING IN BOOK
From 1923 to 1974 every time a band member attended a rehearsal they were asked to log in. This way
we can now look back and find out when members joined the band.
The First entry was the 20 January 1923.
LIST OF NAMES
A Stubbs
(Pre 1923)
J Thorpe
(Jim / James Joined 1909)
C Dawson
(Charles Joined 1912)
H Brookes
(Horace Joined 1913)
H Harrison
(Joined 22 Feb 1923)
J Hodkinson
(Jack Joined 1909)
H Shergold
(Herbert Joined 16 July 1912 to 1963)
R Shepley
(Robert / Bob joined Pre 1923)
E Jenkins
E Statham
(Edwin Joined Pre 1923)
A Webb
(Arthur Webb Snr Joined 1910)
F Sowood
(Fred Joined in 1909)
F Halford
(Pre 1923)
A Statham
(Albert Joined Pre 1923)
D Stokes
(Don Pre 1923)
F Webb
(Frank Joined 1913)
J Hills
(John B Joined 1920)
E Westwood
(Ellis Joined pre 1917)
M Cullen
(Matthew Joined 1911)
E Radburn
(Joined 8 Feb 1923)
B Rowarth
(Ben Joined in 1909)
J Poole
(Joe Joined Pre 1923)
J Moores
(Joe Joined in 1920)
A Hilton
(Alex Joined 14 Mar 1923)
P Lawton
(Percy Joined Pre 1923)
T Hynes
(Tom Joined 1913)
In later pages all new members were added to the end of the page until the next page and then put in
Instrument order.
###################################################################################
8 Feb 1923
E Radburn (Unkn) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(8 Feb 1923 to 19 Oct 1925)
25 Feb 1923
H Hayward, Market Place
(Tea Provided)
1 Apr 1923
CONCERT – Wombwell Nr Barnsley (Paid £50)
Wm Molyneux 11 New Street, Wombwell.
(Tea Provided)
19 May 1923
COMPETITION – Blaenau Festiniog (Near the famous railway), Wales.
Expences for the contest included the cost of admission to the venue.
20 May 1923
E B Sharpley, Town Clark, Stoke
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Southport (Paid £375)
T E Wolstenholme, Publicity Manager, Town Hall.
17 June 1923
CONCERT – Crewe.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club (Paid 50% of Takings = £20/14/3)
Mr Hicton c/o Carrington and Button‟s, High Street, Crewe.
23 June 1923
7.30pm
(see 14 July 1923, 28 July 1923, 12 Aug 1923)
24 June 1923
CONCERT – Stamford Park, Stamford (Paid £40)
S Turner, Sec and Sup, Stmford Park.
26 June 1923
CONCERT – Sandbach Wesleyan Garden Party (Paid £15)
At Mr Twemlow‟s “Springfields”.
30 June 1923
COMPETITION – Halifax. (Won £150)
The first “Halifax Brass Band Festival” took place before an estimated crowd of
20,000 people in the open air. The prize up for grabs was £150 the largest at the time
for a competition far in excess of the £50 from Crystal Palace and the Belle Vue
contests. The test piece was “The Vikings” written by local Halifax native
J Weston Nichol. Fodens triumphed and were presented with the first prize by
Sir William Bulmer.
1 July 1923
CONCERT – Leek Legion of Britain‟s Club (Paid £35)
(British Legion Club)
G Gilman, Russell St, Leek
CONCERT – Halifax (People‟s Park) (Paid £52/10/0)
Percy Saunders, Town Clerk, Town Hall
7 July 1923
CONCERT – Audley (Two Concerts) (Paid £30)
Johnson (Audley) Ltd Church Street, Audley
8 July 1923
E B Sharpley, Town Clark, Stoke on Trent
(Tea Provided)
14 July 1923
7.30pm
(see 14 July 1923, 28 July 1923, 12 Aug 1923)
15 July 1923
CONCERT – Hyde Park, Cheshire (Paid £38)
Thomas Brownson, Town Park, Hyde.
21 July 1923
CONCERT – Cefor and District Choral Society (Paid £30)
Mr R L Griffiths, Paris House, Rhosymedre
(Tea Provided)
22 July 1923
E B Sharpley, Town Clark, Stoke
(Tea Provided)
28 July 1923
7.30pm
(see 23 July 1923, 14 July 1923, 12 Aug 1923)
29 July 1923
F S Clay MBE Town Clerk, Nuneaton
1 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Chesterfield Horticultural Society (Paid £50)
C W Hadfield, Town Clark‟s Office Chesterfield
(Tea Provided)
3 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Wem Agricultural Association (Paid £30)
Philip Lee. The Crescent, Wem, Salop
5 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Northwich Hospital Sal Committee (Paid £30)
A Daniels, New Street, Northwich
(Tea Provided)
6 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Whitchurch Association Football Club (Paid £30)
W Wilkinson Sec, 5 Talbot Street, Whitchurch
(Tea Provided)
9 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Trentham (Paid £35)
F Todd, Estate office Trentham (Staffs)
(Tea Provided)
11 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Alton Floral and Horticultural Society (Paid £30)
G Lee, Sec. Alton, Stoke on Trent
(Tea Provided)
12 Aug 1923
Sunday 8.15pm
(see 23 July 1923, 14 July 1923, 28 July 1923)
14 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Clay Cross Floral and Horticultural Society (Paid £50)
H Stanley Sec, East Street, Clay Cross Nr Chesterfield.
(Tea Provided)
15 Aug 1923
E Randle, Manager Grand Pavilion
16 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Uttoxeter Agricultural Society (Paid £40)
Mr Word
(Tea Provided)
18 to 19 Aug 1923
CONCERT –
Hugglescote Horticultural Society (Paid £70 with Board and Lodgings)
J H Dean, 208 North Street, Hugglescote Nr Leicester
22 Aug 1923
CONCERT – “Woodlands” Garden Party, Crewe (Paid £15)
For Mr D Foden
23 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Trentham Park (Paid £35)
P J Frost Crawford Street, Fenton
(Tea Provided)
25 Aug 1923
CONCERT – Elworth Show (Paid £15)
5 July 1923
A Dutton
William Price, FRHS Superintendent
_________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 Sept 1923
_________________________________________________________________________________
9 Sept 1923
CONCERT – Morecambe Tower Company Ltd (Paid £50)
H R V Addenbrooke, General Manager
13 Sept 1923
CONCERT – Ellesmere Show (Paid £30)
Geo. Whitfield, Southfield Street, Oswastry
11 Sept 1923
George Clark (Soprano Cornet) joined the band at the rehearsal on the 11 Sept 1923.
(11 Sept 1923 to 28 Dec 1928)
16 Sept 1923
CONCERT – Keighley Friendly Societies “Gala Concert” (Paid £60)
Aaron Hall Sec, 16 Winterburn Street, Keighley
29 Sept 1923
Test Piece “Oliver Cromwell” by Henry Geehl.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
FOURTH
St Hilda Collery (W Halliwell)
FIFTH
Sowerby Bridge (W Halliwell)
SIXTH
Creswell Colliery (J Greenwood)
UNPLACED
Congleton Town (Conductor C Anderson)
6 Oct 1923
CONCERT – Bethesda (Paid £50)
W Thomas, Elfed Terrace, Bethesda
(Tea Provided)
14 Oct 1923
CONCERT – Northwich Bowlers (Paid £30)
T W Cowley, Bull Ring Chambers
(Tea Provided)
25 Oct 1923
One Evening Concert
Mr Carl Oliver, 18 Eastwood Place, Hanley
4 Nov 1923
CONCERT – Sandbach Widows and Orphans (Paid £30)
W Rosson Sec.
2 Dec 1923
LYCEUM THEATRE CREWE - FODEN'S MOTOR WORKS BAND
Conductor
Tom Hynes
Two Concerts for the Crewe Temperance Band (Paid £30)
Organised by F G Clark. 9 Cobden Street, Crewe
26 Aug 1923
###################################################################################
1924
Conductor
William Halliwell
###################################################################################
10 Jan 1924
CONCERT – Barnsley British Co-op Society (Paid £50)
Chas R Barham educational Department.
(Tea Included)
27 Jan 1924
CONCERT – New Brighton Tower (Paid £40)
Inspector J Bebbington Sec, Police Office, Wallasey
1 Mar 1924
CONCERT – Llandudno Season Extension Co (Paid £50)
E P Morris Esq. Lloyd House, Opposite Town Hall
2 Mar 1924
CONCERT – Rhyl Pavilion (60% = £12/6/3) (This concert would make a loss)
J W Jones Esq, Manager
16 Mar 1924
CONCERT – Hanley (Victoria Hall) (Paid £35)
Carl Oliver, 18 Eastwood Place, Hanley.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Wrexham (Paid £35)
D Harding Griffiths, Walnut Tree Hotel, Wrexham.
Apr 1924
A 78 recording of Lorelei (or Loreley)(Nasvadba arr J Ord Hume) and
Fearless (J Ord-Hume) was released with J Ord Hume conducting the Foden band.
(Regal G8134)
21 Apr 1924
CONCERT – Alton Towers (Paid £35)
Chas. Bunting, Woodlawn, Uttoxeter.
(Tea Provided) (see 9 June 1924)
24 May 1924
CONCERT – Alexandra Park, Oldham (Paid £40)
George Mottram, Superintendent etc.
25 May 1924
CONCERT – Shaw Nr Oldham (Paid £40)
F F Garside, Clark, Crompton Urban District Council, Shaw Nr Oldham
31 May 1924
(see 5 July 1924, 10 Aug 1924)
1 June 1924
Wm Price FRHS Superintendent
7 June 1924
COMPETITION – Blaenau Festiniog, Wales.
8 June 1924
Thomas Bickley, 17 High Street, Hanley
(Tea Provided)
9 June 1924
Chas. Bunting, Woodlawn, Uttoxeter.
(Tea Provided) (see 21 Apr 1924)
10 June 1924
CONCERT – Tamworth (Paid £50)
F Biddulph, 60 Wigginton Rd, Tamworth
12 June 1924
CONCERT – Stoke on Trent (Paid £25)
Mr Robinson, Cauldon Potteries, Cauldon Place, Stoke on Trent.
13 June 1924
CONCERT – Newhey Nr Rochdale (Paid £40 Plus 3 Meals)
W Howarth Sec. 6 gden Baptist Sunday School.
22, Huddersfield Road, Newhey.
14 June 1924
COMPETITION – Blackpool.
15 June 1924
F S Clay, Town Clark, Nuneaton
18 June 1924
Frank Webb (2nd Euphonium) left the Band (1913 to 18 June 1924)
19 June 1924
Alex Mortimer (Euphonium) joined the band at the rehearsal.
__________________________________________________________________________________
25 Mar 1924
ALEX MORTIMER Biography.
Born in Hebden Bridge in 1905
At the age of 10 Alex started playing various brass instruments on which he became proficient with the
Luton Red Cross Band.
In 1923 the Luton band along with Alex became the National Champions.
He became the Euphonium Soloist with Fodens Motor Works Band in June 1924 and continued with
the band until the 8 July 1943.
In 1924 he also joined the Halle Orchestra.
In 1934 he joined the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 1949 Alex joined the Scottish C.W.S. Band and later in the year became Musical Director of Black
Dyke Mills and winning the National Championships in 1951 with them
In 1954 Alex was appointed Musical director of C.W.S. Band (Manchester).
He also became an adjudicator and by 1959 he was a coach and teacher to fifteen bands.
In 1959 he was awarded the “Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians of the City of London”.
On the 14 January 1976 Alex Mortimer died at the age of 70.
RECORD MADE WITHOUT FODENS
C.W.S. (Manchester) Band
Rhapsody in Brass
Brass Bounty
Fontana TFL 5108 (Mono)
STFL 537
STFL 547
Fantasia
The Pick of Gilbert and Sullivan
STFL 576
STFL 5181
__________________________________________________________________________________
CONCERT – Sale and Ashton-on-Mersey Carnival (Paid £35)
Tom Howe 204, Northendon Road, Sale
(Tea Provided)
22 June 1924
CONCERT – Stamford Park, Stalybridge (Paid £40)
Samuel Turner, Sec Sup!
24 June 1924
CONCERT – Westfields Garden Party (Paid FREE)
28 June 1924
COMPETITION – Halifax.
29 June 1924
CONCERT – Haslingden (Paid £44)
Walter Musgrove, Town Clark Haslingden
5 July 1924
(see 31 May 1924, 10 Aug 1924)
6 July 1924
Thomas Brownson, Town Clerk
12 to 13 July 1924
CONCERT – Burton on Trent
Newhall, Burton on Trent (Paid £70 plus Board and Lodgings)
Joseph Salsome Sec. 14 Thorntree Lane, Newhall
18 July 1924
CONCERT – Stretford Town Hall Evening Concert (Paid £25)
(see Stretford Pageant 19 July 1924)
19 July 1924
CONCERT – Stretford Pageant (Paid £35)
H Alsop. Sec. Council Offices, Old Trafford.
(Tea Provided)
20 July 1924
W J Cattell, Park Superintendent
27 July to 9 Aug 1924
T E Wolstenholme, Publicity and Attractions Manager Town Hall, Southport.
10 Aug 1924
(see 31 May 1924, 5 July 1924)
11 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Widnes (Paid £37/10/0)
John Millar, 7 Mersey Road, Widnes.
13 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Wem (Paid £30)
Philip Lee, Wem sec.
(Tea Provided)
14 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Uttoxeter Show (Paid £40)
G Fletcher Bagshaw, Sec. Uttoxeter
(Tea Provided)
16 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Hugglescote (Paid £50)
J H Dean, 208 North Street, Hugglescote
(Tea Provided)
17 Aug 1924
F Todd, Estate Office, Trentham.
(Tea Provided)
23 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Rhosymedre (Nr Wrexham) (Paid £35)
R L Griffiths, Paris House, Rhosymedre
(Tea Provided)
24 Aug 1924
CONCERT – British Legion Leek (Paid £35)
G Gillman, Russell Street, Leek
(Tea Provided)
27 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Cheshire Agricultural Show, Chester. (Paid £35)
T A Beckett, Sec. St Werburgh Chambers.
28 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Widnes Park (Paid £25) CANCELLED (17/7/24)
One Evening Concert.
John Miller, 7, Mersey Road, Widnes
(POSSIBLY MOVED TO 11 AUG 1924)
31 Aug 1924
CONCERT – Northwich Hospital Sat Committee (Paid £30)
21 June 1924
A Daniels, Hon Secretary, New Street, Northwich.
(Tea Provided)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
1 Sept 1924
___________________________________________________________________________________
7 Sept 1924
CONCERT – Alton Towers Ltd (Paid £35)
Wm. R Bagshaw, Managing Director, 14 High Street, Uttoxeter.
(Tea Provided)
10 Sept 1924
CONCERT – Middlewich Show ((Paid £20)
James Elliott, Newton Lodge, Middlewich.
(Tea Provided)
11 Sept 1924
CONCERT – Welshpool Agricultural Association (Paid £50)
Messrs Morris, Marshall and Poole Secretaries Welshpool Mont.
(Tea Provided)
16 Sept 1924
CONCERT – Herbert Lee‟s Garden Party (Paid £8)
(Tea Provided and Conveyance)
18 Sept 1924
CONCERT – Oswestry Show (Paid £30)
G A Doody sec. Smithfield Street, Oswestry.
27 Sept 1924
Test Piece “On the Cornish Coast” by Henry Geehl.
RESULTS
FIRST
St. Hilda Colliery
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Newcastle Steel
5 Oct 1924
Mr A Daniels, New Street, Northwich.
(Tea Provided)
23 to 24 Oct 1924
CONCERT –
Blaenau Festiniog, Portmadre (Paid £67 with Board and Lodgings)
John S Jones, “Bryn Gwilyn” Peurthyndeudraeth, Merionethshire.
1 Nov 1924
CONCERT – Llandudno (Paid £75)
E P Morris, Sec. Lloyd House, (Opposite Town Hall) Llandudno.
9 Nov 1924
CONCERT – Hanley Choral Union (Paid £35)
(Tea Provided)
16 Nov 1924
CONCERT – Crewe Alexandra Football Club (Paid %)
Mr Hickton
24 Nov 1924
John Hills (John B Hills) (Bass) left the band. (1920 to 24 Nov 1924)
Dec 1924
William Foden decided to go to Australia to farm Sheep leaving Edwin (ERF) to look
after the band and to keep up the quality players. ERF decided some changes needed
to be made. Tom Hynes had been with the band for 10 Year‟s but he was becoming
tired of ideas and it looked like his time as a top band trainer was at an end.
Jim Thorpe as principal cornet was also losing his touch at the age of 40 while
Frank Thorpe (No relation to Jim Thorpe) had returned to the North East and his
replacements had not been satisfactory. The problem was solved by bringing into the
band three members of one family “The Mortimer Family”. They had achieved first
place with the Luton Red Cross Band at the 1924 Crystal Palace competition with
Fred Mortimer (aged 43) as Bandmaster, Harry Mortimer (Aged 22) their
Principal Cornet player and Alex Mortimer (aged 19) the Euphonium player.
1 Dec 1924
According to the band‟s signing in book the last rehearsal attended by Jim Thorpe
(James Thorpe Solo Cornet) was on the 1 December 1924.
However an article in September 1927 has him leaving the band after the Nationals.
(1909 to 1 Dec 1924 / 24 Sept 1927)
1 Dec 1924
Tom Hynes had been asked to resign as Bandmaster and Fred Mortimer was
appointed in his place.
Many of the old “Rimmer” band thought Hynes removal was a mistake.
They never rated Fred Mortimer as it was always “Mr Rimmer‟s Band” and
Harry Mortimer on Cornet was a poor substitute for Edwin Firth. Looking back they
may have been wrong but at the time any change to an established group would have
been thought of as hostile. (1913 to 1 Dec 1924)
8 Dec 1924
According to the Band Signing in Book Fred Mortimer attended his first rehearsal
on the 8 December 1924.
11Dec 1924
According to the Band Signing in Book Harry Mortimer attended his first rehearsal
on the 8 December 1924.
__________________________________________________________________________________
FRED MORTIMER Biography.
.b. 22 Nov 1880.
On the 17th of December 1924 Tom Hynes the Bandmaster and conductor of FODEN'S resigned after
ten Year‟s in charge of the band. By Christmas that year Fred Mortimer was spending his time flitting
between conducting the Luton Band and to Sandbach where the Foden family had purchased a house
for Mr Mortimer and his family to reside in. The house in Clifton Road housed Fred, his wife Sarah,
their sons Alex and Rex along with their sisters Marion, Nellie and Louise.
At first the Foden band resented the fact that they hadn't been consulted about the appointment of their
new conductor or the way the departure of Tom Hynes had been dealt with but after a while they came
to respect the whole Mortimer family and the band moved into a new fruitful era.
Fred had been born on the 22nd of November 1880 (St Cecilia‟s Day, the Patron Saint of Musicians)
at Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. He learnt to play the cornet at home along with his father who at the time
was playing the Baritone with the Wyke Temperance band. Fred would listen not only to his Fathers
band but also the Black Dyke Mills band and paid particular attention to conductor, John Gladney.
Aged 17 Fred started conducting the Hebden Bridge Band leaning the trade from William Rimmer.
At the age of 21 Fred became bandmaster of the band.
Fred Married Sarah Midgeley a „mender‟ in a Fustian mill (Which made corduroy) where by 1902 Fred
was a corduroy maker in the same mill in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire and his first son Harry Mortimer
was born. Fred‟s job at the mill involved walking a mile a day up and down a long shed making the
ridges in the cloth.
In 1911 Fred Mortimer decided to take a job with the Luton Red Cross Band taking his family with
him.
In 1923 the Luton Red Cross Band won the National Championship with the tune “Oliver Cromwell”
after which the Mortimer‟s named their house.
In 1924 Fred‟s son Alex made the move to Sandbach and the Foden Motor Works Band with his father
and the rest of the family following on some months later.
After his appointment in December 1924 with Fodens, Fred made his debut with the Band at the
Victoria Hall, Hanley on the 11 January 1925, along with the Potteries Choral Society. This was
followed three weeks later with a concert at Sandbach Town Hall.
Fred and Sarah moved into Clifton Road in 1924 along with Harry when he came to join the band, with
Harry staying until 1927 when he married Annie Bullock.
Fred became known as the “Wizard of the Baton” and by his two sons he was affectionately given the
name “The Wagabond King”.
Rehearsals with Fodens were overseen by E.R Foden who sat in the background behind a cloud of
cigar smoke. In would walk Fred Mortimer at the appointed time, having previously arranged with the
librarian what they were going to rehearse. He would then walk up to the rostrum and give a
peremptory rap on it with his baton and the band would strike up the first note on cue not having spent
any time greeting the band members.
If a member of the band played a wrong note the offending player was awarded an ancient putty medal.
The style of the band changed with Fred‟s influence moving from the Marching band sound to a more
orchestral or symphonic sound which other bands soon started to copy.
.d.
20 June 1953
The announcement about Fred's death was made while the band were playing in London along with
Rex and Harry Mortimer his son's. The band were playing in a set of concerts at Hyde park, London as
part of the Queen's Coronation celebrations and it was while they were there that the news came
through of Fred‟s death. Principal Cornet player Teddy (Ted) Gray had to find a replacement conductor
for the rest of the days concerts as Harry (Conductor) and his brother (Rex - Bandmaster) returned
home to console their mother. The immediate stop gap was Bob Shepley the 3rd Cornet player in the
band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
HARRY MORTIMER Biography.
Born on the 10 April 1902 in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.
Harry was named after his grandfather a respected brass band player and conductor just like his father
Fred.
Harry‟s early education was at Stubbings School, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.
At the age of eight Harry learnt to play the Cornet in the Yorkshire Town of Hebden Bridge where his
father Fred was the conductor of the local band.
At the age of 9 Harry was given permission by the Hebden Bridge Village band to be given a Cornet to
learn to play on. Within a year Harrry had gained his first success, winning his first medal, one of 35 he
is said to have won before he left his teenage Year‟s behind.
In 1911 Fred Mortimer decided to take a job with the Luton Red Cross Band and Harry followed him,
playing cornet with the band his father was conducting. In those early days Harry was so small he had
to stand on a ginger beer box to do his solos.
Harry went to the Old Bedford Road Boys‟ School in Luton.
In 1913 Harry Mortimer made his debut as a Cornet Player in the “National Championships” playing
“Labour and Love” at the age of 11.
In 1915 Harry left school to be taught music by trainer and composer William Rimmer. Harry‟s first
paid job was as an office boy for the Great Northern Railway moving after a short while to the same
job at Vauxhall Motors.
In 1916 Harry became the conductor of a Junior band which he lead them to a third prize in a local
contest and which had been led by his father.
With the Luton Red Cross Band, Fred and Harry won four prizes.
1920 (4th Prize), 1921 (6th Prize), 1922 (2nd Prize) and 1923 when they came first the first time
that a Southern Band had won the Crystal Palace championships.
While at Luton, Harry also played as part of the local Luton Palace Orchestra (Theatre) and worked
with his professional coach William Halliwell to help the Luton band to their Crystal palace win in
1923.
The Grand Festival Concert in 1924 featured Harry playing a solo named “Shylock”.
Apart from two years at Mansfield Coliery band Harry stayed with the Luton band until 1925.
In 1924 Harry‟s father Fred moved his family to Sandbach and the start of an association with Fodens
Motor Works Brass Band that would continue until his death. Harry made his debut with the band on
the 29 December 1924 when he attended his first rehearsal in Sandbach.
His success with Fodens were 1925 (6th Place), 1928 (4th Place), 1930 (1st Place), 1931 (6th Place) 1932
(1st Place), 1933 (1st Place), 1934 (1st Place), 1936 (1st Place), 1937 (1st Place) and 1938 (1st Place).
Harry became the first Principal Cornet player to lead a band into two “Hat Tricks” at the Nationals
(1932-1934 and 1936-1938).
When Harry joined Fodens he was a bachelor as had Edwin Firth been in 1909. It seems traditional that
all new band members who were unattached were matched up by Edwin Foden with one of his
daughters. At the age of 23 (1925) Harry was offered a choice of the Foden girls but managed to
decline their advances.
On the 20 June 1927 Harry married Annie Bullock (nee Blissett .b. 1904/4 .D. c1984) a drapery
assistant and the daughter of Jack Blissett of Elworth. Harry and Anne went on to have two daughters,
Brenda and Margaret.
Between 1924 and 12 o'clock midnight, on October 30th 1928 the Majestic Cinema Stoke housed a
new BBC Station 6ST an experimental Local Radio station set up to see if local radio is a viable
possibility. The programme director of 6ST was broadcaster John Snagg who went on to become one
of the best-known voices on the BBC. Harry was asked to appear on the new station as a solo artist
(Cheaper for the BBC to hire one player rather than a whole band) along with the Potteries Choir
Society conducted by local celebrity and writer Carl Oliver with the programme being introduced by
John Snagg. Unfortunately this was one of a number of test stations for the BBC and the forerunner of
BBC Radio Stoke (Launched in 1968) and was not listened to by the public as few knew about it or had
radios in the Staffordshire area.
In October 1927 Harry Morimer became the new postmaster at Elworth Post Office taking over from
Mrs Bicktill.
Before 1929 Harry was taking on so much work with local bands that it was effecting his playing and
Fred Mortimer and William Halliwell decided that he should take a break and sent him to take an
enforced break by sending him to Abram Colliery Near Wigan (Formed in 1919 by Lieutenant Colonel
Ernest Hart a colliery owner. In 1936 after a local reorganisation the band became known as
“Bickershaw Colliery”) to get back into form.
In 1927 Sir Hamilton Harty invited Harry to be 3rd trumpeter with the Halle.
In 1928 to 1930 Harry joined the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra moving back to Manchester
in 1930 when he was welcomed back to the Halle as principal trumpet (1930 to 1941).
While with Fodens Harry got a good reputation as a Solo cornet player and was hired by a number of
smaller bands to help them win various competitions. As this brought in extra money Harry thought
nothing of this practice of using a “Borrowed man”. That was until a job on the Isle of Man. All had
gone well and the band Harry played with walked off with first prize. On the way back on the ferry
Harry was feeling a little ill and decided to hide himself under a green tarpaulin in one of the lifeboats
when two band members from another band passed by and noticed a person hiding. “Hey, Charlie,
who‟s that under the tarpaulin?” said one of them, with the reply “I don‟t know, but I hope it‟s that
bugger Mortimer. He deserves to drown, playing against us little bands in the way he does!”. This
eureka moment changed Harry‟s mind about the fairness of “Borrowed men” helping bands to win. On
the 4th August 1928 he wrote to “The British Bandsman” suggesting ringers be disqualified from taking
part. Eventually 17 years later his appeals were put into practice.
In 1931 Harry conducted his first band at the May Festival at Belle Vue when he took the Leek British
Legion Band there.
The Grand Festival Concert featured Harry playing solo cornet in 1930 “The Warrior”, 1931
“Romanza” and “Warblings” and in 1938 he played “Alpine Meadows” at Windsor Castle for the King
and his family.
In 1933 Harry conducted three bands at Belle Vue when he took Burbage Nr Buxton, Congleton and
Llangollen towards the prizes.
Other local bands Harry conducted were Knutsford, Leek British Legion
Harry would also be part of the BBC Northern Orchestra joining them in 1935 where he stated until
1939 among the other jobs he had.
Between 1936 and 1940 Harry held the position of Professor of Trumpet at the Royal Manchester
College of Music.
In 1936 Harry was appointed Musical Director of the Fairey Aviation Band a post he continued with
until 1971 when he became musical advisor.
In 1938 Harry left Fodens as a cornet player just after the National Championships.
In 1942 Anne and Harry parted due to his commitments in London; however they stayed friends
(officially divorcing in 1951).
In 1942 Harry Mortimer left Fodens Motor Works Band.
It was in 1942 that at the suggestion of Sir Arthur Bliss, Harry joined the BBC as their Brass and
Military Band supervisor. He held this role with the BBC until his retirement some 20 Years later
(1964) advising on all matters connected with the brass band world and supervising the output on the
air. In this role he was responsible for generating a larger output of brass band music from the
broadcaster and it was also in this role that he started putting together players from various bands in a
format that would later become his “All Star Brass Band” and eventually the “Men O‟ Brass”.
Harry Mortimer became a byword at the BBC and he was known for sometimes having explosive rows
with management about his programmes. On one occasion he was asked to postpone two of his
programmes as the BBC wanted to broadcast Wimbledon live. The tennis had to wait for Harry‟s
programmes to end.
In 1941 Harry won the British Open Championship as conductor with Fairey Aviation but it wasn‟t
until after the war in 1945 that he started his reign of success as a conductor with a number of Bands
coming in first place. (see Below)
The BBC launched the “Third Programme” on the 29 Sept 1946 and in 1948 Harry conducted the
Fairey Aviation Band in the first brass band concert on the channel.
Between 1949 and 1955 and again in 1981, Harry Mortimer was guest conductor at the “Grand Festival
Concert” following the “National Championships”.
In 1950 Harry Mortimer was awarded the OBE.
After his divorce in 1951 Harry married (Hilda) Margaret Bailey (.b. 1917 .D. 1999), a personal
assistant from Yorkshire working for the BBC. They had one son, Martin.
In 1951 having worked with a number of bands he decided to form an “All Star Concert band” with the
best players from a number of bands including Fodens. They recorded a total of 17 Single 78‟s and 16
Single 45‟s starting in 1952.
During 1956 Harry was persuaded to go to Australia by the BBC to become the Adjudicator for a
number of Brass Band Concerts there.
In 1958 the format of his “All Star Concert band” changed because there were too many bands to be
contacted every time he wanted to arrange a concert and so he cut the bands down to three with
Foden‟s, Faireys and Morris Motor‟s making up what became known as the “Men O‟Brass” which he
conducted on 28 LP‟s between 1958 and 1978. (Some Biographies put this change at 1953)
The name “Men O‟ Brass” came from a newspaper columnist called Hannen Swaffer who had once
described Harry Mortimer as “That Man of Brass” in the Daily Herald.
The Men O‟ Brass adopted the “Opening Fanfare” by George Hespe as their signature tune with the
Gallop and Finale from the William Tell Overture providing the crescendo at the end of their concerts.
In 1961 the Men O‟ Brass went on tour to Canada. The various companies agreed to the tour on the
condition that Harry pays their wages. Harry agreed and while the band members were on tour he
arranged for the usual payments to be sent to their wives of the players according to the band members
wishes, some of whom only wanted their wives to have the usual amount they themselves gave them
each week with the rest of the money being paid to them on the tour. The band also had to get to
Canada and so Harry hired a BOAC plane to get them to the other side of the Atlantic. The plane was
due to take off at night after the band had said goodbye to their families and had made a farewell
broadcast from the BBC‟s Maida vale Studios in London.
In 1964 Harry‟s job as band supervisor with the BBC ended.
In 1970 the Men O‟Brass recorded “Cathedral Brass” at Worcester Cathedral along with organist
Christopher Robinson. Harry considered this his favourite album with “Jesu Joy of Man Desires” being
his favourite track.
In 1971 Harry hung up his baton as Musical Director of the Fairey Band.
Between 1976 and 1991 Harry directed operations for the “British Open Championships” after the
owners of Belle Vue were keen to get rid of organising the extra activities at the venue and gave the
Rights to the British Open to Harry for him to take control.
During 1977 Harry Mortimer celebrated his 75 th Birthday. On the 10 April Morris Motors Band with
whom Harry had been associated with for the last 32 Years, played its 501st broadcast on the BBC.
The Men O‟ Brass were taken on tour to Utrect in Holland for a celebratory concert.
In 1977 as part of the Queen‟s Silver Jubilee, Harry was responsible for providing a Massed Band
concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
In 1981 Harry Mortimer published his biography “Harry Mortimer On Brass” written with the
assistance of Alan Lynton.
In 1984 Harry Mortimer was awarded the CBE and in1987 he was given a fellowship from the Royal
Northern College of Music (Manchester) and an honorary Doctorate from Salford University in 1988.
Harry Mortimer died on the 23 January 1992 at his home, 50 Ladbroke Grove, London.
Harry left his body to medical science and his remains were finally returned to the family for cremation
in Streatham Vale on the 25 January 1995. His asked were scattered in the private garden behind his
home in London where a tree was planted and a memorial plaque was unveiled in his honour.
At the 150th “British Open Championships” held at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham they paid
tribute to the man who was born 100 Years ago.
FAMILY
Wife 1.
Annie Bullock (nee Blissett .b. 1904/4 .D. c1984)
(Married 20 June 1927 Divorced in 1942)
Wife 2.
(Hilda) Margaret Bailey (.b. 1917 .D. 1999) Married 1951.
Daughter
Brenda Mullins
Margaret Beard (Lives in Haslington)
Son
Martin (Mother Margaret)
CONCERT SUCCESS AS CONDUCTOR
REGIONAL QUALIFYING CONTESTS.
1945 North West – Fairey Aviation (2nd Place)
1947 North East – Black Dyke Mills (1st Place)
1947 North West – Fairey Aviation (1st Place)
1949 London and Southern Counties – Morris Motors (1st Place)
1950 North West – Fodens (1st Place)
1952 London and Southern Counties – Morris Motors (2nd Place)
1955 North East – Black Dyke Mills (1st Place)
1955 Midlands – Munn and Feltons (1st Place)
1955 Midlands – Ransomes and Marles (2nd Place)
1957 North West – Fodens (2nd Place)
1957 Midlands – Munn and Feltons (1st Place)
“NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS”
1945 Fairey Aviation (1st Place)
1946 Fairey Aviation (2nd Place)
1948 Black Dyke Mills (1st Place)
1949 Black Dyke Mills (1st Place)
1949 Fodens Motor Works (2nd Place)
1950 Fodens Motor Works (1st Place)
1951 Fairey Aviation (4th Place)
1952 Morris Motors (5th Place)
1953 Fodens Motor Works (1st Place)
1954 Fodens Motor Works (3rd Place)
1955 Munn and Feltons (1st Place)
1955 Black Dyke Mills (5th Place)
1955 Morris Motors (6th Place)
“BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS”
1936 Luton Red Cross (3rd)
1937 Baxendales (5th)
1937 Luton Red Cross (6th)
1940 ICI (Alkali) (6th)
1941 ICI (Alkali) (6th Place)
1942 Brighouse and Rastrick (4th Place)
1943 Brighouse and Rastrick (4th Place)
1945 Bickershaw Colliery (3rd Place)
1946 Bickershaw Colliery (1st Place)
1947 Bickershaw Colliery (5th Place)
1947 Black Dyke Mills (6th Place)
1953 Fodens Motor Works (5th Place)
1954-55 No placings.
RECORDINGS
Luton Red Cross (7 Records – 1 as Solo Cornet)
Fodens Motor Works Band (56 Records -14 as Solo Cornet)
Orchestral works (4 Records – 4 as Solo Cornet)
Massed bands (28 records)
Mark Foden (Alias for Harry Mortimer) (2 Records on Cornet)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Dec 1924
Over the Christmas period Fred Mortimer finished off his contract with Luton Red
Cross by playing a number of Carol Services and concerts in the area. Once this was
done he moved the family to a house at Clifton Road, Elworth, Sandbach owned by
the Foden Company.
On the 29 December 1924 Fred held his first rehearsal with the band with sons
Harry and Alex joining him. Alex had actually been the first of the family to
have been approached by Fodens offering him 1 st Euphonium (He had been 2nd with
Luton) with the band, hoping this sweetener would also entice his father and brother.
It worked and the whole family were soon involved with the band.
MORTIMER FAMILY
Fred Mortimer (Head) (.b. 22 Nov 1880 at Hebden Bridge)
Sarah Mortimer (Wife)
Harry Mortimer (Children)
Alex Mortimer (Children)
Rex Mortimer (Children)
Marion Mortimer (Children)
Nellie Mortimer (Children)
Louise Mortimer (Children)
The band resented the addition of the Mortimer family and in particular the way
Tom Hynes had gone so quickly. (see Fred Mortimer Biography)
###################################################################################
1925
Conductor
Fred Mortimer / William Halliwell
###################################################################################
January 1925
NEW APPOINTMENTS (see 1924)
Fred Mortimer (aged 43 Bandmaster)
Harry Mortimer (Aged 22 Principal Cornet)
Alex Mortimer (aged 19 Solo Euphonium Player).
10 Jan 1925
QUARTET CONTEST - Birmingham Kings Head
Quartet No 2
First Prize (£3)
11 Jan 1925
VICTORIA HALL, Hanley
Fred Mortimer‟s Debut with the band in a concert along with the
Potteries Choral Society. (Paid £35)
Two Concerts (Afternoon, Evening)
(Tea Provided)
_________________________________________________________________________________
EXTRA INFORMATION
11 January 1925
The famous brass band conductor Fred Mortimer made his debut with the Foden‟s Brass Band at the
Victoria Hall, Hanley on the 11 January 1925 along with the Potteries Choral Society followed three
weeks later with a concert at Sandbach Town Hall.
___________________________________________________________________________________
22 Jan 1925
As above
Harold Stubbs (2nd Trombone) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(22 Jan 1925 to 18 Jan 1945)
Robert / Bob Knott (aged 19 Solo Trombone) joined on the 22 Jan 1925.
Bob had been with the Hollingwood Band, Shaw Band (Principal trombone aged 17),
and Penketh Tannery.
___________________________________________________________________________________
ROBERT KNOTT Biography. (Bob Knott)
Robert first joined the Hollinwood Public Brass Band after starting to play the Trombone at the age of
13 Years.
After two years he transferred to Shaw Public Brass band in the role of second trombone.
At the age of 17 he took on the role of Principal Trombone and continued in the role until he joined
Fodens Motor Works Band two years later (22 Jan 1925).
Robert has the distinction of having participated in all contests of note until 1936 which included three
Championship contests at Belle Vue, Manchester when the band won the cup outright and he holds
four medals for the Championship section at the Crystal Palace, London.
On the 18 July 1940 Bob Knott gave up the band as work commitments made it difficult to continue
with rehearsals. Bob had been appointed Tool-Room Foreman and as Manager he felt he was unable to
miss any of the Band Practices.
(Edited from a 1936 history of the Foden Motor Works Band with added information from Bram Gay)
___________________________________________________________________________________
31 Jan 1925
1 Feb 1925
1925
22 Feb 1925
8 Mar 1925
14 Mar 1925
21 Mar 1925
22 Mar 1925
28 Mar 1925
4 Apr 1925
8 Apr 1925
16 May 1925
17 May 1925
24 May 1925
CONCERT – Bethesda Oddfellows Society (Paid £50)
W Thomas. 9 Elfed Terrace, Bethesda.
Two Concerts (Afternoon and Evening)
(Tea Provided)
SANDBACH TOWN HALL for the Sandbach Widows and Orphans fund.
It was organised by Mr Jones.
Conductor Fred Mortimer (1st Concert in Sandbach).
Incl;
Cleopatra
The Acrobat (Bob Knott Trombone Solo)
Establishing himself in the band Fred Mortimer demanded a very high standard, not
only in playing but also appearance and introduced an attendance book to make sure
everyone turned up for concerts, rehearsals and other events.
CONCERT – New Brighton Shareholders and Supporters Club (Paid £30)
G H Walker 49 Victoria Road, New Brighton
CONCERT – LYCEUM THEATRE Crewe. (Paid £28/5/0)
Concert in aid of the Wheelock Heath Silver Prize Band for new instruments
and uniforms. The band were paid 50/50%.
With their new conductor Mr Fred Mortimer (1st appearance in Crewe Theatre)
QUARTET CONTEST - Birmingham Met
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£3/10/0)
QUARTET CONTEST - Liverpool Wards
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Shield) (£2/2/0)
Quartet No 3
First Second Section (£1/10/0)
CONCERT – Potteries Choral Society (Paid £35)
Two Concerts (Possibly at the Victoria Hall, Hanley)
(Tea Provided)
QUARTET CONTEST - Harbourne
Quartet No 2
QUARTET CONTEST - Bulkington (Nr Coventry, Warwick)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Cup) (£4/10/0)
Matthew Cullen rejoined the band after a break (2nd Trombone / E flat bass)
(Joined in 1913 left pre 1923)
CONCERT – Buxton Pavilion (Paid 50 / 50% = £20)
8 Shield House,
F A Hastings, General Manager
(Tea Provided)
F Todd Estate Office, Trentham
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Bainsley (Paid £50)
T Butler, 41 Sackville Street.
H S Chatty, Alton, Stoke on Trent
(Tea Provided)
1 June 1925
F Todd, Estate Office.
(Tea Provided)
3 June 1925
COMPETITION – Berriew.
The band came First winning £38/3/0
5 June 1925
CONCERT – Newhey Nr Rochdale, Whit Friday (Paid £40 Plus 3 Meals)
(Friday)
W Howarth, 22 Huddensfield Road, Newhey.
7 June 1925
W Fuce, Parks Superintendent, Stockport.
3 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm.
8 June 1925
CONCERT – Wembley 2% House Penday (Paid £225 for 3 days)
W C Bussey, Controller Administration Services
(see 10, 13 June 1925)
10 June 1925
CONCERT – Wembley (Paid £225 for 3 days)
(see 8, 13 June 1925)
13 June 1925
CONCERT – Wembley (Paid £225 for 3 days)
(see 8, 10 June 1925)
14 June 1925
Haslingden (Victoria Park Concerts) (Paid £44) CANCELLED (see below)
14 to 19 June 1925
CONCERT – Douglas Isle of Man (Paid £210)
Paid £200 plus £10 added from Carnival.
Noah Moore, Villa Marina
20 June 1925
Grace Mottram, Park Superintendent
21 June 1925
A Daniels, New Street.
23 June 1925
CONCERT – Sandbach Weslyan Chapel, Garden Party (Paid Gratis)
W Twemlow
27 to 28 June 1925
CONCERT – The Groves, Chester (Paid £20)
S P Davies, Sec Band Committee, Town Hall.
28 June 1925
Leek (British Legion) 2 Concerts (Paid £35) CANCELLED
G Gilman, Russell Street, Leek.
4 July 1925
CONCERT – Wilmslow Carnival (Paid £35)
Sec. Tom Passant, Grove Street, Wilmslow.
(Tea Provided)
5 July 1925
CONCERT – Nuneaton (2 Concerts) (Paid £50)
F S Clays, Town Clark.
9 July 1925
CONCERT – Halifax (Paid £48/10/0)
Percy Saunders, Town Clerk.
11 to 12 July 1925
CONCERT – Burton on Trent
Newhall, Burton on Trent (Paid £70 Plus Board and Lodgings)
13 to 18 July 1925
CONCERT – Belfast, Belle Vue Gardens (Paid £225)
S Carlisle, Belfast City Tramways, Sandy Row.
25 July 1925
CONCERT – Chester The Groves (Paid £20)
S P Davies, Sec, Band Committee, Town Hall, Chester
CONCERT – Southport Lord Street (Paid £375)
9 Aug 1925
CONCERT – Stayleybridge, Stanford Park (Paid £40)
S Turner, Parks Superintendent
12 Aug 1925
CONCERT – Liverpool Sefton Park (Paid £40)
Albert D Jenkins, Municipal Buildings.
16 Aug 1925
F Todd, Estate Office.
(Tea Provided)
22 Aug 1925
S P Davies
23 Aug 1925
CONCERT – Hyde Park, 2 Concerts (Paid £40)
T Brownson, Town Clark (Cheshire)
31 May 1925
CONCERT – Cannock Chase (Paid £40)
J Bind, “Riley” Salford Road, Cannock
(Tea Provided)
25 Aug 1925
CONCERT – Bolesworth, Tattenhall, Chester (Paid £35)
Robert Barbour, Bolesworth Castle.
(Tea Provided)
29 Aug 1925
CONCERT – Alton Towers, Alton, Stoke on Trent (Paid £35)
C H Cowisham
(Tea Provided)
7 Sept 1925
The band entered the competition again with the test piece “Macbeth” by
Dr Thomas Keighley from the Royal Manchester College of Music.
The band came Third under the Mortimer / Halliwell partnership.
They won £48 / 18 / 0.
Test Piece “Macbeth” by Dr Thomas Keighley
FIRST
Creswell Colliery
SECOND
Nutgrove
THIRD
9 Sept 1925
Reg Moores Joined the band (WH). He formally joined on a regular basis
on the 6 October 1925.
10 Sept 1925
CONCERT – Brampton Agricultural Society (Paid £70)
F W Cheesebrough, Brampton.
(Lunch and Tea Provided)
13 Sept 1925
CONCERT – Heywood Medical Charities (Paid £40)
Walter Duckworth, Chairman, Brooklands Heywood.
(Tea Provided)
26 Sept 1925
Test piece “Joan of Arc”.
Coming sixth the band won £15/15/0
RESULTS
FIRST
Marsden Colliery
SECOND
Irwell Colliery
THIRD
South Moor Colliery
Fodens Motor Works were SIXTH.
19 Oct 1925
E Radburn (Unkn) left the band. (8 Feb 1923 to 19 Oct 1925)
25 Oct 1925
Sandbach Widows and Orphans (Possibly at the Town Hall) (Paid Gratis)
18 Nov 1925
CONCERT – Elworth Memorial Service. (Paid Gratis)
22 Nov 1925
CONCERT – Victoria Hall Hanley – 2 Concerts (Paid £35)
With the Potteries Choral Society.
27 Nov 1925
QUARTET CONTEST - Liverpool Rushworth and Dreapers
Quartet No 2
First Prize (Shield and Gold Medal) (£2/10/0)
5 Dec 1925
QUARTET CONTEST - Royton
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£30)
5 Dec 1925
QUARTET CONTEST - Wolverhampton
Quartet No 2
First Prize (Cup) (£5)
13 Dec 1925
CONCERT – Burslem
Mayor‟s Charities Committee Burslem – One Concert (Paid £25)
Fred Preston, 36 Robinson Ave, Nettlebank, Smallthorne, Stoke on Trent.
19 to 20 Dec 1925
CONCERT – Blackpool Tower (Paid £70 Plus Board and Lodgings)
3 Concerts
George Morris, Bandmaster, Blackpool Temperance Band, 141Palatine Rd.
27 Dec 1925
CONCERT – Leicester – Two Concerts (Paid £60)
J Staynes, Deputy Town Clark, Town Hall, Leicester
From Besses.
24 Aug 1925
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1926
Conductor
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9 Jan 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Wingates (Greater Manchester?)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£4)
Quartet No 2
Second Prize (£2/10/0)
16 Jan 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Heywood
Quartet No 1
Second Prize (£2)
Quartet No 2
First Prize (£3)
24 Jan 1926
CONCERT – Hanley Choral Society (Paid £35)
Carl Oliver, 18 Eastwood Place Hanley (Possibly at the Victoria Hall)
(Tea Provided)
6 Feb 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Darnall (Sheffield)
No1
First Prize (£3)
Quartet No 2
Third Place (£2)
13 Feb 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Litherland (Nr Crosby, Merseyside)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Shield) (£3)
Quartet No 2
Second Prize (£2)
27 Feb 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Woodgate
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£3)
28 Feb 1926
CONCERT – NEW THEATRE Crewe. (Lyceum Crewe)
Crewe Theatre, 2 Concerts 3pm and 8pm (Paid 50% of Takings after Tax = £21/6/10)
Mr Spurgin, Manager New Theatre (Mr Malcolm Spurgin)
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
1926
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Principal Cornet Harry Mortimer
Solo Cornet
Jim Thorpe
Solo Cornet
Charlie Dawson
Solo Cornet
Herbert Harrison
Soprano Cornet George Clark
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Repiano Cornet Reg Moores
2nd Cornet
Bob Shepley
2nd Cornet
(Edwin) Ted Statham
3rd Cornet
Ted Jenkins
2nd Cornet
Horace Brookes (left 4 Apr 1927)
Cornet
A Stubbs (Pre 1923 to 7 Oct 1926)
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill
Horn
F Halford (Pre 1923 to 27 Aug 1927)
Solo Baritone
Albert Statham
2nd Baritone
Basil Stokes
Solo Trombone Bob Knott
2nd Trombone
Harold Stubbs
Bass Trombone Joe Moores
Solo Euphonium Alex Mortimer
E Flat Bass
Matt Cullen
E Flat Bass
Alex Hilton
B Flat Bass
Joe Poole
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums
Percy Lawton
11 Mar 1926
Basil Stokes (2nd Baritone) joined the band for the 11 Mar 1926 rehearsal
and possibly the concert at the Lyceum.
___________________________________________________________________________________
BASIL STOKES Biography.
“Bas” as he was known to his friends was born in the Midlands. In the 1920‟s when work was short he
moved to the West Country before in 1925 he became a member of the Foden band playing second
Baritone and the Eb Bass.
Basil was a skilled metalworker and was set to work in the factory as well as being housed by the
“Works”.
In the 1930‟s Basil toured with the band to South Africa and was also involved in a heavy workload
touring the seaside resorts like Eastbourne and Scarborough. Bandsmen would briefly meet their wives
on Sandbach Railway Station before they went on to the next venue, leaving their laundry with their
family while picking up some clean clothes.
When Basil left Foden‟s he went on to teach Brass instruments in various schools in the Crewe area.
Basil conducted the Crewe Co-op Band and the Crewe ATC Squadron from the time of World War II
until the 1970‟s. Basil had taken over the ATC band from Harry Mortimer when he had become part of
ENSA and had started working for the BBC.
___________________________________________________________________________________
13 Mar 1926
Crewe Chronicle.
Fodens Band is to broadcast from the BBC in Manchester for the first time,
on the 8th April 1926. All previous “Overtures” to secure the services of the band
failed as the fee offered was too low. On Sunday 14 March 1926 the quartet
performed on the radio and was distinctly heard in Elworth.
14 Mar 1926
CONCERT – Wallasey Hippodrome (Paid £40/8/0)
Inspector Bebbington, Central Police Office.
(Tea Provided)
14 Mar 1926
BROADCAST – The Quartet broadcast on the BBC (See 13 March article).
27 Mar 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Prestolee (Nr Prestwich Greater Manchester)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Reduced to £1/10/0)
27 Mar 1926
Quartet No 2
First Prize (Shield) (£2/2/0)
2 Apr 1926
CONCERT – Buxton Pavilion Gardens (Paid 50% of Takings = £20)
(Good Friday) F A Hastings, Manager (£20 Guarantee and Tea Provided)
8 Apr 1926
BROADCAST – Manchester Broadcasting Station (Paid £15/15/0)
G H Moulson, Musical Director, The Parsonage.
Fodens Motor Works did their first Broadcast for the BBC.
The producers asked the band to pick a piece of music (Theme) to start and finish the
broadcast with. They chose “The Cossack” by William Rimmer which they have
used now in over 500 broadcasts and still use today to start many of their concerts.
17 Apr 1926
Quartet No 1
24 Apr 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Birmingham
Quartet No 2
First Prize (£3)
2 May 1926
C H Cowishaw, Uttoxeter
(Tea Provided)
9 May 1926
F Todd, Estate Agent
(Tea Provided)
16 May 1926
CONCERT – Leigh Park, Two Concerts 3pm and 7.30pm (Paid £40)
Thomas B Bamber, Town Clerk
23 to 24 May 1926
CONCERT – Halifax Peoples Park (Paid £95)
Percy Bamber, Town Clerk
29 May 1926
COMPETITION – Leigh, Lancashire.
The first recorded appearance of Fred Mortimer as Bandmaster during a competition.
For the event Mr William Halliwell received £3 with Fred Mortimer being paid £2 in
expences.
30 May 1926
CONCERT – Wakefield (Paid £50)
C A Allibone, Town Clark, Wakefield
5 June 1926
CONCERT – Daneswood Park, Crompton (Paid £40)
F F Gartside, Town Clark, Shaw, Oldham
10 June 1926
CONCERT – Town Park, Stockport (Paid £40)
2 Concerts
13 to 18 June 1926
CONCERT – Douglas Villa Marina Isle of Man (Paid £210)
Paid £200 plus £10 added from Carnival.
Noah Moore, Villa Marina Manager
20 June 1926
22 June 1926
CONCERT – Westfields Garden Party, Sandbach (Paid £15)
Mr Twemlow
27 June 1926
CONCERT – Leek Park (Paid £35)
Harold Henshaw, Town Clark
3 July 1926
CONCERT – The Groves, Chester. One Concert (Paid £20)
S P Davies
4 July 1926
CONCERT – Haslingdon Victoria Park – 2 Concerts (Paid £44)
Mr Musgrove, Town Clark
8 July 1926
CONCERT – Queen‟s Park Blackburn 3pm and 7.30pm (Paid £44)
Sir Lewis Beard, Town Clark
11 July 1926
William Price, Park Superintendent
17 July 1926
CONCERT – Knutsford Liberal Association (Paid £30)
H Cliffe, Secretary 40 South King Street, Manchester.
2.30pm to 8.30pm
(Tea Provided)
18 July 1926
CONCERT – Rhyl
Rhyl Pavilion and Garden Two Concerts (Paid 60% = £36/16/9)
J W Jones, Manager
25 July 1926
1 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Blackpool Winter Gardens 2 Concerts (Paid £60)
C T Hutchinson, Manager
2 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Co-operative Society (Paid £60)
(Bank Holiday) F Huckle Secretary Central Office, 12 South Street, Ilkeston
3 Aug 1926
F Todd, Estate Agent Trentham.
5 Aug 1926
(Tea Provided)
7 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Frodsham Agricultural Society (Paid £35)
Stanley Dennett, Kingsway, Frodsham
(Tea Provided)
8 Aug 1926
Geo. Mottram, Park Superintendent
9 to 14 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Liverpool Parks – Two Concerts per day (Paid £200)
Albert D Jenkins, Supervisor Municipal Buildings, Liverpool.
15 Aug 1926
Samuel Turner, Superintendent
18 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Queens Park Bolton (Paid £40)
Parks Nurseries
Thomas Bent, Parks Superintendent, Heaton Cemetery
21 to 22 Aug 1926
CONCERT – The Groves, Chester (Paid £20 each concert)
S P Davies, Town Hall, Chester
25 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Cheshire Show (Paid £35)
2pm to 6pm
T A Beckett Sec, St Wenburgh Chambers Chester.
26 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Ruthin Show Society (Paid £40)
John J Butler Sec. Bryn Siriel Nr Ruthin 12.30pm start.
(Tea Provided)
29 Aug 1926
CONCERT – Hyde Park (Paid £40)
Thomas Bronson Town Clark, Hyde.
5 Sept 1926
(Tea Provided)
6 Sept 1926
(Gold Trophy)
Test Piece “A Midsummer Nights Dream” by Dr Thomas Keighley.
FIRST
Fodens Motor Works Band. (W Halliwell)
SECOND
THIRD
St Hilda Colliery (W Halliwell)
FOURTH
Australian Commonwealth (A H Baile)
Sixth
Unplaced
Unplaced
Sowerby Bridge (W Halliwell)
The competition also saw the introduction of seating at a competition when the
Australian Commonwealth Band (Placed 4th) came on stage with a seat each and then
sat down to play, much to the disgust of the older banding fraternity. Previous to this
all the bands had to stand up to perform but the Australians set a new style with their
crescent shaped seating arrangements. This was not immediately taken up by other
bands but it did start a new trend which would eventually become the norm.
12 to 18 Sept 1926
T E Wolstenholme, Attractions Manager Town Hall, Southport.
19 Sept 1926
(Tea Provided)
25 Sept 1926
Test piece “An Epic Symphony” by Percy Fletcher.
RESULTS
FIRST
St Hilda Colliery
SECOND
Carlisle St. Stephens
THIRD
Wingates Temperence
1926
By this time Fred Mortimer had formed a new look Quartet.
Harry Mortimer (Cornet)
Bob Shepley (Cornet)
Arthur Webb Snr (Horn)
Alex Mortimer (Euphonium)
This combination went on to win 26 consecutive contests.
26 Sept 1926
BBC London (Paid £30)
26 Sept 1926
CONCERT – Findbury Park Empire (Paid £40)
27 Sept 1926
Edison Bell Recording Department (Paid £60)
J Bathen Musical Director, Bangalows House, 1 Newton Street, Holton, London
The Edison Bell Company was impressed with the bands performance at the
Nationals and decided to put the performance onto record for release before
Christmas 1926. The recordings were made and released on the “Winner” Label.
CONDUCTOR Fred Mortimer
10” and 12” 78 recordings
Nov 1926
An Epic Symphony (Part 1)
Winner
4505
4505 b
Nov 1926
Winner
4506
A Commonwealth March
4506 b
Nov 1926
A Midsummer Nights Dream (Part 1) Winner
4507
A Midsummer Nights Dream (Part 2)
4507 b
27 Sept 1926
CONCERT – National Band Club (Paid £30 Reduced to £20)
J H Richenside 7 Queen Victoria Street, London
7 Oct 1926
A Stubbs (Cornet) left the band. (Pre 1923 to 7 Oct 1926)
20 Oct 1926
ROYAL CONCERT – Nr Nantwich
Reaseheath Hall – H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (Paid Gratis)
F F Polson Director of Education, County Office, City Road, Chester.
630
20 Oct 1926
CONCERT – Reaseheath Hall, Near Crewe.
The performance was part of a visit by HRH The Prince of Wales to the Area when
he visited both Crewe and Nantwich.
CONCERT – “NEW THEATRE”, Crewe (Lyceum Theatre) (Paid 50-50 = £19/16/2)
2 Grand Concerts
On display will be the 1926 Belle View £2,000 Gold trophy & instrumental medals
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
4 Nov 1926
CONCERT – Provincial Exhibition Co Ltd (Paid £30)
City Hall, Deansgate, Manchester
8pm to 10pm
13 Nov 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Kibworth (Nr Market Harborough, Leicester)
Quartet No 1
14 Nov 1926
CONCERT – Northwich Hospital Sat, Committee (Paid £30)
G Benbow Holton House, Winnington, Northwich.
(Tea Provided)
20 Nov 1926
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Shield and Gold Medal) (£3)
2 to 4 Dec 1926 CONCERT – Welsh Town – Pennylinsendeath, Barnmouth, Carnarvon (Paid £50)
John S Jones, Bryn Gwilym, Pennylinsendeath.
5 Dec 1926
(Tea Provided) (Possibly at the Victoria Hall)
11 Dec 1926
QUARTET CONTEST - Burnley
Quartet No 2
Second Prize (£2)
26 Dec 1926
CONCERT – Blackpool Tower (Paid 55% takings less Tax = £30/1/4)
H Hall, Manager Tower Co Ltd.
31 Oct 1926
###################################################################################
1927
Conductor
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17 Jan 1927
BBC Radio Broadcast from the Manchester studio for which the band was paid £21.
Organised by T H Moulson, BBC Musical Director
22 Jan 1927
QUARTET CONTEST - Kettering
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£5)
6 Feb 1927
CONCERT – Kings Hall Stoke (Paid £35)
Alderman Thomas Bickley
22 Lily St, Wolstanton, Stoke on Trent
(Tea Provided)
18 Mar 1927
Quartet No 1
9 Apr 1927
Quartet No 1
17 to 18 Apr 1927
(Tea Provided)
24 Apr 1927
CONCERT – Trentham Gardens Stoke on Trent. (Paid £35)
(Tea Provided)
1 May 1927
BBC Manchester 3.30pm (Paid £21)
T H Moulson, Musical Director “The Parsonage”.
12 May 1927
CONCERT – Lewis‟s Manchester (Paid £45)
Messrs Rushworth. Liverpool (Less 10%)
15 May 1927
CONCERT – Stamford Park Stalybridge (Paid £40)
Samuel Turner, Superintendent
22 May 1927
CONCERT – Trentham Gardens, Stoke on Trent. (Paid £35)
(Tea Provided)
26 May 1927
CONCERT – St Helens (Paid £40)
T B Philips, Agent, Northgate Harrison, Gloucester
28 May 1927
CONCERT – The Groves, Chester, One Concert (Paid £20)
S P Davies, Town Hall,Secretary.
C H Cowishaw, Director, Uttoxeter
(Tea Provided)
31 May 1927
CONCERT – Falinge Park, Rochdale (Paid £40)
Arthur Blugden Superintendent Falinge Park
(Tea Provided)
4 June 1927
COMPETITION – Leigh
The band came First winning £116/14/0.
5 June 1927
CONCERT – Vernon Park Stockport (Paid £40)
William Price, Park Superintendent Vernon Park
6 June 1927
CONCERT – Ashbourne (Paid £50)
(Whit Monday) J Howarth, 24 South street, Ashbourne.
8 June 1927
C H Cowishaw, Director, Uttoxeter
(Tea Provided)
9 June 1927
Ald. Thomas Bickley, 22 Lily Street, Wolstanton
(Tea Provided)
10 to 11 June 1927
Albert D Jenkins, Supervisor Municipal Buildings, Liverpool.
12 to 17 June 1927
CONCERT – Isle of Man TT Races – Villa Marina (Paid £210)
Noah Moore, Manager Villa Marina
18 June 1927
CONCERT – The Groves, Chester – One Concert 7.30pm (Paid £20)
### Day accepted £10
Did not play 7.30pm
(The entry is covered by the word “Paid” but it is possible that the band didn‟t make
it back in time from the Isle of Man)
19 June 1927
CONCERT – Trentham Gardens Stoke on Trent. (Paid £35)
(Tea Provided)
23 June 1927
Thomas Bickley, Wolstanton.
(Tea Provided)
25 June 1927
CONCERT –
Ashby de la Zouch, Loughborough Conservative Association (Paid £60)
K M Power 22 Festival Street, Loughborough
27 June 1927
CONCERT – Eastbourne (Paid £200 Per Week)
(Week)
A E Dennis, Entertainment Manager
9 July 1927
CONCERT – Skipton Hospital Gala (Paid £60)
J S Chew, Sec. 21 Brook Street, Skipton
12 July 1927
COMPETITION – Plymouth.
13 July 1927
CONCERT – Plymouth (Paid £65)
P H Cole, Town Clark Office
16 to 17 July 1927
CONCERT – Newall, Burton on Trent (Paid £70 plus Board and Lodgings)
21 July 1927
CONCERT – Peoples Park, Halifax (Paid £47/10/0)
Percy Saunders, Town Clerk
24 July 1927
(Tea Provided)
30 July 1927
CONCERT – Loggerheads (Paid £35 and Bus)
Mr Taylor Crosville Home Co, Chester.
31 July 1927
CONCERT – Leigh Park (Paid £40)
Thomas Bamber, Town Clerk
1 Aug 1927
CONCERT – Kingston on Soar, Nr Derby (Paid £60)
H Woodfield Sec. Hillside, Kingston on Soar. Nr Derby
4 Aug 1927
(Tea Provided)
6 Aug 1927
29 May 1927
(Tea Provided)
7 to 13 Aug 1927 CONCERT – Southport (Paid £200)
T E Wolstenholme, Town Hall, Southport.
9 Aug 1927
Bill Pedley (Solo Cornet) joined the band according to the rehearsal schedule,
however the band were in Southport so he may have joined them on the
7 August 1927. (see 25-28 July 1941)
14 Aug 1927
CONCERT – Widnes Corporation (Paid £40)
John Millar Mayors Parlour, Town Hall
16 Aug 1927
CONCERT – Biddulph Amalgamated Friendly Society Show (Paid £35)
F Chaddock 129 John Street, Biddulph
18 Aug 1927
CONCERT – Uttoxeter
Uttoxeter Agricultural Show (Paid £40 Reduced to £35 leave at 6pm)
Sec. G Fletcher Bagshaw
18 Aug 1927
BROADCAST - Manchester BBC 9.35pm to 10.30pm (Paid £21)
T H Harrison, Musical Director
21 Aug 1927
Geo. Mottram, Park Superintendent
25 Aug 1927
CONCERT – Ruthin Show Society (Paid £40)
27 Aug 1927
F Halford (Horn) left the band (Pre 1923 to 27 Aug 1927)
28 Aug 1927
CONCERT – Locke Park, Barnsley (Paid £50)
A D Mason, Town Clerk
(Tea Provided)
31 Aug 1927
T A Beckett Sec, St Wenburgh Chambers Chester.
(Possibly Cheshire Show)
4 Sept 1927
F Todd, Estate Agent
(Tea Provided)
5 Sept 1927
COMPETITION – British Open, Belle Vue, Manchester.
Test Piece “Merry Wives of Windsor” by Dr Thomas Keighley.
The band came First for the second year running winning £2242 /8/0
FIRST
SECOND
Callendar‟s Cables
THIRD
Milnrow Public
The composer Dr Thomas Keighley was from the Manchester area and the test piece
title was based on the play by William Shakespeare “The Merry Wives of Windsor”.
11 Sept 1927
CONCERT – Warrington Park (Paid £45)
A T Hallaney Town Clark
15 Sept 1927
CONCERT – Oswastry Show (Paid £35)
G A Doody Sec. Smithfield Street, Oswastry
(Tea Provided)
24 Sept 1927
The band failed to be placed in the top 6.
Test Piece “The White Rider” by Denis Wright
RESULTS
FIRST
Carlisle St. Stephen
SECOND
Callendar‟s Cable
THIRD
Carlton Main
The band took part in the Massed Band Concert after the Contest and as usual
were paid £10.
24 Sept 1927
After the “National Championships”, Jim Thorpe (Cornet) decided to
retire after seventeen year‟s with the band to concentrate on training the lower
section bands for competitions. (1909 to 1 Dec 1924 / 24 Sept 1927)
25 Sept 1927
9 Oct 1927
Carl Oliver Choral Society
Crewe Chronicle.
“Elworth‟s New Postmaster”.
Mr Harry Mortimer, solo cornet player of Fodens band has been appointed
postmaster at Elworth succeeding Mrs Bricktill.
6 Nov 1927
CONCERT – Northwich Hospital Committee (Paid £30)
J P Austin, 109 Cromwell Road, Northwich.
(Tea Provided)
12 Nov 1927
QUARTET CONTEST - Kibworth (Nr Market Harborough, Leicester)
Quartet No 1
13 Nov 1927
CONCERT – Buckley Picture House (Paid 60% = £29/4/10)
S Sharples, Manager Tivoli, Buckley Chester
(Tea Provided)
17 to 26 Nov 1927
CONCERT – Olympia London (Paid £250)
International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition.
Manager E J Phillips, 83 Pall Mall, London SW1.
20 Nov 1927
V Hely Hutchinson, Savoy Hill WC2
1 Dec 1927
Jack Cotterill (1st and 2nd Horn) joined the band at his first rehearsal.
Jack came from Congleton (1 Dec 1927 to 3 May 1962)
4 Dec 1927
CONCERT – Crewe Theatre (Paid 50% = £19/0/7)
Two Concerts at the “New Theatre”. (Lyceum Crewe)
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
11 Dec 1927
CONCERT – Town Hall, Sandbach (Paid Gratis)
British Legion Widow and Orphans Fund
___________________________________________________________________________________
15 Oct 1927
1927 ALPINE ECHOES written for Harry Mortimer.
Written by Basil Windsor who was in fact the Pseudonym of Eli Smith a music teacher from
Manchester in the North of England who composed Alpine Echoes for Harry Mortimer to play.
In 1927 Harry was appearing in a number of “Celebrity Concerts” playing cornet solos, the Post-horn,
a long Bach Trumpet, a tiny pocket-cornet and what became known as the Famous Echo Cornet.
Early echo compositions were performed in various parks around the country with a second cornet
player hiding in the bushes to produce the echo and indeed during a concert at Elworth Park this effect
was used by Fodens (8 May 1937). As the players were of different standards the echo was not always
as good as the original sound and so an “Echo Cornet” was designed to create the effect with the soloist
playing both parts. This was achieved by the addition of a small conical second outlet being attached to
the main body of the instrument. By pressing an extra valve the air is directed through the smaller
aperture creating a softer sound and thus the echo is achieved.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1927
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Solo Cornet
Jim Thorpe
Solo Cornet
Charlie Dawson
Solo Cornet
Herbert Harrison
Soprano Cornet George Clark (11 Sept 1923)
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Repiano Cornet Reg Moores (Joined 9 Sept 1925)
2nd Cornet
Bob Shepley (pre 1923)
2nd Cornet
(Edwin) Ted Statham (pre 1923)
3rd Cornet
Ted Jenkins
Solo Tenor Horn Arthur Webb (Winner of Numerous awards)
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill (1 Dec 1927)
Solo Baritone
Albert Statham (pre 1923)
2nd Baritone
Basil Stokes (11 Mar 1926)
2nd Trombone
Harold Stubbs (22 Jan 1925)
E Flat Bass
E Flat Bass
B Flat Bass
B Flat Bass
Drums
Matt Cullen
Alex Hilton
Joe Poole (pre 1923)
Ben Rowarth
Percy Lawton (Pre 1923)
###################################################################################
1928
Conductor
###################################################################################
(Tea Provided) (Possibly at the Victoria Hall)
22 Jan 1938
CONCERT – Opera House, Macclesfield
(Paid 50% from balance after 20% to kifissuary = £20/6/7)
Arthur C Crosby, Manager
28 Jan 1928
QUARTET CONTEST - Wigston (Nr Leicester)
Quartet No 1
4 Feb 1928
CONCERT – Helsby Public Prize band One Concert (Paid £20 Special terms)
G W Wright Sec, Warrington.
16 Feb 1928
Don Stokes (2nd Euphonium) left the band. (Pre 1923 to 16 Feb 1928)
4 Mar 1928
Alderman Bickley 22 Lily Street, Wolstanton
12 Mar 1928
Rex Mortimer (2nd Euphonium) joined Fodens band at their rehearsal.
(12 Mar 1928 to 26 Oct 1975)
___________________________________________________________________________________
1 Jan 1928
REX MORTIMER Biography.
.b. 27 Feb 1911 .D. 18 Aug 1999.
Born in Luton on the 27 February 1911
In 1921 Rex went to see the Crystal Palace competition as he himself was too young to play. The test
piece was “Life Divine” and was won by St Hilda‟s a famous band at the time.
In 1924 when Alex was 2nd Euphonium with the Luton band they had a professional teacher called
William Halliwell who was so impressed with his playing that he recommended him to the Fodens
Band who were looking for a solo Euphonium player at the time.
Unlike his brother Rex was not playing with a band at this time but very soon he joined the Knutsford
and Cross Town band. The band would play at May Day and Rose Day celebrations in the town and
the Whit Walks on the Friday when the band played at Lees near Oldham.
After playing in the Whit walk the band would then go to Oldham and parade around the town.
On one occasion they played for so long that they missed the train back to Sandbach where Rex was
living at the time and decided along with an older Gentleman to get the next train to Crewe and as it
slowed down to go through the Sandbach Station they would jump off, along with the Euphonium and
cornet. However things didn‟t go to plan as the next thing they knew was that they were being shaken
by the guard at Crewe station asking if they were going on to Swansea. Thankfully they had been
woken and departed the train to face the six mile walk back home with their instruments.
On the 8th April 1926 Fodens Motor Works did their first Broadcast for the BBC. The producers asked
the band to pick a piece of music (Theme) to start and finish the broadcast with. They chose “The
Cossack” by William Rimmer which they have used now in over 500 broadcasts and still use today to
start many of their concerts.
In late 1927 Rex Mortimer joined Fodens, replacing Don Stokes who had been part of the double
winners at Belle Vue in 1926 and 1927 who went to Birmingham. Knowing that if they won the
competition for a third time then the band would be presented with a Gold Medal; Fred Mortimer wrote
to Don and asked him if he would like to return to the band for the occasion and to qualify for the
medal. Don refused and so Rex became the proud owner of a Gold Medal from Belle Vue.
During those early days Rex was involved in making the old 78 recordings. He remembered that they
used to “Play into a Horn behind a hole in the wall, and if anything went wrong with the recording they
had to do the whole lot again not just a bit, the whole lot”.
In 1935 Rex married Elizabeth a marriage that would last for 64 years until his death. The couple had a
daughter Marjory and two grandchildren by 1999.
In 1936 Sir Arthur Bliss wrote the music for the Crystal Palace Championship. He had also written the
score for the Alexander Korda film “Things to Come” a science fiction film based on the HG Wells
book “The Shape of Things to Come” and starring Raymond Massey and Margaretta Scott. To get the
band into the style of the contest piece “Kenilworth” the management took the band to the cinema three
times to listen to the music. Fred Mortimer also went to Kenilworth Castle to better understand the
pageantry.
Rex played at Dunfermline in Scotland as part of one of the Scottish tours. The band were on a
bandstand in front of a 1500 seat outside venue which if it rained you could reverse the band and
behind them was an indoor area which also seated 1500 people. On one Sunday when Fred Mortimer
was conducting and Harry was in charge of the music, Harry put up “Asia” instead of “Prelude in C#
Minor” by Rachmaninov. The band started playing, some the advertised Rachmaninov and others with
“Bitter Suite”. It was the only time that Rex remembers the band stopping playing and had to start
again. The band were not popular with Fred for some time after that.
Another incident Rex remembers was when they did a half hour Theatre show insert. Also on the bill
was a magician called Pablo who never said a word and would make his walking stick disappear twice
nightly. The band wondered where it went and it took them ten days to work out that it was spring
loaded and went into his glove.
In 1936 the band were invited to play in South Africa for the British Empire Exhibition and they left
immediately after the 1936 Crystal Palace contest on a three week voyage. Fred Mortimer recorded
every little incident of the tour (Rex Mortimer didn‟t find out about this until after his mother had
passed away). On one occasion Fred wrote that he had met the Mayor of Johannesburg and Sir Francis
Joseph and his wife from Alsager (Cheshire).
On the 24 April 1938 the band was asked to play at Windsor Castle. It was a memorable day and the
band were invited in for a meal by Her Majesty. When the King and Queen came to Crewe a few years
later the band were playing in the background and were not due to be presented to their Majesty‟s but
they both came over and the Queen said to the King “There you are, I told you that was Mr Mortimer, I
remember from when he came to Windsor”.
Just before the war the band played Chesterton and then went down to Hyde Park on the day that the
war started. The band got to Maida Vale when the sirens went off and the band departed the bus with
their cardboard boxes in which they had their Gas masks. The local Police informed the band what had
happened and as part of the contract was “In the Event of War being declared the band would not play”
the band got back on the bus and headed back to Sandbach.
Many of the band‟s engagement were cancelled with the outbreak of war and the band had to rethink
its remit. They started to play concerts for charity events. Some of the venues for the concerts were the
Opera House in Manchester, Huddersfield Town Hall and the Victoria Hall in Hanley. The band also
made over 20 broadcasts a year for the BBC many of them live at various times of the day. On one
occasion the band went down to Broadcasting house and did three broadcasts, one at six o clock at
night, one at 10 pm and then the band were sent into the basement of the BBC where there were beds
for them to sleep overnight ready for a broadcast at 3am the following day for the overseas service.
Rex Mortimer remembered one of the tunes they played at 3am, it was William Rimmer‟s
“Punchinello”.
During the war in January 1940 the band made a record called, the “Soldiers are Singing” on the Regal
Zono label (MR3172) which included “Run Rabbet Run”, “Were Gonna Hang out the Washing on the
Siegfried Line” and “Win it all Navy” along with a Choir made up of people from the Foden Works.
The band also made a number of “Workers Playtimes” from the Foden works with presenter Wilfred
Pickles and on one occasion the pianist Violet Carson better known in the 1960‟s and 70‟s as Ena
Sharples from Coronation Street.
The War situation meant that a number of musicians were taken away from Fodens. Some to do other
work and some like Desmond Thomas to join the army (22 Feb 1940). Desmond stayed in the Army
until 1946 and on his return the band discovered that during the war his leg had been badly damaged.
Some of the other band members who were forced to leave Fodens included the Solo Trombone player,
Solo Euphonium and two of the Solo Cornet‟s.
ENSA was happy to have the band as part of its entertainment package for the troops and the members
of Fodens were drafted into the army as Second Lieutenants on the 29 April 1945 at the Dury Lane
Theatre. The band then set off from Dover Docks in a Tank landing craft along with an old coach that
the band always travelled in. However when they were loading the bus onto the craft it was so low that
it knocked the cap off the sump and the oil came spilling out of the bus making it impossible for the
band to take it with them. The Coach did join them later on the tour of Europe.
When the War ended the band were in Brussels and on VJ (Victory in Japan) day the band were
playing a number of concerts in the Embankment gardens in London. The audience were so overjoyed
that the completely took over the event. After about ten minutes of the concert, Fred Mortimer who was
conducing handed the baton to Harry saying “You had better take over; this is not my kind of a job”.
Four Wrens came marching up the road with lamps in their hands which they had gathered along with
“Please Keep off the Grass” signs from the street. They went onto the stage and took the baton off the
conductor and conducted the band for an item then smartly snapped to attention and marched down the
drive again.
By the end of the war Fred Mortimer was giving more responsibility for Fodens Motor Works Band to
his son Rex.
With the end of the war Rex started to branch out and he started conducting his first band at a Holmes
Chapel Reform School.
By this time Rex was also starting to conduct the ensemble part of Fodens (Quartet) in contests taking
them to a number of victories.
In 1953 Rex started conducting the Foden Motor Works Band on the death of his father Fred.
During 1958 Denis Heath from Tunstall (Solo Cornet) went to New Zealand (28 Oct 1958) and Wilf
Mountain (Euphonium) went to Canada.
Between 1957 and 1963 Rex was also conducting the “Cammell Laird” band (Shipbuilders).
In 1962 Rex was awaded the Iles Medal at the British Open Contest at Belle Vue.
In 1973 Rex Mortimer was asked if Fodens band would play at a Nightclub called “Annabel‟s” in
Berkeley Square in London. Rex was sceptical about what sort of club it was and went down to London
to inspect it before taking the band there. The band played traditional brass favourites and was so
successful that the band were booked for the following June.
Rex Mortimer died on the 18 August 1999 at Grosvenor House Nursing Home, Alsager after a long
illness. His funeral was held at St Peter‟s Church, Elworth on the 25 August 1999 with the band
conducted by Nicholas J Childs playing at the funeral .
(Taken from two programmes in the “Knockout Brass” series on BBC Radio Stoke in late 1973 or
early 1974 for which Rex acted as adjudicator for the series and also presented these two special
programmes – Started in 1970)
_________________________________________________________________________________
31 Mar 1928
QUARTET CONTEST - Timperley (Nr Altrincham)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Cup) (£2/10/0)
Trombones
10 Mar 1928
Quartet No 1
4 Trombones
Third Prize (£1)
1 Apr 1928
CONCERT – Kidsgrove (Paid 50% and Bus)
F Stubbs
(Tea Provided)
3 Apr 1928
BROADCAST - Manchester BBC (Paid £21)
7.45pm to 8.30pm
8 to 9 Apr 1928 CONCERT – Alton Towers (Paid £80)
Easter Sunday and Monday
C H Cowlishaw
(Tea Provided)
11 Apr 1928
CONCERT – Wilmslow (Paid 60% = £9)
W Clark, Lacyfield Street, Wilmslow.
15 Apr 1928
CONCERT – Trentham Gardens Stoke on Trent (Paid 35).
(Tea Provided)
13 May 1928
CONCERT – Stamford Park Stalybridge (Paid £40)
Samuel Turner, Park Superintendent
20 May 1928
CONCERT – Lilford Park, Leigh (Paid £40)
27 May 1928
CONCERT – Wakefield Park (Paid £50)
A C Allibone, Town Clerk
28 May 1928
CONCERT – Welbeck Abbey (Paid £60)
W F Wasel, Welbeck Abbey, Worksop Notts
31 May 1928
T B Phillips, Gloucester
CONCERT – Altringham (Paid £35)
T B Phillips, Northgate House, Weston Road, Gloucester
10 June 1928
William Paice, Parks Superintendent.
17 June 1928
(Tea Provided)
19 June 1928
CONCERT – Garden Party, Sandbach (Paid £15)
21 June 1928
CONCERT – Burslem Park (Paid £35)
Harry Haywood, Swan Square, Burslem
(Tea Provided)
24 June 1928
Alton Towers (Paid £35) CANCELLED
C H Cowlishaw Director
24 to 30 June 1928
T E Wolstenholme, Attractions Manager.
1 July 1928
CONCERT – Riverside Park, Nuneaton (Paid £50)
F S Clay, Town Clark.
5 July 1928
CONCERT – Liverpool Parks (Paid £40)
Albert D Jackson, Land Surveyor Municipal Buildings.
7 July 1928
CONCERT – Knutsford Liberal Fate (Paid £31/10/0)
V H Finney, Sec. Liberal federation, 37 Cross Street, Manchester.
8 July 1928
CONCERT – Fleetwood Pier Pavilion (Paid 50% = £14/1/9)
H A Deakin Manager
15 to 21 July 1928
CONCERT – Southend on Sea (Paid £200)
W J Worwood, Town Clark
22 to 28 July 1928
Southport (Paid £200) CANCELLED
T E Wolstenholme, Attractions Manager.
22 July 1928
CONCERT – Wolverton Park (Paid £35 and Meals)
H Gilham Band Sec.
29 July 1928
(Tea Provided)
4 Aug 1928
CONCERT – Loggerheads (Paid £35 and Bus)
Crossville Motor Co Theatre.
(Tea Provided)
5 Aug 1928
CONCERT – Halifax Peoples Park (Paid £47/10/0)
6 Aug 1928
CONCERT – Kingston on Soan (Paid £60)
H Woodfield, Hillside, Kingston on Soan Nr Derby
(Tea Provided)
8 Aug 1928
CONCERT – Biddulph Show (Paid £35)
F Chaddock 129 Jolin Street, Biddulph
9 Aug 1928
C H Cowishaw, Director.
12 Aug 1928
CONCERT – Salford Park (Paid £40)
J Richardson, Parks Department, Buile Hill, Salford.
18 Aug 1928
Liverpool Park (Paid £40) CANCELLED Changed to (4 th or) 5th July.
Albert D Jackson, Land Surveyor Municipal Buildings.
19 Aug 1928
Geo. Mottram, Park Supt.
21 Aug 1928
QUARTET CONTEST - Waterhead (Nr Ambleside, Cumbria)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (4 Gold Medals) (£3)
26 Aug 1928
CONCERT – Widnes Victoria Park (Paid £40)
G T Grove, Town Clark
30 Aug 1928
CONCERT – Ruthin Show (Paid £40 Plus Meals)
2 Sept 1928
(Tea Provided)
3 Sept 1928
COMPETITION – British Open, Belle Vue, Manchester.
(or 4 Sept)
The test piece was “Lorenzo” by Dr Thomas Keighley (.b. 15 Oct 1896 at
3 June 1928
(Monday)
Sept 1928
9 Sept 1928
20 Sept 1928
23 Sept 1928
29 Sept 1928
28 Oct 1928
4 Nov 1928
Stalybridge, North East Cheshire). Unlike previous compositions this title was not
based on a Shakespeare play or the character of the suitor to Shylock‟s daughter
Jessica it was actually named after Lorenzo Medici (Also known as Lorenzo the
Magnificent) a 15th Century patron of artists and scholars. However many who knew
Thomas Keighly thought it could have been named after “Lorenzo the Magnificent”
a lion tamer he had worked with when he was part of a circus.
Professional conductor William Halliwell took up the baton for the band‟s attempt to
win a third successive first place. The band were drawn 16 th to play and George Clark
on soprano cornet was given the task of shining but failed to do so according to
many. According to members of the Calenders Band Clarke failed on both cadenzas.
However judges Henry Geehl and Basil Windsor thought the overall performance
was good and the band came 1 st for the third year running a feat not done since
1881 when Black Dyke did the treble.
Sam Charlesworth the band‟s first conductor was in the audience to see this win
despite failing health he was pleased to help the band celebrate but died a few months
later.
Calenders Band objected saying it was an obvious “Fix” between Fred Mortimer and
John Henry Iles. Although William Halliwell conducted Foden‟s Band all those
taking part knew that it was Fred Mortimer‟s influence that gave them the win.
According to Harry Mortimer it was as a result of this competition William Halliwell
“Chucked” Fodens as the band seemed to play better for Fred Mortimer than they did
for him.
Test Piece “Lorenzo” by Thomas Keighley (See above)
FIRST
SECOND
Calenders Cables
THIRD
Nutgrove
The Band organised it‟s by now annual event at the Company‟s recreation hall to
celebrate their win in Manchester (Belle Vue). On display were the Gold Shield and
the Belle Vue Champion Challenge Cup (Also known as the Jennison Trophy after it
was presented to the competition by the Zoological gardens in 1889 and named after
their manager) which the band had now won outright.
At the end of the event Edwin Richard Foden presented each band member with a
gold medal celebrating the win.
CONCERT – Warrington Park (Paid £40/16/0)
C H Dawson, Saukay Street.
CONCERT – Oswestry Show (Paid £35)
(Tea Provided)
The band failed to follow up their success at Belle Vue only managing 4 th Place.
Test Piece “A Moorside Suite” by Gustav Holst.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Harton Colliery
THIRD
Carlisle St. Stephens
FOURTH
Fodens Motor Works
The Band took part in the Massed Band Concert after the Competition (Paid £10)
(Black Dyke Mills performance is available on Crystal Palace Champions CD –
Beulah Label 1PD 2)
J P Austin, 5 Cromwell Road, South
(Tea Provided)
Crewe Theatre, One Concert (Paid 50% Nett takings = £14/7/9)
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
Band Members Included Harry Mortimer (Principal Cornet)
11 Nov 1928
17 Nov 1928
17 Nov 1928
(See above)
18 Nov 1928
24 Nov 1928
25 Nov 1928
2 Dec 1928
9 Dec 1928
16 Dec 1928
28 Dec 1928
1928
CONCERT – Sandbach Town Hall, British Legion (Paid Gratis)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Shield and Gold Medal) (£3)
QUARTET CONTEST - Helmshore (Nr Accrington, Lancashire)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£3)
CONCERT – Kidsgrove (Paid 50% takings = £17 Plus Bus)
(Tea Provided)
QUARTET CONTEST - Nelson (Lancashire)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£4)
CONCERT – Victoria Gardens New Brighton (Paid £30)
Geo. Livsey, Town Clerk, Wallacey. One Concert
CONCERT – Ilkeston (Paid 60% = £23/5/9)
Wm Clifford, 53 Lord Hadden Road.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Leek (Paid Guarantee £25 or 60%)
S J Fitch, Sec. National Reserve Bank, Field House, High Street.
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Victoria Hall Hanley (Paid 60% = £31/10/0)
Potteries Choral Society, Carl Oliver, 18 Eastwood Place, Hanley.
(Tea Provided)
George Clark (Soprano Cornet) left the band (11 Sept 1923 to 28 Dec 1928)
to be replaced by Edgar Spurr. (see 3 Jan 1929)
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT
Principal Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Soprano Cornet
Flugel Horn
Repiano Cornet
2nd Cornet
2nd Cornet
3rd Cornet
2nd Cornet
Cornet
Solo Tenor Horn
1st Horn
2nd Horn
Horn
Solo Baritone
2nd Baritone
Solo Trombone
2nd Trombone
Bass Trombone
Solo Euphonium
2nd Euphonium
E Flat Bass
E Flat Bass
B Flat Bass
B Flat Bass
Drums
PLAYER
Harry Mortimer
Bill Pedley (9 Aug 1927)
Charlie Dawson
Herbert Harrison
George Clark (Left 28 Dec 1928)
Hubert Shergold
Reg Moores
Bob Shepley
(Edwin) Ted Statham
Ted Jenkins
Horace Brookes
A Stubbs
Arthur Webb
Fred Sowood
Jack Cotterill
F Halford
Albert Statham
Basil Stokes
Bob Knott
Harold Stubbs
Joe Moores
Alex Mortimer
Rex Mortimer (12 Mar 1928)
Matt Cullen
Alex Hilton
Joe Poole
Ben Rowarth
Percy Lawton
###################################################################################
1929
Conductor
###################################################################################
With the increasing domination of Fred Mortimer‟s influence on the band and the
lack of visits from William Halliwell due to Fred wanting more control of the
output from the musicians it was decided that Fred would take on all the
conducting of the band including for the first time competitions.
With this and other changes, William Halliwell left the band.
Fred Mortimer was now in the position of Musical Director and his son
Harry Mortimer was given the job of Bandmaster.
Fred as Musical Director took on the role that had up until now been part time.
With the role now becoming full time with extra responsibilities, there was no need
for Edwin R Foden to act as Secretary and Manager of the band.
E R Foden was asked to relinquish his role in the band becoming the bands
President an honour he gladly accepted.
3 Jan 1929
Edgar Spurr joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(Soprano Cornet / 3rd Cornet / E Flat Bass left 23 Jan 1947)
9 Jan 1929
QUARTET CONTEST - Hemsworth (Nr Barnsley, Yorkshire)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (Cup and Gold Shield) (£3)
26 Jan 1929
CONCERT – Derby (Paid £50)
W Clark, 79 Princess Street, Derby
Litchmel, Wesleyan Mission Band
27 Jan 1929
CONCERT – Victoria Gardens, New Brighton (Paid £30)
One Concert
Geo. Livesey, Town Clark, Wallasey
3 Feb 1929
CONCERT – Buckley Tivoli (Paid 60% = £14/1/7)
Brent S Sharples, Manager
(Tea Provided)
16 Mar 1929
Quartet No 1
Juniors Third Prize (£5/5/0)
23 Mar 1929
QUARTET CONTEST - Blackpool
Quartet No 1
31 March to 1 Apr 1929 CONCERT – Alton Towers (Paid £80)
C H Cowishaw, Director, Uttoxeter.
(Tea Provided)
8 Apr 1929
BBC Manchester (Paid £21)
T H Morrison, Musical Director
14 Apr 1929
(Tea Provided)
12 May 1929
(Tea Provided)
19 May 1929
J H Dickson, The Town Clark, Town Hall.
20 May 1929
CONCERT – Ilkeston (Paid 50/50 up to £50)
(Whit Monday) T B Philips, Northgate House, Weston Road, Gloucester
21 May 1929
T B Philips, Northgate House, Weston Road, Gloucester
26 May 1929
CONCERT – Salford Buile Hill Park
J Richardson, Park Superintendent.
1 June 1929
E Jenkins, Land Surveyor Municipal Buildings.
2 June 1929
William Price, Parks Superintendent.
9 June 1929
P T Grove, Town Clark
15 June 1929
CONCERT – Middlewich Chadwick Fields (Paid £20)
Mr Seddon, Salt Works
16 June 1929
CONCERT – Oldham Alexandra Park (Paid £40)
George Mottram, Parks Superintendent
18 June 1929
CONCERT – Garden Party, Sandbach (Paid Gratis)
1929
23 to 29 June 1929
T E Wolstanholme, Attractions Manager
30 June 1929
W F Todd Estate Office.
(Tea Provided)
7 July 1929
CONCERT – Stalybridge, Stamford Park (Paid £40)
Samuel Turner Secretary
13 to 14 July 1929
CONCERT – Newhall (Paid £70 Plus Board and Lodgings)
Phos. E Atkins, 26 Rose Valley, Newall, Burton on Trent.
21 July 1929
CONCERT – Chester, The Groves (Paid £40)
J H Dickson Town Clerk
28 July 1929
CONCERT – Coventry – Two Concerts (Paid £50)
W J Cotterall, Parks Superintendent
Cemetery Lodge, London Road.
31 July 1929
H Hunt, Secretary.
3 Aug 1929
CONCERT – Loggerheads - Crosville Motor Company (Paid £35 and Bus)
Mr Claude Taylor, Managing Director
(Tea Provided)
4 Aug 1929
CONCERT – Goldthape, Rotherham (Paid £60)
S Hadfield 69, Dearne Road, Bolton on Dearne
5 Aug 1929
CONCERT – Belper River Gardens (Paid £60)
T G Ryder Sec, English Sewing Cotton Company Belper.
7 Aug 1929
CONCERT – Alfreton Show (Paid £50)
J H Dyson 2 Ash Villas, Mansfield Road, Alfreton.
(Tea Provided)
8 Aug 1929
CONCERT – Alton Towers (Paid Unknown)
11-17 Aug 1929 CONCERT – Southend on Sea (Paid £200)
W J Woodwood, Town Clerk
18 Aug 1929
CONCERT – West Ham Town Recreation Grounds (Paid £45)
George E Hiliary Town Clark
19-25 Aug 1929 CONCERT – Tunbridge Wells (Paid £190)
C R Barten, Sec. Town Hall
26 Aug 1929
CONCERT – Kettering Town Band (Paid £25)
W Clark, Sec. One Concert
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
2 Sept 1929
Test Piece “Pathetique” by Beethoven
FIRST
Brighouse and Rastrick
SECOND
Wingates Temperance
THIRD
Carlisle St Stephens
Fodens Motor Works Band didn‟t enter this year (see below).
Having won for the last three year‟s the band were not allowed to compete in the
competition this year.
___________________________________________________________________________________
8 Sept 1929
W F Todd Estate Office.
(Tea Provided)
9 to 15 Sept 1929 CONCERT – Hastings (Paid £200)
Norman Gray, Entertainment Manager
The band played a week in September at the seaside resort.
20 Sept 1929
CONCERT – Northallerton Agricultural Show (Paid £60)
W L Frost, Sec. Agricultural show
28 Sept 1929
The test piece was “Victory” by Cyril Jenkins and it was Fred Mortimer who
conducted the band. Hoping to better than Halliwell in the competition Fred worked
the band hard but still they failed to make a position. Still there was always next year.
7 Oct 1929
20 Oct 1929
27 Oct 1929
7 Nov 1929
23 Nov 1929
30 Nov 1929
1 Dec 1929
8 Dec 1929
16 Dec 1929
22 Dec 1929
Test Piece “Victory” by Cyril Jenkins.
Conductor for Fodens Fred Mortimer.
RESULTS
FIRST
Carlisle St. Stephen
SECOND
Scottish CWS
THIRD
Luton Red Cross
Fodens Motor Works were UNPLACED.
Divisional Commander, Salvation Army, 43 Glebe Street, Stoke
J A Goodie 13 Moss Road, South Northwich.
CONCERT – Manchester BBC (Paid £21)
J H Moulison Musical Director
CONCERT – Olympia Show, London (Paid £250)
N J Philips, Manager
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£3)
As above
Sight Reading Quartet No 1 First Prize (£6/1/0)
QUARTET CONTEST - Darnall (Nr Sheffield)
Quartet No 1
CONCERT – Kidsgrove (Paid 50% = £18 Plus Bus)
(Tea Provided)
CONCERT – Hanley – One Concert (Paid £25)
Edison Bell Records (Paid £50)
Glenfall Rd.
Harvey Hudson, Manager
CONCERT – Sandbach British Legion (Paid Gratis)
A W Lees Sec.
###################################################################################
1930
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1930
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Solo Cornet
Bill Pedley
Solo Cornet
Charlie Dawson
Solo Cornet
Herbert Harrison
Solo Cornet
Bill Lawton
Soprano Cornet Edgar Spurr
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
2nd Cornet
Bob Shepley
3rd Cornet
(Edwin) Ted Statham
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill
(2nd?) Horn
F Halford
Solo Baritone
Albert Statham
2nd Baritone
Basil Stokes
2nd Trombone
Harold Stubbs
2nd Euphonium Rex Mortimer
E Flat Bass
Matt Cullen
E Flat Bass
Alex Hilton
B Flat Bass
Joe Poole
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums
Percy Lawton
8 Feb 1930
CONCERT – Hanley
Regent Theatre, Hanley, Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
Carl Oliver, 18 Eastwood Place. One Concert
22 Feb 1930
QUARTET CONTEST - South Elmsall (Nr Grimethorpe, Yorkshire)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (4 Gold Medals) (£5)
15 Mar 1930
QUARTET CONTEST - Westhoughton (Nr Bolton, Lancashire)
Juniors Third Prize (£0/10/0)
30 Mar 1930
CONCERT – Crewe, New Theatre – One Concert (Paid 50% = £16/11/5 ½d)
Advertised as 2 Grand Concerts
Conducted by Fred Mortimer
(Lyceum Crewe)
4 Apr 1930
Edward Jenkins (Ted) (3rd Cornet) left the band. (1909 to 4 Apr 1930)
Edward was absent for much of the time between the 4 January 1926 and July 1928.
7 Apr 1940
(William) Bill Lawton (Solo Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(7 Apr 1930 to 20 Nov 1947)
6 Apr 1930
20-21 Apr 1930 CONCERT – Alton Towers – Easter Sunday and Monday (Paid £80)
(Tea Provided)
27 Apr 1930
F Todd Esq. Estate Agent, Trentham
(Tea Provided)
18 May 1930
(Tea Provided)
25 May 1930
Thomas Wilson Assistant Secretary, Stamford Park.
26 May 1930
CONCERT – Macclesfield Drill Hall (Paid £14/8/7 ½d)
1 June 1930
L E Morgan, Park Superintendent
7 June 1930
CONCERT –
Kettering Town Band Club – One Concert (Paid £25 Plus Lodgings)
W Clark, Sec. Rockingham Road.
8 to 14 June 1930
CONCERT – Tunbridge Wells (Paid £190)
C R Barton, Town hall, Tunbridge Wells.
15 to 21 June 1930
H J Worwood, Town Hall
21 June 1930
Percy Lawton (Drums) left the band. Percy attended his final rehearsal on the
15 June 1930 and presumably attended the concerts at Southend on Sea.
(Pre 1923 to 21 June 1930)
22 June 1930
CONCERT – Wanstead Flats, West Ham (Paid £45)
Charles E Cranfield, Town Clerk
26 June 1930
CONCERT – Victoria Park, St Helens (Paid £40)
W H Andrew, Town Clark
28 June 1930
CONCERT – Middlewich (Paid £20)
Roland Seaton, Chadwick Fields
29 June 1930
CONCERT – Chester, The Groves (Paid £40)
1 July 1930
CONCERT – Garden Party, Sandbach (Paid Gratis)
5 July 1930
CONCERT – Wilmslow Show (Paid £35)
B Johnstone, Grove Street, Wilmslow
(Tea Provided)
6 July 1930
Wm. Cooper, Supt. Hyde
8 July 1930
CONCERT – Crow Test Park Dewsbury (Paid £45)
Holland Booth, Town Clark
9 July 1930
CONCERT – The Arboretum Derby (Paid £50)
T S Wells, Park Superintendent, The Arboretum
13 to 27 July 1930
TOUR
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dunfermline (Paid £398)
W Beslut, Director of Parks
City Chambers 249 George Street, Glasgow
Edinburgh, The Town Clark, City Chambers
Dunfermline J W Ormiston, The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust,
Abbot Street, Dunfermline.
13 July 1930
Tollerso Park Glasgow – 3pm Concert
13 July 1930
Glasgow Green – 7pm Concert
14 to 20 July 1930
Edinburgh
21 to 26 July 1930
Dunfermline
27 July 1930
Bellahouston Park Glasgow – 3pm and 7pm Concerts
Harry Hind, Secretary Wem, Shropshire.
(Tea Provided)
2 Aug 1930
CONCERT – Loggerheads, Crosville Motors (Paid £35 Plus Bus)
Claude Taylor, Managing Director
(Tea Provided)
3 Aug 1930
Geo. Mottram, Parks Supt.
5 to 6 Aug 1930 CONCERT – Trentham Gardens (Paid £70)
(Tea Provided)
7 Aug 1930
(Tea Provided)
10 Aug 1930
CONCERT – Leigh, Lilford Park (Paid £40)
17 to 23 Aug 1930
CONCERT – Morecambe (Paid £180)
C A MacKay Entertainment Manager, Town Hall
24 Aug 1930
CONCERT – Liverpool Parks (Paid £40)
Albert D Jenkin, Land Steward and Surveyor, Municipal Building.
28 Aug 1930
CONCERT – Ruthin Show (Paid £40)
Rowland Jones, Dynstay Road Office, Ruthin
31 Aug 1930
CONCERT – The Grove, Chester (Paid £40)
J H Dickson, Town Clark
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL AND FODEN NEWS.
1 Sept 1930
Fodens Motor Works Band didn‟t enter this year (See below)
Fodens didn‟t enter the competition this year as for some reason Fred Mortimer
decided to accept an invitation to adjudicate the contest along with Basil Windsor
(Pseudonym of Eli Smith a music teacher from the North of England and the
Composer of Alpine Echoes which he wrote for Harry Mortimer to play) thus
stopping the band from making an appearance.
Fred and Basil awarded first prize to the “Eccles Borough Band” a decision that was
questioned by those attending as it was not one of the fancied bands. The year also
saw a fairground next to the venue and Fred vowed that if the noise from
“Bob‟s Racey” at the fair was not shut out then Fodens would never appear at the
Kings Hall, Belle Vue ever again and they didn‟t play again in the competition until
1952, its centenary year.
According to the 4 Bars Rest Website Fodens played 1 st in 1931 and 2nd in 1932 but
were unplaced in the competition. It is possible that Fred Mortimer gave the
competition a chance and then in 1932 made the decision never to take part again.
It was Harry Mortimer who returned to the competition in 1952 so Fred did keep
his word.
Test Piece “Oriental Rhapsody” by Sir Granville Bantock.
FIRST
Eccles Borough
SECOND
Milnrow Public
THIRD
Wingates Temperance
30 July 1930
Sir Edward Elgar‟s composition for the Crystal Palace was the “Severn Suite”
a piece that broke all the rules in banding. Before this point most band music was
adaptations of classical music or hymns. Now for the first time a serious composer
had written a piece of music for Brass Band.
Harry Mortimer was at this time playing with the Halle Orchestra in Manchester
under the direction of Sir Hamilton Harty who on hearing of this composition and as
he was always keen to listen to one of his players doing something different, he
came down to Sandbach to listen to the bands rehearsal in one of the workshops at
the works. He was so impressed with the music that he said that he was
“Astounded that brass bands could do this kind of thing with this kind of music.
I don‟t know what kind of opposition you are up against but it would have to be a
mighty good band to beat you”. (Rex Mortimer recalling the day on
BBC Radio Stoke)
Harry Mortimer continues the story –
I introduced Sir Hamilton to my father Fred at the rehearsal and he was seated as we
played right through “The Severn Suite”. I seem to remember that we played at our
very best that night; no doubt the important visitor impressed the man. At the end of
the piece Sir Hamilton, surprised, I think, by the quality of musicianship displayed,
went to congratulate Fred. He, setting a match to his customary pipe, cut short the
praise and went straight to the heart of the matter.
“Now Sir Hamilton,” he said, “Before you go I want your opinion on this bar here.
Elgar has written an A flat and I think he‟s wrong. Every time I hear it, I‟m sure it
should be a natural. What do you think?” thrusting the score towards Sir Hamilton.
“I‟m sure Sir Edward is right. An A flat” said Sir Hamilton.
“I don‟t know” replied Fred “It doesn‟t sound right to me.”
Usually Sir Hamilton‟s word is law in the Halle so it was unusual to hear my father
arguing the toss over an A Flat while Harty‟s neck grew a darker shade of puce.
Fred started the piece again with special emphasis on the offending bar. In the silence
which ensued, Harty walked over to Fred and said “You were quite right, definitely
an A Natural.”
(Adapted from “Harry Mortimer On Brass” ISBN0906670047)
(Unconfirmed rhumours were that Sir Edward Elgar himself came to listen to the
band play his piece at Sandbach. Unfortunately he didn‟t come to Sandbach – He did
however listen to Harry Mortimer while he was with the Halle, in Manchester,
as he was the President of the Halle Orchestra)
___________________________________________________________________________________
7 Sept 1930
(Tea Provided)
10 Sept 1930
CONCERT – Crewe, St Pauls Church – Two Concerts (Paid £25)
S Cotterill, Pat Bowlen Builders Nantwich Road
27 Sept 1930
MASSED BANDS - Massed Bands at Crystal Palace (Paid £10)
27 Sept 1930
The test piece was written by Sir Edward Elgar (Unable to attend the contest due to
illness – Sciatica – which turned out to be cancer from which he died in 1934)
and was dedicated to George Bernard Shaw (Who was in the audience) and called
“The Severn Suite”.
Just before the results were announced, Fred Mortimer conducted six of the bands in
a performance of Alexander Owen‟s “Rossini‟s Works” followed by
Harry Mortimer‟s solo spot with the tune “The Warrior” by Basil Windsor.
Test Piece “The Severn Suite” by Edward Elgar.
Conductor Fred Mortimer.
FIRST
Foden Motor Works Band
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Irwell Springs
After all these Year‟s they had made it with Fred Mortimer in charge something they
had not done since 1910.
The result was flashed all round South Cheshire and even put onto the screens at the
local cinemas including Middlewich.
Sept 1930
The band won £1138.
RECORDING – Recording for Columbia (Paid £70)
The following day (Sunday) the band went to the Columbia Company studios to
record the “Severn Suite” for release in November 1930. (Paid £70)
Nov 1930
Severn Suite (Part 1)
Regal
MR189
Severn Suite (Part 2)
MR189 b
(Available on Crystal Palace Champions CD – Beulah Label 1PD 2)
(Available on Fabulous Fodens CD –Choice CD2BM2)
Nov 1930
Cossack (FODENS SIGNATURE TUNE)
Regal
MR190
Shylock (Cornet Solo Harry Mortimer)
MR190 b
The following day the band set off for Sandbach.
28 Sept 1930
BBC LONDON BROADCAST
Following on from the Columbia recording the band went to the BBC for a
broadcast following their success at the National Brass Band Championship.
(Paid £20)
28 Sept 1930
CONCERT – Finsbury Park Empire.
In the evening after the recording and broadcast the band played at the Theatre.
(Paid £40)
12 Oct 1930
CONCERT – NEW THEATRE Crewe (Paid 50% = £33/19/4).
In 2 Grand Concerts. (Lyceum Crewe)
Picture & Feature on Foden‟s Band Page 9, 4 Oct Crewe Chronicle.
16 Oct 1930
19 Oct 1930
CONCERT – Hanley
Theatre Royal, Hanley, Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
Carl Oliver. One Concert
28 Oct 1930
OLD PEOPLES CELEBRATION
In 1910 when Fodens first won the Championship Edwin Foden had donated 5/- to
each of the elderly folk in Elworth in the form of a celebration concert and meal.
His son E.R. Foden followed the tradition by saying a few Year‟s later that he would
double the donation to 10/- if the Band won again and in 1930 they did just that.
True to his word he started organising the event along with Arthur Thompson the
recreation Club Secretary and buyer for Fodens.
The event was held on the 28 October 1930 in the works Canteen and they catered
for 200 elder members of the community with a wonderful tea.
After the event to which band members were also invited along with their families
ERF handed out envelopes to the elderly containing a 10/- note which in those days
was equivalent to a days wage for a skilled fitter at the works.
The band played after the meal in the large machine shop and was attended by 2,000
people with a picture of the Founder at the back of the platform and in front of the
band stood the Crystal Palace Trophy.
Fred Mortimer was not forgotten as he was handed a canteen of cutlery and an
inscribed wallet with £30 in notes.
2 Nov 1930
CONCERT – Kidsgrove (Paid 50% = £20 Plus Bus)
J T Stubbs
(Tea Provided)
20 to 22 Nov 1930
CONCERT – Grand Theatre, Leek (Paid 60% = £28/19/2)
James Hillington Manager.
24 to 29 Nov 1930
CONCERT – Manchester Hippodrome (Paid £126)
Gerard Heath, Coventry House, London.
25 Nov 1930
30 Nov 1930
CONCERT – Nelson – One Concert (Paid £30)
F Beresford Supporters Club Sec. 14 Ball Street.
7 Dec 1930
CONCERT – Wigan, Knights of St Columbo (Paid £40)
J H Harrison 139 Gidlow Lane
(Tea Provided)
13 Dec 1930
CONCERT – Manchester Belle Vue – One Concert (Paid £25)
W B Iles, Manager.
14 Dec 1930
CONCERT – Newport Pavilion (Paid £50)
Ivor and Jones, Proprietor Cardiff Road
28 Sept 1930
###################################################################################
1931
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1930 /31
FODEN MOTOR WORKS - ERF
With the end of the 1914-18 war the company like all others in the country were hard
hit as the market suddenly became flooded with ex war vehicles and it was a lot
cheaper to buy a second hand vehicle than a brand new one from Fodens.
Profits slumped and Annie Foden the largest shareholder in the company blamed her
two sons. Annie made their lives difficult and she brought in a number of General
Managers to run the company, all of whom had a background in steam. This made
things go from bad to worse and in their different ways the Foden brothers cracked
under the criticism from their mother.
In 1924 Billy Foden left the Country and moved to Australia to take up farming
sheep leaving his brother Edwin to remain with the Board as Managing Director.
Edwin however had started to lose interest in the company and decided to move to
Sunray, 37 Preston New Road, Blackpool, returning to Sandbach once a fortnight to
attend the Board meetings and to listen to rehearsals of the Foden band as well as a
game of snooker at the Foden Recreation Club.
In 1928 Sam Twemlow (E.R's Brother in law) had died, leaving E.R. as the only
member of the original Foden Ltd board left at the company. Sam‟s place was taken
by John Stubbs (Son of one of the original Stubbs brothers) to run the Fodens Motor
Works.
By this time Annie was unhappy with Edwin‟s behaviour and decided to get the
Board of Directors to dismiss him.
The Company was starting to see the potential of new forms of propulsion including
the Diesel Engine which was being used all over Europe by MAN, Daimler Benz and
in this country by Dorman, Crossley and the Gardner Company.
Just before he was dismissed by the board, in 1931 ER Foden was instructed along
with his nephew Edwin Twemlow, to visit Messrs Gardner at Patricroft, Manchester
with a view to buying a diesel engine to power a new vehicle.
They brought back the first Gardner engine (L 2) into the works for Edwin Twemlow
to work into a new design for the company.
It had a 5L2 Gardner engine, Daimler gearbox and Kirkstall axle.
The first of the new form of transport was delivered to its new owner
(Jackson and Sons of Wistaston, Crewe (Reg 287M) on the 14 October 1931.
By the summer of 1932 Edwin Richard (ERF) Foden left the board of Foden's Ltd.
By 1933 a meeting had been held in a conservatory (or greenhouse) in the garden of
ERF‟s daughter opposite the Foden works. It was then that the ERF Company was
formed by his son Dennis and named after his father. The first chassis number was
also significant as it was 63 the age of Edwin Richard Foden at the time.
This was officially the end of Edwin‟s involvement with the Foden band, however as
he has been such a big supporter of the band it was Edwin whom the bandmasters
rang with the news of a win first and not the Board of the Company.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1 Jan 1931
Mr E Harvey joined the band (Xylophone). E Harvey (1 Jan 1931 to 24 Aug 1932)
21 Feb 1931
CONCERT – Belle Vue – One Concert (Paid £25)
W B Iles General Manager
28 Feb 1931
QUARTET CONTEST - South Elmsall (Nr Grimethorpe, Yorkshire)
Quartet No 1
11 Mar 1931
CONCERT – Runcorn – One Concert (Paid £20)
F Kirkham, Park, Runcorn
5 Apr 1931
CONCERT – Alton Towers – 2pm and 5pm (Paid £35)
(Tea Provided)
6 to 11 Apr 1931 CONCERT – Bingley Hall, Birmingham (Paid £180)
T W Bladon, General Manager 107-10 Daimla House, Paradin Ct.
15 Apr 1931
CONCERT – Bethel Silver Band, Macclesfield – One Concert (Paid £20)
Mr R J Deall B M. 73 Windmill Street,
F Todd , Estate Office, Trentham
(Tea Provided)
17 May 1931
CONCERT – Buile Hill Park, Salford (Paid £40)
F Richardson, Superintendent Buile Hill
24 May 1931
Thomas Brownson, Town Clark, Hyde.
25 May 1931
CONCERT – Wrexham M C A Fete (Paid £40)
R A Jones, Sec Hill Street, Wrexham
(Tea Provided)
26 May 1931
CONCERT – Tamworth, Band of Hope Fate (Paid £50)
(Whit Tuesday) 7 Biddulph, Rd, Wigginton Road, Tamworth
(Tea Provided)
27 May 1931
CONCERT – Arboretum, Derby (Paid £50)
T S Wells, Park Superintendent, The Arboretum
31 May 1931
CONCERT – Oak Hill Park Accrington (Paid £50)
W H Waihurst, Town Clark
3 June 1931
CONCERT – Crewe Park (Paid £35)
Harold S R Peltham, Town Clark
7 June 1931
8 to 13 June 1931
CONCERT – Belle Vue Manchester (Paid £150)
W B West General Manager
14 June 1931
16 June 1931
CONCERT – Falinge Park, Rochdale (Paid £45)
20 June 1931
CONCERT – Knutsford Conservative Fate (Paid £35)
G Harold Ashton, Agent, Central Offices, Kennelester Road, Knutsford
(Tea Provided)
21 June 1931
CONCERT – Cross Flats Park, Beeston, Leeds (Paid £60)
W Woodhead, Cross Flats Grove, Beeston, Leeds.
27 June 1931
CONCERT – Barrow in Furness (Paid £45)
T B Phillips, Northgate House, Weston Road, Gloster.
28 June to 5 July 1931 TOUR
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dunfermline (Paid £216 Plus Fares)
W Besaut, Director of Parks 120 Blythswood Street, Glasgow.
28 to 29 June 1931
Glasgow
4 July 1931
Dunfermline
5 July 1931
Glasgow
6 to 11 July 1931 CONCERT –
Belle Vue Manchester (Paid £150)
W B West, General Manager
12 July 1931
CONCERT – Leigh, Fins Park (Paid £40)
Thomas B Bamber, Town Clark
15 July 1931
CONCERT – Macclesfield West Park (Paid £10/10/0 Net share)
16 July 1931
CONCERT – Runcorn River Park (Paid £17/10/11)
18 July 1931
CONCERT – Alderley Edge Flower Show (Paid £35)
E E Loose Olenand Green, Alderley Edge
19 to 25 July 1931
11 to 12.30pm, 3 to 4.40pm, 7 to 9pm Except Sat
George Howels, General Manager , Central Office
Foreshaw, Scarborough
26 July 1931
CONCERT – Stalybridge Stamford Park (Paid £40)
Thomas Wilson, Stamford Park.
30 July 1931
CONCERT – Halifax People‟s Park (Paid £45)
2 Aug 1931
Geo. Mottram, Supt.
3 Aug 1931
CONCERT – Loggerheads (Paid £50 Plus Bus)
3 May 1931
Claude C Taylor, Managing Director
(Tea Provided)
F Todd , Estate Office, Trentham
(Tea Provided)
6 Aug 1931
(Tea Provided)
7 Aug 1931
Harry Hunt, Sec. Wem
(Tea Provided)
9 to 15 Aug 1931
W J Worwood, Town Clerk
PROGRAMME dated 11 Aug 1931 (1d)
Organised by the County Borough of Southend-on-Sea
The band played on the Bandstand on the Cliffs twice daily 3pm and 8pm.
3pm to 5pm
1. Popular Melodies Old and New (Finch)
2. Characteristic Piece “The Grasshopper‟s Dance” (Bucalossi)
3. Excelsior (Balfe) Duet – Tombone and Euphonium
Robert Knott and Alec Mortimer
4. Thoughts (Ancliffe)
5. Selection of the Works of Wagner
INTERVAL 10 Minutes
6. Three Yorkshire Dale Dances (Wood)
7. Pogoda Bells (Cope) Xylophone Solo E Harvey
8. Maids of the Mountains (Simson)
9. A Scottish Rhapsody – Lord of the Isles (W Rimmer)
GOD SAVE THE KING
8pm to 10pm
1. Foden‟s Own (Greenwood)
2. Finlandia (Sibelius)
3. Cleopatra (Damare) Cornet Solo Harry Mortimer
4. Bells of Eventide (Copa)
5. Rossini‟s Works (arr Owen)
INTERVAL 10 Minutes
6. Excerpts from The Mikado (Sullivan)
7. Spanish Serenade - Anita (Bilton)
8. Humouresque – A Lightning Switch (Alford)
9. The Arcadians (Monckton)
GOD SAVE THE KING
(A copy of the programme was lent to the archive by Alan Summers – Market Rasen)
16 to 22 Aug 1931
CONCERT – Bournemouth (Paid £185)
C T Hutchison, General Manager. The Pavilion
23 to 29 Aug 1931
CONCERT – Tunbridge Wells
C R Barton, Sec. Town Hall
30 Aug 1931
CONCERT – West Ham Canning Town Recreation Ground (Paid £45)
Charles E Cranfield, Town Clerk
6 Sept 1931
7 Sept 1931
Test Piece “Springtime” by Haydn Morris.
Conductor for Fodens Fred Mortimer
FIRST
SECOND
Glazebury
THIRD
Milnrow Public
UNPLACED
13 Sept 1931
CONCERT – Padiham (Paid £50)
Town Clark, Padiham
17 Sept 1931
CONCERT – Stokeley Show (Paid £65 Plus Breakfast, Lunch and Tea)
John Farrerl, Secretary.
(Tea Provided)
26 Sept 1931
Fred Mortimer wanted to defend the title they had won the previous year and set
about learning the test piece “Honour and Glory” by Hubert Bath. The band played
poorly and were less confident about regaining the title as they played in the evening
contest the piece “Severn Suite” followed by “Romanza and Warbling at Eve” with
solo spot by Harry Mortimer.
The Massed bands played the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel and then the results.
Test Piece “Honour and Glory” by Herbert Bath.
FIRST PLACE Wingates Temperence
SECOND
Horden Colliery
THIRD
Rothwell Temperance.
FOURTH
Eccles Borough
FIFTH
Creswell Colliery
SIXTH
Fodens Motor Works.
9 Oct 1931
5 to 14 Nov 1931
CONCERT – Olympia London (Paid £250)
Manager E J Phillips, 83 Pall Mall, London SW1.
22 Nov 1931
CONCERT –
Wallasey Mayor‟s, Sunday Parade – Two Concerts (Paid £40 Plus Meals)
D P Charlesworth, Northcliff Egremont Promenade, Wallasey.
28 Nov 1931
QUARTET CONTEST - Whitworth Vale (Nr Rochdale, Lancashire)
Quartet No 1
Second Prize (£2)
21 Dec 1931
Alex Hilton (E Flat Bass) left the band. (1920 to 21 Dec 1931)
(Poss also known as Tip Hylton)
20 Sept 1931
###################################################################################
1932
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
4 Jan 1932
Arthur Webb Jnr made his debut at the rehearsal playing Cornet / Baritone with
the band an association he had until the mid 1970‟s. (4 Jan 1932 to 1974 +)
He was the brother of Frank / Son of Arthurand had played with the
Greasbrough and Parkgate bands and played Soprano with Houghton Main.
(Date from the Band Signing in Book)
10 Jan 1932
CONCERT – Hanley Regent Theatre – One Concert (Paid £25)
Carl Oliver, Potteries Choral Society
25 Jan 1932
Mr E Poole (Cornet) Joined the Band. (25 Jan 1932 to 31 Mar 1933)
14 Feb 1932
CONCERT – CREWE THEATRE – One Concert (Paid 50% = £9/9/2)
(Lyceum Crewe)
Feb 1932
QUARTET CONTEST - Rushden Windmill Club
7 Mar 1932
CONCERT – Blackpool Tower Ballroom – One Concert (Paid £42)
Willie Riley, Educational Sec. Co-op Society, Sheppard Street, Blackpool.
20 Mar 1932
CONCERT – The Alexandra, Shotton, Staffs (Paid 60% = £14/2/1)
One Concert
Harold M Jones Manager
27 Mar 1932
28 Mar to 2 Apr 1932
CONCERT – Bingley Hall, Birmingham (Paid £180)
T W Bladon, General Manager 107-10 Daimla House, Paradice Street.
9 Apr 1932
T H Morrison, Musical Director, Broadcasting House, Piccadilly
4 May 1932
CONCERT – Winsford Hippodrome – One Concert (Paid £20)
Mr Cathmol, Manager
CONCERT – Walkden (Paid £9/7/6)
CONCERT – Chester (Paid £31/0/9)
(Tea Provided)
22 May 1932
RECORDING 78 –
Post Horn Polka (J Strauss arr Seymour) a Cornet Solo by Harry Mortimer and
The Warrior were recorded for the Regal Zonophone company T6198b
29 May 1932
CONCERT – Leek
Leek in Conjunction with British Legion Band (Paid 75% takings = £15/15/6)
5 June 1932
12 June 1932
CONCERT – Victoria Park, Widnes (Paid £35)
18 June 1932
CONCERT – Red Street, Chesterton (Paid £25)
Dan Howie
(Tea Provided)
19 June 1932
CONCERT – The Groves Chester (Paid Total Collection = £29)
26 June 1932
(Tea Provided)
5 July 1932
CONCERT – Swadlincote, Burton on Trent (Paid 2/3 of takings = £28/5/4)
J C Springhall, Sec. Stoke Club, 49 Alexandra Road.
10 July 1932
(Tea Provided)
12 July 1932
CONCERT – Sandbach Garden Party (Paid £15)
17 July 1932
CONCERT – Falinge Park., Rochdale (Paid £45)
23 July 1932
CONCERT – Middlewich (Paid £20)
Roland Seaton, Chadwick Fields
24 July 1932
George Mottram, Supt.
25 July 1932
NEW THEATRE, CREWE
New Theatre Production
With
Madame Beatrice Walley
Messrs J Platt
W. Horabin
E. Leech
Benefit performance for Mr Malcolm Spurgin
(The resident Manager of the theatre)
Conductor for Fodens, Fred Mortimer
31 July 1932
CONCERT – Hyde, Cheshire (Paid £40)
Thomas Brownson, Town Clark, Hyde.
1 Aug 1932
CONCERT – Loggerheads Crosville Motors (Paid £50 Plus Bus)
Claude Taylor, Managing Director
(Tea Provided)
2 Aug 1932
CONCERT – Castle Donington (Paid £42)
(Tea Provided)
J G Shields, Estate Offices, Isley Walter, Derby
August 1932
In the Crewe Chronicle, 6 August 1932, it was reported that
Mr Edwin Richard Foden had resigned as Chairman (Managing Director) of
Foden's the Truck Makers in Sandbach and moved to Blackpool to consider his
future position. In reality he was fired from the job.
13 Aug 1932
CONCERT –
Rushden Windmill Club (Northampton Brass Band) – One Concert (Paid £25)
C H Bud, Sec.
14 to 20 Aug 1932
W J Worwood, Town Clerk
27 Aug 1932
CONCERT – Askam (Paid 75% = £8/6/0 Plus Lodgings)
28 Aug to 4 Sept 1932
CONCERT – Glasgow and Dunfermline (Paid £210 and Bus)
15 May 1932
16 May 1932
17 May 1932
22 May 1932
Test Piece “The Crusaders” by Thomas Keighley.
FIRST
SECOND
Nelson Old
THIRD
Metropolitan Works
UNPLACED
Fodens Motor Works Band (Played 2nd).
1 Oct 1932
After Edwin Foden had encountered problems at Fodens and had been fired in
June 1932 he still had an interest in the band and was determined that the band
should go to Crystal Palace to regain the title that they had lost in 1931.
After the competition the evening concert involved the band yet again and the piece
chosen to be played that night was “Labour and Love” by Percy Fletcher which
incidentally was the first original Brass Band composition commissioned for the
“National Championships”. Unfortunately the composer Percy Fletcher died three
weeks prior to the competition so it was also a fitting tribute to the composer who
was only 52.
The Test piece was “A Downland Suite” written by Cheshire Composer
John Ireland.
FIRST
Fodens Motor Works Band (Conductor Fred Mortimer)
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills (Conductor William Halliwell)
THIRD
Wingates Temperance
Picture and Feature, News Chronicle Page 1, 3 Oct 1932 (Monday)
A Picture of the event at Crystal Palace shows the band performing in a Bandstand
with the judges in a sealed tent to the left of the picture. Unlike later competitions
where the band appears on stage the 1932 competition was more like performing
at a seaside resort with the public milling around the bandstand.
2 Oct 1932
This was possibly prior to going to the Record Studio.
2 Oct 1932
CONCERT – Finsbury Park Empire (Paid £35)
Evening Concert.
2 to 13 Oct 1932 RECORDING Zonophone Recording Sessions. Two Sessions (Paid £120)
Mr Rush, Recording Manager 363 to 367 Oxford Street, London.
On the following day (Sunday 2 Oct) from the competition the band were
again recording the winning piece to be released on two 78‟s by the
Columbia Recording studio who released them on the Regal Zonophone label.
Nov 1932
Poppies for Remembrance (Part 1) Regal Zono
T6226
(With Choir)
Intro; There‟s a Long Long trail, It‟s a long way to Tipperary,
Pack up your troubles, Keep the home fires burning.
Poppies for Remembrance (Part 2) (with Choir)
T6226 b
Intro; Till the Boys Come Home, Abide with me (Part 2),
Lead Kindly Light O God our Help.
Nov 1932
Downland Suite (Part 1)
Regal Zono
T6228
T6228 b
Nov 1932
Regal Zono
T6229
T6229 b
(“Downland Suite” Available on Crystal Palace Champions CD – Beulah Label 1PD 2)
(“Downland Suite”Available on Fabulous Fodens CD –Choice CD2BM2)
Unissued
March - O.R.B.
Regal Zono Unissued.
March - By the Left
Dec 1932
Drink to me only with thine eyes (Caldicott)
T6260
with the Northern Singers
Sweet and Low (Barnaby)
T6260 b
with the Northern Singers
Dec 1932
Bradford (A Owen)
Regal Zono
T6261
Rimington – Jesus Shall Reign (Duckworth)
T6261 b
5 Sept 1932
The band also recorded a number of other recordings for the company until
the 13 Oct 1932.
Oct 1932
30 Oct 1932
6 Nov 1932
9 Nov 1932
(Wed)
19 Nov 1932
20 Nov 1932
27 Nov 1932
7 Dec 1932
18 Dec 1932
On the bands return to Elworth on the Monday there was no Edwin Richard Foden
to greet them as he was no longer with the company. But true to his word ERF
donated £1 to each of the elderly of Elworth and the band were given
commemorative gold medals at a reception in October in recognition of their third
win at the National Championships.
CONCERT – Hanley, Regent Theatre – One Concert (Paid £25)
Carl Oliver 18 Eastwood Place.
CONCERT – Tivoli Theatre, New Brighton – One Concert (Paid £30)
Dan Slater, Manager
CONCERT – New Theatre, Crewe - Presentation Concert (Paid £30).
They called it a Presentation Concert and were paid £30.
I can only assume it was to show off a National Brass Band Trophy they
had just won. (Lyceum Crewe)
CONCERT – The Alhambra, Shotton (Paid 65% - £11)
Harold M Jones Manager
CONCERT – Earl Haig‟s Poppy Day, Hyde Cheshire (Paid £15)
Captain Higham, Herald Office, Hyde
CONCERT – Macclesfield Bethel Silver band (Paid £15)
R J Deall, 259 Peter Street, Macclesfield
CONCERT – Kidsgrove (Paid 50/50 = £5/4/0 Plus Bus)
T S Slater, 22 Second Avenue, Kidsgrove.
(Tea Provided)
###################################################################################
1933
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
Jan 1933
BAND MEMBERS (in order from the Band Signing in Book)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
Soprano 109547
Own Cornet
Solo Cornet
Charles Dawson
Own Cornet
Solo Cornet
(Bill) William Lawton
Own Cornet
Cornet
(Bill) William Pedley
Own Cornet
Cornet
Reg Moores
Own Cornet
Cornet
Harry Stanway (Joined 13 Apr 1933)
Own Cornet
Cornet
(Bob) Robert Shepley
Own Cornet
Cornet
E Birchenough
Cornet 72339 (Besson 1907)
Cornet
Edwin Statham
Cornet
Herbert Harrison
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold (New) Flugel 124083 (Besson 1932)
Tenor Horn
Arthur Webb (New)
Tenor Horn (Besson 1933)
Tenor Horn
Fred Sowood
Tenor Horn 109473 (Besson 1910)
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Baritone 97110 (Besson 1910)
Euphonium
Alex Mortimer
Own Euphonium (Boosey)
Euphonium
Rex Mortimer (New)
Euphonium 104770 (Boosey 1932)
Trombone
(Bob) Robert Knott
Trombone 53053 (Hawkes 1926)
Trombone
Harold Stubbs
Trombone 41561 (Hawles 1927)
Bass Trombone 3030 (Courtois 1927)
Eb Bass
Matthew Cullen
Eb bass 112160 (Boosey 1920)
Eb Bass
Basil Stokes
Eb bass 107801 (Boosey 1920)
Bb Bass
Ben Rowarth
Bb Bass 110670 (Boosey 1920)
Bb Bass
Joe Poole
Bb Bass 111333 (Boosey 1928)
Drums / Xylophone / Glock / Timpany / Foot Cymbals / Tubular Bells / Anvil –
Dennis Harrison
(Joined for Tour June- July 1933 from Sandbach School)
SHARED INSTRUMENTS
Cornet 100849 (Besson)
Soprano 91218 (Besson)
Tenor Horn 73507 (Besson)
Baritone 115465 (Besson)
Euphonium 60188 (Boosey)
Trombone 13446 (Besson)
Bass Trombone (Higham)
22 Jan 1933
CONCERT – Barnoldswick (Paid £35)
J W Thornton 47, Harrison Street, Barnoldswick
(Tea Provided)
4 Feb 1933
QUARTET CONTEST - Winsford
Quartet No 2
First Prize (£3)
12 Feb 1933
CONCERT – Hull (Paid £55)
R Beckon 5 Falstaff Rd, Dorrington Bank Estate.
(Tea Provided)
26 Feb 1933
CONCERT – Hanley (Paid £25)
5 Mar 1933
(Sun)
(Winners of the Crystal Palace Trophy, it was on display at the concert)
Incl;
Nellie Williams of Staffordshire (Contralto)
Harry Vernon of Crewe (Baratone)
Mr E Sims-Hilditch (at the Piano)
The band were Paid 33% of the Takings = £10/4/0
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
The Band Diary shows the date as the 6 March 1933.
Organised by Mr James. Sec. High Street, Crewe.
The actual date was the 5 March 1933 (Sunday)
27 Mar 1933
CONCERT – Blackpool Tower (Paid £40)
W Riley, Education sec.
31 Mar 1933
Mr E Poole (Cornet) left the Band. (25 Jan 1932 to 31 Mar 1933)
1933
By Easter 1933 Dennis Foden had formed the ERF Company.
3 to 8 Apr 1933 CONCERT – Birmingham Exhibition (Paid £180)
T W Bladon, General Manager 107-10 Daimla House, Paradise Street.
13 Apr 1933
Harry Stanway (Cornet) joined the band from Congleton.
14 Apr 1933
CONCERT – Bridlington (Paid £55)
R M Callaway Manager The Spa.
17 Apr 1933
CONCERT – Trentham (Paid £31/10/0)
H Deane Entertainment Manager
Pre May 1933
Harry Mortimer had got the Conducting bug and was asked by New Haden Colliery
Band of Cheadle, Staffordshire if he would like to take them to the Belle Vue Contest
in May. Among the Cornet players he found in the band was a 19 year old man from
Congleton called Charlie Cook who was also playing for the Congleton Town Band
under the baton of his own father Clem Cook.
After the May competition Charlie joined Fodens and was given the job of principal
Eb Soprano something he had not done before having only played the Bb Cornet
before. This didn‟t stop him getting to grips with the new instrument and soon he was
creating his own style of playing to the role.
1 May 1933
Charles Cook Joined Fodens band for his first rehearsal.
(1 May 1933 to 3 Nov 1961) From Congleton.
###################################################################################
CHARLES COOK BIOGRAPHY (Charlie Cook)
Eb Soprano Cornet 1933 to 1965.
.b. in 1913 in Nelson Street, Congleton.
His father Clem Cook taught Charles to play the cornet and at the age of 7 he was playing in the local
band a band that his father also happened to conduct.
At the age of 8 Charles made his first broadcast and moved from the Congleton band to the new
Hadden Colliery Band wher after a years playing he was awarded a Silver Cornet for his services to
that band. Charles then moved back to Congleton and his fathers band wher he was soon seen by the
Mortimer family who in 1929 invited him to join the Foden‟s Motor Works Band on Soprano Cornet.
Charles stayed with Foden‟s for 36 years until 1965 when he was invited to Conduct the Beresfords
Band in Congleton.
Under his baton the band have made two European Tours to Holland, Austria, Germany and Belgium
and won their section contests at Belle Vue for three successive years.
In 1978 Foden‟s Band and Beresfords Band got together for a “Wednesday Night is Music Night”
tribute concert celebrating 58 years of Charles Cook‟s involvement in Banding.
Charles was married and had a daughter Rita who married David James and they both joined the BBC
Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
According to a Biography in 1978 (19 Nov 1978) Charles Cook Joined Fodens band in 1929 however
the above story and the band Signing in book put the date as 1933. His first official rehearsal was on
the 1 May 1933.
###################################################################################
CONCERT – Walkden (Paid Collection £10/9/0)
J Lomax, Town Clark
20 May 1933
COMPETITION – Leeds.
28 May 1933
J C Tully, Supt. Faling Park, Rochdale.
1 June 1933
COMPETITION – Treorchy.
June 1933
FODENS (Company) decided to change to diesel rather than the outmoded Steam.
It was also decided to replace “Puffing Billy”, the vehicle that band had been using to
go round the country with the new form of transport so they could show off at the
Scottish Motor Show in June of 1933. However things didn‟t quite go to plan as on
the journey they managed to crash into a tram in Glasgow. They did make it to the
show but had to drape a Union Flag over the damaged part of the bus.
4 to 11 June 1933
Mr Mckay Entertainment Manager.
12 to 17 June 1933
TOUR –
Doncaster March, Lincoln, Cleathorpes, Thuswich Felixtone. (Paid £160)
F J Hopkins 43, Hale End Road, Woodfield Green, Essex.
18 June to 15 July 1933 SCOTLAND TOUR (All three Scottish Concerts paid £750)
4 Weeks touring Scotland including a week in Pittencrieff Park, part of the Carnegie
Dunfermline Trust performing two shows a day with 108 different items being
played over the week.
Dennis Harrison joined the band from Sandbach School (see Biography below)
___________________________________________________________________________________
7 May 1933
DENNIS HARRISON Biography.
Dennis Harrison started at the age of 16 when he was at Sandbach School and was invited to
accompany the band on an engagement tour of Scotland starting at Dunfermline. His appointment was
brought about rather as an emergency as the regular drummer suddenly tendered his resignation.
Dennis had not even rehearsed with the band before the tour and so impressed Fred Mortimer that he
decided to retain his services. The tour did have consequences as Dennis hadn‟t sort permission to take
time out from school and on his return was threatened with expulsion.
Dennis Harrison‟s father (Herbert Harrison) had assisted the band for 22 years as solo cornet player.
(see 17 Oct 1933)
___________________________________________________________________________________
18 June 1933
Unknown
CONCERT – Glasgow (Scottish Motor Show)
CONCERT – Edinburgh
Organised by W Besaut, Director of Parks 120 Blythswood Street, Glasgow.
CONCERT – Dunfermline
At Pittencrieff Park, part of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.
20 July 1933
CONCERT – Preston (Paid £40)
Town Clark, Preston.
22 July 1933
Dan Howell.
23 July 1933
CONCERT – Widnes (Paid £32/10/0)
Town Clark, Widnes
30 July 1933
CONCERT – Stalybridge (Paid £40)
Thos. Wilson, Stamford Park, Stalybridge
6 Aug 1933
CONCERT – Oldham (Paid £40)
George Mottram, Superintendent Alexandra Park.
7 Aug 1933
CONCERT – Loggerheads (Paid £50)
C Taylor, Managing Director, Crosville Motors
9 Aug 1933
CONCERT – Darby Arboretum (Paid £50)
Mr Wells, The Arboretum Derby
10 Aug 1933
CONCERT – Bakewell Show (Paid £50)
J Hill, Sec. Farmers Club, Bakewell
1933
SUMMER TOUR
12 Weeks touring the Seaside Resorts (see below).
12-18 Aug 1933 CONCERT – Southend on Sea (Paid £210)
19-25 Aug 1933 CONCERT – Hyde Park, London (Paid £165)
F E Carter, Bailiff of Royal Park. H.M. Offices of Works, Storeys Gate, Westminster.
Plymouth Bandstand (1 Week)
The band joked that Plymouth was where it was possible to hear the band and
see the Sound (Plymouth Sound).
P H Cole, Town Clarks Office, Plymouth.
3 to 9 Sept 1933 CONCERT – Worthing (Paid £175)
Mr Cooper, Entertainment Manager Town Hall.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
4 Sept 1933
COMPETITION – “British Open Championships”, Area Final at
Belle Vue, Manchester.
Fodens Motor Works Band didn‟t take part between 1932 and 1952.
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 Sept 1933
CONCERT – Kettering (Paid £40)
W Clark, Town Bank, Sec. Rockingham Road.
17 Sept 1933
T E Wolstenholme, Entertainment Manager Town Hall.
30 Sept 1933
The evening concert included Fodens playing “Downland Suite” and then the results.
Test piece “Prometheus Unbound” by Sir Granville Bantock.
FIRST
SECOND
Scottish CWS
THIRD
Cresswell Colliery
Fred was quick to phone Edwin Foden to give him the good news.
Rex Mortimer said that, in his view this performance of “Prometheus Unbound” was
the finest ever performance by the band in his lifetime.
The band won £1172 / 10 /0
30 Sept 1933
Massed Bands Concert – after the above competition (Paid £10)
1 Oct 1933
Decca Records (Paid £50)
The band were again recording the winning piece from the competition for
release on 78 by the Columbia Recording studio on the Regal Zonophone
label.
Nov 1933
Prometheus Unbound (Part 1)
Decca
F3681
Prometheus Unbound (Part 2)
F3681 b
15 July 1933
CONCERT – Finsbury Park Empire – Evening Concert (Paid £35)
Dennis Harrison (Drummer) officially joined the Band for his first rehearsal.
See 18 June to 15 July 1933 (17 Oct 1933 to 1936+)
18 Oct 1933
CONCERT – Liverpool Stadium (Paid £31/10/0)
Rushworth and Draper 11-17 Islington, Liverpool.
24 Oct 1933
Reception and Presentation of the Trophy to the Works at Elworth.
26 Oct 1933
BBC Manchester – Two Broadcasts (Paid £36/15/0)
29 Oct 1933
CONCERT – Hanley Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
2 to 11 Nov 1933
CONCERT – Olympia Commercial Show (Paid £175)
Evenings only, E J Phillips. Manager 83 Pall Mall, London SW1.
5 Nov 1933
CONCERT – Sunday L#### Palladium and Lewisham (Paid £30)
9 Nov 1933
Lord Mayor‟s Show in London. (see Nov 1964)
12 Nov 1933
Decca Recording Co (Paid £36)
24 Nov 1933
CONCERT – Congleton (Paid £14/4/9)
Head, Congleton Chronicle Edition.
29 Nov 1933
CONCERT – Treorchy (Paid £60)
W P Thomas, Eisteddfod Officer, Treorchy.
1 Oct 1933
17 Oct 1933
###################################################################################
1934
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1934
With ever increasing losses the FODEN Company needed help. Some of the workers
sent out a plea to William Foden in Australia to come back and help them.
With his new idyllic life he was reluctant, but while on holiday in Europe his did
make a detour to Elworth to see the company. He was shocked at the state it was in
and immediately made plans to return.
Firstly he became a Managing Director Designate and with the approval of the board
the post was made permanent at the next AGM.
19 Jan 1934
CONCERT – Bolton Victoria Hall – One Concert (Paid £20)
A E Briscoe Sec Royal Infirmary Bolton
3 Feb 1934
CONCERT – Rushden Windmill (Northampton Brass Band) (Paid £20)
___________________________________________________________________________________
RUSHDEN WINDMILL BAND (Northampton)
Formally the “Rushden Temperance Silver Band” they made their first contest entry in 1880 and won
first prize. The band went onto competitive appearances at the National Championships in London and
the British Open Championships in Manchester. Their resident conductor was C. H. Baker with
Alexander Owen being employed as a Professional conductor for competitions. He was succeeded by J.
A. Greenwood (Also conducted Haydock Band in 1917 and Grimethorpe Colliery Band in 1918) who
conducted the band in the 1923 National Championships (along with two other bands).
In 1914 the band was disbanded for the years of the war and were reformed in 1921 with a more
youthful lineup with a Youth Band and Junior Band being set up.
The second world war took many of the younger members of the band and in 1947 they were reformed
with William Scholes being appointed as the new conductor of the band. In 1962 Mr Scholes left the
band in the hands of George Crossland. In 1949 the band were chosen by the BBC to inaugurate a new
series of broadcasts called the “Local Event”, teaming up with the St.Cecilia Singers and Mr Douglas
Gilbert (Tenor).
In 1965 the band won the BBC Radio programme “Challenging Brass” (conducted by Ernie Denton)
beating Camborne Town at the Leeds Town Hall.
In 1975 the Band moved into a new Bandroom next to the “Rushden Windmill Club” in Glassbrook
Road, Rushden. With help from the club itself to build its rehearsal rooms, the band adopted a new
name “Rushden Windmill Band”.
In 1979 the band‟s “B” band was established as a Learners Band.
1983 the band moved to the Working Men‟s Club in Rushden and eventually took the name “Rushden
Town Band”.
By the 1980‟s the band were down to six members and after an appeal were soon back to strength.
In 1995 the band were again winning places at competitions something that continued into the next
century.
___________________________________________________________________________________
4 Feb 1934
Recording for Cash (Paid £55)
This was possibly made by REX at Crystal Palace and included the tunes –
Martial Moments
Rex
F655 (REX 15021)
Part 1. Medley
Intro; Entry of the Gladiators; Folies- Bergeres; Punjaub;
Belphegor; Sons of the Brave; Colonel Bodey.
Part 2. March Medley (Arr Aubrey Winter)
Intro; Through night to light; To the front old comrades;
Under the Double Eagle; Sylvia; Namur;
With Sword and Lance
___________________________________________________________________________________
RECORDS MADE BY REX
May 1934
Old Panama
Rex
8160
Post Horn Gallop (Post Horn Solo Harry Mortimer)
8160 b
July 1934
Marital Moments (Part 1)
Rex
8190
Marital Moments (Part 2)
8190 b
(See 1937)
1934
Unknown
(Poss 1934)
MASSED BRASS BANDS - FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND,
WOOD GREEN EXCELSIOR SILVER PRIZE, EDMONTON SILVER AND
FRIARY BREWERY BANDS
Rex
8203
1. Old Comrades (Teike)
2. On Parade (Gatty)
MASSED BRASS BANDS - FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND,
WOOD GREEN EXCELSIOR SILVER PRIZE, EDMONTON SILVER AND
FRIARY BREWERY BANDS (Possibly 78)
Imperial
2952
Evergreen Melodies Part 1
Evergreen Melodies Part 2
Aug 1934
Passing of the Regiments (Part 1)
Rex
8225
Passing of the Regiments (Part 2)
8225 b
(Recorded at Alexandra Palace)
___________________________________________________________________________________
CONCERT – London
Prince of Wales Theatre (London off Piccadilly Circus?) (Paid £20)
17 Feb 1934
18 Feb 1934
CONCERT – Regent Theatre Hanley – Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
26 Mar 1934
CONCERT – Crewe
Crewe Players Football Club – Two Concerts (Paid 50-50 = £13/5/7)
12 Apr 1934
Harry Hardy (Bb Bass) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(12 Apr 1934 to 30 Dec 1948)
17 to 28 Apr 1934
CONCERT – Groves Exhibition, Belle Vue (Paid £270)
H Burns, Secretary 392a Tennel Street, Manchester.
2 to 5 May 1934 CONCERT – Royal Dublin Society (Paid £200)
Edward Bohane, Director Ball Fridge, Dublin
9-10 Apr 1934 Ben Rowarth (E Flat Bass) retired from the band. He had joined in 1909
a total of 24 years.
10 May 1934
CONCERT – Winnington – One Concert (Paid £20)
13 to 19 May 1934
CONCERT – Hyde Park, London (Paid £165)
F G Carter, Bailiff of Royal Park. H.M. Offices of Works, Storeys Gate,
Westminster.
20 to 22 May 1934
C H Cowlisham, Director
(Tea Provided)
23 May 1934
CONCERT – Wilmslow (Paid £15/15/0)
24 to 26 May 1934
CONCERT – Manchester Parks (Paid £95)
4 Feb 1934?
J Richardson, Supt. Mosley Street
CONCERT – Rochdale Faling Park (Paid £40)
Tully Park Supt.
31 May 1934
Charles Dawson (Cornet) left the band. (1912 to 31 May 1934)
2 June 1934
CONCERT – Stretford Park (Paid £30)
(Tea Provided)
3 June 1934
7 June 1934
CONCERT – Utoxeter (Paid £10)
9 June 1934
CONCERT – Barrow in Furness (Paid Unknown)
TOUR
Glasgow Corporation (Paid £570 Plus Travelling)
W Besaut, Director of Parks 127 Blythewood Street.
2 to 3 July 1934 CONCERT – Sheffield Parks (Paid £85)
Mr Bumms
8 to 14 July 1934 CONCERT – Southend on Sea (Paid £185)
15 July 1934
CONCERT – West Ham Wanstead, Harts (Paid £45)
J Hanfield Town Clerk
21 July 1934
CONCERT – Lapworth Political Fate (Paid £45)
J H Riley, Birmingham
22 to 29 July 1934
CONCERT – Plymouth Hoe (Paid £210)
T H Cole, Town Clerks Office
30 July 1934
CONCERT – Westbury (Paid £35)
5 Aug 1934
6 Aug 1934
CONCERT – Loggerhead (Paid £50)
7 to 11 Aug 1934
CONCERT – Royal Dublin Horse Show (Paid £250)
12 Aug 1934
CONCERT – Blackpool Stanley Park (Paid £50)
19 Aug 1934
23 Aug 1934
CONCERT – Penistone Show (Paid £40)
J H Wood Secretary
(Tea Provided)
25 to 26 Aug 1934
T B Phillips, Northgate House, Weston Road, Gloucester
30 Aug 1934
CONCERT – Ruthin Show (Paid £40)
(Tea Provided)
2 to 9 Sept 1934 CONCERT – Worthing (Paid £175)
Mr J H Cooper, Entertainment Manager Town Hall.
_________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 Sept 1934
Fodens Motor Works Band Didn‟t Take Part Between 1932 and 1952.
_________________________________________________________________________________
15 Sept 1934
CONCERT – Chesterton (Paid £25)
Dan Howell Red Street, Chesterton
27 Sept 1934
CONCERT – I.C.I. Warrington (Paid £20)
29 Sept 1934
Test piece “Comedy” by John Ireland.
The evening concert included Fodens playing “Prometheus Unbound” and then the
results.
FIRST PLACE FODENS MOTOR WORKS
SECOND
Scottish CWS
THIRD
Harton Colliery
Fred was quick to phone E R Foden to give him the good news.
The usual recording of the winning performance was however not done this year so
we will never hear the performance they made of “Comedy”.
The band won £1202.
29 Sept 1934
Massed Bands Crystal Palace – After the above competition (Paid £10)
27 May 1934
30 Sept 1934
21 Oct 1934
11 Nov 1934
18 Nov 1934
17 Dec 1934
26 Dec 1934
It is possible a recording was made of this as Gramophone B8245 was recorded
under the title Massed bands – Crystal Palace 1934 and had
The William Tell Overture by Rossini and Tannhauser by Wagner on the recording.
CONCERT – Finsbury Park Empire – Winning Band (Paid £35)
CONCERT – Regent Theatre Hanley - Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
CONCERT – Crewe Theatre Temperance Band (Paid 50% = £20)
(Lyceum Crewe)
Miss Wilson Education Secretary Sheppard Street.
###################################################################################
1935
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1935
BAND MEMBERS
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Solo Cornet
Bill Pedley
Solo Cornet
Charlie Dawson
Solo Cornet
Herbert Harrison
Solo Cornet
Bill Lawton
Soprano Cornet Charlie Cook (Joined in 1933 from Congleon)
2nd Cornet
Bob Shepley
3rd Cornet
(Edwin) Ted Statham
3rd Cornet
Edgar Spurr (see above)
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill
Solo Baritone
Albert Statham
2nd Baritone
Basil Stokes
2nd Trombone
Harold Stubbs
E Flat Bass
Matt Cullen
E Flat Bass
Alex Hilton
B Flat Bass
Joe Poole
B Flat Bass
Ben Rowarth
Drums
Percy Lawton
3 Feb 1935
CONCERT – Congleton Town Hall (Paid 50% of the Takings = £21)
10 Feb 1935
CONCERT – Crewe (Lyceum Crewe)
Crewe Theatre – Alex Football Club (Paid 50% - £10)
NEW THEATRE Crewe.
Presented by Crewe Alexandra Football Club for funds.
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
16 Feb 1935
CONCERT – Hackney Salvation Army (Paid £40)
18 to 19 Feb 1935
CONCERT – Baxter and Barter (10% Commission = £108)
W Smith, 91 Oxford Street, London
This engagement was to take part in the film “THE SMALL MAN”.
1935
Universal Pictures Ltd approached the band to see if they would like to appear in a
film called “The Small Man” about a small shop keeper who was being forced out
of business by a larger company. Fodens would be filmed at the Stoll Studios
in London playing the “William Tell Overture” by Rossini.
___________________________________________________________________________________
THE SMALL MAN (1935 Film)
The film was produced by the “BAXTER AND BARTER” company for Universal Pictures Ltd.
Released later in the year and was about a small shop keeper who was being forced out of business.
CAST LIST
Earnest Butcher as Arthur
George Carney as Bill Edwards
Ian Colin as Company Director‟s Son
Mark Daly as Scotty
Edgar Driver as Titch
Roddy Hughes as David
Charles Mortimer as Company Director
Lilian Oldland as May Roberts (as Mary Newland)
Minnie Rayner as Alice Roberts
C Denier Warren as Manager
Haydn Wood as Himself
Albert Sandler as Himself (Orchestra Leader)
Walter Amner as (Uncredited)
Thorpe Bates as (Uncredited)
Fodens Motor Works Band (Uncredited).
CREW
Producer and Director John Baxter
Writer Con West
Cimematography by Desmond Dickson
BAXTER AND BARTER (Company Credits)
1933
Doss House
1935
The Small Man
1935
A Real Bloke
1935
Jimmy Boy
1936
Hearts of Humanity
1936
Birds of a Feather
1937
Talking Feet
___________________________________________________________________________________
24 Feb 1935
CONCERT – Sandbach Town Hall (Paid Gratis)
Nursing Home
3 Mar 1935
CONCERT – Regent Theatre, Hanley - Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
27 Mar 1935
CONCERT – Macclesfield Salvation Army – One Concert (Paid £15)
W Fletcher. Adjutant
7 Apr 1935
CONCERT – Tunstall British Legion – One Concert (Paid £20)
Captain Shaw, Secretary
21 Apr 1935
Edward Boutry Entertainment Manager
(Tea Provided)
22 to 27 Apr 1935
CONCERT – Birmingham Bingley Hall (Paid £180)
(Easter Week) T Bladon Exhibition Manager 210 Paradise Street.
5 May 1935
CONCERT – Derby Arboretum (Paid £45)
T S Wells. Parks Superintendent.
23 May 1935
CONCERT – Winnington – One Concert (Paid £20)
F T Spruce, Labour Manager
25 May 1935
CONCERT – Holyhead (Paid £40)
O E Jones. Hoyle Valley, Holyhead.
CONCERT – Stretford Park (Paid £35)
Geo. H Abraham, Town Clark
2 June 1935
CONCERT – Stockport Vernon Park (Paid £40)
4 June 1935
MARCH - March – Elg and Crobridge show (Paid £50)
(Names obscured by the word paid in the Band Diary)
8 June 1935
CONCERT – Chesterfield (Paid £25)
R D Hoole
9 to 11 June 1935
C H Cowlishaw
12 to 15 June 1935
CONCERT – Manchester Park (Paid £104)
J Richardson, Superintendent
16 to 22 June 1935
T E Wolstenholme, Manager.
29 June 1935
CONCERT – Penrith – Sons of Temperance Band (Paid £15)
30 June to 21 July 1935 (22 days) Glasgow, Dunfermline and Aberdeen (Paid £570 Plus Travelling)
25 July 1935
Town Clerk
27 July 1935
CONCERT – Worsley Show (Paid £31/10/0)
F G Carter, Bailiff of Royal Park. H.M. Offices of Works,
Storeys Gate, Westminster.
4 Aug 1935
CONCERT – Alexandra Park Oldham (Paid £40)
Geo. Mottram, Superintendent.
5 Aug 1935
Crosville Motors.
7 Aug 1935
Town Hall
11 Aug 1935
T C Tully, Superintendent
18 to 24 Aug 1935
P H Cole, Town Clarks Office.
25 to 31 Aug 1935
Mr H Porter Entertainment Manager
1 Sept 1935
CONCERT – Bostock Hall (Paid £25)
R J Gardner, The Bull Ring, Northwich.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
2 Sept 1935
___________________________________________________________________________________
26 May 1935
7 to 8 Sept 1935 CONCERT – Haydon Bridge (Paid £100)
Henry Wilson, Secretary Shaftoe Street
11 Sept 1935
T Z Wells, Park Superintendent
14 to 15 Sept 1935
CONCERT – Stanhope Wrexham (Paid £100)
J T Ridley, White House.
19 Sept 1935
CONCERT – Stokesley Show (Paid £65)
John Farrow
21 Sept 1935
CONCERT – Sale, Cheshire (Paid £35)
J W L Louther, Town Clark
28 Sept 1935
Due to the rules that after you won three times in a row you were not allowed to take
part in the next competition Fodens were given the opportunity to play the test piece
from last year‟s competition, “Comedy” by John Henry Iles at the evening concert.
This Year‟s Test Piece, “Pride of Race” by Kenneth Wright.
6 Oct 1935
27 Oct 1935
11 Nov 1935
24 Nov 1935
25 Nov 1935
15 Dec 1935
FIRST
Munn and Feltons
SECOND
Creswell Colliery
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
At the end of the concert the usual “Massed Band Concert” took place.
One of the pieces they played was “Grand March Le Prophete” by
Giacomo Meyerbeer. There was also a piece called “Sing A Song” which was again
was written by John Henry Iles who conducted the evening concert and involved a
little bit of singing from the bands.
Other tracks recorded at the concert were “Champion Medley No 3” and
“Amen (Messiah)” by F G Handel.
(Massed band tracks vailable on Crystal Palace Champions CD –
Beulah Label 1PD 2)
CONCERT – Llandudno Gardens (Paid £30)
Reginald Jordon, Manager
CONCERT – Hanley
Regent Theatre, Hanley - Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
CONCERT – Stoke Kings Hall – Armistice Day (Paid £15)
H G Bladon, Bowseer Bullock
CONCERT – Crewe (Paid Gratis)
Mrs Royds, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
CONCERT – Free Trade Hall, Manchester (Paid £25)
Christmas Toy Fair, for Children‟s Hospital.
CONCERT – Kidsgrove for St John‟s Ambulance (Paid £15)
J T Stubbs, Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove.
###################################################################################
1936
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
20 Jan 1936
25 Jan 1936
29 Jan 1936
1 Feb 1936
9 Feb 1936
22 Feb 1936
22 Feb 1936
23 Feb 1936
Feb 1936
12 Mar 1936
21 Mar 1936
31 Mar 1936
Miss Nelson, Education Secretary, Co-op Society
CONCERT – Stockport (Paid £15)
W H Morton Salvation Army Adjutant
Congleton (Paid £18)
The Composer and conductor William Rimmer died at the age of 73.
London Recording for Columbia (Paid £42)
CONCERT – Hanwell Salvation Army (Paid £18)
CONCERT – Burslem for St John‟s Ambulance (Paid £20)
RELEASE OF THE RECORDING
The Mill in the Dale (S Dale)
Regal Zono
MR1953
Members of Fodens‟s Band sang on this recording.
B SIDE Il Bacio (Cornet Solo Harry Mortimer)
MR1953 b
(“Il Bacio”Available on Fabulous Fodens CD –Choice CD2BM2)
CONCERT – Winnington (Paid £20)
CONCERT – Kettering with “Munn and Feltons” Brass Band (Paid £50)
BBC Manchester “Homage to Rimmer” (Paid £21) (see 3 Apr 1936)
Taking part were Foden‟s Motor Works Band led by Fred Mortimer with
Harry Mortimer on Principal Cornet, a quartet of players –
Clifton Jones (Cornet – Irwell Springs), Owen Bottomley (Cornet Black Dyke),
Fred Fletcher (Tenor Horn Wingates), and
Fred Appleby (Euphonium Hebden Bridge)
The broadcast was presented by John Henry Iles.
1. March - Honest Toil
2. Selection - Gems of Schubert
3. Overture - Rule Britannia
4. Humouresque – The Costers Wedding
5. Quartet – Mountain Breezes
6. Selection – Erotica
7. Hymn – Memories
3 Apr 1936
BBC Manchester “Homage to Rimmer” (Paid £21) (see 31 Mar 1936)
(Two Programmes presented “Live” in tribute to William Rimmer).
31 March 1936 and 3 April 1936 BBC Manchester “Homage to Rimmer”
(2 programmes –Paid £42)
Fodens were asked to take part in a BBC Radio programme celebrating the life of
William Rimmer called “Homage to Rimmer” the programme included Fodens
theme tune “The Cossack”. The two programmes were broadcast from the BBC‟s
Manchester studio.
(Allan Littlemore‟s book “Foden‟s Band – 100 Years of excellence” puts the date
at the 21 March (Playing in Kettering), however the “Band Diary” Puts the date at
the 31 March and a second programme on the 3 April 1936)
8 Apr 1936
CONCERT – Bury Salvation Army (Paid £15)
18 Apr 1936
COMPETITION – Southport Music Festival.
The band came First winning £102 /10 /0.
21 Apr to 2 May 1936
CONCERT – Groves Exhibition Belle Vue (Paid £250)
H Burns, Secretary 392a Tennel Street, Manchester.
10 May 1936
CONCERT – Stretford (Paid £35)
H Abraham, Town Clerk
12 May 1936
17 to 24 May 1936
TOUR - Royal Parks, London (Paid £185)
F G Carter, Bailiff of Royal Park. H.M. Offices of Works, Storeys Gate,
Westminster.
2 June 1936
CONCERT – Valley Holyhead (Paid £40)
W Dixon
6 June 1936
CONCERT – Alsager – Catholic Garden Party (Paid £20)
Dr Aisehe The Cedars Alsager
7 June 1936
CONCERT – Wallasey (Paid £40)
T B Philips, Northgate House, Weston Road, Gloucester
10 June 1936
K B Edward, Town Clerk
14 to 21 June 1936
CONCERT – Glasgow and Dunfermline (Paid £210)
27 June 1936
CONCERT – Dewsbury (Paid £45)
Town Clark, Dewsbury.
5 to 11 July 1936 CONCERT – Southport (Paid £175)
T E Wolstenholme, Town Hall.
12 July 1936
CONCERT – Stockport Vernon Park (Paid £40)
L E Morgan Park Superintendent
19 July 1936
CONCERT – Rochdale Falinge Park (Paid £40)
W Tully Superintendent Falinge Park
22 July 1936
Mr T S Wells, Superintendent
25 July 1936
Russell Marsh
(Tea Provided)
F Porter Entertainment Manager
2 Aug 1936
Geo. Mottram, Superintendent
3 Aug 1936
Crosville Motor Co, Home Wharf, Chester.
6 Aug 1936
CONCERT – Tring Show (Paid £60)
G M Brown Secretary, 41 High Street, Tring
8 Aug 1936
9 Aug 1936
T Blackpool Superintendent
CONCERT – Audlem Show (Paid £35)
A C Wilkins Ivy Cottage, Audlem
16 to 22 Aug 1936
P H Cole Town Clarks Office
24 Aug 1936
CONCERT – Camborne (Cornwall) (Paid £50)
R Staples Sec. Carnival Committee
2 Sept 1936
CONCERT – Buxton Show arranged by Mr W Foden (Paid £15)
J W Dean Secretary.
5 to 6 Sept 1936 CONCERT – Middleton in Teaside (Paid £100)
W Higham Walton, Secretary, Agricultural Show.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
7 Sept 1936
___________________________________________________________________________________
8 Sept 1936
CONCERT – Disley Lyme Park (Paid £40)
Estate Office, Newton Le Willows
15 Sept 1936
CONCERT – I C I Winnington (Paid £20)
F T Spruce
17 Sept 1936
26 Sept 1936
For the Crystal Palace 1,000 guinea trophy. (Last year of the Trophy)
Test piece “Kenilworth – Homage to Queen Elizabeth” by Arthur Bliss.
Conductor Fred Mortimer (Who also conducted “Luton”).
(The 4 Bars rest website had J Greenwood as the conductor this is wrong as we can
see from the report in the Chronicle 3 Oct 1936.)
FIRST
FODENS (for the 5th time in seven Year‟s)
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Friary (Guildford)
However a sad note to this year‟s competition was the death of Joe Brookes who
was conducting the Junior section entry by the Rivington and Adlington Band when
he collapsed on stage and died.
Joe Brookes had been the Soprano cornetist with Fodens until 1915 when he left to
join Horwich RMI after being fired from the band for going on strike.
Feature Crewe Chronicle 3 Oct 1936 (Sat)
A rather subdued evening concert by the Massed Band was recorded for 78.
The show included “Homeland Melodies” (Arr John Henry Iles) and was
conducted by John Henry Iles.
13 Aug 1936
___________________________________________________________________________________
3 October 1936 Crewe Chronicle.
A feature on the bands win at the National Brass Band Championships at Crystal Palace gave a
report on the bands performance and the reception in Sandbach.
FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND under their brilliant conductor (Mr Fred Mortimer), smashed
another record on Saturday, by winning for the sixth time the Crystal Palace Championship Contest,
thus beating Black Dyke‟s five wins.
Foden‟s first record at the Palace was established in 1934 by a third successive win. They performed a
similar feat at Belle Vue in 1926, since when they have not competed there by reason of many pressing
engagements which the Band has to fulfil in the early part of September, leaving no time for rehearsals.
At the first opportunity they will enter this contest again.
This triumph comes on the eve of their departure for the Johannesburg Exhibition. It re-establishes – if,
indeed, they have ever fallen from the position – their reputation as the finest brass band in the world.
Those who had attended the rehearsals at the Works, studied the test piece, and listened to the
interpretation after hours and hours of painstaking work, were quietly optimistic last week of the
band‟s ability to bring home once again the “blue riband” of the brass band world.
In the present personnel of the band Fred Sowood (First Horn) is the sole survivor of the 1910 victory,
which the late Mr Edwin Foden the founder of the band, looked upon as the realisation of his ambition.
M Cullen, A Webb, Sen, H Shergold, R Shepley, and A and E Statham, also are numbered among the
“old stagers,” each with service of 20 Year‟s or more. This year there appeared to have been a keener
desire greater even than in 1934, when they were out for the Palace “hat trick,” and the chief incentive
was the welcome return to the Works of a Foden, and particularly the esteemed chief, Mr W Foden,
J.P., who with his late father rendered yeoman service in the early history of the band. Much credit is
due also to Mr Harry Mortimer, the deputy conductor.
FAR CRY
It is a far cry to the contest at Haslington Flower Show where the test piece was “Angels, ever bright
and fair,” and when the young solo cornet was Herbert Harrison (now Licensee of the Military Arms,
Sandbach), the euphonium player was Mr W. Foden, the cornet player Mr E.R. Foden, the trombone
player the late Mr S. P. Twemlow. Who dared to imagine in those days of over 30 Year‟s ago that the
band would attain such honour and fame? Go further back still, and recall those rehearsals in Pring‟s
hayloft from which one over-enthusiastic “blower” accidentally fell.
At the 1910 celebrations at the Works, Mr C.F. Poole, Westfields, commenting on the amount of the
prize money gained by the Besses O‟ the‟ Barn and Black Dyke Bands, said the former band, in 50
Year‟s, won over £10,000, and the latter in a similar period £11,000. Mr Poole added that they had
ground for the hope that Foden‟s would beat those records. And they have I! In 26 Year‟s their prize
money totals over £18,000.
Mr W. Foden and Mr Mortimer have been inundated with congratulatory telegrams, letters and
telephone messages. One of the first received was from Mr E. Newall, Chairman of Sandbach Council.
Mr E. R. Foden and E.R.F. Ltd., have also sent their congratulations, Mr E.R. Foden describing it as a
wonderful achievement. In honour of the event E.R.F. Ltd erected a new flagpole and hoisted a large
Union Jack.
Activity and excitement were high at the Works on Monday. Motor wagons and cars were being
decorated to escort the band‟s motor coach into the town; and to enable the employees to take part in
the welcome the Works closed at 4pm.
CONDUCTOR‟S SUDDEN DEATH
While conducting in one of the junior sections at the Palace, Mr J.H. Brookes collapsed and died. Joe
Brookes, as he was familiarly known in Elworth, was at one time the soprano player in Foden‟s band,
and was employed in the moulding shop. He was in the band in 1910 when they first won at the Palace.
The late Mr Brookes left the district in the early part of the War.
BROADCAST CONCERT
As the winning band on Saturday, Foden‟s broadcast for three quarters of an hour on Sunday afternoon
from London. They played the test piece, “Lorenz” (Keighley), the concert piece at Belle Vue in 1928,
and which brought them the third successive win. On Sunday evening the band played at a Finsbury
Park concert.
AT THE PALACE
Mr A. Hulme, Elworth, writes the following impression of the Palace contest:The large hall of the Crystal Palace, in which the championship contest was held, was packed
to its full capacity with an audience of enthusiasts – some to support their local band, some just to hear
the exposition of a fine piece of music by the various leading bands of the country, but all to criticise
most keenly the various efforts, and to award with applause proportionately according to each one‟s
success.
Speaking of the band‟s first as a whole – too many spoiled their chances by “over-blowing.” Only too
often did the bands play the first and third movements so loudly that they lost tone quality. For a few
the piece was too difficult, while by many the artistic solo parts were not treated with the care and
attention they deserved. The piece contained one or two difficult passages requiring skilful technique.
Taking the bands individually, the outstanding performance was by Foden‟s.
The solo work of the first cornet player, Mr H. Mortimer, was that of an artist, and it was with pleasure
that one noticed a murmur of appreciation pass through the audience at the end of his cadenza in the
first movement. The horn and euphonium players, Messrs. Webb and A Mortimer, also played their
parts with distinction and brilliance, while the soprano cornet player, Mr P. Cooke who is quite a young
player, deserves also a special word of praise for the skilful and artistic way in which he played his part
in the first and second movements.
Foden‟s Band was by far the best in its team work. Never once, even throughout the third movement,
which was intended to be majestic, did the band overblow and spoil the tome quality and balance. Their
attack, precision, and absolute unity of movement throughout the piece spoke volumes for the careful
training of their conductor, and the institution of the members of the band members themselves.
INDIVIDUALITY.
The band‟s interpretation of the third movement was outstanding in its individuality. To the careful
listener there was something different in Foden‟s interpretation – there was certainly a slight
accelerando about one third the way through, not noticed when played by the other bands. But that was
not all. There was a careful balancing of the relative timbres of the instruments. The whole movement
was excellently played, and the band received a wonderful ovation. The second prize was given to
Black Dyke Band. This band played in the 19th position, following immediately after Foden‟s, who
played 18th. It was this fact which clearly showed up to the careful listener the superiority of the Foden
band. Had Back Dyke played several places before or after Foden‟s the difference would not have been
so noticeable. As it was, the playing of the Black Dyke Band was exceptionally good. It was accurate,
precise, well-balanced in tone quality, and its interpretation was good; but what was lacking was the
slight superiority in the artistic passages of the cornet, horn, and euphonium.
The phrasing, too, was hardly as well defined as that of Foden‟s, nor did one feel that there was the
same “soul” breathed into the playing of the delicate passages. There was occasional overblowing in
the third movement, which rather spoiled the general effect temporarily.
The third prize was given to Friary Bank, of Guildford. This band played brilliantly, accurately, and
with precision and vigour; far too much vigour, in fact, from the writer‟s point of view. One had the
impression of a wireless set turned full on or of a picture with all the colours accentuated instead of
toned down. The band was fortunate to be placed in the third position, in spite of its accuracy, for one
felt there was lacking in the solo parts of the first and second movements just that delicacy and
soulfulness which was a feature in the playing of the premier band.
The non-placement of Munn and Felton‟s in the prize list was a surprise, for they have a very good
interpretation of the piece. Their soloists were good, and the band was well together, precise, and
accurate. The fourth, fifth and sixth places were held by Harton Colliery, Luton, and Abram Colliery.
No fault could be found with these decisions.
The contest was a most interesting one, and proved without doubt the tremendous strides which have
been made in the brass band world during the last decade.
A GREAT RECEPTION
“The Bells of St Mary‟s crashed and crashed, then broke into melodious peals as the band‟s motor
coach descended the Hill leading into the town. In the Market Square there was huge enthusiastic
crowd. What a Royal welcome home! From Lawton the escort included decorated motor cars and
Diesel wagons bearing the slogans “Well done Foden‟s, and good old Mort!” and “Champions come
and champions go. But where they go to only Foden‟s know.”
In the rear of the procession was, in contrast, a Jazz band led by Rob Roy, Leading was Mr W. Foden‟s
car illuminated with Fairey lights, while in front of the radiator was a large portrait of the late Mr
Edwin Foden. At the Old hall the band left their motor coach, and Miss M Brereton, the youngest
member of the office staff, presented a bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums to Mrs W Foden, while Mr
P Critchley placed large laurel wreaths round the necks of Mr Foden and Mr Mortimer. In this manner
they walked to the Square, the band meanwhile playing a march. With them were Mrs Foden, Ald. F. J.
Poole, Mr J Stubbs and Mr J.E. Cowap (directors), Mr S.E. Charlesworth (Secretary), and Miss Foden.
On the platform in front of the Ancient Crosses were Mr E Newall J.P. (Chairman of the Urban
Council), with officials, Coun H Jones (Mayor of Crewe), the clergy of the town, Lady Stockton, Sir
John and Lady Barlow and Mrs Edwin Foden.
A WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT
After the band played the National Anthem, Mr Newall then addressed the crowd. He said that when
they were on that spot two Year‟s ago, most of them thought they very peak had been reached by
Foden‟s Band, for they had just returned from the Palace, after having won the contest for the third
time in succession. That was a record, and the speakers at that reception used up all their abjectives to
describe what, without a doubt was a wonderful achievement. How could he find the words to describe
adequately the present achievement? He considered it was very wonderful, because during last year,
when they were desbarred from competing, some indifference might have crept into their ranks, but he
thought it bore wonderful testimony to their spirit of comradeship and perseverance (Applause).
After that period of retirement the band succeeded again. That unique success had come at a very
opportune time, because shortly the band would be leaving for South Africa. He wished them a
successful time. There was an old saying that “Trade followed the Flag.” He was expressing everyone‟s
wish that the band would not only give a good account of themselves so far as music was concerned,
but that their music would impress the industrial magnates of South Africa to such an extent that if they
wanted a wagon that was as good in quality and as good in performance as the band, then they could do
no better than send to Sandbach for a Foden Diesel. (Applause). In the name of the town he expressed
his appreciation of the honour the band had conferred upon the district. He wondered sometimes what
Sandbach would have to boast about had it not been for Fodens band (Applause). They certainly kept
Sandbach in a very large square, not only on the country map but on the national map. (Applause). “To
you, Mr Foden, and Mr Mortimer, I extend the town‟s appreciation and gratitude, and the best wishes
not only for the band, but for Foden‟s Ltd.” (Applause).
CREWE‟S CONGRATULATIONS
Coun. H. Jones said it was one of the greatest pleasures he had had during his year of office to take part
in those proceedings, and to bring the heartiest congratulations from Crewe.
Mr G. Wright, C.C., the father of the Urban Council, said the achievement on that sixth occasion had
incontestably proved two things. One was that their earlier successes were no mean flashes in the pan,
no mere accidents, but evidence of the genuine ability and merit of the band. (Applause). In the second
place their achievement had proved that their work was of real musical merit, otherwise they could
never have won on six occasions. (Applause).
MR. FODEN‟S THANKS.
Mr Foden, in his reply, thanked the people for the splendid welcome home of the band. Having been
away for a few years, he had no idea that Sandbach was so enthusiastic, but he was delighted at their
reception. He was at the Palace on Saturday, and he could proudly say that the band won for the high
quality of their playing. It was a just award. While the playing of the whole twenty-four bands was very
good, he believed that it was the opinion of the people that Foden‟s had deserved to win. At the massed
bands‟ concert, Foden‟s band had a tremendous ovation, and they had to respond to two encores. When
the results were known the people were almost mad with enthusiasm. However, thanks were due to the
lads and to Mr Mortimer for the work and energy they had put into it. From his experience the band
was very popular in the South of England. (Applause).
Mr Foden, referring to the death of Mr Joe Brookes, a former soprano cornet player of the band, was
visibly affected. Brookes, he said was a splendid player and bandsman. Amid those rejoicings there
was a home at Horwich with a grief stricken family, and it was his intention to write to the widow.
Mr Foden again thanked the people for their welcome. (Applause).
A WORD FROM MR MORTIMER.
Mr Mortimer, with whom Mr Newall shook hands warmly, said he very much appreciated their hearty
welcome. They were getting used to those welcomes, but he wondered what reception they would get
when they did not win. (Laughter). No band had worked harder, and the men had practised almost
every night. Almost all the competing bands without exception, had stated that after Foden‟s
performance, no other band could be first. That was a very nice feeling. (Applause).
Mr Newall then called for cheers for the band and Mr Mortimer.
At Elworth, the band played round Vicarage-lane, the Avenue, and Marsh Green-road, and at the War
Memorial there were further congratulatory speeches by the Rev. J.R. Jones, Mr S. Riley, and Mr A.
Hulme. The band, after playing the hymn, “Abide with me,” were entertained to supper with their
wives and sweethearts in the works dining hall. Over the entrance were the words, “Hearty
congratulations to Foden‟s Motor Works Band, and Fred Mortimer, wizard bandmaster.”
___________________________________________________________________________________
EXTRA INFORMATION ON ABOVE.
Alterations and additional information to the above article have been provided by Allan Littlemore.
1) The line “Go further back still, and recall those rehearsals in Pring‟s hayloft from which one overenthusiastic “blower” accidentally fell.”
Should read –
Go further back still, and recall those rehearsals in Mellor‟s hayloft from which one over-enthusiastic
“blower” accidentally fell.
2) Arthur „Pommy‟ Hulme was the headmaster of Elworth Church School.
3) Mr P Cooke should read Mr C Cooke for Charlie Cooke / Charles Cooke.
4) “The third prize was given to Friary Bank, of Guildford.” Should read Friary Brewary band of
Guildford.
5) “Rob Roy” was a local entertainer.
___________________________________________________________________________________
27 Sept 1936
RECORDING - The following day (Sunday) the band were again recording the
winning piece “Kenilworth” for release on 78 by the Columbia Recording studio.
27 Sept 1936
The day also involved a broadcast for the BBC of “Kenilworth” and “Lorenzo” and a
concert at the Finsbury Park Empire.
1936
The following Monday the band returned to Elworth where they were again greeted
by the public with decorated cars and trucks. By 4pm Fodens Works was closed and
the workforce with members of the public crowded into Sandbach Market Square for
the arrival of the band. As they came along the Newcastle road towards St Mary‟s
Church the bells rang out as the band pulled into the Old Hall to get ready for a
march into the town.
___________________________________________________________________________________
FODEN MOTOR WORKS 1936
Sept 1936
After the departure of Edwin Richard Foden in August 1932 and his son setting up the ERF Company
during the Easter of 1933 the Foden family had no direct involvement in the running of FODENS.
During 1936 the works had not managed to keep hold of its managers with a succession of people
being found to be unsuitable to run the company. William Foden was asked to take over the company
but declined as he had moved to Australia to farm sheep in December 1924 and didn‟t want anything to
do with the company. He did however agree to a visit and when he returned to see the state the
company had got itself into he decided for the family name to come back to Sandbach. After a number
of Year‟s without a member of the family on the board things started to fall back into place.
However with his brother now being a Director of a rival company things on the family line would
never be the same again as the two companies were now competing for the same business.
EDWIN FODEN AND THE BAND PROMISE.
Edwin however was still loyal to the band and had made certain promises to the people of Elworth that
he was determined to keep.
One of the promises was the donation of doubling his previous gift to the old folk of Elworth if the
band won the Nationals. Now a £2 donation was made as the band won the competition for a sixth
time. In addition E R Foden also gave the elderly a share of 50 tons of coal which was distributed
equally among them and for the ERF Company he purchased a new Flag Pole on which he hoisted a
huge Union Flag to welcome the band home.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Oct 1936
THE HISTORY OF FODENS MOTOR WORKS BAND published as a publicity
booklet for the band and the company.
The booklet included a letter from Fred Mortimer dated 17 Sept 1936.
3 Oct 1936
CONCERT – Stockport ### Band (Paid £20)
11 Oct 1936
CONCERT – Annual concert at the REGENT CINEMA (THEATRE) in Hanley
along with the Potteries Choral Society. (Paid £25)
12-13 Oct 1936 Days off to pack.
14 Oct 1936
Travelled to London to make a RADIO BROADCAST.
14 Oct 1936
14 Oct 1936
RECORDING – Recording in London for Zono Regal (Paid £35)
15 Oct 1936
CONCERT – Central Hall, Southampton for a farewell concert organised by the
Southampton Borough Council before an audience of 1400 people. (Paid £30)
16 Oct 1936
Boarded the ship “Caernarvon Castle” (Union Castle Liner) for South Africa along
with Fred Mortimer. Fred travelled Second Class while the band were in tourist class.
1936
Bill Lawton the Solo Cornet Player with the band had met a South African girl who
was travelling home from Britain on the same boat. They fell in love and arranged to
get married once they reached South Africa. (see 9 Dec 1936)
4 Nov to 17 Dec 1936
EMPIRE EXHIBITION, SOUTH AFRICA TOUR (Paid £2,300)
23 Nov 1936
CONCERT – the band appeared at the Empire Exhibition (Rykstentoonstelling)
at Johannesburg where they played twice a day for two weeks as part of the
five week tour of South Africa.
The band was kitted out with Blue and Scarlet uniforms for the occasion.
The Foden Motor Works also supplied two Foden Diesel Commercial Vehicles for
the exhibition stand.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
CRYSTAL PALACE DESTROYED BY FIRE.
30 Nov 1936
The “Crystal Palace” was burned to the ground. It had been the venue of the National
Brass Band Championships since they had started.
___________________________________________________________________________________
SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR (2)
9 Dec 1936
Bill Lawton and his South African bride were married in Johannesburg an event that
was attended by the band.
Dec 1936
The band travelled to Cape Town for a series of indoor concerts.
Dec 1936
Travelled home on board the “Edinburgh Castle”.
24 Dec 1936
On board the boat home they met a company of Russian Ballet Dancers who
arranged an impromptu concert for Christmas. However Hubert Shergold (Flugel)
refused to accompany the dancers as they wanted the band to play a new arrangement
of the Mazurka from Coppelia which was not true to the original. Hubert was a
stickler for the original and wouldn‟t play a cheapened version.
___________________________________________________________________________________
BAND in 1936 Taken from “The History of Fodens Motor Works Band” (Oct 1936)
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Fred Mortimer
Deputy Conductor and Principal Cornet
Harry Mortimer
CORNETS
First Cornet
W Lawson
First Cornet
H Stanway
First Cornet
W Pedley
Soprano
Charles Cook
Flugelhorn
H Shergold
Repriano
R Moores
Cornet
R Shepley
Cornet
E Spurr
Cornet
E Statham
HORNS
Principal Tenor
A Webb
Second Tenor
J Cotterell
Third Tenor
F Sowood
BARITONES
Principal
A Statham
Second
A Webb (Junior)
EUPHONIUMS
Principal
Alex Mortimer
Second
Rex Mortimer
THOMBONES
Principal
Robert Knott
Second
H Stubbs
Bass
J Moores
BASSES
B.B.
J Poole
B.B.
H Hardy
E.F.
B Stokes
E.F.
M Cullen
Drums and Effects
Dennis Harrison
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
1937
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
17 Jan 1937
26 Jan 1937
CONCERT – Crewe Plaza (Paid 50% = £15)
H Bucker, Earl of Crewe.
CONCERT – Sandbach.
Concert at Sandbach for the old folk and others that had been suspended since
October due to the South African tour. It was a welcome home event and a
celebration of the win in the National Band Festival at Crystal Palace
1,000 guinea trophy in September 1936.
The programme for the concert went like this.Chairman‟s opening remarks ………….. Sir Edwin Stockton
1. March “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar
2. Overture “Zampa” by Herold.
3. Song “Drake Goes West” by Sanderson (Mr Charles Hindley)
Crystal Palace Trophy and Medals Presentation by J.H. Iles Esq. to
Sir Edwin Stockton, Chairman Messrs. Fodens limited.
Miss Amy Foden to decorate the Bandsmen.
4. Test Piece “Kenilworth” by Arthur Bliss
1. At the Castle gates.
2. Serenade on the lake.
3. March
(Zono-Regal M R 2244)
5. Cornet Solo “Cleopatra” by Damare (Soloist Mr Harry Mortimer)
6. Two latest recordings (a) “Teddy Bear‟s Picnic – Highland Patrol
(b) “Swing O‟the Kilt”
(Zono-Regal M R 2290)
7. Song “The Trumpeter” by Dix (Mr Charles Hindley)
8. Hymn “Rimington”
9. GOD SAVE THE KING
According to a photograph taken at the time, also in attendance were
Cannon John Armitstead (3rd Left), Sir Edwin Stockton (19th Left),
F.J. Poole (21st Left) and John Stubbs (28th Left Back Row)
c/o Allan Littlemore‟s archive.
CONCERT – Treorchy (Paid £60)
W P Thomas, Sec. Workmen Just steel Park and Dare.
30 to 31 Jan 1937
CONCERT – Aberystwyth Municipal Hall (Paid £100)
W J Edwards, Publicity Manager
7 Feb 1937
CONCERT – Congleton (Paid 50% = £17)
28 Feb 1937
CONCERT – Sandbach Nursing Home (Paid Gratis)
5 Mar 1937
7 Mar 1937
CONCERT – Dumfries (Paid Unknown)
W T Anderson 5a Balmoral Road, Bauckmaster
8 Mar 1937
Miss Wilson, BT Educational Secretary
14 Mar 1937
CONCERT – Hanley Odeon Theatre.
6 Apr 1937
8 Apr 1937
CONCERT – Opera House Manchester (Paid £20)
11 Apr 1937
CONCERT – Macclesfield Library (Paid £25)
8 May 1937
CONCERT – Elworth Park.
Two local benefactors had donated land and facilities for a park in Elworth
including a children‟s playground. It was presented to the people of the village
on the 8 May 1937 and Fodens Motor Works band were asked to play at the
opening ceremony. F D Burgess the author of “By Royal Command”
remembers the band playing “Alpine Echoes” a solo for Mr Harry Mortimer
who played at the event with the echo in the arrangement being provided
by the soprano cornet player hiding in the shrubbery almost one hundred
yards away from the band.
8 May 1937
Colour film was taken of the event (Silent) and is possibly the oldest surviving
footage of the band along with Harry Mortimer conducting this charity concert.
The film of the band‟s appearance has 1938 in its titles but was actuallt taken on
this date.
The reason Harry was conducting instead of Fred Mortimer was because his father
was not in the best of health by this time and encouraged his son at every reasonable
opportunity.
9 May 1937
CONCERT – Stretford (Paid £35)
29 Jan 1937
12 May 1937
13 to 15 May 1937
CONCERT – L.C.C. Victoria Embankment (Paid £90)
16 to 17 May 1937
19 to 22 May 1937
23 to 30 May 1937
CONCERT – Royal Parks, London (Paid £686)
25, 27 and 29 May 1937 CONCERT – L.C.C. Victoria Embankment (Paid £42)
Mid-day Concerts
3 June 1937
Town Clark Widnes
5 June 1937
CONCERT – Wolves (Poss Wolverhampton) (Paid £27/10/0)
Mr Loltman
6 June 1937
Town Clark, Nuneaton
9 to 19 June 1937
CONCERT – Ideal Homes, Belle Vue (Paid £250)
Herbert Daniels.
13 June 1937
Geo. Mottram, Park Superintendent.
20 to 26 June 1937
T E Wolstenholme, Entertainment Manager.
27 June to 25 July 1937 CONCERT – Glasgow Parks (29 Days) (Paid £755 Plus Traveling fees £85)
26 July 1937
CONCERT – Newcastle (Paid £45)
J H Charlton, Committee Clark, Town Hall.
29 July 1937
CONCERT – Renton, Avenham Park, Stafford (Paid £40)
Town Clark
8 to 14 Aug 1937
P H Cole, Entertainment Manager
Aug 1937
CONCERT – Guildhall at Plymouth in front of a 1200 audience plus those listening
to BBC Western Radio.
15 to 21 Aug 1937
CONCERT – Eastbourne (Paid £175)
A E V Dennis, Entertainment Manager
23 to 24 Aug 1937
CONCERT – L.C.C. Victoria Embankment, London. (Paid £42)
Three Concerts
25 Aug 1937
T S Wells Superintendent.
26 Aug 1937
CONCERT – Ruthin Show (North Wales) (Paid £40)
Roland Jones, Dynstay Road Office, Ruthin
28 Aug 1937
CONCERT – Poynton Show (Paid £35)
29 Aug 1937
CONCERT – Hinckley (Paid £50)
Town Clark
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
6 Sept 1937
___________________________________________________________________________________
11 Sept 1937
CONCERT – Newton, Chambers Street, Sheffield (Paid £45)
14 Sept 1937
Walter Duckworth, Fern Lea, Manchester Road, Heywood
(Tea Provided)
15 Sept 1937
CONCERT – Altringham Show (Paid £35)
Mr Turner, Secretary.
16 Sept 1937
CONCERT – Stokesley Show (Cleveland NE England) (Paid £65 Plus Meals)
John Harrow Secretary
21 Sept 1937
Regional Director, Broadcasting House.
25 Sept 1937
COMPETITION – National Brass Band Championships, Alexandra Palace.
Now held at the Alexandra Palace with a new patron for the championships
King George VI. The test piece was “Pageantry” by Herbert Howells.
FIRST
FODENS (for the 6th time in Eight Year‟s)
SECOND
Munn and Feltons
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
Pathe filmed part of the event and the footage is still in their archive.
www.britishpathe.com/video/national-band-festival-at-alexandrapalace/query/Fodens+Motor+Works+Band
25 Sept 1937
After the Competition at Alexandra Palace the band were part of the “Massed Bands”
Concert (Paid £10)
26 Sept 1937
RECORDING – London.
The REX Label recorded the band for record REX15021 at Alexandra Palace
under the title Martial Moments Part 1 and 2.
Martial Moments
Rex
F655 (REX 15021)
Part 1. Medley
Intro; Entry of the Gladiators; Folies- Bergeres; Punjaub;
Belphegor; Sons of the Brave; Colonel Bodey.
Part 2. March Medley (Arr Aubrey Winter)
Intro; Through night to light; To the front old comrades;
Under the Double Eagle; Sylvia; Namur;
With Sword and Lance
___________________________________________________________________________________
CHECK INFORMATION
The REX recording mentioned above is listed in Allan Littlemore‟s book as being made in 1934 (One
year after the REX label was launched in 1933) it could have been recorded on the 4 February 1934
when the band book has the information “Recording for Cash (Paid £55)”.
However on E Bay in 2012 a copy was advertised for sale giving the details of side 2 and on the label
that it was recorded at the Alexandra Palace a venue the band did not appear at until the National
Championships in 1937 (see above).
The Alexandra Palace was chosen for the competition after the Crystal Palace had been destroyed by
fire and the Alexandra Palace had been rebuilt after having suffered a fire itself.
ALEXANDRA PALACE
1873
Opened.
1873
16 days after it opened the building was damaged by a fire.
1914
The Building was closed to the Public on the grounds of Safety.
1935
The BBC Aquired 55,000 square meters of the building in June 1935 for a new Television
studio and radio mast.
1937
National Brass Band Championships took place at Alexandra Palace on the 25 Sept 1937.
1980
A second fire destroyed most of the building.
___________________________________________________________________________________
26 Sept 1937
CONCERT – Chelsea Palace (Paid £30)
26 Sept 1937
RECORDING - Regal-Zono Recording (Paid £35)
27 Sept 1937
SANDBACH CONCERTThe band returned to Sandbach for a concert in the Market Square on a temporary
stage next to the Saxon Crosses. The concert ended with “Lead Kindly Light”.
28 Sept to 2 Oct 1937
Bebington, Charter Celebration (Paid £150)
Town Clark, Bebington
8 Oct 1937
Walter Illingworth (Drums / Xylophone) appeared at his first rehearsal
with the band. (8 Oct 1937 to 26 Mar 1970 / Rejoined 28 Aug 1974 to 6 Sept 1974)
10 Oct 1937
19 Oct 1937
CONCERT in aid of the Holditch Colliery Disaster (North Staffordshire).
An explosion in Holditch Colliery killed a number of Miners and a disaster fund was
set up to help their families.
During a fundraising event at the Victoria Ground between Stoke City and Glasgow
Rangers the Fodens directors had volunteered the band to play at a fundraising match
before the match and during the half time break.
The band was also booked for an evening concert (Banquet) at the Town hall during
which the final item was a selection of Harry Lauder songs with impromptu vocals
from the Glasgow Rangers players and supporters.
FOOTBALL MATCH – STOKE CITY V GLASGOW RANGERS 3pm(?)
1. Overture – Magic Flute (Mozart)
2. Alpine Echoes (Windsor)
Cornet Solo
3. Selection of Sir Harry Lauder Songs (Hume)
BANQUET AT JUBILEE HALL, TOWN HALL, STOKE ON TRENT.
1. Down the Mall (Mackenzie)
2. Light Cavalry (Suppe)
3. Scottish Airs – Selection
4. Communityland (Stoddon)
At the interval the band will play
1. Great Little Army (Alford)
24 Oct 1937
CONCERT – Crewe Plaza (Paid 50/50% = £15)
H Bucker, Earl of Crewe.
25 Oct 1937
SANDBACH RECEPTION
Reception and Banquet at Sandbach in honour of the Band Winning the National
Championship. Held as usual in the works.
Programme included :Martial Moments
Pageantry
Lady Stockton presented the band with Bronze Medals.
Mrs Billy Foden presented the band with Clocks.
Miss Amy Foden gave the band £5 from the “Friends of Fodens Band”.
Alpine Echoes
Czardas (Xylophone Solo Walter Illingworth)
Lead Kindly Light (Hymn)
31 Oct 1937
CONCERT – Hull (Paid £55)
E Hope, Sec. Hull Royal Infirmary Executions Committee
(Tea Provided)
4 Nov 1937
CONCERT – ICI Winnington (Paid £28)
Welfare Manager
11 Nov 1937
CONCERT – Kings Hall, Stoke – Armistice Day (Paid £15)
H G Bladon, Bousner Bullock
21 Nov 1937
CONCERT – Paramount, Manchester (Paid £35)
Unkn
Recording Choir and Band (Paid £75)
L Mottram
4 Dec 1937
5 to 10 Dec 1937 CONCERT –Dublin Royal – (Fosters Agency) (Paid £247/10/0)
13 Dec 1937
###################################################################################
1938
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
3 Jan 1938
9 Jan 1938
7 Feb 1938
13 Feb 1938
20 Feb 1938
23 Feb 1938
27 Feb 1938
20 Mar 1938
Doug McDean (3rd Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(3 Jan 1938 to 13 Oct 1938)
CONCERT – Premier Picture House, Cheetham Hill (Paid £25)
Miss Jones, Sec. Marian Levy Fund, Manchester
Desmond Thomas (Solo Cornet) joined the band from Ammanford, South Wales.
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Hanley – One Concert (Paid £25)
Potteries Choral Society Carl Oliver, 10 Eastwood Place.
CONCERT – Rhos Wrexham – One Concert (Paid £30)
Russell B Bassett, Crescent Nelas Johnston
Sandbach Nursing Home
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Kidsgrove (Paid £15) 8pm
With Talk O‟ Th‟ Hill and District Male and Mixed Voice Choir
(Conductor Mr F.J. Bessons).
1. Opening Hymn “Praise Ye the Lord”
2. Hymn - Sweet is the Work (Parker)
3. Soldiers Chorus from Faust (Gounod)
Band and Mixed Choir.
4. Overture Chal Romano – Gypsy Lad (Kelelby)
5. Il Bacio (Luigi Arditi) Cornet Solo Harry Mortimer
6. The Beleaguered (Sullivan) and Passing By (By request E C Purecell)
Male Voice Choir
7. Selection from works of Haydn (Arr H Rimmer)
INTERVAL
1. Hymn – Abide with Me – Tune Sunset (Parker)
2. Excelsior (Balf)
Solo Robert Knott (Trombone) and Alec Mortimer (Euphonium)
3. The Blue Danube (Strauss)
Band and Make Voice Choir
4. Four dances from The Rebel Maid (E German)
5. Splinters (Illingworth) Xylophone Solo Walter Illingworth
6. Strike the Lyre (T Cooke) and Comrades Song of Hope (Adam)
Male Voice Choir
7. Hallelujah Chorus (Handel)
Band and Mixed Voice Choir
___________________________________________________________________________________
Talk O‟ Th‟ Hill and District Male and Mixed Voice Choir
Mr Bossons has been the recipient of 36 prizes and various BBC Broadcasts. The Choir has recorded
for „The Regal‟ Gramophone Co with various bands including Fodens, Baxendales and Wingates.
___________________________________________________________________________________
27 Mar 1938
1 Apr 1938
CONCERT – St Albans S A (Paid £15)
2 to 9 Apr 1938 CONCERT – Woolwich Arsenal Co-op exhibition (Paid £219/6/8)
At Mitcham
(The concert was possibly played at the Arsenal Football Ground
the Highbury Stadium).
3 Apr 1938
CONCERT – Cambridge Town (Paid £30)
6 Apr 1938
Pathe (Film news feature) (Paid £25)
The Film starts with a man putting on a gramophone record of the band playing
“The Cossack” after which a picture of the band appears with Fred Mortimer
conducting. Scenes of Chinese people and Russian Horse riders are added to the film.
(In the Pathe Archive)
www.britishpathe.com/video/fodens-motorworks-band/query/fodens
10 Apr 1938
BBC London Empire (Paid £18/15/0)
(BBC Empire is the forerunner of the World Service)
10 Apr 1938
BBC London National (Paid £25)
24 Apr 1938
Played for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth by Royal Command at
Windsor Castle. The Band also played as part of the King‟s Scout‟s Annual Parade
for St George‟s Day.
Film of the event was taken by British Pathe and is available on line at
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/scouts-day-at-windsor/query/fodens
Overture “Light Cavalry” (Suppe)
Solemn Melody (Walford Davies)
The Golden Waltz (arr Winter)
Alpine Echoes (Cornet Solo) (Windsor)
Excerpts from Sullivan Operas (arr Wright)
Patrol “Swing O‟ the Kilt” (Mackenzie)
Lilac Time (Clotsam-Schubert)
Hungarian March (Hector Berlioz)
Band Members at the event
Harry Mortimer (Principal Cornet)
Desmond Thomas (Solo Cornet)
Harry Stanway (Solo Cornet)
Bill Lawton (Solo Cornet)
Bill Pedley (Solo Cornet)
Charlie Cook (Soprano Cornet)
Reg Moores (Repiano Cornet)
Hubert Shergold (Flugel Horn)
Bob Shepley (2nd Cornet)
Edgar Spurr (2nd Cornet)
(Edwin) Ted Statham (3rd Cornet)
Doug Mc Dean (3rd Cornet)
Arthur Webb (Solo Tenor Horn)
Jack Cotterill (2nd Horn)
Fred Sowood (Tenor Horn)
Albert Statham (Solo Baritone)
Arthur Webb Jnr (Baritone)
Alex Mortimer (Solo Euphonium)
Rex Mortimer (2nd Euphonium)
Bob Knott (Trombone)
Harold Stubbs (2nd Trombone)
Joe Moores (Bass Trombone)
Joe Poole (B Flat Bass)
Harry Hardy (Bass)
Basil Stokes (Bass)
Matt Cullen (E Flat Bass)
Walter Illingworth (Drums)
26 Apr to 7 May 1938
CONCERT – Groves Exhibition Belle Vue (11 Days) (Paid £250)
14 May 1938
CONCERT – Hanley Boxing at Port Vale FC (Paid £15)
Sydney Halls Promotions
15 to 22 May 1938
CONCERT – L.C.C. Royal Parks (Paid £200)
Royal Parks 8 Days
H M Office of Works LCC
Two Lunch Hour Performances (Paid £28)
5 to 6 June 1938 CONCERT – Alton Towers – Two Days (Paid £70)
8 to 12 June 1938
CONCERT – Manchester Parks – 4 Days (Paid £105)
12 June 1938
CONCERT – Wednesbury (Paid £45)
Town Hall
26 June 1938
CONCERT – Oldham Lido Grothon (Paid £40)
Whitehouse and Stubbs
29 to 30 June 1938
CONCERT – Peterborough – Two days (Paid £95)
2 July 1938
CONCERT – Vale Royal Conservation Fate (Paid £30)
3 July 1938
Town Clark
10 July 1938
16 July1938
CONCERT – Winnington Sports (Paid £35)
17 July 1938
20 July 1938
T S Wells, Superintendent.
24 July 1938
31 July 1938
CONCERT – Oldham Lido Grothon (Paid £40)
1 Aug 1938
BBC Manchester
4 Aug 1938
7 to 19 Aug 1938
CONCERT – Glasgow, Dunfermline (Paid £355/10/0 Plus Travelling)
21 to 27 Aug 1938
28 Aug 1938
CONCERT – Bristol Hall (Poss Coliseum Hall) (Paid £50)
2 Sept 1938
(Tea Provided)
3 to 4 Sept 1938 CONCERT – Hayden Bridge (Paid £100)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
5 Sept 1938
(See Below)
___________________________________________________________________________________
5 to 10 Sept 1938 EMPIRE EXHIBITION at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow where like last year they
played two concerts per day. (Paid £190 Plus Travelling)
11 Sept 1938
12 Sept 1938
CONCERT – I.C.I. Warrington (Paid £20)
15 Sept 1938
CONCERT – Stokesley Show (Cleveland NE England) (Paid £70 Plus Meals)
24 Sept 1938
COMPETITION - National Championship at the Alexandra Palace, London.
Test Piece “An Epic Symphony” by Peter Fletcher.
RESULTS
FIRST
Fodens Motor Works Band
(An unprecedented 7th time in nine year‟s)
SECOND
Bickershaw Colliery
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
25 Sept 1938
BROADCAST - BBC London (Paid £26/5/0)
26 Sept 1938
RECORDING - Recording Zono-Regal (Paid £35)
9 Oct 1938
CONCERT – Hanley Royal - Potteries Choral Society (Paid £25)
13 Oct 1938
Doug McDean (3rd Cornet) left the band. (3 Jan 1938 to 13 Oct 1938)
16 Oct 1938
11 Nov 1938
CONCERT – Kings Hall, Stoke - Armistice Day (Paid £15)
F. E. Bladon, Bousner Bullock
12 Nov 1938
CONCERT – Caernarvon (Paid £50)
C Vaughan Jones, Council School Remggroes
13 Nov 1938
CONCERT – Palace Theatre Manchester (Paid £15)
Chronicle Cinderella Fund, Angela Lopez sec.
27 Nov 1938
CONCERT – Crewe Theatre – 8pm only (Paid 50/50 = £17)
A H Bricker, Mayor
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
(Lyceum Crewe)
4 Dec 1938
CONCERT – Theatre Royal, St Helens Male Voice Choir (Paid £30)
Sidney Yates Jesmond, Norfolk Road, Toll Bar, St Helens
11 Dec 1938
CONCERT – Warrington National Union of Journalists (Paid £25)
Gordon Bennett, 35 Highfield Avenue, Gt Sankey.
25 Dec 1938
1938
BAND MEMBERS (from By Royal Command)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
Solo Cornet
Bill Pedley
Solo Cornet
Harry Stanway
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Solo Cornet
Bill Lawton
Soprano Cornet Charlie Cook (1 May 1933 to 3 Nov 1961)
Repiano Cornet Reg Moores (Left to Join the Army)
2nd Cornet
Bob Shepley
3rd Cornet
(Edwin) Ted Statham
3rd Cornet
Doug Mc Dean (3 Jan 1938 to 13 Oct 1938)
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill
Solo Baritone
Albert Statham
2nd Baritone
Basil Stokes
2nd Trombone
Harold Stubbs
Dec 1938
E Flat Bass
Matt Cullen
B Flat Bass
Joe Poole
B Flat Bass
Harry Hardy
Drums
Walter Illingworth
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
Soprano Cornet Charlie Cooke
128437 (Besson)
Own Cornet
Soprano 123191 (Besson) / 127615 Besson ECHO CORNET)
Solo Cornet
Own Cornet 124221 (Besson 1933)
Cornet
W Heath
Cornet 124376 (B and H 1946)
Cornet
D Thomas
Cornet 48467 (B and H 1946)
Cornet
Own Cornet 127172 (LEFT)
Cornet
Reg Moores
Cornet
Edwin Statham
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Flugel 124083 (Besson 1932)
Tenor Horn
Arthur Webb
Tenor Horn
Fred Sowood
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Baritone
Albert Statham
Euphonium
T Williamson
Euphonium 106189
Euphonium
Alex Mortimer
Own Euphonium 60188 (Boosey 1907)
Euphonium
Moore
Euphonium 75730
Euphonium
Rex Mortimer
Trombone
(Bob) Robert Knott
Trombone 14159 (Besson 1936)
Trombone
Harold Stubbs
Bass Trombone 14132(Besson 1936)
Bass Trombone Bill Kitson (1947)
Bass Trombone 163337
Bass Trombone Ellis Westwood
Bass Trombone 1479
Bb Bass
Joe Poole
Bb Bass 127500 (Besson 1933)
Bb Bass
Harry Hardy (1934)
Eb Bass
Basil Stokes
Eb Bass 124705 (Besson 1933)
Eb Bass
Matthew Cullen
Eb Bass 124049 (Besson 1933)
Walter Illingworth
791350 Premier 1938 /
10791 Hawkes 1936
###################################################################################
1939
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
4 Feb 1939
CONCERT – Stockport Salvation Army (Paid £20)
12 Feb 1939
Sidney Yates sec. Norfolk Road, Toll Bar.
26 Feb 1939
2 Mar 1939
22, 24, 25, 29, 31 March and 1 Apr 1939 (6 Days) at Lewis‟s Hanley (Paid £115)
Mr Moss, Advertising Manager (Lewis‟s Shop in Hanley).
26 Mar 1939
H Pye, Secretary
2 Apr 1939
Male Voice Choir, W Bosaurn
22 Apr 1939
CONCERT – Central Hall Manchester (Paid £20 – Refunded £2/2/0)
Adjutant Larey, Salvation Army 11 Mitchell Street, Ancoats
23 Apr 1939
29 Apr 1939
CONCERT – Corwen (North Wales Nr Llangollen) (Paid £40)
6 May 1939
CONCERT – Mayor‟s Sunday, Sandbach (Paid £5)
W Skeath
Town Clark.
21 May 1939
CONCERT – Llandudno (Hospital ) Special fee (Paid £35)
G Butterfield Roberts, Silverdale, Llandudno
24 May 1939
CONCERT – New Brighton
J Richardson Superintendent.
4 June 1939
CONCERT – Vernon Park, Stockport (Paid Unknown)
F E Ingram, Parks Superintendent.
11 June 1939
11 June 1939
W W Goodall, Superintendent.
17 June 1939
CONCERT – Wrexham Fates Y.M.C.A. (Paid £40)
Secretary, A Clark 96 Oak Drive Acton Wrexham.
18 June to 16 July 1939 SCOTLAND TOUR (Paid £755 Plus Travelling £75)
18-25 June 1939 Glasgow
26 June – 1 July Dunfermline
2 July 1939
Glasgow
3 – 9 July 1939 Edinburgh
10-16 July 1939 Aberdeen
20 July 1939
Town Clark Preston
22 July 1939
CONCERT – Harriseahead (Paid £15)
O Blease 8 Church Lane, Mow Cop
23 July 1939
T B Phillips Northgate House, Gloucester
24 July 1939
T S Wells, Park Superintendent The Arboretum
29 July 1939
CONCERT – Revesby Show (County of Lincoln) (Paid £30)
T B Phillips Northgate House, Gloucester
CONCERT – Great Yarmouth (Paid £185)
Entertainment Manager
6- 10 Aug 1939 CONCERT – Alton Towers (Staffordshire) (Paid £160)
Secretary.
11 Aug 1939
CONCERT – Wem Show (Shrophire) (Paid Unknown)
Harry Hunt, Secretary.
12 Aug 1939
CONCERT – Lewis‟s Manchester (Paid £50)
Mr Norton, Manager
13 Aug 1939
CONCERT – Blackpool (Paid £50)
Mr Blackburn Parks Superintendent
19 Aug 1939
CONCERT – Newton Abbott (Paid £35)
G W Furneaux 8 Linden Terrace
20 to 26 Aug 1939
P H Cole, Entertainment Manager
27 Aug 1939
CONCERT – Camtousne, Bristol (Paid £50)
W Parker Bandmaster
2 Sept 1939
Dan Howell
3 Sept 1939
HYDE PARK (CANCELLED) (Expenses only Paid £50)
The Band set off for the Hyde Park Concert, however it was cancelled due to
war being declared.
The band were due to play a series of Concerts between the 3-9 Sept 1939 but as
mentioned war shopped playing.
4 Sept 1939
BBC LONDON (CANCELLED) (Expenses only Paid £12/10/0)
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 September 1939 at 11am War was declared against Germany.
“As of 5pm we are at War with Germany”
20 May 1939
It was decided that Radio, Television and the live Theatre and Cinemas would have their programmes
discontinued. It was felt that with the threat of bombing from the air it would be unsafe to have a whole
theatre full of people in one place at the same time when the bombs were being dropped. This decision
was later thought inappropriate as the moral of the public was thought to be more important and
although the Television station didn't re start until 1945 the Theatre's were re opened and BBC Radio
was kept on the air.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
THE WAR
Many biographies of the band say that the band set off for a concert at Hyde Park on the 2 September
1939 but due to the imminent declaration of the war the concert was cancelled. The band diary gives
two cancelled appearances at the Park and at the BBC in London, with only expenses being paid for
their journey.
The band was booked to play at Red Street, Chesterton on the 2 Sept 1939 before they set off for
London with the Hyde Park concerts being booked originally for the 3 to the 9 September 1939
returning to Wednesbury on the 10 September (also Cancelled).
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
5 Sept 1939
(2 This Month?) Fodens Motor Works Band didn‟t take part between 1932 and 1952.
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 Sept 1939
CONCERT atWednesbury (CANCELLED)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
30 Sept 1939
(2 this Month?) Fodens Motor Works Band didn‟t take part between 1932 and 1952.
(4 Bars Rest website information)
___________________________________________________________________________________
14 Oct 1939
30 Oct 1939
Mr Garrett, Educational Secretary.
31 Oct 1939
11 to 12 Nov 1939
COLUMBIA RECORDS - Two recording Sessions at the Bandroom
(Paid £70)
TEST RECORD (Recorded and Not for Sale) Columbia Records CAR5554-1
Current Hits Medley Part 2 (see below)
(Fodens Motor Works Band with Community Singers)
RELEASED AS The Soldiers are Singing (Part 1)
Regal Zono
MR3172
The Soldiers are Singing (Part 2)
MR3172 b
With a Choir made up of staff at the Foden Motor Works.
PART 1.
Intro; Run Rabbet Run, We‟re Gonna Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line,
Win it all Navy.
PART 2.
Wings over the Navy, There‟ll always be an England, The Beer Barrel Polka,
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye.
(Other Numbers on lable A Side CAR5553-1/ B side CAR5554-1)
(Recorded 11 Nov 1939)
Apr 1940
Sousa March Review (Sousa arr Alex Mortimer)
Three Marches
1. Quand Madelon Marche (Camille Robert)
2. It‟s a Long way to Tipperary (Judge, Williams)
3. Colonel Bogey March (K J Alford)
Regal Zono
MR3254 (Recorded 11 Nov 1939)
Unissued - Tally Ho! – Descriptive (Recorded 11 Nov 1939)
Feb 1940
The Village Blacksmith (Gaetas) Regal Zono
MR3194
Alpine Echoes (B Windsor)
MR3194 b
12 Nov 1939
19 Nov 1939
27 Nov 1939
26 Nov 1939
17 Dec 1939
25 Dec 1939
Cornet Solo Harry Mortimer (Recorded 12 Nov 1939)
Mar 1940
Zampa (Part 1 and 2) (Herold arr William Rimmer)
Regal Zono
MR3241 (Recorded 12 Nov 1939)
CONCERT – Macclesfield Majestic (Paid £15)
Mr Higginbotham, Manager
Carl Oliver, 8 Eastwood Place.
Soldiers Comfort Fund
CONCERT – Sale Lido (Paid £15 expenses)
Lady Helen Barry, War Relief Fund.
###################################################################################
1940
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
11 Jan 1940
15 Jan 1940
21 Jan 1940
27 Jan 1940
11 Feb 1940
15 Feb 1940
18 Feb 1940
22 Feb 1940
25 Feb 1940
3 Mar 1940
10 Mar 1940
17 Mar 1940
25 Mar 1940
9 Apr 1940
14 Apr 1940
16 Apr 1940
13 May 1940
19 May 1940
1940
5 June 1940
10 June 1940
13 June 1940
16 June 1940
29 June 1940
14 July 1940
Matthew Cullen (2nd Trombone / E flat bass1913 to 15 Jan 1940) officially retired.
CONCERT – Lymm The Cinema – War Charities (Paid £15)
Arranged with Mr Dixon
CONCERT – Stockport Salvation Army (Paid £15)
W H Morton Ashwood Road, Stockport
CONCERT – St Helens – Good Comrades War Charities (Paid £15)
Sidney Yates, Norfolk Road, Toll Bar, St Helens
Desmond Thomas (Solo Cornet 7 Feb 1938 to 22 Feb 1940) left the band to
Join the forces.
CONCERT – Wigan Hippodrome (Paid £15)
War Relief Fund, Witly Grove, Manchester
CONCERT – Regent Theatre Hanley (Paid £15)
Mr Allen Huntbach, Hanley
CONCERT – Oldham Police (Paid £15)
Sec. Recreation Police Office.
CONCERT – Warrington Odeon – Mayor‟s Charities (Paid £15)
Mr Jack Priestley
CONCERT – Crewe Boeing (Paid £15)
CONCERT – Crewe Boeing (Paid £15)
CONCERT – Pontypool (Paid £60)
While playing at a Concert on the South Coast the first small boats returning from
Dunkirk started arriving on the shoreline, bringing home to the bandsmen the reality
of the war. (Nine days of Evacuation from the 26 May to 4 June 1940)
(Dates not put into Band Diary)
CONCERT – Derby Arboretum (Wed) (Paid £45)
T S Wells, Park Superintendent
Concert times between 3 and 5pm and 7.30 to 9.30pm.
Admission 6d.
Basil Stokes (2nd Baritone 18 Mar 1926 to 10 June 1940) left the band.
Wallasey (Paid £40)
T B Phillips, Northgate House, Gloucester
21 July 1940
4 to 10 July 1940 CONCERT – Royal Parks, London (Paid £200)
18 July 1940
Bob Knott / Robert Knott (Trombone 22 Jan 1925 to 18 July 1940) left the band.
2 Aug 1940
Ted Swindles (Edward Swindles B Flat Bass / Librarian) joined the band for
his first rehearsal. (2 Aug 1940 to 1981 +)
9 Aug 1940
RECORDING - Columbia Records (Paid £50)
A Side - John Peel (Trad arr Mortimer) Columbia
FB2541
B Side - Minstrel Memories
1. Massa‟s in de Cold, Cold Ground.
2. Oft in the Twilight
3. Camptown Races
4. Dixieland
25 Aug 1940
CONCERT – Sandbach Parade Local Defence Volunteers (Paid Gratis)
28 Aug 1940
29 Aug 1940
ROYAL PARADE AT CREWE (Paid Gratis)
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth toured Crewe culminating at Crewe Alexandra
Football Ground (Featured on Pathe News) where the band provided the musical
entertainment. The Queen also toured other parts of the North West during her visit.
(Some biographies of the band put the above date in 1941 but the band diary date
it as the 29 August 1940)
1 Sept 1940
CONCERT – Macclesfield – Rotary Club (Paid £15)
J Lomas Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
7 Sept 1940
Test Piece “Clive of India” by J Holdbrooke.
___________________________________________________________________________________
22 Sept 1940
29 Sept 1940
CONCERT – Warrington – Mayor‟s Spitfire Fund (Paid £15)
Jack Priestley
13 Oct 1940
CONCERT – Ellesmere Port – Spitfire Fund (Paid £20)
Mr Wallace, Post Office Chambers
16 Oct 1940
David Morris joined the band as Solo Euphonium.
30 Oct 1940
10 Nov 1940
17 Nov 1940
CONCERT – Forum Rhythm Show – One Concert (Paid £25)
Area Supervisor, La Scala 207 Oxford Road, Manchester.
15 Dec 1940
15 Dec 1940
CONCERT – Lymm - Spitfire Concert (Paid £15)
Mr W Dixon
25 Dec 1940
Nov 1940
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
128437 (Besson)
Own Cornet
Soprano 123191 (Besson) / 127615 Besson ECHO CORNET)
Solo Cornet
Cornet
Stanway
Cornet
Reg Moores
Cornet
Own Cornet 127172
Cornet
Own Cornet
Cornet
Edwin Statham
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Tenor Horn
Arthur Webb Snr
Tenor Horn
Edgar Spurr
Tenor Horn 127499
Tenor Horn
Fred Sowood
Baritone
Albert Statham
Baritone
Jack Cotterill
Baritone
Alex Mortimer
Own Baritone 60188 (Boosey 1907)
Euphonium
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium 104770
Euphonium
Unknown
Euphonium 60188
Euphonium
Rex Mortimer
Trombone
Harold Stubbs
Bass Trombone 14132(Besson 1936)
Bb Bass
Joe Poole
Bb Bass
Ted Swindles
Bb Bass 124685
Bb Bass
Harry Hardy
Walter Illingworth
791350 Premier 1938 /
10791 Hawkes 1936
###################################################################################
1941
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1941
The band had its shares of problems with transport having on many occasions to
travel by train rather than the diesel bus. Harry Mortimer even persuaded the station
staff to lend the band a hand cart to transport their instruments from the station to the
venue. Unfortunately the truck had a mind of its own and trundled off down the road
and into a wall between a tobacconists shop window and a member of the police
force.
11 Jan 1941
1 Feb 1941
23 Feb 1941
1 Mar 1941
BBC Manchester (Paid £18/15/0)
19 Mar 1941
BBC Manchester – Overseas Broadcast (Paid £25)
23 Mar 1941
CONCERT – Chapel en Le Frith (Paid £37/10/0)
W Sam Longton, Town End Garage
30 Mar 1941
CONCERT – St Helens “Savoy” (Paid £30)
Mr Lewis, Supervisor at La Scala 207 Oxford Road, Manchester.
6 Apr 1941
CONCERT – Northwich – Cheshire Army Social Welfare (Paid £15)
R Glen-Hill Social Welfare Office
Gray Stoke, Beech Road, Hartford Nr Northwich
20 Apr 1941
20 Apr 1941
BBC Manchester – Recording Two Titles (Paid £25)
20 Apr 1941
CONCERT – Crewe Player – Police Concert (Paid £15)
3 May 1941
CONCERT – Sandbach and Holmes Chapel – War Weapons (Paid Gratis)
8 May 1941
BBC Manchester – 7.40pm (Paid £25)
25 May 1941
CONCERT – Glossop (Paid £40)
24 May 1941
CONCERT – Macclesfield War Weapons (Paid £15/15/0)
31 May 1941
CONCERT – Riddings (Derbyshire?) (Paid £40)
1 June 1941
CONCERT – Chesterfield Park (Paid £50)
Town Clerk
4 June 1941
8 June 1941
CONCERT – Oldham Lido (Paid £40)
18 June 1941
29 June 1941
CONCERT – Swadlincote (Darbyshire?) (Paid £50)
Miss Gulliver Sec.
10 July 1941
20 July 1941
T B Philips, Gloucester
25-28 July 1941 Bill Pedley (Solo Cornet) committed suicide. (Reason Not known)
Bill was replaced by Sid Garratt (Sidney Garratt) who had played with the
Crewe Salvation Army Band (see 17 Nov 1941).
31 July 1941
CONCERT – Royal Parks, London (Paid £225)
RECORDING - Columbia Recording (Paid £70)
BBC Manchester – Overseas Broadcast (Paid £25)
CONCERT – Northwich Pavilion (Paid £20)
Garrison Theatre, J Glen Hail
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1941
___________________________________________________________________________________
14 Sept 1941
CONCERT – Bollington (Macclesfield Infirmary) (Paid £15)
Miss Shaw. Secretary
21 Sept 1941
CONCERT – Poynton British Legion (Paid £25)
28 Sept 1941
BBC Brass Bandstand – Overseas Recording (Paid £50)
19 Oct 1941
CONCERT – Leek Home Guard (Paid £15)
Mr Bladon of Bommer, Bullock Company. (Paid £15)
23 Oct 1941
BBC “Music While You Work” (Paid £25)
23 Oct 1941
BBC “Forces recording” (Paid £25)
2 Nov 1941
CONCERT – Winsford – Allied Comforts (Paid £15)
17 Nov 1941
Sidney Garratt joined the band as a replacement for Bill Pedley
(see 25-28 July 1941)
___________________________________________________________________________________
3 to 9 Aug 1941
3 to 9 Aug 1941
21 Aug 1941
24 Aug 1941
31 Aug 1941
SIDNEY GARRATT Biography.
Born in Crewe in September 1912.
Sidney‟s early playing was with the Crewe Salvation Army Band.
Between 1920 and 1960 he played with a number of Dance bands and in 1940 Sidney joined the
Foden‟s Motor Works Band, he would continue to play with the band for 42 years on both Cornet and
Flugel horn.
In 1990 Sid was awarded the British Empire Medal from HM Queen Elizabeth for his services to
music.
In 2002 Sidney Garratt died aged 89.
In 2012 son‟s Michael and Rex published a biography of Sidney Garratt taken from Cassette recordings
their father had recorded before his death.
(available via [email protected] )
___________________________________________________________________________________
26 Nov 1941
30 Nov 1941
CONCERT – Sandbach - Warship Week (Paid Gratis)
7 Dec 1941
CONCERT – Kings Hall, Stoke (Paid £35)
14 Dec 1941
CONCERT – Ashton Under Lyme (Paid £35)
21 Dec 1941
###################################################################################
1942
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1942
1942
4 Jan 1942
10 Jan 1942
11 Jan 1942
14 Jan 1942
14 Jan 1942
10 Feb 1942
1 Mar 1942
Harry Mortimer was appointed as Brass and Military Bands Supervisor for the
BBC. Harry moved to London for the appointment leaving his place in the band.
Bill Lawton (Cornet) took over leadership of the band.
CONCERT – St Helens – Savoy Cinema (Paid £27/10/0)
ALBERT HALL LONDON (Paid £60)
RECORDING - Columbia Gramophone Recording (Paid £50)
BBC Manchester – Forces Recording (Paid £25)
CONCERT – Stockport – Afternoon (Paid £17/10/0)
D H Molton 258 Adswood Road, Stockport
CONCERT – Chapel en le Frith – Evening (Paid £25)
3 Mar 1942
8 Mar 1942
CONCERT – Swadlincote Majestic Cinema (Paid £50)
Miss J Gulliver, Moss Villa, Wood Street, Church, Giesley
15 Mar 1942
CONCERT – Luton - Warship Week (Paid £60)
F Green
22 Mar 1942
CONCERT – Belle Vue Massed Bands (Paid Unknown)
J H Iles – Aid to Russia Fund
22 Mar 1942
CONCERT – Lymm Firemen (Paid £15)
W Dixon
29 Mar 1942
CONCERT – Northwich Regal (Paid £25)
J B Pimblott Holmoor, Sandiway
5 Apr 1942
CONCERT – Savoy Cinema St Helens (Paid £30)
Mr Lewis Area Supervisor ABC (Cinema Chain)
12 Apr 1942
CONCERT – Regal Rochdale (Paid £30)
ABC Cinemas
14 Apr 1942
14 Apr 1942
BBC Manchester – Recording for Overseas (Paid £12/10/0)
19 Apr 1942
CONCERT – Eccles Broadway Cinema (Paid £30)
ABC Cinemas
26 Apr 1942
Nursing Homes . Mr Cook
3 May 1942
3 May 1942
CONCERT – New Mills (Paid £25)
Mr Swindells
9 May 1942
CONCERT – Congleton – Aid for Russia (Paid £15)
24 May 1942
CONCERT – Chester Queens Park (Paid £50)
J G Tindale Park Superintendent.
25 May 1942
CONCERT – Wythenshaw Park (Paid £40)
30 May 1942
31 May 1942
CONCERT – Sandbach Mayor‟s Sunday (Paid Unknown)
31 May 1942
CONCERT – Nantwich Olde Wych Theatre (Paid Unknown)
A Chatwin, 4 Market Street, Nantwich.
(Arthur Chatwin ran a bakery in the town which in 2012 the company still owns
the site of the theatre)
3 June 1942
BBC Manchester – Overseas (Paid £25)
6 June 1942
CONCERT – Nottingham Albert Hall (Paid £50)
6 June 1942
CONCERT – Tunstall, Reginald Rees
(Paid Unknown – Possibly the organiser of above)
7 June 1942
CONCERT – Grothon Lido (Oldham) (Paid £40)
10 June 1942
T S Wells, Superintendent.
11 to 12 June 1942
BBC Manchester – Overseas 3am broadcast (Paid £32)
20 June 1942
WEDDING Miss Foden at Elworth (Paid Gratis)
22 June 1942
27 June 1942
CONCERT – Alsager British Legion (Paid £35)
John Lea
28 June 1942
5 July 1942
CONCERT – Lido Grothon (Paid £40)
12 July 1942
CONCERT – Scunthorpe (Paid £60)
18 July 1942
Reginald Rees
21 July 1942
BBC Manchester with Recording (Paid £37/10/0)
26 July 1942
30 July 1942
Harry Stanway left the band. A F was placed in the signing in book which may
mean he joined the forces.
1 Aug 1942
CONCERT – Huyton (Merseyside) (Paid £45)
2 to 3 Aug 1942 CONCERT – Manchester Parks (Paid £85)
4 Aug 1942
1 Mar 1942
8 Aug 1942
CONCERT – Nottingham Albert Hall (Paid £50)
9 to 15 Aug 1942
CONCERT – Hyde Park London (Paid £245)
Aug 1942
Strand Film Co (Paid £40)
22 Aug 1942
30 Aug 1942
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
5 Sept 1942
___________________________________________________________________________________
6 Sept 1942
CONCERT – Cefn –Mawr (Nr Wrexham) (Paid £37/10/0)
19 Sept 1942
CONCERT – Sheffield (Paid £35)
Reginald Rees
20 Sept 1942
CONCERT – Baeut (Paid £50)
G and B Watson
23 Oct 1942
31 Oct 1942
BBC Manchester with two sessions of Recording (Paid £50)
15 Nov 1942
21 Nov 1942
BBC Manchester with Recording (Paid £25)
13 Dec 1942
16 Dec 1942
BBC Manchester with 2 Recordings (Canteen) (Paid £40)
20 Dec 1942
###################################################################################
1943
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
9 Jan 1943
26 Jan 1943
Sec. Blackpool Co-op Education Department.
27 Jan 1943
31 Jan 1943
W Dixon Lymm
9 Feb 1943
9 Feb 1943
BBC Manchester – Overseas Recording (Paid £6/5/0)
21 Feb 1943
CONCERT – Hanley MASSED BANDS – Victoria Hall (Paid £35)
4 Mar 1943
CONCERT – H.M.S. Excalibur – Alsager (Paid Gratis)
11 Mar 1943
21 Mar 1943
CONCERT – Burslem (Paid £26/5/0)
27 Mar 1943
BBC Manchester – Recording (Paid £47/5/0)
28 Mar 1943
CONCERT – Chapel en le Firth (Paid £40)
11 Apr 1943
12 Apr 1943
CONCERT – Crewe Police Concert (Paid £15)
23 Apr 1943
BBC “Canteen” (Paid £26/5/0)
1 May 1943
Sandbach and Holmes Chapel (Possible War Weapons Appeal) (Paid £15)
2 May 1943
6 May 1943
CONCERT – Sandbach Wings for Victory (Paid Gratis)
9 May 1943
16 May 1943
27 May 1943
5 June 1943
6 June 1943
CONCERT – Bollington (Paid £30)
13 to 14 June 1943
19 June 1943
CONCERT – Alsager (Paid £25)
The band played in Alsager at the Village Fair.
A player at the time was Walter Illingworth who played a Xylophone solo
at the event.
CONCERT – Leicester De Mountford Hall (Paid £70)
Bram Gay (Cornet) joined the band aged 13.
(1 July 1943 / 1 Jan 1945 to 5 Dec 1949)
The band signing in book puts him as joining on the 1 July 1943 but it isn‟t until the
1 January 1945 that he is regularly marked in the book.
He had joined as a 13 year old for a concert and left in 1949 for National Service.
(see also 15 Apr 1944)
4 July 1943
CONCERT – Huyton with Roby (Paid £50)
Town Clark
8 July 1943
Alex Mortimer left the band (Solo Euphonium 19 June 1924 to 8 July 1943)
10 July 1943
11 July 1943
11 July 1943
CONCERT – Longton Michelin (Paid £30)
17 July 1943
18 July 1943
CONCERT – West Bromwich (Paid £70)
E Shelton Sec.
31 July 1943
CONCERT – Bowden (Paid £40)
1 Aug 1943
2 Aug 1943
CONCERT – Wythenshaw Park (Paid £50)
7 Aug 1943
MASSED BANDS - Hanley (Paid £35)
8 to 14 Aug 1943
H M Office of Works
LONDON PARK CONCERTS
Fodens were asked to perform in London Parks. Afraid of bombing by doodlebugs
Fred Mortimer asked the band members if they wanted to do the job and except for
Bill Lawton they all voted to do the job.
The band stayed in the Post office staff shelter in Hammersmith for their safety but
they still came close to the action when a pub “The Freemason‟s Arms” was bombed
on their last night in London. The band had used the billiard room on the previous
nights and were saddened to hear that the Landlord and his wife and family had been
killed in the explosion.
15 Aug 1943
CONCERT – Rugby (Paid £70)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
4 Sept 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________
6 Sept 1943
26 Sept 1943
Belle Vue, Manchester MASSED BANDS Broadcast by the BBC (Paid £47/5/0)
26 Sept 1943
CONCERT – NEW THEATRE, CREWE. (Lyceum Crewe)
(Evening)
FODEN'S MOTOR WORKS BAND in a Grand Hospital Charity Concert.
10 Oct 1943
14 Oct 1943
BBC Manchester with Recording (Paid £35)
17 Oct 1943
CONCERT – Radway Green (Paid £35)
6 Nov 1943
9 Nov 1943
22 Nov 1943
BBC Broadcast (Paid £31/10/0)
28 Nov 1943
5 Dec 1943
CONCERT – Theatre Royal Hanley (Paid £35)
25 Dec 1943
1943
By the end of 1943 Fodens and Black Dyke Mills brass bands had both
made over 100 broadcasts each.
20 June 1943
24 June 1943
27 June 1943
1 July 1943
###################################################################################
1944
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
13 Jan 1944
30 Jan 1944
BBC Manchester - Two Recordings(Paid £94/10/0)
7 Feb 1944
29 Feb 1944
7 Mar 1944
12 Mar 1944
CONCERT – Belle Vue Manchester, MASSED BANDS (Paid £47/5/0)
(Afternoon)
Grand Massed Bands Concert at Belle Vue with Fodens, Black Dyke Mills,
Bickershaws and Fairey Aviation. The event was conducted by Sir Malcolm Arnold,
Dr Dennis Wright and John Henry Iles. Harry Mortimer made an appearance for
the concert which was also broadcast on the BBC.
12 Mar 1944
CONCERT – Hebden Bridge (Paid £25)
(Evening)
Organised by J Greenwood, 16 Lyceum Terrace
Fred Mortimer took the Foden Motor Works Band to Hebden Bridge the place of his
birth as the town were giving him the “Freedom of the Town”.
After the concert Fred Mortimer was given the Freedom of his native town.
25 Mar 1944
CONCERT – Hanley MASSED BANDS (Paid £50)
8 Apr 1944
CONCERT – Dudley Salvation Army (Paid £65)
13 Apr 1944
15 Apr 1944
Albert Hall London BBC MASSED BANDS (Paid £100)
The Grand Massed Bands Concert held at Belle Vue on the 12 March 1944
was repeated at the Royal Albert Hall with Fodens, Black Dyke Mills,
Fairey Aviation, City of Coventry, Luton and Enfield Central taking part.
The bands were conducted by Sir Henry Wood and Sir Adrian Bolt ending with
Tchaikovsky‟s 1812 Overture.
Also on the stage that night was a 14 year old player called Bram Gay who played
cornet with Fodens. A few days later he was to play a duet with Harry Mortimer at
Wolverhampton with the tune “Marionettes”. Bram went on to become a professional
trumpet player and administrator.
(Bram Gay joined the band see 1 July 1943 / 1 Jan 1945 to 5 Dec 1949)
___________________________________________________________________________________
BRAM GAY Biography.
Born in 1930 in the Rhondda.
Bram started to play at the Pentre Salvation Army Band.
At the age of 13 he joined Foden‟s Band having been discovered by Harry Mortimer.
In 1944 (see above) he played alongside Harry Mortimer in London.
When Harry Mortimer left Fodens his solo spot was taken by Bram Gray.
In 1949, Bram Gay was conscripted to the Scots Guards band and as he departed the band he left the
Solo Cornet spot available for Ted Gray to take his place.
After studying the trumpet under Ernest Hall Bram became principal trumpet with the City of
Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
In 1959 he was appointed to the Halle Orchestra in Manchester where he was first trumpet for Sir John
Barbirolli for ten years.
During his time with the Halle Bram formed the Halle Brass Consort and in 1971 launched the Granada
Band of the Year Competition.
In 1973 Bram was appointed Director of the Royal Opera House.
Bram has adjudicated at many competitions and arranged many different pieces of music for brass
band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
16 Apr 1944
CONCERT – Wolverhampton (Paid £50)
22 Apr 1944
CONCERT – Holmes Chapel (Paid £15)
23 Apr 1944
CONCERT – Chapel en le Frith (Paid £40)
Sean Longson, Town End Garage
30 Apr 1944
CONCERT – Wigan Hippodrome ((Paid £40)
6 to 7 May 1944 CONCERT – Sandbach – Salute the Soldiers (Paid Gratis)
13 May 1944
CONCERT – Stockport – Salute the Soldiers (Paid £50)
14 May 1944
16 May 1944
27 May 1944
BBC Manchester Recording (Paid £47/5/0)
28 to 29 May 1944
Plat Fields and Wythenshawe
4 June 1944
10 June 1944
11 June 1944
24 June 1944
25 June 1944
CONCERT – Cheadle (Paid £35)
30 June 1944
1 July 1944
2 July 1944
9 July 1944
CONCERT – Church Stretton - St Dunstan‟s (paid Gratis)
12 July 1944
CONCERT – Stafford (Paid £60)
23 July 1944
CONCERT – Leyland (Paid £50)
25 July 1944
CONCERT – Crewe Police (Paid Gratis)
28 July 1944
29 July 1944
CONCERT – Grappenhall (Paid £40)
5 Aug 1944
6 to 7 Aug 1944 CONCERT – Manchester Parks (Paid £110)
8 Aug 1944
CONCERT – Blaby (Nr Leicester, Leicestershire) – Miss Walker (Paid £70)
9 Aug 1944
CONCERT – Swanwick (Derbyshire) – M Leah (Paid £65)
12 Aug 1944
13 to 19 Aug 1944
CONCERT SERIES at Hyde Park London (Paid £285)
Fodens Motor Works band was booked to play at the Hyde Park Bandstand. After the
first fears of the band that they may be victims of German Daylight raids all the
members decided to attend the engagement. Hyde Park was surrounded by antiaircraft guns so it was a possible target. The actual venue had very little facilities
with changing area and other amenities under the bandstand. During the hot day the
concerts went very well but the night time was another matter.
Fred Mortimer stayed with an Italian friend called Oscar Grasso in his Hammersmith
hotel which that night had all its windows blown out during a raid with glass falling
into the band conductors room and the hotel door falling onto Fred‟s bed.
The following morning at least three of the band suddenly remembered they had a
prior engagement back in Sandbach.
Harry knew some members of the RAF Bomber Command Band and arranged them
as replacements for those who had left. However during the following concerts many
of the band spent their time looking for flying bombs and holding onto their
gas masks as the Germans stepped up their daylight raids.
The band finished their week long engagement with a number of broadcasts on the
BBC with another threat to their performance “Lord Haw Haw”.
EXTRA INFO - Looking at the band engagement book the Foden band never made
any broadcasts from London in 1944 at the time of the Concert Series in Hyde Park.
Summer 1944
Lord Haw Haw (William Joyce .b. 24 Apr 1909 .D. 3 Jan 1946) was an Englishman
working for the Germans who managed to interrupt BBC Broadcasts via their
wavelengths with German Propaganda messages.
This irregular interrupting of programmes not only gave a false view of Germany but
also made the announcer‟s at the BBC rather jumpy and on one occasion while
Fodens were broadcasting the presenter introduced the same tune twice and had to be
told that they had already played that particular piece.
The name Lord Haw Haw was created by Jonah Barrington a colomnist at the
Daily Express and soon the name caught on.
The BBC didn‟t take the broadcasts seriously and neither did the public with
Pathe News making spoof Lord Haw Haw reports with Geoffrey Sumner playing
Haw Haw in a series of “Nasty News” items as part of their Pathe Gazette (1939).
The Western Brothers did two songs called “Lors Haw Haw of Zeesen” and
“Lord Haw Haw the Hamburg of Hamburg” (Columbia DB1883 and DB1898) and
“Radio Fun” a childrens comic produced a comic strip of him compiled
by John Jukes (1940)
20 Aug 1944
CONCERT – Rugby (Paid £70)
1 Sept 1944
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
2 Sept 1944
Test Piece “The Tempest” by Maurice Johnstone.
FIRST
Fairey Aviation Works (Harry Mortimer) 182 points.
SECOND
Creswell Colliery (Harold Moss) 170 Points.
THIRD
Bickershaw Colliery (W Haydock) 168 Points
FOURTH
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (A E Badrick) 164 Points
FIFTH
Clydebank Burgh (George Hawkins) 153 Points.
SIXTH
Brighouse and Rastrick (Fred Betty) 152 Points.
___________________________________________________________________________________
3 Sept 1944
CONCERT – Belle Vue, Manchester (Paid £40)
24 Sept 1944
CONCERT – Crewe Plaza (Paid £15)
29 Sept 1944
1 Oct 1944
CONCERT – Northwich Parish (Paid £30)
14 Oct 1944
CONCERT – Ashton Under Lyne (Paid £40)
15 Oct 1944
22 Oct 1944
CONCERT – Belle Vue, Manchester (Paid £35)
22 Oct 1944
RECORDING - Recording fee for above concert (Paid £10)
28 Oct 1944
29 Oct 1944
12 Nov 1944
CONCERT – Wigan (Paid £40)
30 Nov 1944
15 Dec 1944
CONCERT – Risley Concert for Wounded Soldiers (Paid £25)
26 Dec 1944
26 Dec 1944
BBC Manchester with two Recording (Paid £47/5/0)
30 Dec 1944
Reginald Rees
###################################################################################
1945
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1 Jan 1945
Bram Gay (Cornet) is written in the band‟s signing in book from this date
as a regular performer. (1 July 1943 / 1 Jan 1945 to 5 Dec 1949)
The band signing in book puts him as joining on the 1 July 1943 but it isn‟t until the
1 January 1945 that he is regularly marked in the book.
18 Jan 1945
Harold Stubbs (2nd Trombone) left the band. (22 Jan 1925 to 18 Jan 1945)
21 Jan 1945
3 Feb 1945
MASSED BANDS - Hanley (Paid £50)
10 Feb 1945
CONCERT – Market Drayton Hospital (Paid Gratis)
25 Feb 1945
CONCERT – Sale - Anglo Soviet (Paid £35)
15 Mar 1945
CONCERT – Sandbach Savings (Paid £15)
16 Mar 1945
18 Mar 1945
BROADCAST – Belle Vue MASSED BANDS (BBC Broadcast) (Paid £31/10/0)
25 Mar 1945
CONCERT – Sandbach – Nursing Concert (Paid Gratis)
8 Apr 1945
Sam Longson
22 to 22 Apr 1945
BBC Recording “Bandstand” (Paid £63/10/0)
26 Apr 1945
CONCERT – Hanley Cate Oliver (Paid £35)
29 Apr 1945
MASSED BANDS Mr Molton
30 Apr to 23 May 1945 Advertised in the Foden Band book as “B.L.A. (Paid £550)”
This was actually a Tour for ENSA.
29 April 1945
The Entertainment organisers for troops ENSA (Every Night Something Awful as
Tommy Handley put it) decided to send a brass band to entertain out fighting forces.
The “Entertainments National Service Association” headquarters were at the
Drury Lane Theatre in London and on the morning of the 29 April 1945 the band
assembled in Home Guard uniforms at the Elworth works ready for the long journey
to London. On arrival at Drury Lane the band, along with other entertainers, had a
rehearsal of the show before being taken to a uniform store where all the band
became Second Lieutenants in their new ENSA uniforms.
The following days were spent at Rainham Camp enjoying chocolates, cigarettes and
drinks all part of the perks of being a Second Lieutenant in the army.
Finally they were called to go abroad and the band set out to Tilbury Docks
however the band bus wouldn‟t go on to the boat and so they were redirected to sail
from Dover Docks on the 3 May 1945.
The band were joined for the concerts by Harry Mortimer who took time off
from the BBC along with Frank Wright (Former Australian Cornet Champion)
Jack Inger from Ransome and Marles on Solo Trombone along with Joe Morby from
Hanwell on Euphonium.
The band set out on their arrival in Calais for Ostend.
En route the band crossed over the Mulbury Harbour that had in part been built in
secret at the Sandbach Fodens works and had been nicknamed the Whale.
The floating pontoon was of a metal construction with girders and plates that took up
the whole of the workshop and had to be broken down again to get it out of the
building.
From Ostend the concert tour then went to Brussels where they were part of the
liberation celebrations in the Grand Palace.
(29 April 1945 to 23 May 1945)
According to the Foden Band Ledger the entry reads “Fee of £550 for BLA”,
referring to the British Liberation Army as they were following the Allied Army
through France, the Low Countries and on towards Berlin playing concerts.
(see below) (Programme and Pictures available)
The Programme says –
Selections from their Repertoire
Cornet Solos by Harry Mortimer (BBC Brass Band Supervisor)
Xylophone Solos by Walter Illingworth
Vocalist Archie Doorbar
Musical Director Fred Mortimer
The programme included a list of bandmembers who were on the tour.
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Musical Director Fred Mortimer
Solo Cornet
Charles Cook
Cornet
W Lawton
Cornet
Frank Wright
Cornet
Sidney Garratt
Cornet
E Spurr
Cornet
J Hodgkinson
Cornet
R Moores
Cornet
R Shepley
Cornet
E Statham
Flugel Horn
H Shergold
Tenor Horn
A Webb
Tenor Horn
J Cotterill
Tenor Horn
F Sowood
Baritone
A Statham
Baritone
A Webb Jnr (Arthur Webb Jnr)
Trombone
J Inger
Trombone
E Westwood
Trombone
Joe Moores
Euphonium
D Morris
Euphonium
J Morby
Bass
J Poole
Bass
H Hardy
Bass
R Mortimer (Rex Mortimer)
Bass
E Swindles
Percussion
W Illingworth
Vocalist
A Doorbar
8 May 1945
As VE night arrived the band was asked to play at the Brussels Opera House where
the band were entertaining many of our own forces including ATS Molly Capper
who lived in the village of Elworth before joining up.
9 May 1945
The following day the band were due to play at the Australian Air Force Base but as
Winston Churchill had announced the end of the war the camp had become deserted.
The band members settled down in the Officers mess and had their own celebration.
May 1945
CONCERT TOUR – of Hospitals and areas for wounded soldiers in Brussels,
Bruges, Ghent, Louvaine, Antwerp, Boug Leopold, Eindhoven, Helmond, Lille,
Melbrock, Lacken and finally a Gala Concert in Paris at the Avenue des
Champs Elysses near the Arc de Triomphe.
23 May 1945
The final day of the ENSA Tour.
2 June 1945
CONCERT – Birmingham Town Hall (Paid £75)
Mr Smelling
3 June 1945
CONCERT – Liverpool MASSED BANDS (Paid £60)
Daily Herald
5 June 1945
BBC (Paid £31/10/0)
10 June 1945
Davison 65 Sankey Street
17 June 1945
23 June 1945
8 July 1945
Mr Parker
11 July 1945
29 July 1945
CONCERT – Atherstone (Nr Birmingham) (Paid £70)
4 Aug 1945
5 Aug 1945
6 Aug 1945
CONCERT – Christleton (Paid £50)
8 Aug 1945
CONCERT – Swanwich (Paid £60)
11 Aug 1945
12 to 15 Aug 1945
BBC / Hyde Park / LCC VJ Days.
(Paid £31 BBC / £285 Hyde Park / £305 LCC)
CONCERT – Hyde Park, London.
The band were paid £285 plus a supplement of £305 from London County Council
for VJ Day celebrations. (see below)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
14 Aug 1945
V.J. Day / VICTORY IN JAPAN.
Japan Surrendered to the Allies to End the Second World War.
___________________________________________________________________________________
14 Aug 1945
CONCERT – London.
On VJ (Victory in Japan) day the band were playing a number of concerts in the
Embankment gardens in London. The audience were so overjoyed that the
completely took over the event. After about ten minutes of the concert,
Fred Mortimer who was conducing handed the baton to Harry saying
“You had better take over; this is not my kind of a job”.
Four Wrens came marching up the road with lamps in their hands which they had
gathered along with “Please Keep off the Grass” signs from the street. They went
onto the stage and took the baton off the conductor and conducted the band for an
item then smartly snapped to attention and marched down the drive again.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1945
___________________________________________________________________________________
September 1945 THE FODEN NEWS
The newspaper of the company featured the tour of Europe as part of ENSA
With pictures from the final rehersal at the Brussels Opera House before a concert.
Pic and Feature Foden News No 41, September 1945.
3 Sept 1945
Mr T Williamson joined the band. (Euphonium)
6 Sept 1945
CONCERT – Longbridge Show (Paid £60)
8 Sept 1945
CONCERT – Sale – Anglo Russian Committee (Paid £35)
13 Sept 1945
CONCERT – Hanley Victoria Hall (Paid £40)
15 Sept 1945
CONCERT – Ellesmere Port Victory Celebrations (Paid £50)
20 Sept 1945
27 Sept 1945
27 Sept 1945
Crewe Chronicle.
Fodens Band raised £7000 for war charities and were, during the war, invited
by ENSA to entertain troops on the continent.
3 Oct 1945
CONCERT – Hazel Grove (Paid £25)
5 to 6 Oct 1945 CONCERT – Albert Hall, London (Paid £112)
Daily Herald
6 Oct 1945
COMPETITION – Daily Herald “National Championships”, Royal Albert Hall,
London.
The Daily Herald took over sponsorship of the event and moved the venue to the
Albert Hall without Fodens in the contest as they were barred due to having
won the competition three Year‟s in a row. They did take part however as champions
joining Black Dyke Mills, Cresswell Colliery, Fairey Aviation, and Scottish CWS in
the Massed bands concert conducted by Dr Malcolm Sargent who was a last minute
replacement for Sir Adrian Bolt who had to cancel his appearance.
Test piece “Overture for an Epic Occasion” by Denis Wright.
RESULTS
FIRST
Fairey Aviation
SECOND
Horden Colliery
THIRD
Parc and Dare
Fodens Motor Works Band (See above)
14 Oct 1945
16 Oct 1945
CONCERT – Rawtenstall (Paid £50)
20 Oct 1945
22 Oct 1945
CONCERT – Stafford (Paid £50)
24 Oct 1945
1 Nov 1945
Jack Hodgkinson attended his last rehearsal with the band.
(Solo Cornet 1909 to 1 Nov 1945)
4 Nov 1945
CONCERT – Huddersfield (Paid £60)
11 Nov 1945
CONCERT – Wolverhampton MASSED BANDS (Paid £55)
14 Nov 1945
CONCERT – Cefn –Mawr (Nr Wrexham) (Paid £40)
18 Nov 1945
24 Nov 1945
CONCERT – Rawtenstall (Paid £50)
25 Nov 1945
2 Dec 1945
2 Dec 1945
7 to 8 Dec 1945 CONCERT – Portmadre / Criccieth / Prollheli (Paid £120)
9 Dec 1945
CONCERT – St Dunstons Church Stretton (Paid Gratis)
16 Dec 1945
CONCERT – Hyde Theatre (Cheshire) Royal Halls Agency (Paid £45)
25 Dec 1945
29 Dec 1945
CONCERT – Albert Hall, Manchester (Reg Rees) (Paid £50)
###################################################################################
1946
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1946
With the end of the war change was inevitable and the band moved on with new
members and a new rehearsal room in a disused part of the Pring‟s Wireworks
factory, the former nail making shop.
29 Jan 1946
BBC Manchester (Paid £63 for 29 Jan and 3 Feb 1946)
Brass Bandstand – Chris Stone
BBC Manchester (Paid £63 for 29 Jan and 3 Feb 1946)
Brass Bandstand – Chris Stone
18 to 19 Feb 1946
BBC London Recording (Paid £47/5/0)
As above
BBC Overseas Broadcast Maida Vale (Paid £31/10/0)
As above
CONCERT – Vauxhall Motors Lunch Hom Concerts (Paid £50)
24 Feb 1946
CONCERT – Blackburn Ring Georges Hall (Paid £60)
Thom Clark
5 Mar 1946
7 Mar 1946
CONCERT – Cheddleton (Paid £35)
19 Mar 1946
CONCERT – Tunstall Town Hall (Paid £35)
16 Mar 1946
CONCERT – Hollinwood (Shropshire Near Whitchurch) (Paid £40)
17 Mar 1946
24 Mar 1946
21 Mar 1946
Bill Kitson (Trombone) joined the band at Rehearsal. (21 Mar 1946 to 21 Sept 1967)
26 Mar 1946
31 Mar 1946
CONCERT – Leicester – Rees (Paid £60)
___________________________________________________________________________________
March 1946?
NW Regional Final – Qualifying competition.
According to Allan Littlemore‟s book on the band, in 1946 Fodens were pitted
against Fairey Aviation, at Belle Vue conducted by Harry Mortimer
whose father Fred was still in front of Fodens. Things didn‟t go to plan as
Barrow Shipyard band came first with Fairey Second and Fodens Third missing out
of the Royal Albert Hall contest.
___________________________________________________________________________________
4 Apr 1946
7 Apr 1946
BBC London (Paid £31/10/0)
8 Apr 1946
Fodens Picture London – two days time. (Paid Unknown)
New technology was used to publicise the Foden Motor works in the form of a
corporate film showing the works and also the band who not only made an
appearance but also provided the music to accompany the narration. It was made on
16mm film and has since been transferred onto video and no doubt DVD.
21 Apr 1946
CONCERT – Lydbrook (Paid £65)
24 Apr 1946
WILLIAM HALLIWELL DIES.
At the age of 82 William Halliwell passed away. He had conducted the band from
1909 to 1929 winning one National Championship and seven Belle Vue contests.
This left only one surviving member of Fodens from the band that Halliwell had
inherited in 1909, Fred Sowood on Tenor Horn.
William Halliwell was born on the 11 March 1864.
25 Apr 1946
27 Apr 1946
CONCERT – Chester Y.M.C.A. (Paid £40)
27 Apr 1946
CONCERT – Prestwich (Paid £50)
2 May 1946
5 May 1946
7 May 1946
8 May 1946
CONCERT – Bolton (Paid £50)
19 May 1946
25 May 1946
26 May 1946
CONCERT – Chesterfield Fort Parks (Paid £60)
27 May 1946
1 June 1946
CONCERT – Clink (Paid £50)
2 June 1946
CONCERT – Oldham Park (Paid £50)
5 June 1946
CONCERT – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall – Sinclair (Paid £50)
6 June 1946
Denis Heath (Solo Cornet) joined the band in rehearsal for the first time.
(6 June 1946 to 28 Oct 1958 - Moved to New Zealand)
8 June 1946
V Day BBC Manchester (Paid £31/10/0)
8 June 1946
V Day Ellesmere Port (Paid £50)
9 to 10 June 1946
13 June 1946
16 June 1946
3 Feb 1946
19 June 1946
Harry Mortimer recorded Part 1 of a 78 with Organ player Reginald Foort
(1893-1980), the London Brass Players and conductor George Weldon (1908-1963).
The other side was recorded on the 8 November 1948.
1. Trumpet Concerto in E Flat (Joseph Haydn) (Matrix CAX9565)
2. A Trumpet Voluntary (Henry Purcell) (Matrix CAX10357)
Released on Columbia DX 1536.
23 June 1946
24 June 1946
CONCERT – Leicester (Paid £70)
4 July 1946
BBC (Paid £31/10/0)
6 July 1946
7 July 1946
10 to 11 July 1946
CONCERT – Petnho (Paid £135)
28 to 29 July 1946
CONCERT – Matlock (Paid £120)
3 Aug 1946
4 Aug 1946
5 Aug 1946
6 Aug 1946
CONCERT – Llandudno – June (Paid 360)
7 Aug 1946
CONCERT – Wetley Rocks (Paid £40)
8 Aug 1946
10 Aug 1946
11 to 25 Aug 1946
CONCERT – Hyde Park London (Paid £285)
London County Council (Paid £285)
14 Aug 1946
BBC London “Music While You Work”. (Paid 31/10/0)
18 Aug 1946
BBC Overseas (London) (Paid £31/10/0)
29 Aug 1946
31 Aug 1946
CONCERT – Tarporley Show (Paid £50)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1946
Test Piece “Salute to Freedom” by Eric Ball.
FIRST
Bickershaw Colliery (H Mortimer)
SECOND
Fairey Aviation (H Mortimer)
THIRD
Munn and Feltons (S Boddington)
___________________________________________________________________________________
1 Sept 1946
7 Sept 1946
CONCERT – Rugeley Show (Paid £50)
13 Sept 1946
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
15 Sept 1946
CONCERT – Liverpool MASSED BANDS Daily Herald (Paid £60)
16 Sept 1946
Desmond Thomas (Solo Cornet) who had been with the band between the
7 Feb 1938 and the 22 Feb 1940 returned to Foden‟s Band after taking part
in the Second World War.
19 Sept 1946
CONCERT – Stokesley Show (Paid £75)
21 Sept 1946
22 to 29 Sept 1946
CONCERT – Worthing (Paid £325)
3 Oct 1946
CONCERT – Newtown (Paid £650
6 Oct 1946
6 Oct 1946
13 Oct 1946
CONCERT – Burslem – Davenport Music Services (Paid £40)
15 Oct 1946
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
19 Oct 1946
COMPETITION –Daily Herald National Championship at the Royal Albert Hall,
London.
Test Piece “Oliver Cromwell” by Herny Geehl
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Fairey Aviation
THIRD
Munn and Feltons
Fodens Motor Works Band failed to qualify.
New rules meant that apart from the previous Year‟s winner all bands had to earn
their place in the competition by winning or coming second in their respective
regional Area Contests.
___________________________________________________________________________________
20 Oct 1946
CONCERT – Wigan – Boys Club (Paid £40)
26 Oct 1946
CONCERT – Manchester Motor Industries Jubilee (Paid Unknown)
27 Oct 1946
BBC “Bandstand” (Paid £36/10/0)
3 Nov 1946
CONCERT – Leicester – Reg Rees (Paid £60)
24 Nov 1946
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
29 Nov 1946
CONCERT – Birmingham – Alan Priestley (Paid £55)
5 to 6 Dec 1946 CONCERT – Liverpool Masonic Music Festival (Paid £100)
7 Dec 1946
CONCERT – Nottingham – Rees (Paid £60)
8 Dec 1946
Harry Mortimer attended his final rehearsal with the band as Solo Cornet.
His attendance up until this time was occasional due to his commitments at the BBC.
20 Dec 1946
26 Dec 1946
CONCERT – Albert Hall, Manchester (Thurs) – Rees (Paid £60).
With
Harry Mortimer
Helen Caine (Soprano)
Allan Bromley (Baritone)
Stanley Tudor and Bertram J Capey at the Organ.
Concert at 2.30pm and 6.30pm.
Programme 2.30pm –
1. March Medley – Martial Moments (Winter)
2. Musical Comedy – The Dollar Princess (Leo Fall)
3. Allen Bromley (Singer)
a. The Vagabond (Vaughan Williams)
b. The Gay Highway (Drummond)
4. Excerpts from Patience (Sullivan)
5. Weber‟s Last Waltz (Harimann) Solo Euphonium David Morris
6. Helen Caine (Singer)
a. Spring in my Heart (Strauss)
b. My Heart and I (Old Chelsea) (Tauber)
7. Variations on a Welsh Melody (Arr A Rimmer)
INTERVAL OF 10 MINUTES
8. Overture Ruy Blas (Mendelssohn)
9. Allen Bromley (Singer)
a. Ballad Medley (arr Dawson)
10. Waltz – Dance of the Young Men (Jungl)
11. Cornet Trio – The Three Trumpeters (Agolstini)
12. Helen Caine and Allen Bromley
a. lover, Come back to me (The New Moon) (Romberg)
13. Hungarian March (Hector Berlioz)
GOD SAVE THE KING
Programme 6.30pm –
1. Overture Tancredi (Rossini)
a. Lass with the delicate air (Arne)
3. Melodies of Lionel Monckton (arr Wright)
4. Zelda (Code) – Cornet Solo Bram Gay
5. Allan Bromley (Singer)
a. Onaway, Awake, Beloved (Cowen)
6. Symphonic Poem – Les Preludes (Liszt)
INTERVAL OF 10 MINUTES
7. Ceremonial March – Pomp and Circumstance (Edward Elgar)
a. Break O‟ Day (Sanderson)
9. Excerpts from Sullivan Operas (arr Wright)
10. W Illingworth (Xylophone Solo)
30 Dec 1946
Dec 1946
a. Splinters (Illingworth)
b. Sparks (Alford)
11. Helen Caine and Allen Bromley
a. Trot Here and There (Veronique) (Messager)
12. Selection from the works of Tchaikovsky (arr Rimmer)
GOD SAVE THE KING
Edwin Statham (3rd Cornet) left the band (Joined Pre 1923)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
128437 (Besson)
Own Cornet
Soprano 123191 (Besson)
Principal Cornet Edward / Ted Gray
100848 Besson
Cornet / Echo Cornet
Bram Gay
127615 Besson ECHO CORNET
Cornet / Second Horn
Denis Heath
Cornet
D Thomas
Cornet
S Garratt
Cornet
Cornet
Edgar Spurr
127177
Cornet
Reg Moores
Cornet
Own Cornet 127184
Cornet
Edwin Statham
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Tenor Horn
Arthur Webb Snr
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Tenor Horn
Fred Sowood
Baritone
Albert Statham
Baritone
Alex Mortimer
Own Baritone 60188 (Boosey 1907)
Euphonium
T Williamson
Euphonium 104770 (A Webb Jnr)
Bass Trombone Bill Kitson
Bass Trombone Ellis Westwood
Own Bass Trombone 1479
Bass Trombone 14132 (Besson 1936)
Euphonium
Rex Mortimer
Eb Bass
Ted Swindles
Eb Bass 124685
Bb Bass
Joe Poole
Bb Bass
Harry Hardy
Walter Illingworth
791350 Premier 1938 /
10791 Hawkes 1936
###################################################################################
1947
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
17 Jan 1947
19 Jan 1947
25 Jan 1947
1 Feb 1947
COMPETITION – Victoria Hall, Bolton, Lancashire.
“Daily Herald” Area Contest - 2nd Place (Won £40/0/0)
Test Piece “Akhnaton” by Eric Ball.
FIRST
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works Band (F Mortimer)
Third
Wingates Temperance (J Eckersley)
Fourth
C.W.S. Manchester (Eric Ball)
After Fred Mortimers objection to Bell Vue he decided to take the band to the
Nationals again and the only way to do so was to appear at Belle Vue in September,
or in Bolton in February, he decided to go for the latter and the band came second.
Previously the band had managed to get into the National Championships due to
having an invitation by John Henry Iles but now it was only the previous years
winning bands and those who qualified at the area competitions that got to the
Albert Hall.
Fodens were again pitted against Fairey Aviation, conducted by Harry Mortimer
Against whom they again lost first place to their former Solo Cornet player,
coming second in the competition and thus only just making the final.
2 Feb 1947
24 Feb 1947
BBC Manchester (Paid £36/10/0) CANCELLED
2 Mar 1947
CONCERT – Skelmesdale British Legion (Paid £45)
15 to 16 Mar 1947
CONCERT – Swansea Valley (Paid £125)
18 Mar 1947
22 Mar 1947
CONCERT – Rushden Salvation Army Citadel Corps (Paid £60)
29 Mar 1947
CONCERT – Alsager / BBC (Paid £46/10/0)
14 Apr 1947
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
20 Apr 1947
CONCERT – Chapel en le Frith – S Longson (Paid £40)
25 to 26 May 1947
29 May 1947
BBC and Recording (Paid £36/10/0)
1-7 June 1947
CONCERT – L.C.C. Entertainment (Paid £285)
London Embankment, London County Council (London Parks 1 Week).
8 June 1947
12 June 1947
Albert Statham (Solo Baritone) left the band. (joined Pre 1923 to 12 June 1947)
He rejoined on the 2 Oct 1947 before leaving for the final time on the 1 Dec 1947.
15 June 1947
CONCERT – Heaton Park (Paid £50)
21 June 1947
22 June 1947
CONCERT – Burton on Trent (Paid £600
29 to 30 June 1947
5 July 1947
5 July 1947
6 July 1947
23 July 1947
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
25 July 1947
27 July 1947
CONCERT – Eccles (Paid £50)
31 July 1947
CONCERT – Shrewsbury (Paid £60)
3 Aug 1947
4 Aug 1947
6 Aug 1947
7 Aug 1947
CONCERT – Wetley Rocks (Paid £40)
8 Aug 1947
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
10 to 16 Aug 1947
17 Aug 1947
CONCERT – Knypersley (Paid £40)
24 Aug 1947
CONCERT – Denten (Manchester?) (Paid £60)
31 Aug 1947
6 Sept 1947
CONCERT – Rugeley Show Nr Whieldon (Paid £50)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
6 Sept 1947
___________________________________________________________________________________
13 Sept 1947
18 Sept 1947
21 Sept 1947
25 Sept 1947
4 Oct 1947
7 Oct 1947
12 Oct 1947
19 Oct 1947
25 Oct 1947
29 Oct 1947
29 Oct 1947
CONCERT – Stone (Paid £45)
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
CONCERT – Congleton (Paid £25)
BBC Recording (Paid £47/10/0)
CONCERT – Hazel Grove (Paid £25)
Newton le Willows (Paid £10) CANCELLED
CONCERT – Nantwich (Paid Gratis)
1 to 2 Nov 1947 COMPETITION – Daily Herald National Championship at the Royal Albert Hall,
London.
Test Piece “Freedom” by Hurbert Bath
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills (H Mortimer)
SECOND
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works Band (F Mortimer)
(Third Place £78/15/0)
(See 1 Feb 1947 as the band had been to the Bolton Regional Final to qualify
for the Nationals.)
8 Nov 1947
CONCERT – Oxford (Paid £60)
12 Nov 1947
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
20 Nov 1947
(William) Bill Lawton (Solo Cornet) left the band. (7 Apr 1930 to 20 Nov 1947)
23 Nov 1947
BBC (Paid £31/10/0)
24 Nov 1947
David Morris (Solo Euphonium) left the band (16 Oct 1940 to 24 Nov 1947)
27 Nov 1947
Harry Mather (Euphonium) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
6 Dec 1947
CONCERT – Brymbo (Nr Wrexham) (Paid £50)
14 Dec 1947
###################################################################################
1948
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1 Jan 1948
Jan 1948
10 Jan 1948
Geoff Poole (Trombone) joined Fodens for his first rehearsal. (.D. 31 Dec 2012)
Quartet No 1
First Prize (£3)
15 Jan 1948
Jim McDean (Solo Baritone) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(15 Jan 1948 to 6 Apr 1970)
16 Jan 1948
BBC (Paid £36/10/0)
30 Jan 1948
BBC (Paid £31/10/0)
16 Feb 1948
T Williamson (Euphonium) left the band. (3 Sept 1945 to 16 Feb 1948)
21 Feb 1948
BBC (Paid £31/10/0)
28 Feb 1948
CONCERT – Glaysebrook (Paid £35)
2 Mar 1948
CONCERT – Hyde (Cheshire) Ladyhook Chair. (Paid £40)
4 Mar 1948
7 Mar 1948
BBC “Brass and Voices” (Paid £47/5/0)
10 Mar 1948
CONCERT – Rhos Wrexham (Paid £40)
28 Mar to 3 Apr 1948
Bingley Hall, Birmingham (Paid £275)
Including BBC Broadcast (Paid £31/10/0)
5 Apr 1948
Doug Connolly joined Foden‟s Band for his first rehearsal. (2nd Cornet)
5 Apr 1948
At the start of 1948 Teddy Gray (Edward Gray) joined Fodens.
(5 Apr 1948 to 26 Oct 1971)
At the age of 21 he had been demobbed from the Army where he had served with the
Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Army Service Corps.
At the age of 7 he and his brother Harry had played the cornet on BBC Radio‟s
Children‟s Hour with the tune “Ida and Dot”. At the age of 12 he played in the
Wingates Band, 1939 victory at Belle Vue, followed by a move to Bickershaw and
victory in 1940 at Belle Vue. In 1944 he joined the army and the cornet playing took
a back seat for four year‟s.
___________________________________________________________________________________
TED GRAY Biography. (Cornet 1948 to 1971)
Born in 16 Jan 1927. Died 2009.
Born in Aspull near Wigan into a family of band members. Ted and his older brother Harry were taught
to play by their father Edward Gray Snr.
At the age of seven Year‟s in 1934, Ted Gray and his brother Harry appeared on the BBC Radio
programme “Children‟s Hour” playing the cornet duo “Ida and Dot” for the programmes presenter
“Auntie” Doris Gamble.
In 1935 Ted joined the Hindley Band until 1939 when at the age of 12 Teddy Gray played with the
Wingates Band at a time when they were victorious at the British Open Championships at Belle View.
In 1940 he repeated his success of the previous year, this time with Bickershaw Colliery Band.
In 1944 Ted was old enough to be conscripted into the army and for the next four Year‟s was out of the
Brass Band community.
In 1948 when he was demobbed from the Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Army Service Corps he
came to join the Fodens Motor Works band as fourth cornet down, under the direction of the
Mortimer‟s.
In 1949, Bram Gay was conscripted to the Scots Guards band and as he departed the band he left the
Solo Cornet spot available.
1949 was also the year the band returned to making records after a four year absence and six recordings
were made for the Grimes record label with Ted on Solo Cornet.
Until 1971 when he moved on, Ted was possibly the best cornet player the band had known with
Edwin Firth and Harry Mortimer also as contenders for the title, depending on who you talk to about
their playing. Ted‟s playing and his influence on the band led to a number of competition wins.
In 1970 Edward Gray (Teddy) took on the Greenway Band taking them to the North West regional
finals coming 3rd to Wingates and Cammell Laird. He continued to take the band to the finals but never
achieved the same success.
In 1974 Ted was awarded the Insignia of Honour at the Royal Albert Hall.
After his departure from Greenaways Ted went into conducting various other bands including the
Knutsford Town Band and the North Staffordshire Concert Band which was to be sponsored by Royal
Doulton.
Ted became the first and last ever conductor of the newly named “ Royal Doulton Band” in
Staffordshire. During this appointment the band were engaged a number of times to play for Royalty
and when Stoke (Eturia) became the site of the National Garden Festival, Ted and the Band were only
too pleased to open in the event and to become regular performers during its season.
Ted also conducted the Whitchurch Band and continued to support Fodens right up until his death.
___________________________________________________________________________________
CONCERT – Haslingden (Paid £50)
COMPETITION - Bolton “Daily Herald” Area NW 4th Place.
Coming in 4th place meant that the band failed to qualify for the Nationals.
18 Apr 1948
BBC (Paid £31/10/0)
23 Apr 1948
BBC (Paid £31/10/0)
25 Apr 1948
CONCERT – West Kirby (Paid £50)
15 to 16 May 1948
Manchester Parks – Heaton Park and Wythenshawe (Paid £100)
23 May 1948
27 to 29 May 1948
CONCERT - Belfast Royal Ulster Show (Paid £260)
CONCERT – London LCC Victoria Embankment (Paid £300)
(London Parks) London County Council (1 Week).
5 June 1948
BBC London (Paid £31/10/0)
6 to 12 June 1948
CONCERT – Plymouth (1 Week) (Paid £350)
13 June 1948
CONCERT – Camborne (Cornwall) (Paid £70)
19 June 1946
Harry Mortimer recorded Part 2 of a 78 with Organ player Reginald Foort
(1893-1980), the London Brass Players and conductor George Weldon (1908-1963).
The other side was recorded on the 19 June 1946.
1. Trumpet Concerto in E Flat (Joseph Haydn) (Matrix CAX9565)
2. A Trumpet Voluntary (Henry Purcell) (Matrix CAX10357)
Released on Columbia DX 1536.
20 June 1948
CONCERT – Sheffield – Western Park (Paid £60)
27 June to 3 July 1948 (1 Week) Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Aberdeen (Paid £1062)
BBC Broadcast in Aberdeen.
18 July 1948
25 July 1948
CONCERT – Manchester Parks – Platt Fields (Paid £50)
28 July 1948
31 July 1948
CONCERT – Disley (Paid £60)
1 Aug 1948
2 Aug 1948
CONCERT – Riddings (Derbyshire) (Paid £70)
5 Aug 1948
BBC Recording (Paid £40)
7 Apr 1948
10 Apr 1948
7 Aug 1948
CONCERT – Gresford (Nr Wrexham) (Paid £60)
8 to 14 Aug 1948
CONCERT – Folkstone (Paid £320)
21 Aug 1948
CONCERT – Riddings (Derbyshire) Show (Paid £65)
22 Aug 1948
CONCERT – Aberystwyth (Paid £75)
26 Aug 1948
28 Aug 1948
CONCERT – Bucknall (Paid £40)
29 Aug 1948
31 Aug 1948
4 to 5 Sept 1948 CONCERT –
Hebburn on Tyne (Nr Newcastle – Now just called Hebburn) (Paid £135)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
4 Sept 1948
___________________________________________________________________________________
11 to 18 Sept 1948
CONCERT – Worthing (8 Days) (Paid £343)
19 Sept 1948
CONCERT – Crewe Theatre – Battle of Britain (Paid £40)
(Lyceum Crewe)
28 Sept 1948
BBC (Paid £42)
3 Oct 1948
CONCERT – Sale (Paid £40)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
16 Oct 1948
COMPETITION - Daily Herald National Championship at the Royal Albert Hall,
London.
Test Piece “On the Cornish Coast” by Henry Geehl
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyle Mills Band (Harry Mortimer)
(195 Points)
SECOND
Cory Workingmen‟s Silver Band
(Walter Hargreaves) (195 Points)
THIRD
Brighouse and Rastrick (E Ball) (191 Points)
Fodens Motor Works Band had failed to come in the top two (4th Place) at Bolton in the
qualifying round on the 10 Apr 1948.
___________________________________________________________________________________
17 Oct 1948
28 Oct 1948
7 Nov 1948
CONCERT – Walkden (Derbyshire) (Paid £35)
11 Nov 1948
Ellis Westwood (Trombone) left the band (1917 to11 Nov 1948)
14 Nov 1948
20 Nov 1948
CONCERT – Gloucester (Paid £70)
25 Nov 1948
CONCERT – Blaenau Festiniog (Paid £65)
27 Nov 1948
BBC (Paid £42)
Nov / Dec 1948? QUARTET CONTEST - Nelson (Lancashire)
Quartet No 1
2 Dec 1948
BBC (Paid £42)
21 Dec 1948
Joe Poole (B Flat Bass) left the band. (Pre 1923 to 21 Dec 1948)
21 Dec 1948
Harry Hardy (Bb Bass) left the band. (12 Apr 1934 to 30 Dec 1948)
###################################################################################
1949
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1949
Bram Gay who had been with the band since 1944 was called up for his National
Service with the Scots Guards. Due to an administration error at Fodens he had no
choice but to do his duty and looking back it didn‟t do him any harm as he went on
to become principal trumpet with the Halle Orchestra and also to run the
Royal Opera House Orchestra as General Manager.
8 Jan 1949
Second Prize (£5)
13 Jan 1949
J Evans (Instrument Unknown) joined the band. (13 Jan 1949 to 6 Apr 1950)
27 Jan 1949
BBC (Paid £42)
19 Feb 1949
QUARTET CONTEST - Tevenshall
First Prize (£8)
20 Feb 1949
BBC (Paid £42)
17 Mar 1949
Bob Sparks (R Sparks) (E Flat Bass) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(17 Mar 1949 to 12 Sept 1968)
19 Mar 1949
QUARTET CONTEST - Oxford
Fifth Place (£4)
26 Mar 1949
QUARTET CONTEST - Coleshill
27 Mar 1949
10 Apr 1949
CONCERT – Hlam and Ladishead (Paid £40)
17 Apr 1949
BBC (Paid £42)
23 Apr 1949
CONCERT – West Hartlepool (Paid £80)
4 June 1949
CONCERT – Holmes Chapel (Paid £35)
4 June 1949
BBC (Paid £42)
5 June 1949
6 June 1949
CONCERT – Detdale Park (Paid £55)
8 to 9 June 1949 CONCERT – Chester Show (Paid £120)
11 June 1949
CONCERT – Peasedown St John (Near Bath) (Paid £80)
12 to 18 June 1949
19 June 1949
CONCERT – Swindon (Paid £70)
25 June 1949
1 July 1949
BBC (Paid £42)
2 July 1949
CONCERT – Brough (Derbyshire) (Paid £80)
3 July 1949
9 July 1949
CONCERT – Stone (paid £500
10 July 1949
24 July 1949
CONCERT – Aberystwyth (Paid £75)
28 July 1949
31 July 1949
1 Aug 1949
CONCERT – Clay Cross (Paid £75)
6 Aug 1949
CONCERT – Mold (Paid £60)
7 Aug 1949
11 Aug 1949
CONCERT – Abergele (Nr Rhyl North Wales) (Paid £65)
13 Aug 1949
COMPETITION - Bolton “Daily Herald” Area NW
FIRST PLACE Fodens Motor Works Band (Prize £60 and a Cup)
By the time of the regional competition at Bolton, Ted Gray was now
Principal Cornet playing “Morning Rhapsody” by Eric Ball, with the band.
They won first place and a slot in the Nationals.
(Fred Mortimer refused to compete at Bell View for entry to the National until 1952)
14 Aug 1949
CONCERT – Stockton on Tees (Paid £75)
27 Aug 1949
CONCERT – Sroytham Lery (Paid £40)
29 Aug 1949
BBC (Paid £42)
3 Sept 1949
CONCERT – Rugeley (Paid £50)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 Sept 1949
___________________________________________________________________________________
4 to 10 Sept 1949
Worthing (Paid £350)
BBC during Worthing concerts (Paid £15/15/0)
25 Sept 1949
CONCERT – Wallasey (Paid £64/12/6)
4 Oct 1949
BBC (Paid £42)
6 Oct 1949
BBC repeat (Paid £21)
6 Oct 1949
Sam Brough (2nd Euphonium) joined the band (see above)
8 Oct 1949
8 Oct 1949
20 Oct 1949
29 Oct 1949
6 Nov 1949
12 Nov 1949
12 Nov 1949
12 Nov 1949
25 Nov 1949
27 Nov 1949
3 Dec 1949
8 Dec 1949
10 Dec 1949
11 Dec 1949
1949
(6 Oct 1949 to 11 Feb 1954 / Returned 9 Feb 1956 to 11 July 1963)
Article in the Crewe Chronicle Newspaper “Mortimer Family of Maestros”.
CONCERT – Cheltenham (Paid £70)
CONCERT – Bristol (Paid £81)
Fred Mortimer met HRH Princess Elizabeth (Foden News 1950)
COMPETITION – National Championship Finals, Royal Albert Hall, London.
Fred Mortimer‟s health was getting worse and it became apparent that he would be
unable to take the band to the Albert Hall. His son Harry stepped in to do the honours
along with his other commitments to Fairey and now Morris Motors.
The results saw Fodens just miss out on the title with Black Dyke Mills gaining 194
points and the title with Fodens Second with 192 points.
Test Piece “Comedy” by John Ireland.
Conductor for Fodens Harry Mortimer
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills (H Mortimer)
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works Band (H Mortimer)
THIRD
Munn and Feltons
Foden‟s Second Prize was £157/10/-.
CONCERT – Albert Hall, London –Evening - MASSED BANDS (Paid £113/1/0)
QUARTET CONTEST - Holmwich Rex
First Prize (£6)
CONCERT – Birmingham – Alan Priestley (Paid £61/8/6)
CONCERT – Barnsley Co-op (Paid £60)
CONCERT – Nelson (Paid £50)
William Gaskell worked at the record department of Grimes and Sons of Wigan and
resolved to make more brass band recordings available to the public. With Wingates
on his doorstep he produced the first set of recordings on his Grimes Label and then
wanted to record Fodens the results were released in 1949.
1949
Pagliacci Selection (Part 1)
Grimes
GM117
GM117 b
1949
Grimes
GM118
GM118 b
1949
Tintagel (Part 1)
Grimes
GM119
Tintagel (Part 2)
GM119 b
1949
Tintagel (Part 3)
Grimes
GM120
Neapolitan Serenade – Cory
GM120 b ?
1949
Over the Waves (Part 1)
Grimes
GM121
Over the Waves (Part 2)
GM121 b
1949
Zampa (Part 1)
Grimes
GM122
Zampa (Part 2)
GM122 b
Firstly released on Grimes, this was followed by some new recordings on the Jamco
label. The project was a failure and so these recordings are some of the most sort
after in the collection of Fodens recordings. Copies of the above can be found in the
“Allan Littlemore collection of Fodens recordings”, in the Sound Archive at the
British Library.
###################################################################################
1950
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1 Jan 1950
5 Jan 1950
John Thorpe (J K Thorpe Solo Cornet) joined the band for his first official
Rehearsal however the band signing in book lists him from 1949 with numbers in
the book for the year, 20, 23, etc which may be payments as a deputy.
(1 Jan 1950 to 2 Jan 1956)
PRESENTATION-
10 Jan 1950
14 Jan 1950
28 Jan 1950
31 Jan 1950
5 Feb 1950
9 Feb 1950
4 Mar 1950
7 Mar 1950
11 Mar 1950
18 Mar 1950
21 Mar 1950
22 Mar 1950
1 Apr 1950
15 Apr 1950
22 Apr 1950
28 Apr 1950
April 1950
2 May 1950
28 May 1950
29 May 1950
4 June 1950
5 June 1950
7-8 June 1950
A “Smoking Concert” was held in the Foden recreation club as a celebration of
25 Year‟s of Fred Mortimer‟s association with the band. Fred was presented with a
gold cigarette case and a case of pipes from Billy Foden and Fred Sowood on behalf
of the band and the company. The entertainment was introduced by BBC Radio
announcer Frank Phillips.
Looking back, it was not a good idea to give Fred pipes and a cigarette case as three
Year‟s later it was smoking that killed him. In those days nobody cared about
smoking related problems it was all part of the culture.
Pic and Feature Chronicle.
A Special Supplement to the Foden News was produced in January 1950 to feature
Fred Mortimer. Pictures included him with Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II)
Ticket / invitation and Programme held in the archive.
FODENS RECREATION CLUB THURSDAY JANUARY 5th 1950 at 7pm.
Compere
Mr Frank Phillips
Tenor
Mr Frank Titterton
Humerous Entertainment Mr Bradley Harris
Bass
Mr Hamilton Harris
Conjuror and Yogi
The Amazing Maskar
Accompanist
Miss Nancy Harris
BBC Jubilee (Paid £42)
BBC Repeat Fee (Paid £21)
First Prize (Cup and 4 Medals) (£8)
QUARTET CONTEST - Silverdale
First Prize (Shield) Rex (£4)
N Machin (Trombone) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(31 Jan 1950 to 26 June 1952)
BBC “Brass and Voices” (Paid £63)
CONCERT – Talke – Pretorian Hall (Paid £40)
QUARTET CONTEST - Leicester
First Prize (Cup and Medals) (£6)
CONCERT – Huddersfield MASSED BANDS (Paid £50)
First Prize (Cup and Medals) (£50)
BBC London Regional (Paid £42)
CONCERT – Runcorn Boys Club (Paid £40)
QUARTET CONTEST - Dawley (Nr Telford)
First Prize (Cup and 4 Medals) (£6)
COMPETITION Bolton “Daily Herald” Area NW
FIRST Foden‟s Motor Works Band.
1st Prize and Cup £60/-/With Fred Mortimer still boycotting Belle Vue the band again decided to enter
the Bolton regional Final rather than the Manchester one.
CONCERT – Helsby (Paid £40)
Four members of the band were made honorary members of the “National Brass
Band Club”.
Fred Sowood (68)
Arthur Webb Snr (68)
Hubert Shergold (62)
Joe Moores (61)
All still playing with the band at the time.
Pic and Feature 6 May 1950 Chronicle.
BBC (Paid £42)
CONCERT – Manchester Parks – Boggart Hole Clough (Paid £55)
CONCERT – York (Paid £80)
CONCERT – Denby (Nr Derby) (Paid £65)
BBC (Paid £42)
10 June 1950
11 June 1950
18 June 1950
24 June 1950
CONCERT – Hampton (Paid £60)
CONCERT – Worthing and Southall (Paid £420)
TOURS – Worthing and Southhall with Haydn Bebb Conducting
8 July 1950
CONCERT – Harrogate (Paid £80)
9 to 30 July 1950 TOUR - Scotland – Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow (Paid £1175)
Tour of Scotland with Haydn Bebb Conducting
1 Aug 1950
BBC (Paid £42)
5 Aug 1950
CONCERT – Buxton (Paid £50)
6 Aug 1950
7 Aug 1950
CONCERT – Wooton-Wawen (Warwickshire) (Paid £70)
9 Aug 1950
CONCERT – Cheltenham Horse Show (Paid £70)
A near tragedy struck the band while at the Cheltenham Horse show when the
platform they were playing on collapsed taking the band with it.
Luckily the band members, were not hurt.
13 to 19 Aug 1950
CONCERT – L.C.C. London Victoria Embankment (Paid £300)
TOUR – the London Parks concerts were to have had Haydn Bebb conducting the
band again but just before the engagement he was taken ill and died suddenly.
15 Aug 1950
BBC London Recording (Paid £42)
19 Aug 1950
24 Aug 1950
CONCERT – Port Vale‟s Vale Park Ground opening (Paid £50).
New ground for the Port Vale Football Club.
26 Aug 1950
CONCERT – Haslingden Show (Paid £45)
27 Aug 1950
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1950
___________________________________________________________________________________
2 Sept 1950
CONCERT – Rugeley Show (Paid £51)
3 to 9 Sept 1950 CONCERT – Plymouth (Paid £365)
10 Sept 1950
CONCERT – Crewe – RAF (Paid £40)
17 Sept 1950
CONCERT – Newcastle - RAF (Paid £45)
23 Sept 1950
4 Oct 1950
BBC (Paid £42)
12 Oct 1950
CONCERT – Cheltenham Choral Society (Paid £80)
27 Oct 1950
BBC “Bright and Early” Recording London (Broadcast 15 Nov 1950) (Paid £42)
28 Oct 1950
COMPETITION – National Championship at the Royal Albert Hall.
Test Piece “Pageantry” by Herbert Howell.
Conductor for Fodens Harry Mortimer.
FIRST
SECOND
Hanwell
THIRD
Ransome and Marles
When the time came to accept the award Harry insisted that his father Fred take it as
he had put so much effort into the rehearsals it was down to his interpretation that the
band had won. (Albert Hall 1st Prize and Cup £210/-/-)
Pic and Feature 4 November 1950 Chronicle.
28 Oct 1950
Albert Hall MASSED BANDS (Paid £60 Plus Prizes = £112)
Oct 1950
In the year of the Golden Jubilee of the bands formation (50 Years) it was fitting that
they took the trophy back to a very large crowd of supporters at the Sandbach Market
Square. Unfortunately it rained but the spirit was not dampened nor the support of the
people from Sandbach and Elworth.
Oct 1950
PRESENTATIONThe Presentation of the cup to the band was held in the new Garage extension to the
truck assembly line. The entertainment was introduced by BBC Radio announcer
Frank Phillips as he had done on the 5 January 1950 in celebration of
Fred Mortimer‟s 25 Year‟s with the band. 2,000 seats were installed at the venue and
19 Nov 1950
26 Nov 1950
5 Dec 1950
8 Dec 1950
14 Dec 1950
Dec 1950 ?
23 Dec 1950
1950
1950
every one was taken.
The band played the test piece and the whole evening was concluded with the
1812 Overture.
CONCERT – Walkden Band (Paid £45)
CONCERT – Altringham (Creswell Colliery Fund) (Paid £35)
CONCERT – Hanley Victoria Hall (Paid £40)
CONCERT – Barnsley (Paid £65)
In the King‟s Birthday Honours (George VI .b. 14 Dec 1895) list Harry Mortimer
was awarded the OBE for his services to Brass Bands.
On Saturday the 23 December 1950
EDWIN RICHARD FODEN PASSED AWAY.
Edwin had survived long enough to see his Fathers band become the best band in the
world but sadly his involvement with the Company meant that he was no longer in
control of the band at the time of his death.
He was however always in the minds of the bandsmen and Fred Mortimer had always
rung him first with the news of a win so he was more a part of the band than anyone
at the Fodens Motor Works.
A few days later he was buried in the Elworth village churchyard a service that was
attended by hundreds of friends and workers from ERF‟S and Fodens.
Allan Littlemore was 13 at the time and remembers standing outside the church for
the funeral and seeing Billy Foden, ERF‟s brother turning up wearing a black top hat
with a band of black crepe tied round it a la Edgar Alan Poe films.
With Fred Mortimer‟s health getting worse he hired guest conductors to take the
rehearsals with his son Harry taking the baton for competitions.
LIST OF GUEST CONDUCTORS during 1950.
Harold Moss
Walter Hargreaves
Reg Little
George Thompson
Haydn Bebb (Enfield Central Band).
Rex Mortimer had been placed in charge of the FODEN QUARTET for a while by
now and it was going from strength to strength with band members
Ted Gray (Cornet), Desmond Thomas (Cornet), Arthur Webb Snr (Tenor
Horn) and Harry Mather (Euphonium).
###################################################################################
1951
Conductor
Fred Mortimer
###################################################################################
1951
In 1951 the band has the use of a new bus owned and built by Fodens.
It was a Foden PVRF6 rear engine chassis with Plaxton central entrance 41 seater
coach body registration number OLG855.
The bus was also used to transport the Foden Football team and other groups run
by the Foden Company. When they had a new bus for other activities the band bus
which had been Blue and White was given another makeover with the addition of
the words Fodens Band on the front and side door panel (Left and Right).
It was then used until the 1960‟s when another bus was used by the band.
The drivers of the bus were Tommy Horth and later band member Bill Kitson.
The band bus was kept at the Foden‟s Repair Shop when not in use.
The bus is still seen at rallies all around the country.
10 Jan 1951
27 Jan 1951
QUARTET CONTEST - Rists Silverdale (Staffordshire)
6 Feb 1951
14 Feb 1951
BBC Recording “Marches” (Paid £42)
17 Feb 1951
10 Mar 1951
CONCERT – Bradford (Paid £60)
11 Mar 1951
CONCERT – Whitchurch (Paid £40)
CONCERT – Barnsley (paid £60)
26 Mar 1951
CONCERT – Norwich (Paid £90)
4 Apr 1951
27 Apr 1951
CONCERT – Dudley (Paid £50)
28 Apr 1951
BBC (Paid £42)
29 Apr 1951
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 May 1951
FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN
3 May 1951 the “Festival of Britain” opened in London and continued until the
30th September 1951. (see June 1951)
This was the big event, showcasing the best in British manufacturing and invention.
___________________________________________________________________________________
9 May 1951
CONCERT – Llandudno Foden‟s Ltd (Paid Gratis)
12 May 1951
CONCERT – Huntgate (Paid £80)
13 May 1951
14 May 1951
20 May 1951
CONCERT – Pontefract (Paid £75)
26 May 1951
CONCERT – Bueton (Paid £50)
27 May 1951
CONCERT – Maslingden (Paid 360)
29 May 1951
The death of John Henry Iles was announced at the age of 80. For many Year‟s
he had presented the National Championship trophy to the band at the Elworth works
and been a pioneering influence on the championships themselves.
On the 10th June 1951 a commemorative service was held in his honour at the Church
of St Sepulchre in Holborn at which his favourite cornet player Harry Mortimer
played a solo.
29 May 1951
BBC (Paid £42)
3 June 1951
9 June 1951
CONCERT – Bronsgrove (Paid £60)
10 June 1951
10 June 1951
Harry Mortimer played at a commemorative service at St Sepulchre in Holborn
in honour of John Henry Iles (see 29 May 1951)
16 June 1951
COMPETITION – Bournemouth.
As part of the “Festival of Britain” celebrations a special Brass Band contest was
held in Bournemouth
The Saturday after the 10th of June was the date for the new contest in Bournemouth
with a prize of £200 and a guarantee of a weeks engagement in the town.
Fodens like many of the other top bands attended and played the test piece
“Severn Suite” by Sir Edward Elgar.
FIRST
FODENS MOTOR WORKS BAND.
SECOND
Fairey Aviation
THIRD
Munn and Feltons
They were now crowned the first and only “Festival of Britain Champions”.
With this new title the organisers of the “Festival of Britain” decided to have the
band to entertain the crowds at the London Venue.
Winning this competition qualified the band fror the National Championship
in October.
16 June 1951
CONCERT – Bournemouth MASSED BANDS (Paid £25)
17 to 23 June 1951
24 to 26 June 1951
CONCERT – Bath (Paid £185)
1 July 1951
7 July 1951
CONCERT – Stone (Paid £60)
8 July 1951
CONCERT – Oxford (Paid £80)
15 July 1951
19 July 1951
CONCERT – Retenbro Show (Paid £165)
20 July 1951
CONCERT – Wisbech (Paid £50)
21 to 22 July 1951
CONCERT – Cleethorpes (Paid £150)
29 July 1951
BBC (Paid £42)
14 Mar 1951
17 Mar 1951
31 July to Aug 1951
FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN at Liverpool (Paid £385)
1 Aug 1951
Fodens were featured during the BBC Radio Programme “Desert Island Discs” with
the guest Jimmy Edwards. The track asked for was “The Three Bears Suite”.
5 Aug 1951
6 Aug 1951
9 Aug 1951
CONCERT – Market Bosworth (Paid £75)
11 Aug 1951
12 to 18 Aug 1951
19 Aug 1951
CONCERT – Cannock (Paid £65)
25 to 26 Aug 1951
CONCERT – Mickley (Nr Ripon, Yorkshire) (Paid £150)
1 Sept 1951
CONCERT – Swinton Sports – Mr Priestley (Paid £70)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
1 Sept 1951
___________________________________________________________________________________
11 Sept 1951
BBC (Paid £42)
13 Sept 1951
CONCERT – Welshpool Show (Paid £75)
16 to 22 Sept 1951
FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN – South Bank Exhibition, London (Paid £380)
This was part of the Festival of Britain celebrations in London. The band were paid
£380 for seven days by the London County Council.
18 Sept 1951
21 Sept 1951
6 Oct 1951
CONCERT – Headington – Oxford (Paid £70)
14 Oct 1951
CONCERT – Sandbach School (Paid Gratis)
20 Oct 1951
CONCERT – Ashton under Lyne (Paid £25)
21 Oct 1951
25 Oct 1951
CONCERT – Redditch (Paid £50)
27 Oct 1951
COMPETITION – National Championship, Albert Hall, London.
Test Piece “Epic Symphony” by Percy Fletcher.
Conductor for Fodens - Harry Mortimer.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills 195 Points (Alex Mortimer Conductor)
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works 192 Points (Prize £157/10/-)
THIRD
Brighouse and Rastrick 192 Points
The FODEN QUARTET retained their hold on the British Championships with new
recruit Wilf Mountain on Euphonium.
Albert Hall London with BBC Broadcast (Paid £70)
17 Nov 1951
QUARTET CONTEST - Holmbridge
First Prize (£2)
22 Nov 1951
Fred Mortimer celebrated his 71st Birthday on the 22 November 1951 and
a picture of him beside the National Championship trophy was taken.
27 Nov 1951
BBC (Paid £42)
7 Dec 1951
CONCERT – Victoria Hall Hanley – Children‟s Concert (Paid £40)
DAY NOT KNOWN 1951
The band got a new coach to take them to concerts and contests. It had a Foden two
stroke engine and the bodywork was produced by Paxton‟s of Scarborough.
Summer 1951
In the Late Summer of 1951 Harry Mortimer brought together a number of musicians
from various brass bands to form what he called his “All Star Concert Brass band”
the forerunner of the Men O‟ Brass. By the end of the year they had made a number
of recordings on the Paxton label.
1951
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Principal Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
PLAYER
Fred Mortimer
Harry Mortimer
James Thorpe
Denis Heath
Edward Gray (Ted Gray)
Sidney Garratt
Soprano Cornet Charlie Cook
2nd Cornet
Bob Shepley (Robert Shepley)
2nd Cornet
Doug Connolly
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill
Trombone
N Machin
Trombone
Geoff Poole
Trombone
William Kitson (Bill Kitson)
Solo Euphonium Harry Mather (left 10 Jan 1952)
2nd Euphonium Sam Brough
Solo Baritone
Jim McDean
2nd Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
E Flat Bass
R Sparks (Bob Sparks)
B Flat Bass
Ted Swindles
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington (Didn‟t join until 14 Jan 1954)
Drums
Walter Illingworth
(List from “By Royal Command”)
###################################################################################
1952
Conductor
Fred Mortimer / Harry Mortimer
###################################################################################
3 Jan 1952
10 Jan 1952
13 Jan 1952
14 Jan 1952
20 Jan 1952
24 Jan 1952
26 Jan 1952
27 Jan 1952
BBC (Paid £42)
Harry Mather (Solo Euphonium) left the band.
CONCERT – St Helens Boys (Paid £50)
Geoff Poole (Trombone) left the band (1 Jan 1948 to 14 Jan 1952)
Geoff returned occasionally until 1954 (.D. 31 Dec 2012 Aged 82)
David Morris (Solo Euphonium 16 Oct 1940 to 24 Nov 1947)
Returned to the band to replace Harry Mather.
QUARTET CONTEST - Rists Silverdale (Staffordshire)
CONCERT - Nantwich Civic Hall (Paid £40)
“Far East Prisoners of War Association – Crewe and District Branch”.
With the Nantwich Women‟s Guild Choir (Conductor Isobel Tomlinson)
1. Pomp and Circumstance (Elgar)
2. Overture Tancredi (Rossini)
3. Shylock (Lear) Solo Cornet Edward Gray – Ted Gray
4. The Student Prince (Romberg)
5. The Tromboneers (Macfarlane) (Trombone Trio)
6. Introduction to Act 3 Lohengrin (Wagner)
NANTWICH TOWNSWOMEN‟S GUILD CHOIR
Part Songs
a. Beautiful Morn (German)
b. I would that my love (Mendelssoln)
c. The Shepherd Song (Elgar)
d. The Song of the Gale (Foster)
INTERVAL
NANTWICH TOWNSWOMEN‟S GUILD CHOIR
Part Songs
a. Country Gardens (Sharp)
b. The Snow (Elgar)
c. Pipes of Pan (Strauss)
d. In this Hour of Softened Splendour (Pinsuti)
1. Overture – Orphius in the Underworld (Offenbach)
2. Facilta (Hartmann) Solo Euphonium H Mather
3. Excerts from The Mikado (Sullivan)
4. Melody in F (Rubenstein)
5. Sparks (Alfred) (Solo Xylophone Walter Illingworth
6. BB and CF (J. Ord Hume)
God Save the King
9 Feb 1952
Second Prize (£3)
16 Feb 1952
BBC “Listen to the Band” (Paid £42)
24 Feb 1952
1 Mar 1952
Second Prize (£20)
8 Mar 1952
9 Mar 1952
BBC Recording “Brass and Voices” (Paid £63)
5 Apr 1952
QUARTET CONTEST - Coleshill
First Prize (Cup and 5 Medals) (£10/10/0)
23 Apr 1952
BBC (Paid £42)
18 May 1952
25 May 1952
1 to 7 June 1952 CONCERT – Bournemouth (Paid £455)
8 to 14 June 1952
15 June 1952
22 June 1952
COMPETITION - Bolton “Daily Herald” Area NW
SECOND
Foden‟s Motor Works Band (Prize £30)
23 June 1952
BBC Recording for 27 (Paid £42)
24 June 1952
BBC Reproduction (Paid £15/15/0)
26 June 1952
N Machin (Trombone) left the band. (31 Jan 1950 to 26 June 1952)
28 June 1952
29 June 1952
3 July 1952
BBC (Paid £42)
6 July 1952
8 July 1952
CONCERT – Rawtenstall (Lancashire, Nr Accrington) (Paid £60)
12 July 1952
13 July 1952
16 July 1952
BBC at Macclesfield (Paid £63)
27 July 1952
31 July 1952
CONCERT – Shrewsbury (Paid £650
3 Aug 1952
4 Aug 1952
CONCERT – Bindley (Paid £80)
10 to 16 Aug 1952
17 to 23 Aug 1952
20 Aug 1952
24 Aug 1952
31 Aug 1952
6 Sept 1952
Test Piece “Scena Sinfonica” by Henry Geehl
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works Band (Prize £120)
THIRD
Munn and Feltons
Centenary year of the Belle Vue “British Open Championships” a competition the
band had last played in during 1931 and prior to that in 1928.
Founded in 1853 by John Jennison the owner of Belle Vue Gardens the contest had
survived the war Year‟s unlike the Nationals and had in all that time only been
cancelled once in 1859 when only three bands had entered.
The competition was renamed the “September Open” in 1952 (And the British Open
in 1955) and it was time for Fodens to let bygones be bygones and for the sake of the
Centenary event they would again take part.
The test piece was “Scena Sinfonica” by Henry Geehl, a specially commissioned
piece for the contest.
(R Smith, Music Chapman m/C £5/5/-) £20/-/6 Sept 1952
COMPETITION – National Brass Quartet Championships.
The Quartet had won 15 contests over the years but by 1952 the Quartet‟s run came
to an end as they only managed second place at the National Brass Championships.
7 Sept 1942
CONCERT – Mansfield (Paid £70)
14 Sept 1952
24 Sept 1952
BBC Manchester recording (Paid £42)
27 Oct 1952
1 Nov 1952
COMPETITION – Daily Herald “National Championships”, Empress Hall,
Earls Court, London.
In celebration of the new Queen Elizabeth II the organisers hoped to make this
Year‟s contest bigger than ever and moved the venue from the Albert Hall to
the Empress Hall at Earls Court.
The test piece was “The Frogs of Aristophanes” by Sir Granville Bantock based on
the play by Aristophanes (Greek Playwright)
Conductor Harry Mortimer
FIRST
Fairey Aviation 187 points (H Mortimer)
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works 186 points (H Mortimer)
(2nd Prize £157/10/0)
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills (Alex Mortimer)
___________________________________________________________________________________
ALTERNATE RESULTS
A programme from 1952 donated to the archive by Jimmy Charles has the results as follows –
FIRST
Foden‟s Motor Works Band (187 Points)
SECOND
Brighouse and Rastrick Band (Unknown Points)
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills (186 Points)
FOURTH
Fairey Aviation Works Band (184 Points)
Joint 4th Creswell Colliery Band (184 Points)
___________________________________________________________________________________
11 Nov 1952
BBC Overseas Recording (Paid £63)
11 Nov 1952
BBC Repeat “Brass and Voices” (Paid £31/10/0)
22 Nov 1952
QUARTET CONTEST - Holmbridge
First Prize (£3)
5 Dec 1952
CONCERT – Hanley – Children‟s Home (Paid £45)
7 Dec 1952
CONCERT – Nantwich Civic Hall (Paid £45)
13 Dec 1952
BBC “Listen to the Band” (Paid £42)
31 Dec 1952
1950-52
BAND MEMBERS (in order from the Band Signing in Book – Instrument Loans)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Harry Mortimer
128437 (Besson)
Cornet / Echo Cornet
Bram Gay
1135953 Besson (New Oct 1949)
Cornet
Reg Moores
Cornet
Own Cornet 127184
Cornet
Denis Heath
Cornet
D Thomas
Cornet
S Garratt
Cornet 127172 (Re-lacquered 1954)
Cornet
James Thorpe
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet 99379
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Tenor Horn
Arthur Webb Snr
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Tenor Horn
Fred Sowood
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Baritone 122560 (Replated 1951)
Euphonium
Sam Brough
Euphonium 106189 (Boosey)
Euphonium
Harry Mather
Euphonium 75736 / 76355
Baritone
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Bb Bass
(Bb Bass
Bb Bass
(Bb Bass
(Bb Bass
James McDean
N Machin
Bill Kitson
Geoff Poole
Joe Moores
Rex Mortimer
Ted Swindles
Roy Sparks (Bob Sparks)
G Poole
Edgar Spurr
H Hardy
J Evans
Own Trombone
Own Bass Trombone 14154
Trombone 13446
Eb Bass 124049 (Replated 1950)
Bb Bass 127500 (Joe Poole)
Bb Bass 124685 (Replated 1951)
Bb Bass 124685 (Replated 1951))
124075 (Replated 1950)
124075 (Replated 1950) )
124075 (Replated 1950) )
###################################################################################
1953
Conductor
Fred Mortimer / Harry Mortimer
###################################################################################
5 Jan 1953
Jan 1953
30 Jan 1953
5 Feb 1953?
5 Feb 1953?
Feb 1953
14 Feb 1953
21 Feb 1953
24 Feb 1953
2 Mar 1953
14 Mar 1953
21 Mar 1953
Alex English (Trombone 5 Jan 1953 to Sept 1976) joind the band.
It is possible he played occasionally in July 1952 according to the bands
signing in book.
QUARTET CONTEST - Rists Cable (Silverdale, Staffordshire)
Third Prize (£3)
BROADCAST - Bolton MASSED BANDS / BBC Recording (Paid £76)
COMPETITION - “Daily Herald” NW Area Contest – Victoria Hall Bolton.
Test Piece “Rhapsody in Brass” by Dean Goffin.
Rex Morimer took on the role of conductor for the rehearsals but as Fred was still in
charge he wanted to hear the band perform the piece. By now he was very ill and so
the band had to go to him rather than for him to attend the rehearsal. They assembled
outside his sitting room on the lawn and played the “Rhapsody in Brass”. It was the
last time he would hear his band. His last words to them were “Play it like that and
you‟ll get first prize”. Under the baton of Harry for the contest Fodens made Fred
proud and won first prize and a trip to the Nationals in October.
(1st Prize and Cup £50)
Harry Mortimer was invited to adjudicate at the National Championships in
New Zealand. He decided to take some leave from his job with the BBC to do the
job.
When Harry left for New Zealand his father Fred Mortimer who was ill at the time
wanted to see him off in London and travelled to the capital to see Harry board a
BOAC plane to the other side of the world. It had been an ambition of Fred‟s to go to
New Zealand and he was able to see his son make the journey and through his letters
he was able to live out that ambition.
After seeing off his son Fred did something unexpected, he visited the Queen Park
Rangers football ground for the afternoon match, leaving his wife with Margaret, and
Harry‟s son Martin to enjoy the delights of Kensington Gardens.
(Date of trip unknown / adapted from “Harry Mortimer on Brass” ISBN0906670047)
QUARTET CONTEST - Newcastle Under Lyme
First Prize (£10)
BBC (Paid £42)
Fred Mortimer appeared at his last rehearsal with the band.
(8 Dec 1924 to 2 Mar 1953) he died on the 20 June 1953.
CONCERT – Barnsley Co-op (Paid £60)
COMPETITION “North West Area Final” Victoria Hall, Bolton.
Test Piece “Rhapsody for Brass” by Dean Goffin
Conductor for Fodens Harry Mortimer.
FIRST Fodens Motor Works Band.
31 Mar 1953
7 Apr 1953
BBC (Paid £42)
Quartet No 1
Third Prize (£85)
Quartet No 2
First Prize (4 Trombones) (£65)
16 Apr 1953
Marcus Newton (3rd Cornet / Solo Cornet) Joined the band aged 15.
(16 Apr 1953 to 8 Mar 1964).
18 Apr 1953
CONCERT – Neston (Paid £60)
9 May 1953
16 May 1953
17 May 1953
23 to 25 May 1953
Leicester (Paid £225)
30 May 1953
CONCERT – Wallassey (Three days) (Paid £225)
4 June 1953
CONCERT – Liverpool (4 Days) (Paid £240)
5 June 1953
13 to 20 June 1953
CONCERT – Hyde Park, London (8 Days) (Paid £370)
CORONATION FESTIVAL –
As part of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II the band were booked for concerts
in Hyde Park, Twice a Day for a week.
20 June 1953
FRED MORTIMER DIED.
The announcement about Fred's death was made while the band were in London
along with Rex and Harry Mortimer his son's, playing in a set of concerts at
Hyde Park, London as part of the Queen's Coronation celebrations. Principal Cornet
player Teddy (Ted) Gray had to find a replacement as conductor for the rest of the
final days concerts as Harry (Conductor) and his brother (Rex - Bandmaster) returned
home to console their mother. Ted persuaded Bob Shepley to take the baton for the
afternoon concert and introduce the items something he did “Like a Seasoned
professional”. For the evening concert they managed to get Eric Ball to do the
honours.
PROGRAMME on the day of Fred‟s Death
March “The Middy”
Rule Britannia (Thomas Arne)
Dance of the Young Men
Rose Marie
Ida and Dot
Works of Wagner
INTERVAL
Minstrel Memories
Narcissus
Les Milions de Arlequin (Drigo) Solo Euphonium David Morris
HMS Pinafore (Excerpts)
Dancing Year‟s
Cavalcade of Martial Songs
God Save the Queen.
Pic and Feature Sandbach Chronicle 26 June 1953.
Pic and Feature Crewe Chronicle 27 June 1953.
Pic and Feature British Bandsman 4 July 1953.
Wed June 1953 The Wednesday following the death of Fred Mortimer was his funeral when
thousands of band members in their uniforms from all over the country came to pay
their respects as Fred‟s coffin was paraded through the town on the back of a new
Foden truck with the band leading the procession playing the “Funeral March”. The
streets were lines with people paying their respects.
On arrival at St Peters Church in Elworth the band went inside and again played for
Fred the tune “Solemn Melody” as well as the Hymns.
The band played Fred‟s favourite hymn “Beautiful Zion” and “The Cossack”
(The bands signature tune) from the graveside to outside the churchyard.
___________________________________________________________________________________
MEMORY RELATED BY DIERDRE LINTON (Granddaughter of Fred Mortimer)
I was the youngest of Fred‟s grandchildren, having been born after the war to his youngest daughter.
As a result my only memories of him are only of when he was bedridden with pleurisy in old age. My
only clear memory of him is that he used to give me a few grapes when he visited and I remember
being very perplexed one time when he gave me black ones – I didn‟t know grapes came in black! I
took them outside to eat them standing against the front fence at Clifton Rd and the family cat was
standing on the gatepost beside me.
Looking at the photograph of the house I now realise how small I must have been as the fence was
quite low. I was told by my mother that the cat followed Fred‟s funeral procession to the church – and
disappeared never to be seen again!
___________________________________________________________________________________
16 June 1953
21 June 1953
27 June 1953
CONCERT – Eastbourne (7 days) (Paid £390)
4 to 10 July 1953 CONCERT – Plymouth (7 days) (Paid £385)
4 July 1953
The “British Bandsman” published an Obituary on its front cover for Fred Mortimer.
11 July 1953
CONCERT – Manpean (Paid £90)
12 July 1953
19 July 1953
2 Aug 1953
9 to 15 Aug 1953
CONCERT – Worthing (7 Days) / BBC (Paid £390)
17 to 23 Aug 1953
CONCERT – Tunbridge Wells (7 days) (Paid £375)
18 to ?? Aug 1953
CONCERT – L.C.C. London / BBC (Paid £342)
5 Sept 1953
After the death of Fred Mortimer his son‟s took over the band with Harry as
Conductor / Musical Director and Rex as Bandmaster
The 101st British Open had a band from New Zealand which had been made up of
players from all over the islands.
The Test Piece was “The Three Musketeers” by George Hespe.
After Harry Mortimer had conducted the “Ransome and Marles” band he collapsed.
Many wondered if he would be fit to conduct Fodens and later Fairey (Who came
Second).
The results were not with Fodens as they came fifth with the winning band being the
one from New Zealand.
The New Zealand band went to Elworth the following week to see the management
of Fodens who had lent them the Foden Bus for their forthcoming tour of Britain and
driver Tom Horth who‟s wage was also paid for by the company.
Test Piece “Three Musketeers” by George Hespe
FIRST
National Band of New Zealand (K Smith)
SECOND
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills (Alex Mortimer)
FOURTH
CWS (Manchester) (J Atherton)
FIFTH
This year also saw the first outing for the “Frank Parker Cup” which was presented
to the competition in memory of the late Contest Manager. The cup was presented to
the second prize winner of the competition.
A recording of all the bands was made by Times Production Ltd., at 3 Chester Street,
Oxford Road, Manchester with the recordings being made available on application.
13 Sept 1953
CONCERT – Wallassey (Paid £70)
3 Oct 1953
15 Oct 1953
The Band started out from Elworth to London for the Nationals.
16 Oct 1953
BROADCAST – Empress Hall MASSED BANDS / BBC (Paid £70)
(May have been 17 Oct 1953 and not the 16th Programme for the 17th in the archive,
See below)
17 Oct 1953
COMPETITION – Daily Herald National Championship at the Empress Hall,
Earls Court, London. (Moved back to the Royal Albert Hall the following year)
Being Coronation year an appropriate piece of music had to be chosen and a larger
venue for the event.
Test Piece “Diadem of Gold” by G Bailey (pseudonym of Gillaume Balay).
Arranged by Frank Wright
FIRST
FODENS MOTOR WORKS
SECOND
CWS (Manchester)
17 Oct 1953
As above
THIRD
Creswell Colliery
The band won the trophy and two hundred guineas with a score of 190 points out of
200.
One new member of the band made his debut at the event a 15 year old called
Marcus Newton.
The evening concert was conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent when nine bands came
together for the first time and also for the first time the event was televised by the
BBC allowing a few in the country to see what was going on.
The Coronation had seen an increase in television sales but still not every household
had a set and many had huddled round one television in the street to view the Royal
occasion. However many in the North of England were still reluctant to purchase a
television as by this time London was still the only area that had evening
programmes. The North of England only had occasional programmes from London
and it wasn‟t until the 22 September 1955 when ITV started that coverage of the
North became more regular and large numbers of televisions were purchased in the
areas outside London.
GRAND FESTIVAL CONCERT – Massed bands (Televised by the BBC)
Fairey Aviation Works Band, Black Dyke Mills Band, Camborne Town Band,
Creswell Colliery Welfare Band, FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND,
Hanwell Silver Band, Park and Dare Workmen‟s Band,
S.H. and W.R Wallsend Shipyard Prize Band, Tullis Russelll Silver Band
Conductor SIR MALCOLM SARGENT
Associate Conductors Harry Mortimer and Frank Wright.
With Trumpeters of the Life Guards.
Announcer Frank Phillips.
PROGRAMME
1. Fanfare by the Trumpeters of the Life Guards.
3. Ceremonial March – Regal Splendour (Henry Geebl)
4. Slavonic Rhapsody No 1 (Friedemann)
5. The Post Horn Galop (Keonig)
Post Horn Solists – Derek Garside C.W.S (Manchester)
Willie Lang (Black Dyke Mills)
Robert Oughton (Ransome and Marles Works band)
Ken Smith (Fairey Aviation Works)
6. Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman (Offenbach arr Frank Wright)
7. Grand March from Tannhauser (Wagner)
8. Overture Iolanthe (Sir Arthur Sullivan arr Sir Malcolm Sargent)
9. Overture Solennelle 1812 (Tchaikovsky arr Denis Wright)
INTERVAL
1. Overture Diadem of Gold (G Bailey arr Frank Wright)
Presentation of the Awards from the day.
2. Solo Allegro Maestroso from the Trombone Concerto (Ferdinand David)
Maisie Ringham (Trombone with the Halle Orchestra)
3. Featuring Cornets – Alpine Echoes (Basil Windsor)
Teddie Gray (Ted Gray – Fodens)
Willie Lang
Robert Oughton
With Echoes supplied by Norman Ashcroft (Fairey Aviation Works)
Derek Garside
Ken Smith
4. Overture William Tell (Rossini)
5. Scherzo from Symphony Mo7 (Schubert arr Frank Wright)
6. Nimrod from the Enigma Variations (Elgar arr Denis Wright)
7. March Pomp and Circumstance No 1 (Elgar arr Sergent)
8. Land of Hope and Glory
BROADCAST ARRANGEMENTS
Sat 17 Oct 1953 1.40pm to 2.05pm
Home Service
2.45pm to 3.15pm
Light Programme
3.30pm to 4pm
TV Live Pick Up
4.45pm to 5pm
Light Programme –
Announcement of awards and Champion Band of
Great Britain, Playing piece of its own choice.
8pm to 8.30pm
TV Live Pick Up
9.30pm to 10pm
Light Programme
Thurs 22 Oct 1953
4.45 to 5.15pm
Light Programme –
Excerpts from Festival Concert
Sun 25 Oct 1953
3.30pm to 4pm
Light Programme –
Excerpts from Festival Concert
___________________________________________________________________________________
EXTRA INFORMATION
An advert in the programme for the above gave details of the company who supplied the uniforms for
the band.
Uniquip made by “The Uniform Clothing and Equipment Co Ltd” 10-11 Clerkenwell Green, London
EC1
The company supplied uniforms for the following bands.
Foden‟s Motor Works Band, Camboene Town, Creswell Colliery Band ,
C.W.S. (Manchester), fairey Aviation Works, Govan Burgh, Hanwell Silver,
Harlton Colliery, Morris Motors, Woodfalls Silver and Tallis Russell Silver.
___________________________________________________________________________________
QUARTET – Rex decided to take a Quartet of Trombone players to the British
championships and they won first prize playing “Excerpts from Wagner” by Faulds.
The players were
Alex English (Trombone), Bill Kitson (Trombone),
Geoff Poole (Trombone) and Joe Moores (Trombone).
18 Oct 1953
The Band returned to Elworth being greeted at the Cheshire boarder village of
Lawton by a reception committee. However the customary stop off at Sandbach was
skipped in preference for a Civic reception and Platform at the Elworth Works.
Before the reception Bill Foden (85 Year‟s old), Fred Sowood and Arthur Webb
laid a wreath on the grave of Fred Mortimer at St Peter‟s Church, Elworth.
Pic and Feature 24 October 1953 Chronicle.
21 Oct 1953
CONCERT – Birkenhead (Paid £60)
22 Oct 1953
2 Nov 1953
Harry Mortimer took his first official rehearsal with the band as full time
conductor.
19 Nov 1953
Wilf Mountain (Solo Euphonium) joined the band before the 27 Oct 1951 when
he took part in a quartet competition with the band. However the 1 st entry in
the Band Signing in book is the 19 Nov 1953 (to 12 Aug 1958 Left to go to Canada)
Nov 1953
Jack Millington (B Flat Bass) joined the band for an un-official rehearsal.
The band were rehearsing for the BBC Broadcast on the 27 November 1953.
27 Nov 1953
BBC Piccadilly Studio, Manchester (Paid £42)
5 Dec 1953
CONCERT – Hanley – Children‟s Home (Paid £45/5/0)
1953
Harry Mortimer‟s “All Stars” were by now presenting problems for various bands
including Fodens as when players were involved in the “All Stars” it meant that a
third of players were unavailable for concerts. The solution was simple instead of
using various players from various bands why not use the best bands to produce the
music.
The MEN O‟ BRASS was formed from Fodens, Fairey Aviation and Morris Motors,
the three bands Harry was conducting at the time.
(Foden Wikipedia site gives 1955 as the formation of the Men O‟ Brass.)
##################################################################################
1953
JACK MILLINGTON My life with the band in my own words.
###################################################################################
The sound of a brass band stirred me from an early age my Grandfather was the big drum player with
Moulton Village band. He couldn‟t read music, but could without doubt give that drum some stick. In
1932 my parents and family moved from Moulton to Winnington where my father took employment at
the ICI Chemical works. The house we resided in was opposite the Winnington Scout Hall. In this hall
every Sunday Morning one could hear a band playing. In a very short time I discovered that the band
was the “Winnington Scouts Band” and the conductor was a Gentleman named Mr Roger‟s, a retired
army Bandmaster. On three or four evenings Mr Rogers held “Learning classes” which were free of
charge to anyone wishing to play a brass instrument. I approached Mr Rogers and as a result I became
one of his pupils.
Mr Rogers said that if I wanted to join then it would cost me 4d. Although I thought it was free I agreed
and asked my mother for the money and although we didn‟t have a lot at the time my mother found the
4d for me to take to Mr Rogers the following week. When I handed over the money he asked if I
wanted a badge as this was the cost of a scout badge. I think he must have misunderstood me and
thought I wanted to join the scouts rather than the band. When I told him that I only wanted to join the
band he dropped the charge and I became a member of his classes to learn the play an instrument.
Eventually having become reasonably proficient on the Tenor Horn, I became a member of the Scout
band and of course participated in their activities.
In 1937 the Scout Band was sponsored by ICI and was renamed the ICI (Alkali) Band and Mr Rogers
had unfortunately passed away. A complete set of new instruments and uniforms were purchased and
Mr Harry Mortimer was appointed as the Musical Director. A point of interest was that the new
instruments were first played by members of the Foden Motor Works Band before being passed to the
ICI (Alkali) Band.
The ICI (Alkali) Band had some notable achievements in band contests indeed they gained a 4 th place
in 1940 and a 6th place in the 1941 Open Championship Contests held at the old Belle Vue. Like many
other bands they lost players being called up for Military Service during the war. I myself was called
up to the Royal Navy in March 1943 when I was nearly 19 years old. I served in the navy for three and
a half years, returning in September 1946. On my return I re-joined the ICI (Alkali) Band which had
like so many other bands changed its personnel and its conductor was now Harry‟s father Fred
Mortimer who shared the job of conductor with his son Alex.
The position I played in for some time was that of 2 nd Euphonium.
The band eventually started to enter contests again and it was for a contest that I was first asked to play
the BBb Bass due to the illness of the band‟s regular player. I had agreed to the arrangement provided I
could go back onto the Euphonium after the contest. Unfortunately the ill player never returned to the
band and so I was obliged to continue on the bass.
On the 26th January 1949 I was involved in an accident during the course of my employment as a
Blacksmith at ICI. which lost me my four front upper teeth and also damaged my upper jaw. At the
time I thought it was the end of my instrument playing days. With medical and dental attention the
upper jaw started to heal and with false teeth in my mouth I was able to try and play the Tuba again
after a few weeks. I found it impossible to play without upper teeth support and eventually a denture
was made for me to wear, which enabled me to play the Tuba again. Incidentally the denture was made
by a Dental Mechanic who was also a member of the ICI (Alkali) Band. A denture can be
uncomfortable to cope with for normal usage but to be able to play a brass instrument with one is very
difficult indeed, but using fixative powder, practice and time one can manage.
I came to the conclusion that it would be better to forget playing the Euphonium again and concentrate
on playing the BBb Bass. My efforts in this respect must have been noticed by others because I was
approached to become a member of the Scottish CWS Band in Glasgow. The band was, and stil is in
the top flight of the brass band fraternity and the conductor of the band at the time was Alex Mortimer
who had at times conducted the ICI (Alkali) Band I played in. by that time I was also married with a
wife and young son to support and to have joined the band would have meant to up-root and move to
Glasgow, so after some thought I decided to stay put at ICI.
At Easter in 1950 I was shocked to be made redundant as a blacksmith, this of course was very
upsetting and left me with a problem. Obviously the ICI (Alkali) Band, whose conductor at the time
was Mr Fred Mortimer (Foden‟s Motor Works Band) who was concerned about my position of
unemployment and unknown to me it was suggested that I be asked to join the Foden Company and the
band.
I made an appointment with Mr Fred Mortimer at his Elworth Works Office where we discussed my
prospects, which were favourable of joining Foden‟s Band. It was stressed by Mr Mortimer that it was
up to me to make the initial move and then he could further the request on a more formal basis.
Meanwhile the AEU (Union) were discussing my redundancy with ICI and eventually it was agreed
that I could be trained as a welder with the company and continue my employment at Winnington. This
decision gave me food for thought. Banding was a hobby, but to be trained as a welder meant another
skill to acquire and therefore I decided to remain at ICI rather than join Fodens.
For the next three years I worked as a welder in various areas of the Winnington Works and also played
an active part in the ICI (Alkali) Band.
Midway through 1953 Mr Fred Mortimer passed away. This was of course a great loss to the Foden
Motor Works Band and his son Harry who had taken over the running of the band while his father was
ill was put in charge as Foden‟s Musical Director. In October 1953 the Foden Motor Works Band won
the coveted National Championship. It was about this time that Rex Mortimer, Harry‟s brother was
appointed as Bandmaster which meant he would be the resident conductor and take charge when Harry
was unavailable. Rex was a member of the Foden Motor Works Band Brass section, therefore his
appointment as bandmaster created a vacancy in this bass section. Once again through the “Grapevine”
I was informed of the vacancy and would I be interested in applying. Because the ambition to play in a
top class band was still with me I did apply for the vacancy. Normally when one applies for a position
in a band of Foden‟s class one is asked to have an audition and is assessed on one‟s ability, then it is a
matter of pass or fail. In my case I was not asked to an audition, the reason being perhaps because I was
a known quantity to the Mortimer family. It was however asked to attend a band rehearsal which was
held in the Foden band Room. On arrival at the band-room the welcome was most cordial not only
from the band members that knew me but from the members unknown to me. The rehearsal was for a
BBC Radio Broadcast which the band were to carry out the following week. Having taken my seat in
the band with a BBb Bass instrument belonging to the Foden Motor Works Band and having what is
called a “Blow Up”, Harry Mortimer started the rehearsal. The opening sound of the band I can only
describe as wonderful and thrilling, it made my hair tingle, after all they were the champion band.
Throughout the rehearsal, I was naturally a little apprehensive even though I thought my efforts were
very satisfactory. This proved to be the case – Harry and Rex Mortimer had a chat with me and asked if
I could make myself available to play with the band for the forthcoming radio broadcast from the
Piccadilly Studio in Manchester. I replied that I could be available and so my association with the
Foden Motor Works Band came into being from that time which if my memory is correct was in the
last week of November 1953. From then I was issued with a uniform and took part in all the
engagements the band had booked. Playing with the band was indeed a privilege. A number of the
players were members of the great band of the 1930‟s, among them was soprano player Charlie Cook,
Flugel Hubert Shergold, Solo Horn Arthur Webb, Cornets, Bob Shepley, Desmond Thomas and Reg
Moores, Bass Trombone Joe Moores, Horns Fred Sowood, Jack Cotterill, Baritone Arthur Webb Jnr,
Eb Bass Edgar Spurr and Percussionist Walter Illingworth. These members of the Foden Motor Works
Band, I held in the highest regard for and to play in the band with them was a highlight of my banding
career.
Another member of the band when I joined was Assistant Solo Cornet Player Dennis Heath who like
myself was a member of the ICI (Alkali) Band before the war and up to his call up to the army.
Incidentally Dennis immigrated to New Zealand in 1958 to take up a conductor appointment. Alas he
died a few years ago having joined the Foden Motor Works Band consideration had to be given to
employment at the factory because it was not very practical to carry out the bands engagements, which
were extensive and not to be employed at Fodens. Being in the welding trade, employment was not too
difficult. I was offered work in the Maintenance Department, which I decided to accept. End of the
year was very near so I decided not to take up this employment until the New Year. Actually the date I
started at Foden‟s was the 11th January 1954.
As the Foden Motor Works Band were the current National Championship Champions the
engagements were to be very extensive for 1954. One soon realizes the dedication and commitment
members of a top ranking band have to have.
Transport to engagements was of no problem because the band had its own coach, which was fitted out
to carry the equipment the band required. The coach was named “Venturer” and was always a vehicle
of interest to the general public wherever the played.
During my time with the band the bus caught fire when on the way to a Men O Brass concert at
Huddersfield Town Hall, had petrol instead of diesel put in it and the band had to syphon the tank with
whatever they had to hand before refilling it and on one occasion the band came across a telegraph pole
over the road after a car had crashed into it trapping the people in the car on the Whitchurch road near
Nantwich. The band members took the injured passenger and driver to the Cottage Hospital in
Nantwich.
Other than the engagements in the UK the band has also visited the continent. In April 1954 we carried
out a tour of Holland during which the band competed in the world Contest held at Hillegomme and the
result was a win for the Foden Motor Works Band by quite a margin. The tour was organised by Pete
Molenaar who was also a music publisher in the Netherlands, he was quite a character and always a
gentleman. I have pleasant memories of the first tour of Holland. On the second tour of Holland, Pete
Molenaar had arranged a piece of music for the band to play called the “Overture from Iolanthe” and
challenged the band to find wrong notes within the piece with the challenge that if they did he would
buy the band a drink for every wrong note. Deliberate or not the Foden Band members found many
wrong notes and true to his word Pete Molenaar bought drinks for all the band members.
In existence at that time was a band known as the “All Star Concert Band” of Great Britain. The band
consisted of 50 players drawn from the nation‟s top bands, they assembled together from time to time
to perform prestige concerts, radio broadcasts and recording sessions. A number of players from
Foden‟s were part of the band and in the summer of 1954 I myself was invited to join this select group
of top players. The MD of the band was of course Harry Mortimer, who invited other eminent
conductors to direct the band on occasions. To play with the select band was an achievement I never
dreamt about and it was of course an experience not to be missed. I made many friends and enjoyed all
the engagements.
To prepare for a season of music making by the Foden Motor Works Band is quite an undertaking with
fourteen programmes which have to be arranged from a repertoire without repeating any piece of
music. Although most of the repertoire was familiar to most of the players‟ rehearsals is a necessity,
especially when new music is to be used. In my first season the band were engaged for a week at
Plymouth (13 to 19 June 1954) , a week at Eastbourne (20 to 26 June 1954) and a week at Hyde Park
(London) (27 June to 3 July 1954). These were consecutive weeks that we were away from home only
returning to Elworth for about two weeks then off again for a week at Tunbridge Wells, a week at
Worthing and a week on the Embankment Garden‟s (London). In addition to these weekly
engagements the band was engaged nearly every Weekend and sometimes Midweek plus Radio
Broadcasts and Recording Sessions which made it quite a busy time for all. This was the pattern for
many years that I was a member of the Foden Motor Works Band.
During these years incidents occurred, some amusing, some a little more serious at the time, but all
memorable, including my Sea Food poisoning at Plymouth just before a live radio broadcast for the
“Listen to the Band” programme (8 Sept 1956) and the gentleman who thought the coach has a spare
engine at the back when he was looking at it after a concert. I even accompanied the comedian Jimmy
Edwards at one of the Belle Vue Concerts. I myself started with the wrong programme when playing
Tchaikovsky at Morecambe. The éclair incident at Fuller‟s Earth (Surrey) and a drivers remarks “I
hope the band plays better than they make lorries” after a new line Fodens had built with tilt cabs he
was driving leaked and left him with wet feet. I also broke my false teeth during a recording session at
West Bromwich, The boat crossing to Jersey (10 to 16 Aug 1957) and The Second Tour of Belgium
and Holland.
The “All Star Band” I mentioned was eventually phased out due, I think to controversy among some
players in the Brass Band Fraternity, so Harry Mortimer formed the “Men O Brass” which was the
three bands he was associated with, namely Foden Motor Works Band, Fairey‟s and Morris Motors.
These three bands playing together as a Massed band were a fine combination because of their similar
style. Over the years many prestige concerts, radio broadcasts, television appearances and recordings
were carried out, including a visit to the Canadian National Exhibition held at Toronto in 1961. It was
also a time when I gave up smoking after an air hostess asked me not to smoke my pipe on the plane
even though cigarette smoking was allowed. Since then I have never smoked.
One memorable recording session was at the Abbey Road Studio in London, when the “Men O Brass”,
were conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent (25 to 26 Sept 1965).
Although not always declared the winners, Foden Motor Works Band gave fine performances at the
Open Championship and the National Championship and they were always featured in the prize list.
The one performance which has stuck in my memory was at the North West Area contest held at the
Bolton Town hall in 1956. The band was on top form that day dropping only 4 points from the
maximum (196/200). They were declared as the winners, 4 points ahead of the Fairey Aviation band
who were placed second. The test piece was the dramatic overture “Orion” by Granville Bantock. The
band gave an excellent performance at the Royal Albert Hall to win the National Championship in
1958. This of course was a great thrill. Winning the “Open Championship” at Belle Vue kept eluding
Foden‟s until 1864 when we came out on top playing a test piece named “Lorenzo” by Thomas
Keighley which incidentally was the same test piece that Foden‟s won on in 1928. To win this contest
was a wonderful feeling I shall always remember and a great day for the band.
By this time there had been some personnel changes. The brass section however was as when I joined
the band and remained so for a number of years. Although the band maintained the high standard
expected of them the winning of the major contests eluded them having to be satisfied with being in the
prize list but not the winners. This was the picture for a number of years during which the older players
retired. Some left for their own reasons; indeed I myself had a spell out of the band during the mid
1970‟s. Rex Mortimer retired during this period and another conductor was appointed – I was asked to
resume my place in the brass section and I found it difficult to say no and so I was back. There was
new blood in the band and enthusiastic to succeed but of course success is not easy to achieve. The
appointed conductor was not at the helm for very long so the position was again vacant. A number of
conductors took the band for some time – the playing standard was of high quality but it lacked the
polish of previous years. Eventually another conductor was appointed named James Scott and under his
guidance the band had some successful contest results, but the major contest wins still eluded them.
During the latter years of the 1970‟s the Foden Motor Works Company were having a rather bad time
in the industrial world and the threat of closure was very serious indeed. Although the band was still
supported by the company, it did make one wonder what would be the future of the band if closure
happened. James Scott departed from the band in 1979 and his place was taken by Derek Garside. But
the fortunes of the band remained the same. In October 1980 the company went into receivership and
the work force were all made redundant. This was of course a severe blow to all. By this time not all
the band members were employed at Foden‟s, therefore the redundancies did not have 100% effect on
the band personnel. The engagements the band had booked were carried out with the usual standard of
presentation in spite of the situation. Foden‟s Ltd was taken over by an American Company named
Paccar who did retain a skeleton staff (I don‟t remember any of the band members among them). Piccar
did say that the bands future would be secure and sponsored adequately.
In the following months the workforce was gradually being increased, indeed I myself was reemployed in my previous job as a quality assurance inspector in fabrication and welding after 9 weeks
on the dole. The band was now under the direction of Howard Snell, the personnel had changed
considerably, but the non-winning of contests remained the same, although the playing standard of the
band was still of high quality. This was the situation during 1982 when it was intimated that Paccar
were to withdraw support to the band at the end of the year. After a considerable amount of thought I
decided that it had come my time to retire from playing. I informed Howard Snell that I would stay
with the band until the British Open contest in September at the Free Trade Hall and at the end of the
test piece I would be retiring (4 Sept 1982) – I joined the band under the name of Foden Motor Works
Band and finished with it under the same name. In a Brass band there are two BBb Bass Players – The
other player when I joined the band was Ted Swindels, a top class player and a gentleman in every
respect. Ted and I sat alongside of one another for approx. 25 years and we formed a partnership which
earned us the highest compliments from the Brass Band fraternity. Over these years ted and I never had
a wrong word. He retired before me and sadly he passed away in 1983. Another most important
commitment to highlight is that without the full support of my wife it would not have been possible to
have been played with the band for so many years. One tends to take for granted the upkeep of white
shirts and other necessary clothing items, packs of sandwiches and flasks of coffee, the long hours of
waiting up to all times of the night when returning from engagements, being a grassed widow from
time to time, all these things were accepted by my wife and I can only say “Thank You” for the support
she gave me.
After retiring from playing I took up the baton again to conduct and coach the Knutsford band, but
that‟s another story.
Throughout the years I have thoroughly enjoyed music making within the brass band world, achieving
the highest awards having played with the finest players of that time and if my efforts have contributed
to the enjoyment of Brass Band music for the listener, then it has been worthwhile.
Jack Millington (3/9/2001) (Recorded interview for Hospital Radio Leighton / Archive 19 Mar 2014)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXTRA INFO
Jack wrote the tune “Serenity” which was played by the band at Winsford and he conducted the
performance. It was also recorded by the Royal Doulton Band conducted by Ted Gray.
It has been played on a number of programmes including BBC Radio Merseyside‟s (Liverpool)
“Sounds of Brass” presented by ex Foden‟s Band Player Bob Dean.
Another occasion Jack remembered was at a concert in Derbyshire possibly in the 1970‟s during the
Miners‟ strike when there were a number of blackouts and the theatre the band were performing in was
plunged into darkness and the band went on stage played “The Cossack” to say they played at the
venue and left as the show was cancelled.
###################################################################################
1954
Conductor
Harry Mortimer
###################################################################################
5 Jan 1954
11 Jan 1954
14 Jan 1954
22 Jan 1954
7 Feb 1954
11 Feb 1954
14 Feb 1954
19 Feb 1954
27 Feb 1954
28 Feb 1954
4 Mar 1954
7 Mar 1954
1954
18 Mar 1954
21 Mar 1954
28 Mar 1954
3 Apr 1954
BBC “Bright and Easy” (Paid £42)
Albert Pinchin a regular player with Fodens joined the Foden Company.
Jack Millington (B Flat Bass) joined the band for his first official rehearsal.
(14 Jan 1954 to 8 Jan 1973 / Rejoined 1977? to 1980 +)
CONCERT – Liverpool (Rodney Youth Centre) (Paid £35)
Sam Brough (2nd Euphonium 6 Oct 1949 to 11 Feb 1954) left the band.
Returned 9 Feb 1956 to 11 July 1963
CONCERT – Kidsgrove (Christine Knapper) (Paid Gratis)
BBC (Paid £42)
CONCERT – Ashton under Lyme (Paid £50)
BBC TV (Paid £94) First Television appearance.
CONCERT – Sutton in Aokfield (Paid £74)
Daily Herald Bolton NW Area 3rd Prize winning £78/15/-.
CONCERT – Buckley (Paid £40)
A Waterman (Euphonium) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(28 Mar 1954 to 1 Dec 1955)
ALL STAR BRASS Central Hall Wesminster SW
The first public performance of the All Star Concert Brass Band.
Formed in 1951 with players from various bands in the area
by Harry Mortimer who conducted the concert.
CONCERT
1. Overture – Zampa (Herold)
2. Featuring Trombones – Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck arr Frank Wright)
3. Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals (Eric Ball)
4. Spanish Gypsy Dance (Marquina)
5. Belle Vue (Tribute to the Founder of the National Brass Band Festival)
(J Henry Iles)
6. Featuring Cornets – Alpine Echoes (Basil Windsor)
7. Overture Solenelle – 1812 Overtune (Tchaikovsky arr Denis Wright)
Presentation of Prizes
8. Overture – Diadem of Gold (G Bailey arr Frank Wright)
9. Featuring Euphoniums – Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso (Senaille)
10. Symphonic Foxtrot – Samum (Robrecht)
11. Xylophone Solo – Czardas (Monti) Solo Xylophone Walter Illingworth
12 Grand Ensemble – The Holy City (Adams)
PLAYERS ALL STAR CONCERT BRASS BAND
SOPRANOS
Charles Cook (Fodens Motor Works)
E Bryant (Fairey Aviation)
D Barnes (Munn and Feltons)
CORNETS
E Gray (Fodens Motor Works) (Teddy Gray)
N Ashcroft (Fairey Aviation)
L Williams (Fairey Aviation)
R Oughton (Ransome and Marles)
L Lamb (Fairey and Oldham B.L.)
H Higgins (Munn and Feltons)
E Coombs (Park and Dare Workingmen‟s)
D Waters (Callender‟s Cable Works)
R Moores (Fodens Motor Works)
H Shergold (Fodens Motor Works)
R Smith (Ransome and Marles)
G Davies (Morris Motors)
D Thomas (Fodens Motor Works)
J Hewitt (Fairey Aviation)
J Brough (Luton)
R Shepley (Fodens Motor Works)
TENOR HORNS
A Webb (Fodens Motor Works)
C Edmunds (Morris Motors)
H Farrington (Munn and Feltons)
B Griffin (Luton)
E Bratt (Fairey Aviation)
L Butland (Hanwell Silver)
BARITONES
F Mellor (Fairey Aviation)
J McDean (Fodens Motor Works)
A Webb Jnr (Fodens Motor Works)
EUPHONIUMS
W Mountain (Fodens Motor Works)
G Sayers (Rushton Temperance)
B Sullivan (Munn and Feltons)
H Mather (Creswell Colliery)
TROMBONES
G Gilmour (Barry, Ostlere and Shepherd)
R Benning (Rushton Temperance)
Alex English (Fodens Motor Works)
K Dennison (Fairey Aviation)
T Oughton (Cresswell Colliery)
W Kitson (Fodens Motor Works)
J Moores (Fodens Motor Works)
A Hall (Fairey Aviation)
M Teasdale (Cresswell Colliery)
BASSES
E Swindells (Fodens Motor Works)
J Billington (Fodens Motor Works)
Unkn - Tucker (Munn and Feltons)
Unkn – Foreman (Munn and Feltons)
B Izzard (Luton)
B Royale (Fairey Aviation)
TYMPS AND PERCUSSION
W Illingworth (Fodens Motor Works)
H Noake (Fairey Aviation)
April 1954
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Harry Mortimer
128437 (Besson)
Cornet
Denis Heath
Cornet 125341
Cornet
D Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
James Thorpe
Cornet
Marcus Newton
Own Cornet 135273
Cornet
Reg Moores
Cornet
Own Cornet 127184
Cornet
Sidney Garratt
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet 99379
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Tenor Horn
Arthur Webb Snr
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Tenor Horn
Fred Sowood
Baritone
Baritone
Euphonium
Euphonium
Trombone
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Bb Bass
Bb Bass
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Horn
Unkn
Cornet
James McDean
Arthur Webb Jnr
Wilf Mountain
Sam Brough
Arthur English
Bill Kitson
Joe Moores
Ted Swindles
Jack Millington
Edgar Spurr
David Newton (1955)
S H Balley? (1955)
George Bailey (1956)
Euphonium 76355
Euphonium 75730 (Replated 1956)
Trombone 16409
Trombone 16444
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass 124049
124075 (Replated 1950)
Horn 129477
10 Apr 1954
CONCERT – Cowling (Paid £55)
21 Apr 1954
BBC London Recording (Paid £42)
10 May 1954
BBC (Paid £42)
30 May 1954
CONCERT – Thorne (South Yorkshire) (Paid £70)
4 June 1954
BBC (Paid £42)
6 June 1954
7 June 1954
12 June 1954
CONCERT – Naspear (?) (Paid £100)
13 to 19 June 1954
20 to 26 June 1954
CONCERT – L.C.C. London Parks (Paid £300)
29 June 1954
BBC “Bright and Early” (Paid £42)
4 to 9 July 1954 CONCERT – Tunbridge Wells (Six days) (Paid £300)
10 July 1954
TRIBUTE CONCERT – Manchester Free Trade Hall.
Fred Mortimer Memorial (1880-1953)
This was a gathering of bands from all over the country in honour of Fred Mortimer.
The concert was recorded / broadcast on the BBC Light Programme.
It was attended by Fred Mortimer‟s widow and William Foden and introduced by
Tom Naisby.
The first half of the concert was played by the “All Star Concert band” and Fodens
played the second half with Harry Mortimer conducting.
The band were paid £70. (Paid £70/10/0)
PROGRAMME
“ALL STAR CONCERT BRASS BAND OF GREAT BRITAIN”
(7.30pm to 8.40pm approx. – Not Broadcast)
1. National Anthem (Combined Bands)
2. March - County Palatine (Maurice Johnstone)
Conducted by the Composer.
3. Overture - Rule Britannia (Original work for Brass Band) (W Rimmer)
4. Featuring Trombones; Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)
5. Suite - Kenilworth (Arthur Bliss) Conducted by the Composer.
6. Featuring Euphoniums; Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso (Senaille)
7. Theme – Minuet and Rondo (Diversions on an Original Theme, Sirius)
(Frank Wright) Conducted by the Composer
8. Tone Poem – Resurgum (Eric Ball)
INTERVAL
(Broadcast in the Light Programme 9pm to 10pm)
Master of Ceremonies will introduce the Board of Adjudicators.
Music to be played by Foden‟s Motor Works Band
THREE SUITES
1. Neptune‟s Diadem
2. Mardi Gras
3. Sounding Brass
Master of the Queen‟s Musick will give the adjudication of the suites
and introduce the winning composer of the march and the suite.
THREE MARCHES
1. Procession
2. Effem
3. Dignity
FINALE
The combined bands will play the winning March.
Master of the Queen‟s Music will give the adjudication of the Marches.
The band at the concert were BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Harry Mortimer
Solo Cornet
Edward Gray (Ted Gray)
Solo Cornet
James Thorpe
Solo Cornet
Denis Heath
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
2nd Cornet
Sidney Garratt
3rd Cornet
Bob Shepley (R Shepley)
3rd Cornet
Marcus Newton
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet
Arthur Webb Jnr
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Solo Tenor Horn Arthur Webb Snr
1st Horn
Fred Sowood
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill
Solo Trombone Alex English
Trombone
Geoff Poole
Solo Euphonium Wilf Mountain
Solo Baritone
Jim McDean
E Flat Bass
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
B Flat Bass
Ted Swindles
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
Drums
Walter Illingworth
11 July 1954
12 July 1954
BBC Reproduction (Paid £31/10/0)
1 Aug 1954
2 Aug 1954
CONCERT – Brewood (Staffordshire Nr Cannock) (Paid £90)
3 Aug 1954
CONCERT – Coleford (Paid £90)
5 Aug 1954
CONCERT – Bakewell (Paid £75)
8 Aug 1954
15 Aug 1954
CONCERT – Buxton (Paid 350)
21 to 22 Aug 1954
CONCERT – Westgate nr Deardale (Paid £165)
26 Aug 1954
BBC (Paid £42)
29 Aug 1954
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
4 Sept 1954
Test Piece “Tournament for Brass” by Eric Ball
FIRST
Munn and Feltons
SECOND
Ferodo Works
THIRD
John White Footwear
Fodens Motor Works Band Didn‟t Take Part.
___________________________________________________________________________________
5 to 11 Sept 1954
CONCERT / BROADCAST – Hyde Park / BBC (Paid £342)
12 Sept 1954
CONCERT – Worthington (Paid £80)
CONCERT – Luton – Vauxhall (Paid £50)
CONCERT – Luton – Central Mission (Paid £50)
COMPETITION – Daily Herald National Championship at the Royal Albert Hall,
London.
Test Piece “Soverein Heritage” by J Beaver arr Frank Wright
RESULTS
FIRST
Fairey Aviation (Conductor Harry Mortimer)
SECOND
CWS (Manchester) (Conductor Alex Mortimer)
THIRD
(Allan Littlemore has the order as FIRST – Fairey, SECOND – Fodens, THIRD - CWS Manchester
However a programme from Jimmy Charles and the 4 Bars Rest website gives
the first set of results.)
Broadcast Times for the Competition –
16 Oct 1954 (Sat) 12.45-12.55pm Light Programme
2.10-2.40pm
Home Service
3.00 – 3.30pm TV Live Pick Up
4.45 -5pm
Light Programme “Announcement of the results”
8.30pm – 9pm Light Programme
8.30 – 9pm
TV Live Pick Up
19 Sept 1954
26 Sept 1954
2 Oct 1954
14 Oct 1954
14 Oct 1954
16 Oct 1954
23 Oct 1954 (Sat) 2.15 – 2.45pm
Home Service “Listen to the Band”
Excerpts from the Festival Concert.
16 Oct 1954 (eve) Albert Hall MASSED BANDS (Paid £100)
17 Oct 1954
BBC (Paid £42)
24 Oct 1954
CONCERT – Kirkby in Ashfield (Paid £70)
31 Oct 1954
CONCERT – Barnsley (Paid £68/5/0)
22 Nov 1954
BBC (Paid £42)
3 Dec 1954
CONCERT – Hanley –Children‟s Home (Paid £45/5/0)
18 Dec 1954
BBC (Paid £42)
###################################################################################
1955
Conductor
Harry Mortimer
###################################################################################
1955
Sometime in 1955 the BBC Radio Programme “Down Your Way” came to Sandbach
and introduced 87 year old Billy Foden who chose Fodens Band playing their
signature tune “Cossack” as his choice of music.
25 Jan 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
2 Feb 1955
BBC Television (Paid £69)
3 Feb 1955
BBC Schools (Paid £90)
1955
COMPETITION – Regional Finals with Rex Mortimer conducting the band who
managed to win through to the Nationals.
Test Piece “Seven Suite”.
Daily Herald NW Area Fodens won 3rd Prize £78/15/-.
13 Mar 1955
17 Mar 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
22 Mar 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
21 Apr 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
1 May 1955
CONCERT – Odd Rode (Paid £20)
5 May 1955
David Newton started his association with the band by attending on a regular basis
rehearsals with the band. He did however appear on 1st Horn on the 28 March 1955
but he didn‟t return until the 5 May 1955 (5 May 1955 to 1 Mar 1971)
23 May 1955
BBC (Paid £55/10/0)
28 May 1955
CONCERT – Glyncorrwg (Glamorgan, South Wales Nr Port Talbot) (Paid £55)
29 May 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
L.C.C. London Parks (Paid £315) (1 week)
BBC (Paid £42)
Arthur Webb Snr (Solo Tenor Horn) attended his last rehearsal with Fodens.
The Band signing in book has a D on the 14 Sept 1955 after 13 A (Absent).
(1910 to 4 July 1955)
7 July 1955
BBC (Paid £55/10/0)
9 July 1955
CONCERT – Hanley (BBC) (Paid £77)
31 July 1955
1 Aug 1955
Porthelli ALL STAR BRASS (Harry Mortimer Massed bands) (Paid £80)
Sometime in 1951, Harry Mortimer who had been working for the BBC
since 1941-2 was arranging broadcasts by various Brass Bands and decided to form
his MEN O‟ BRASS with Fodens Motor Works Band, Fairey Aviation and
Morris Motors Band. Called “The All Star Brass” this 1955 appearance was their first
Concert together under the name “All Star”.
This meant that he was increasingly arranging other concerts and spending less time
with the band.
2 Aug 1955
CONCERT – Aberystwyth ALL STAR BRASS (Paid £80)
3 Aug 1955
CONCERT – Bignall End (Paid £45)
7 Aug 1955
9 to 13 Aug 1955
CONCERT – Royal James Show – Blackpool (Paid £376)
14 Aug 1955
20 to 21 Aug 1955
CONCERT – Westgate nr Deardale (Paid £165)
27 Aug 1955
CONCERT – Ashbourne Show (Paid £57/15/0)
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 Sept 1955
Test Piece “Sinfonietta for Brass Band” by Erik Leidzen
FIRST
Ferodo Works
SECOND
John White Footwear
THIRD
CWS (Manchester)
_________________________________________________________________________________
4 to 10 Sept 1955
8 Sept 1955
BBC Reproduction (Paid £21)
11 Sept 1955
CONCERT – Barnstable (Paid £65)
18 Sept 1955
23 Sept 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
25 Sept 1955
25 Oct 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
29 Oct 1955
COMPETITION - Daily Herald National Championship at the Royal Albert,
London.
Fodens came tenth out of 19. It was also Harry Mortimer‟s last appearance at the
championships.
Test Piece “Blackfriars” by Eric Cundell arr Frank Wright
Conductor Harry Mortimer (see above)
RESULTS
FIRST
Munn and Feltons
SECOND
Ransome and Marles
THIRD
CWS (Manchester) Conductor Alex Mortimer
Fodens came Tenth (Unplaced)
_________________________________________________________________________________
29 Oct 1955
GRAND FESTIVAL CONCERT – Massed bands (NO FODENS)
Fairey Aviation Works Band, Black Dyke Mills Band, C.W.S. (Manchester)
Easington Public Band, Falmouth Town Band,
Forfar Instrumental Band, Morris Motors Band,
Munn and Felton‟s Works Band, Park and Dare Workmen‟s Band.
30 May 1955
12 June 1955
14 June 1955
19 June 1955
26 June 1955
29 June 1955
3 July 1955
4 July 1955
Conductor SIR MALCOLM SARGENT
Associate Conductors Harry Mortimer, Eric Ball and Frank Wright.
Also with the DAGENHAM GIRL PIPERS.
Announcer Frank Phillips.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Broadcast Times for the Competition –
29 Oct 1955 (Sat) 11.30am to 11.45am
Light Programme
2.30pm to 3pm
Home Service
3.15pm to 3.45pm
TV Live Pick Up
3.25pm to 3.30pm
Light Programme
9pm to 10pm
Light Programme
5 Nov 1955 (Sat) 2.30pm to 3pm Home Service “Listen to the Bands”
Excerpts from the Festival Concert.
1 -2 Dec 1955
A Waterman (Euphonium) left the band. (28 Mar 1954 to 1 Dec 1955)
2 Dec 1955
CONCERT – Hanley – Children‟s Home (Paid £45/5/0)
7 Dec 1955
BBC (Paid £42)
###################################################################################
1956
Conductor
Harry Mortimer
###################################################################################
2 Jan 1956
Fred Sowood (1st Baritone Horn / 2nd Tenor Horn / Librarian) who had been
with the band for 47 Year‟s decided to retire at the age of 73. (.b. 1881)
(1908-9 to 2 Jan 1956)
2 Jan 1956
Jim Clarke (James Clarke) (Solo Tenor Horn) appeared at his first rehearsal
with the band.
2 Jan 1956
John Thorpe (J K Thorpe Solo Cornet) left the band. (1 Jan 1950 to 2 Jan 1956)
12 Jan 1956
BBC (Paid £42)
16 Jan 1956
George Bailey (Repiano Cornet) attended his first rehearsal with the band.
(16 Jan 1956 to 29 Jan 1975)
9 Feb 1956
CONCERT – Hanley – Children‟s Home (Paid £45)
9 Feb 1956
Sam Brough (2nd Euphonium) returned to the band (9 Feb 1956 to 11 July 1963)
(first time in the band 6 Oct 1949 to 11 Feb 1954)
1 Mar 1956
BBC (Paid £42)
2 Mar 1956
Kidsgrove (Paid £20)
8 Mar 1956
BBC (Paid £42)
2 Apr 1956
CONCERT – Norwich (Paid £94/10/0)
4 Apr 1956
4 to 15 Apr 1956 CONCERT TOUR of HOLLAND (14 Concerts / 2 weeks) (Paid £500).
International Contest at Hillegom in Holland which had been o rganised by
the Dutch Brass band Association.
Middleburg, Zwolle, Dinxperls and Hilversum.
The band‟s final concert of the tour was a trip down memory lane as they again
played in Arnhem a venue they had played at the end of the war. This time they
played at the Allied Forces Cemetery.
The concert at Arnhem was held on the occasion of Queen Juliana‟s Birthday
(.b. 30 Apr 1909) (Possibly Official Birthday?)
(According to the Band Diary the tour of Holland took place in 1956 however
Allan Littlemore in his book puts the date of the tour in 1953 – Pg 93, while the
“By Royal Command” book by F.D. Burgess puts the date as two weeks prior to the
30 Apr 1954)
April 1956
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Harry Mortimer
128437 (Besson) 91218
Cornet
Denis Heath
Cornet 125341
Cornet
D Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Marcus Newton
Cornet
Reg Moores
Cornet
Cornet
Sidney Garratt
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet
George Bailey (1956)
Flugel Horn
Hubert Shergold
Solo Tenor Horn Jim Clarke
Tenor Horn
David Newton
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Baritone
James McDean
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Wilf Mountain
Euphonium
Sam Brough
Trombone
Arthur English
Trombone
Bill Kitson
Bb Bass
Ted Swindles
Bb Bass
Jack Millington
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Edgar Spurr
SPARE INSTRUMENTS
Echo Cornet 74612 (2 Echo Cornets?)
Cornet 74612
Cornet 99379
Soprano Cornet 91218
Tenor Horn 124617
Baritone 97110
10 May 1956
20 May 1956
25 May 1956
26 May 1956
31 May 1956
7 June 1956
9 June 1956
Own Cornet 135273
Own Cornet 127184
Cornet 99379
Tenor Horn 127498
Horn 129477
Euphonium 76355
Trombone 16409
Trombone 16444
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass 124049
BBC (Paid £42)
CONCERT – Ashington (Northumberland) (Paid £60)
CONCERT – Edinburgh (New Music for Brass) (Paid £144/10/0)
David Lewsley (2nd Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
BBC (Paid £42)
COMPETITION – Wythenshawe – Daily Express (Paid £50)
Regional Finals with Harry Mortimer conducting the band who
managed again to win through to the Nationals with the overture “Orion” by
Sir Granville Bantock.
Daily Herald NW Area 1st Prize FODENS £50/-/(With the band not appearing at Belle Vue to qualify for the National Championship
they went to Wythenshaw instead)
10 June 1956
23 to 30 June 1956
CONCERT – L.C.C. London Parks (Paid £315)
1 July 1956
7 July 1956
FODENS Ltd Celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a Gala Day at the Sports Ground
in Sandbach. The day started with a procession led by Foden‟s Band followed by
various trucks and floats with events throughout the day including sports and
the day ended with a concert and firework display at which the band would turn the
clock back 50 Years with the band Marching from the Foden Works to the
Foden Sports Ground at the top of Green Street, Sandbach.
Mr Scott Joynt a popular Baritone (Singer) joined the band at the concert
to sing a selection of Songs.
Feature 14 July 1956 Crewe Chronicle.
FIRST CONCERT
Fodens conducted by Harry Mortimer
Scott Joynt (Bass Singer of the BBC)
Robbie and Platt (Laughter Makers)
Clifford Hough (Illusionist)
Fodenway (Arthur Bailey)
Poet and Peasant (Suppe)
The Gay Highway – Sung by Scott Joynt
Myself when Young – From In a Persian Garden (Liza Lehmann)
Sung by Scott Joynt
The Song of the Flea (Mussorgsky)
– Sung by Scott Joynt Accompanied by Mr Bailey
Lilac Time (Schubert)
Silent Worship - Trombone Solo by Mr Alex English
Firefly - Trombone Solo by Mr Alex English
Invincible (H. Scott) – Solo by Mr Wilf Mountain
Drinking – Solo by Mr Wilf Mountain
Slavonic Dance No 8 (Dvorak)
Paso doble “Amparita Roca” (Texidor)
Selection from “Ivan Susanin (Glinka)
(Originally called A Life for the Tsar)
Mr Clifford Hough provided Magic for the Youngsters.
Robbie and Platt “The Inimitable Laughter Makers”
7.30pm to 8.40pm
DANCING AND CABERET
Sid Phillips and his band
Kay McKinley and Frank Nelson
8.40pm to 9.10pm
Robbie and Platt
Clifford Hough
Compere Mr Fred Yoxhall
8.40pm to 10pm SECOND CONCERT (Different Hall from above)
March from Tannhauser (Wagner)
Chit Chat Polka (Strauss)
Overture to “Der Frieschutz” (Weber)
Slavonic Rhapsody No 2 (Friedemann)
Alpine Echoes (Windsor) - Mr E Gray (Cornet Solo).
Carillon – Cornet Trio
Czardas (Monti) - Mr W Illingworth (Xylophone Solo).
Vulcan‟s Song (Gounod) – Sung by Mr Scott Joynt
Yeomen of England (Ed. German) – Sung by Mr Scott Joynt
Simon and Cellarer (Hatton) – Sung by Mr Scott Joynt
8.45 to 9pm
Ross and Ross (Comedy Gymnasts and Comic Wire walking Act)
9.15pm to 10.45pm
DANCING AND CABARET
Syd Phillips and band
With Kay McKinley and Frank Wilson
(The programme comes from the Sandbach Chronicle and differs from the
official programme)
14 July 1956
CONCERT – Padiham (Nr Burnley Lancashire) (Paid £60)
15 July 1956
15 July 1956
BBC (Paid £42)
5 Aug 1956
6 Aug 1956
12 to 18 Aug 1956
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1956
Test Piece “Tam O‟ Shanters Ride” by Denis Wright
FIRST
Fairey Aviation
SECOND
CWS (Manchester)
THIRD
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
___________________________________________________________________________________
1 to 8 Sept 1956 CONCERT – Plymouth (Paid £385)
8 Sept 1956
BBC (Plymouth) “Listen to the Band” (Paid £21)
Live broadcast which unfortunately didn‟t include Jack Millington
who two days earlier had had food poisoning when he had been taken
by another band member to a sea food stall and had some mussels.
16 Sept 1956
23 Sept 1956
CONCERT – Middleton (Paid £60)
16 Oct 1956
BBC (Paid £42)
27 Oct 1956
COMPETITION - Daily Herald National Championship at the Royal Albert,
London.
With Harry in Australia, Rex took charge of the band and they came fifth.
Test Piece “Festival Music” by Eric Ball.
Conductor for Fodens Rex Mortimer.
RESULTS
FIRST
Fairey Aviation
SECOND
THIRD
Munn and Feltons
FOURTH
FIFTH
1956
COMPETITION – National Quartet Championships.
Won by Teddy Gray (Cornet), Des Thomas (Cornet), Jim Clarke (Horn) and
Wilf Mountain (Euphonium)
1956
On his return from Australia, Harry announced that he would no longer take part in
Competitions with Fodens.
The Management decided to install Rex Mortimer as Musical Director with
Harry Mortimer taking on the role as Musical Advisor.
The role of Bandmaster was dropped only to reappear for a short time between
1968 and 1971 when Ted Gray took on the role.
28 Oct 1956
CONCERT – Albert Hall MASSED BANDS (Paid £142)
16 Nov 1956
BBC (Paid £42)
26 Nov 1956
CONCERT – Free Trade Hall (Paid £45)
7 Dec 1956
CONCERT – Hanley (Paid £45/5/0)
8 Dec 1956
CONCERT – Barnsley (Paid £68/ 5/0)
9 Dec 1956
###################################################################################
1957
Conductor
Harry Mortimer / Rex Mortimer
###################################################################################
16 Jan 1957
4 Feb 1957
9 Feb 1957
18 Feb 1957
3 Mar 1957
18 Mar 1957
21 Mar 1957
16 Apr 1957
16 Apr 1957
Apr 1957
27 Apr 1957
BBC (Paid £70)
BBC (Paid £70)
CONCERT – Bolton (Paid £47/10/0)
BBC (Paid £70)
CONCERT – Huddersfield MASSED BANDS
BBC (Paid £70)
Reg Moores (Repiano Cornet 9 Sept 1925 to 21 Mar 1957)
appeared at his last rehearsal with the band. He officially left in June 1957
but had failed to turn up to rehearsals since March 1957. (possibly due to illness)
BBC (Paid £70)
CONCERT – Central Hall Westminster (Paid £78/4/6)
Just before the Area Contest Hubert Shergold (Aged 69) decided to relinquish his
role of Solo Flugel Horn a role he had played for 45 Year‟s and take 3 rd Cornet.
The Solo Flugel Horn became Sid Garratt.
The band took 2nd place qualifying the band for the Nationals.
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Victoria Hall, Bolton.
Test Piece “Themes from the Nineth Symphony” by Beethoven.
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
THIRD
Wingates Temperance
NW Area Contest 2nd Prize £30/-/5 May 1957
CONCERT – Newcastle Under Lyme (Paid £50)
19 May 1957
19 May 1957
RECORDING – H M Tennent Ltd (Paid £50)
(Possible MEN O’ BRASS recordings for Harry Mortimer)
29 May 1957
BBC (Paid £70)
16 June 1957
22 June 1957
CONCERT – Point of Ayr (Paid £63)
30 June 1957
BBC (Paid £70)
30 June 1957
6 July 1957
CONCERT – Derby – Co-op (Paid £60)
13 July 1957
CONCERT – Redhill –Fullers Earth (Paid £25)
4 Aug 1957
5 Aug 1957
CONCERT – Kingston on Soar (Paid £94/10/0)
9 Aug 1957
BBC (Paid £70)
10 to 16 Aug 1957
CONCERT – Jersey (Paid £560)
17 Aug 1957
CONCERT – Southampton (Paid £40)
18 to 24 Aug 1957
25 Aug 1957
CONCERT – Barnstable (Paid £60)
1 Sept 1957
7 Sept 1957
Test piece was “Carnival” by Helen Perkin.
Conductor for Fodens Rex Mortimer
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
THIRD
Belle Vue 3rd Prize £80/-/12 Sept 1957
CONCERT – Yoevil Show (Paid £50)
15 Sept 1957
CONCERT – ODEON Theatre Llandudno MASSED BRASS BANDS
Organsided by H Robinson Cleaver (Special late Season Attraction)
Fodens – Conductor Rex Mortimer
Fairey Aviation Works Band – Conductor Leonard Lamb
Guest Conductor – Harry Mortimer, OBE.
Robinson Cleaver at the Organ
Idwal Jones – Tenor
Edith Chatterton – Soprano
16 Sept 1957
CONCERT – Rhyl and Llandudno (Paid £70)
17 Sept 1957
BBC Overseas (Paid £70)
5 Oct 1957
BBC (Paid £70)
24 Oct 1957
25 Oct 1957
London.
Test Piece “Variations for Brass Band” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Conductor for Fodens - Rex Mortimer
FIRST
Munn and Feltons
SECOND
THIRD
Carlton Main Frickley
FOURTH
Albert H all Prize with cup value etc. = 4th Prize £52/10/(The 4 Bars Website puts the date of the competition as the 26 Oct 1957
while the Band diary puts it as the 25 Oct 1957)
8 Nov 1957
BBC (Paid £70)
10 Nov 1957
CONCERT – Whitchurch (Paid £47/5/0)
18 Nov 1957
BBC (Paid £70)
5 Dec 1957
CONCERT – Hanley (Paid £47/5/0)
###################################################################################
1958
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
###################################################################################
__________________________________________________________________________________
EXTRA NEWS
The “British Mouthpiece” an Independent weekly newspaper began publishing. It was a publication
dedicated to the world of brass bands and continued well into the 1980‟s.
__________________________________________________________________________________
4 Jan 1958
6 Feb 1958
23 Feb 1958
18 Mar 1958
Apr 1958
BBC (Paid £70)
CONCERT - Cheltenham (Paid £50)
CONCERT - Bolton (Paid £47/10/0)
BBC (Paid £70)
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”.
(Information missing from 4 Bars rest website)
Test Piece “The Moor of Venice” by W Alwyn
FIRST
Unknown
SECOND
Unknown
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works Band (£15 Prize)
16 Apr 1958
BBC (Paid £70)
4 May 1958
CONCERT - Newcastle Under Lyme (Paid £50)
23 May1958
BBC (Paid £70)
25 May 1958
CONCERT - Morecambe (Paid £70)
26 to 28 May 1958
CONCERT – Stafford Show (Paid £215)
May 1958
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
128437 (Besson) 91218
Cornet
Denis Heath
Cornet 125341
Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet 124376
Cornet
Marcus Newton
Own Cornet 135273
Cornet
Own Cornet 127184
Cornet
Hubert Shergold (Swapped with Sidney Garrett on cornet)
Cornet
David Lewsley
Own Cornet
Cornet
George Bailey
Cornet
Michael Davies (Jan 1959) Cornet
Flugel Horn
Sidney Garratt (Moved from Cornet) Flugel 124083 (Besson 1932)
Tenor Horn 127498
Tenor Horn
David Newton
Horn 129477
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Baritone
James McDean
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Wilf Mountain (LEFT Aug 1958) Euphonium 76355
Euphonium
Sam Brough
Euphonium
Denis Smith (2 Oct 1958) Euphonium 76355
Trombone
Arthur English
Trombone 16409
Trombone
Bill Kitson
Trombone 16444
Bb Bass
Ted Swindles
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass
Jack Millington
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass
Roy Sparks (Bob Sparks) Eb Bass 124049
Bb Bass
Edgar Spurr
8 June 1958
CONCERT - St Helens (Paid £65)
18 June 1958
BBC (Paid £70)
20 to 26 June 1958
29 June 1958
CONCERT - Thorne (South Yorkshire) (Paid £68/5/0)
3 Aug 1958
CONCERT - Derby (Paid £60)
10 Aug 1958
BBC (Paid £70)
12 Aug 1958
Wilf Mountain (Solo Euphonium) left the band to go to Canada.
(19 Nov 1953 to 12 Aug 1958)
21 Aug 1958
CONCERT - Tunbridge Wells (Paid £375)
28 Aug 1958
CONCERT - Worthing (Paid £85)
29 Aug 1958
BBC (Paid £70)
29 Aug 1958
RECORDING for Paxton (Paid £50)
31 Aug 1958
CONCERT - New Brighton (Paid £70)
6 Sept 1958
The band were subject to the new rules of the first six bands had to play again for a
final time to decide who would win.
Test Piece “Sunset Rhapsody” by Eric Ball
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
FOURTH
Fodens Motor Works Band (£50 Prize)
6 Sept 1958
After the competition Cornet player and assistant to Ted Gray, Denis Heath
announced that he was emigrating to New Zealand. He was due to leave on the
23 October just two days before the Nationals at the Royal Albert hall.
12 to 14 Sept 1958
CONCERT - Stanhope Show (Paid £165)
19 Sept 1958
CONCERT - Hartington (Paid £59/15/0)
2 Oct 1958
Denis Smith (Solo Euphonium) joined the band at his first rehearsal.
(2 Oct 1958 to 19 Aug 1968)
9 Oct 1958
CONCERT - Huddersfield and Recording (Paid £85)
19 Oct 1958
CONCERT - Ellesmere Port (Paid £15)
25 Oct 1958
London.
Test piece for the contest “Variations on the Shining River” by Dr Edmund Rubba.
Conductor Rex Mortimer
RESULTS
FIRST
FODENS MOTOR WORKS (£210 Prize)
SECOND
Scottish CWS
THIRD
CWS (Manchester)
26 Oct 1958
BBC Television
26 Oct 1958
The following day on their return the band were again involved in a celebration
organised by Arthur Thompson and involved the usual impromptu concert in the
main building of the works.
28 Oct 1958
Denis Heath (Solo Cornet) left the band to move to New Zealand.
His final rehearsal with the band was on the 2 October 1958.
(6 June 1946 to 28 Oct 1958)
1 Nov 1958
CONCERT - Wolstanton (Paid £40)
3 Nov 1958
BBC (Paid £70)
8 Nov 1958
CONCERT - Free Trade Hall, Manchester (Paid £45)
16 Nov 1958
CONCERT - Leicester (Paid £70)
26 Nov 1958
BBC (Paid £70)
30 Nov 1958
MEN O‟ BRASS – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (Paid £55)
Fairy Aviation Works Band, Foden‟s Motor Works Band and Morris Motors Band.
Concuctor Harry Mortimer OBE.
1. Grand March -Tannhauser (Wagner)
2. Overture – Orpheus in the Underworld (Offenbach)
3. Tone Poem – Resurgam (Eric Ball)
4. Marching Trumpets (Frank Seymour)
6. Transcription – Watching the Wheat (Trad arr Geehl)
5 Dec 1958
13 Dec 1958
16 Dec 1958
21 Dec 1958
Featuring Euphoniums
8. Nightfall in Camp (arr Pope)
9. Overture Solonnelle 1812 (Tchaikovsky)
CONCERT - Hanley (Paid £47/5/0)
RECORDING for Paxton Records
ITV (Television) (Paid £105)
(ITV Started broadcasting at 7.15pm on the 22 September 1955 from the
Guildhall, London)
BBC (Paid £70)
###################################################################################
1959
CONDUCTOR Rex Mortimer
SECRETARY S.E. Charlesworth c/o Foden‟s Ltd.
###################################################################################
1959
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
Principal Cornet Edward Gray (Ted Gray)
Solo Cornet
Marcus Newton
Solo Cornet
Michael Davies (6 Jan 1959)
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
2nd Cornet
Doug Connolly
3rd Cornet
3rd Cornet
Hubert Shergold
Repiano Cornet George Bailey (16 Jan 1956)
Solo Flugel
Sidney Garratt
Solo Tenor Horn Arthur Webb Snr
1st Horn
David Newton (5 May 1955 to 1 Mar 1971)
2nd Horn
Jack Cotterill
2nd Trombone
Bill Kitson
Solo Euphonium Denis Smith (2 Oct 1958)
Solo Baritone
Jim McDean
2nd Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
E Flat Bass
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
B Flat Bass
Ted Swindles
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
Drums
Walter Illingworth
(Highlighted = New members since last list)
6 Jan 1959
15 Jan 1959
26 Jan 1959
26 Jan 1959
Michael Davies (Solo Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(6 Jan 1959 to 16 June 1966)
CONCERT - Bolton (Paid £47/10/0)
BBC TELEVISION “This is Your Life” (Ted Heath) (Paid £84)
The band travelled down to London to make a BBC Radio recording however when
they got to the studio they were also told that they would be taking part in a
television recording of the BBC TV Programme “This is Your Life” (It later became
an ITV production) when the Big Band Leader Ted Heath was the Victim. He had
expressed an ambition to conduct a Brass Band. What better then the National
Champions and at the end of the programme Ted was handed a baton and a card with
“Pat on America” on it which was actually the wrong tune. The band had arranged to
play “Cossack” an oversight by the producers. It didn‟t seem to matter as Ted Heath
enjoyed the experience. (The band were paid £150 for both broadcasts)
5 Feb 1959
CONCERT - Barnsley (Paid £68/5/0)
1 Mar 1959
CONCERT - Stocksbridge (Paid £63)
26 Mar 1959
BBC (Paid £70)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Apr 1959
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”.
Fodens didn‟t need to enter as they had come first at the Nationals last year and so
qualified for this years National Finals.
___________________________________________________________________________________
9 Apr 1959
CONCERT - Cowling (Paid £55)
16 Apr 1959
CONCERT - Newport (Salop) (Paid £52/10/0)
8 May 1959
CONCERT - Birmingham (Paid £60)
15 May 1959
21 May 1959
BBC (Paid £70)
4 June 1959
CONCERT - Buxton (Paid £50)
18 June 1959
CONCERT - Ashton Under Lyme (Paid £60)
24 June 1959
BBC FESTIVAL HALL (Paid £360)
25 June 1959
CONCERT - St Helens (Paid £65)
12 July 1959
CONCERT - Liverpool Parks (Paid £63)
15 July 1959
BBC (Paid £70)
2 Aug 1959
3 Aug 1959
CONCERT - Brewood Show (Paid £95)
9 Aug 1959
CONCERT - Thorne (South Yorkshire) (Paid £68/5/0)
19 Aug 1959
BBC (Paid £70)
20 to 27 Aug 1959
CONCERT - Plymouth (Paid £385)
5 Sept 1959
Test Piece “The Undaunted” by Eric Ball
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Morris Motors
UNPLACED
13 Sept 1959
17 Sept 1959
CONCERT - Stokesley Show (Cleveland NE England) (Paid £105)
26 Sept 1959
RECORDING for Paxton Records (Paid £50)
10 Oct 1959
CONCERT - Burslem (Paid £45)
11 Oct 1959
CONCERT - Macclesfield (Paid £70)
15 Oct 1959
CONCERT - Cheltenham (Paid £80)
24 Oct 1959
London.
Test Piece “Le Roi d‟ Ys‟” by Lalo arr Frank Wright.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills (Conductor Major George Willcocks).
SECOND
Carlton Main
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works
24 Oct 1959
Albert Hall MASSED BANDS (Paid £150)
10 Nov 1959
BBC (Paid £70)
29 Nov 1959
CONCERT - Wolverhampton (Paid £55)
3 Dec 1959
E Harrison (Cornet) joined the band. (3 Dec 1959 to 29 Sept 1960)
9 Dec 1959
CONCERT - Congleton (World Refugees) (Paid £15)
21 Dec 1959
BBC (Paid £70)
###################################################################################
1960
###################################################################################
23 Jan 1960
1 Feb 1960
CONCERT – Crewe (Cup Tie) (Paid £25)
(Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road, Crewe)
10 Feb 1960
BBC (Paid £70)
23 Feb 1960
CONCERT – Port Vale (Paid £25)
15 Mar 1960
BBC (Paid £70)
4 Apr 1960
7 Apr 1960
CONCERT – Sandbach Round Table (Paid £10)
Apr 1960
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, King George‟s Hall,
Blackburn.
Test Piece “Themes from Symphony No 5” by Tchaikowsky arr Eric Ball
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
Wingates Temperance
THIRD
Mossley Public Silver
FOURTH
25 Apr 1960
BBC (Paid £70)
16 May 1960
CONCERT – Prestatyn (Paid £60)
21 to 28 May 1960
L.C.C. – London Parks (Paid £350)
23 May 1960
BBC (Paid £70)
5 June 1960
8 to 9 June 1960 CONCERT – Chester Show (Paid £85)
20 June 1960
BBC (Paid £70)
26 June 1960
CONCERT – York (Paid £78/15/0)
3 July 1960
10 July 1960
11 July 1960
the guest Eddie Calvert (Trumpeter). The track asked for was “Zelda (Caprice)”
by Percy Code.
13 July 1960
BBC (Paid £70)
31 July 1960
1 Aug 1960
CONCERT – Kingston Show (Paid £94/10/0)
7 Aug 1960
CONCERT – Thorne (South Yorkshire) (Paid £68/5/0)
20 Aug 1960
CONCERT – Hove (Paid £65)
21 to 27 Aug 1960
CONCERT – Folkstone (Paid £380)
28 Aug 1960
CONCERT – Royal Parks (L.C.C.) (Paid £60)
4 Sept 1960
CONCERT – Matlock Bath (Fodens) (Paid £25)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1960
Test Piece “Fantasia” by Mozart arr Malcolm Sargeant.
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
Fairey Aviation
THIRD
Grimethorpe Colliery
___________________________________________________________________________________
11 Sept 1960
13 Sept 1960
BBC (Paid £70)
29 Sept 1960
E Harrison (Cornet) left the band. (3 Dec 1959 to 29 Sept 1960)
15 Oct 1960
London.
Test Piece “Three Figures” by Herbert Howells.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Munn and Feltons
SECOND
Carlton Main Frickley
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
Fodens Motor Works Band came UNPLACED (Failed to Qualify)
1 Nov 1960
12 Nov 1960
CONCERT – Rushden (Northampton) (Paid £68/5/0)
15 Nov 1960
BBC (Paid £78)
24 Nov 1960
CONCERT – Wellingham (Norfolk) (Paid £80)
27 Nov 1960
4 Dec 1960
CONCERT – Malvern (Paid £80)
8 Dec 1960
BBC “Sounding Brass” (Paid £78)
11 Dec 1960
CONCERT – Sale Youth Band (Paid £25)
12 Dec 1960
Jimmy Charles (Cornet) joined the Band for his first rehearsal. (see 12 Dec 2010)
___________________________________________________________________________________
JIMMY CHARLES Biography.
It was Bram Gay (went on to play with the Halle Orchestra) who had been principal cornet with the
Foden band in the 1940‟s who taught Jimmy Charles to play and it was Bram who recommended him
to Rex Mortimer.
Jimmy was originally fifth man down but was soon sitting next to Ted Gray (Principal Cornet) playing
duets.
When he joined the band there was certainly a pecking order for the members on the band bus as each
person was designated a seat and if you moved from that position you soon got to know about it as
discipline within the band was harsh but fair. On one occasion Granville Jennings decided to make his
own way to a concert and on his return Jimmy Charles decided not to go back on the bus but with
Granville in his car. Ted Gray had asked Granville if he could take his Post-horn back in his car as he
didn‟t want it squashed in the band bus. When the car with Jimmy and Granville got close to the Foden
bus, Jimmy decided to get out the Post-horn and sticking it out of the window blew a fanfare as they
passed the rest of the band. The following Monday however Jimmy was summoned to Rex Mortimer‟s
office to be told that band members did not behave like that and any repeat of the incident would result
in dismissal. Jimmy never stepped out of line again.
On the 14 August 1961 Harry Mortimer‟s MEN O‟ BRASS were asked to take part in the “Canadian
National Exhibition” in Toronto. Over 70 year‟s old Bob Shepley and Hubert Sheargold were unable to
attend as insurance companies wouldn‟t insure them against illness so when a press photographer asked
to do a picture of the oldest and youngest members of the band it fell to Joe Moores (oldest Trombone) and Jimmy Charles who had only joined the band in January to do the honours. Joe was
however put out by this request when he was asked to hold a cornet instead of his trombone as the
photographer couldn‟t get the tall Joe with his trombone and short Jimmy with his cornet into shot. To
get both players into the frame the trombone had to go and reluctantly the replacement cornet was put
into Joe‟s hand.
In 1964 Jimmy was involved in his only “Open” victory with the band however under the direction of
Howard Snell (1980 – 1996) Fodens won the Cambridge Masters, BBC Band of the Year, Granada
Band of the Year and the Brass in Concert cups.
During the last few years of Rex Mortimer‟s year‟s in charge he decided that the band would not go to
the “Area” competitions as I think the band were too busy with other engagements and the new World
Championships at the Albert Hall.
Between 1967 and 1974 Jimmy stepped down from the band because his wife Louise had been taken ill
and had her first heart operation. With two children and his wife‟s illness he found little time to play
with the band and it is possible he only played once on stage. He did however keep his lip in with
smaller bands and pit orchestras.
In 1975 when Rex Mortimer left, his place was taken for a short time by John Golland who brought
with him a lot of good arrangements.
In 1983 Jimmy Charles became the official librarian of the band keeping track of arrangements and the
history of the band.
Allan Littlemore arranged a historic event for the band was on the 3 June 1983 when they travelled
down to London to play for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II under the baton of Howard Snell in the
Forecourt of Buckingham Palace with the Queen looking out from her balcony. Also at the concert
were Harry Mortimer and Meg Tickell (the Widow of the Sponsor of Fodens OTS).
The whole day was filmed by a BBC TV Camera crew for “Look Northwest” (Manchester)
Among those featured were Phillip Littlemore (Repiano Cornet), Brian Boden (Secretary and Player)
and Jimmy Charles who after the concert was asked what they wanted to do next “Go for a Pint” was
Jimmy‟s reply.
On the 6 Oct 1985 the National Competition marked the move from the Cornet section to the
Percussion section for Jimmy Charles.
In 1987 Jimmy Charles moved to the 2nd Baritone position within the band by way of a short stretch on
the tenor horn.
During the (6th or) 7 February 1987 Yeovil Entertainment Contest the Music for the occasion included
the tune “Bolero” for the end of the arrangement Jimmy Charles swapping his brass instrument for the
Percussion section giving him a go on the Big Gong.
On the 4 September 1991 just three days before the “British Open Championships” David Brunsdon
(25 year old Solo Baritone player, also known as “Pup”) was killed in a road traffic accident on his way
from work to attend the rehearsal that night with the band. He had been like a son to Jimmy and his
death hit the bandsman hard.
In 1992 Howard Snell took the band and Jimmy to the BBC Festival of Brass and to the Free Trade hall
for a performance of Gilbert Vinter‟s “The Trumpets” at which Jimmy was the only player on stage
who had played the piece 25 Year‟s previously at its first performance in 1965.
On the 23 January 1992 the sad news was the death of Brass Band‟s most famous son Harry Mortimer
who had died at the age of 89. In September Jimmy and other members of the band attended his
memorial service at Manchester Cathedral.
In 2000 Jimmy retired as a player with Fodens band with his last engagement being at a concert in
Congleton in Millennium Year.
On the 15 June 2009 Louise Charles (Jimmy Charles wife) passed away after a long illness aged 65.
She had been a member of the Patron‟s organising committee and a popular lady at many of the
concerts. The friendship of those within the band and from Louise‟s outside interest of the Girl Guide
movement helped Jimmy through this tough time.
On the 12 December 2010 the concert at Sandbach School was a celebration of his time with the band
as the current members celebrated his anniversary with a buffet and presentation.
The CD “Patron‟s Choice III” was dedicated to the memory of Louise, Jimmy‟s wife and a great
supporter of the band, with “Patron‟s Choice IV” (2011) being dedicated to Jimmy‟s long service with
Fodens.
Today he is a valuable member of the backroom team as Librarian and custodian of his own personal
memories and the archive of his association with the band since 1960.
___________________________________________________________________________________
14 Dec 1960
CONCERT – Congleton (Mayor‟s Charity Fund) (Paid £15)
19 Dec 1960
the guest Harry Mortimer.
The track by Fodens Motor Works Band asked for was “Kenilworth Suite”
by Arthur Bliss conducted by Fred Mortimer.
###################################################################################
1961
###################################################################################
6 Jan 1961
A Foden Apprentices Social evening took place on this date. Mr William Scragg
played classical music on the piano and Mr Rex Mortimer conducted the
“Foden‟s Band Apprentices” Quartet, composed of James Charles (Cornet),
Jim McDean (Baratone), George Bailey (2 nd Cornet) and
David Graham Newton (Tenor Horn).
“The Erecting Shop Beatnik” Michael Lightfoot was accompanied by Peter Cotterill
on the guitar and there was a version of the “Take Your Pick” Tv Programme
featuring Brian Coppenhall of machine shop No 1, based on his recent appearance
on TV.
The Foden Falcoln Skiffle Group (Ivor John Kirkham and Peter Cotterill on Guitars,
Fred Williamson on Bass and Will Scragg on washboard) also took to the stage with
compere for the evening Gordon Bennett (Apprentice Supervisor).
Feature 13 Jan 1961 Sandbach Chronicle Page 1.
25 Jan 1961
15 Mar 1961
CONCERT – Dawley (Nr Telford) (Paid £50)
18 Mar 1961
BBC “Music while You Work” (Paid £88)
19 Mar 1961
1 Apr 1961
2 Apr 1961
2 CONCERTS - Trentham Guardens, Staffordshire (Paid £50).
Jimmy Charles said that Louise (His Wife) attended her first Foden Concert
on this night.
AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE
1. BB and CF (Hume)
2. Semiramide (Rossini)
3. Il Bacio (Ardili) Cornet Solo Bram Gray
4. Fings Ain‟t What They Used to be (Lionel Bart)
5. Seventy Six Trombones - From the Music Man (Meredith Willson)
6. Themes from New World Symphony (Dvorak)
INTERVAL
1. Robert The Devil (Giacomo Meyerbeer)
2. Destiny (Baynes)
3. Kentucky (Hartmann) Euphonium Solo Denis Smith
4. Romeo and Juliet (Gounod)
5. John Peel (Trad arr Mortimer)
6. Excerpts from Sullivan Operas (arr Denis Wright)
7. God Save the Queen – National Anthem
EVENING PERFORMANCE
1. Colonel Bogey on Parade (Kenneth Alford and F.F. Ricketts arr Winter)
2. The Grenadiers (Waldteufel)
3. Marching Trumpets (Haysom) Featuring Cornets
4. My Fair Lady (Lowe)
5. Intermesso The Wedding of the Rose (Jessel)
6. Carmen (Bizet)
INTERVAL
1. Overture – If I Were King (Adam)
2. Serenade – Heyken‟s No 1 (arr MacKenzie)
3. The Acrobat (Greenwood) Trombone Solo Alex English)
4. Negro Spirituals (Eric Ball)
5. All in the April Evening (Robertson)
6. A Welsh Melody (A Rimmer)
22 Apr 1961
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Free Trade Hall,
Manchester.
Test Piece “Le Preludes” by Liszt arr William Rimmer.
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
THIRD
Edge Hill LMS
2 May 1961
BBC (Paid £78)
7 May 1961
21 May 1961
1 June 1961
BBC (Paid £78)
10 June 1961
CONCERT – Melton Mowbray (Paid £85)
15 June 1961
26 June 1961
BBC (Paid £78)
29 June 1961
1 July 1961
CONCERT – Bristol (Paid £90)
8 July 1961
BBC London X 2 (Paid £140)
9 July 1961
CONCERT – Royal Parks (L.C.C.) (Paid £65)
16 July 1961
CONCERT – Walkden (Paid £60)
18 July 1961
BBC (Paid £78)
23 July 1961
TORONTO EXHIBITION (Canada) (Paid £1,000) (See below)
14 Aug 1961
The MEN O‟ BRASS were asked to take part in the “Canadian National Exhibition”
in Toronto. (28 Day Tour)
With the Canadians paying the wages those involved in the band were
given the three weeks leave to attend.
Over 70 Year‟s old Bob Shepley and Hubert Sheargold were unable to attend as
insurance companies wouldn‟t insure them against illness so when a press
photographer was asked to do a picture of the oldest and youngest members of the
band it fell to Joe Moores (oldest - Trombone) and James Charles (Jimmy Charles)
who had only joined the band in December from his local band to do the honours.
Trying to balance the picture wasn‟t easy as Joe was a tall man with a long
trombone and Jimmy a small boy with a cornet. It was decided that to make a better
picture both men would hold a cornet something that Joe was not happy with.
__________________________________________________________________________________
HARRY MORTIMER RECALLS THE TOUR
The various companies agreed to the tour on the condition that Harry pays their wages. Harry agreed
and while the band members were on tour he arranged for the usual payments to be sent to their wives
of the players according to the band members wishes, some of whom only wanted their wives to have
the usual amount they themselves gave them each week with the rest of the money being paid to them
on the tour. The band also had to get to Canada and so Harry hired a BOAC plane to get them to the
other side of the Atlantic. The plane was due to take off at night after the band had said goodbye to
their families and had made a farewell broadcast from the BBC‟s Maida vale Studios in London.
The plane had the standard all trip bar which Harry asked them to close at 1am UK time so that the
band could get some sleep before arriving in Toronto.
When the plane arrived the Canadians had laid out a breakfast table at the Hilton Hotel for the band
which included bottles of whisky, gin and brandy and large amounts of food. Tommy Morecambe
(Morris Motors) the bands Manager had arranged for them to rehearse at the CNE Bandstand at 2pm
which was promptly cancelled as the band were not going to be in a fit state after all that food.
The band were able to have trips away from the concerts including one to the Niagara falls where the
band played an impromptu concert trying to compete against the falling water.
There was one casualty of the tour when one of the members lost a tooth, costing $2 to replace.
__________________________________________________________________________________
18 Aug –4 Sept 1961
The MEN O‟ BRASS played twice a day with Harry Mortimer,
Rex Mortimer and Leonard Lamb (Fairey‟s) taking the baton at the
Canadian National Exhibition.
Sept 1961
CONCERT – Hartington (Paid £57/15/0)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
16 Sept 1961
Test Piece “Main Street” by Eric Ball.
FIRST
Fairey
SECOND
Wingates Temperance
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works Band Didn‟t take part.
___________________________________________________________________________________
28 Sept 1961
BBC (Paid £78)
7 Oct 1961
22 Oct 1961
Oct 1961
TEST CONCERT – Sandbach Town Hall
Before the Nationals the band would hold a concert to try out the piece
with an audience. It was usually held at Sandbach Town Hall and doesn‟t
seem to have been entered into the Band diary.
28 Oct 1961
London.
Test Piece “Les Francs Juges” by Berlioz arr Frank Wright.
Conductor Rex Mortimer.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
CWS (Manchester)
THIRD
Crossley‟s Carpet Works
Fodens Motor Works Band came 6th.
Fodens were drawn 22 out of 26 bands in the competition and were
placed 6th in the overall competition.
3 Nov 1961
Charlie Cook (Eb Soprano Cornet 1 May 1933 to 3 Nov 1961) left the band.
17 Nov 1961
BBC (Paid £78)
20 Nov 1961
Mr R Roe (Eb Soprano Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(20 Nov 1961 to 2 Feb 1963)
21 Nov 1961
BBC (Paid £78)
25 Nov 1961
CONCERT – High Crompton St Mary‟s Special Efforts Committee.
“Saturday Night Bandstand” in the New Hall at Crompton House School.
26 Nov 1961
10 Dec 1961
Dec 1961
1. Entry of the Gladiators (Fucik)
2. Overture – Masaniello (Auber)
3. The Three Trumpeteers (Agostini)
Cornet Trio Edward Gray, Neil Fryer and Desmond Thomas
4. Gold and Silver Waltz (Lehar)
5. Foxtrot – Pony Express (Winston)
INTERVAL
1. Little Suite for Brass (Malcolm Arnold)
2. Wedding of the Rose (Jessel)
3. Musical – Chu Chin Chow (Norton)
4. Slavonic Rhapsody (Freidemann)
5. Sparks (Alford) Solo Xylophone Walter Illingworth
6. Largo (Handel arr Hume)
7. King Cotton (Sousa)
8. National Anthem
(Not in the Band Book)
CONCERT – Wolverhampton (Paid £87/10/0)
CONCERT – Sale (Paid (£30)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
Soprano Cornet R Roe
3110321 (New Sept 1962)
Was 128437 (until Sept 1962)
135953
Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet 124376
Cornet
David Lewsley
Cornet 128364
Cornet
Marcus Newton
Own Cornet 135273
Cornet
Jimmy Charles
Cornet 100848 (Replated 1961)
(was George Bailey‟s)
Cornet
George Bailey
Cornet 1125341
Cornet
Own Cornet 127184
Cornet
Hubert Shergold
Cornet
Michael Davies (Jan 1959) Cornet 139459
Flugel Horn
Sidney Garratt
Tenor Horn 127498
Tenor Horn
David Newton
Horn 129477
Tenor Horn
Jack Cotterill
Baritone
James McDean
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Sam Brough
Euphonium
Denis Smith (2 Oct 1958) Euphonium 76355
Trombone
Arthur English
Trombone HP290354
Trombone
Bill Kitson
Trombone HP291571
Bb Bass
Ted Swindles
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass
Jack Millington
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Edgar Spurr
###################################################################################
1962
SECRETARY A. M. George c/o Foden‟s Ltd.
###################################################################################
1962
Daily Herald Area Contest
3rd Prize
£15/-/-
This qualified the band for the Nationals in London.
BBC (Paid £78)
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, King George‟s Hall,
Blackburn.
Test Piece “Salute to Youth” by Gilbert Vinter
FIRST
Unknown
SECOND
Fairey Band
THIRD
Unknown
UNPLACED
9 Mar 1962
10 Mar 1962
BBC (Paid £78)
16 Mar 1962
16 Apr 1962
the guest Billy Butlin (Holiday camp owner).
The track asked for was “The March of the Herald”.
23 Apr 1962
24 Apr 1962
BBC (Paid £78)
12 May 1962
3 May 1962
Jack Cotterill‟s last entry in the band signing in book is marked with a D.
He had not attended the rehearsals since the 29 Mar 1962.
20 May 1962
BBC (Paid £78)
8 to 9 June 1962 BBC London X 3 (Paid £210)
10 June 1962
BBC Repeat (Paid £17)
10 June 1962
CONCERT – Swindon (Paid £68/5/0)
17 June 1962
21 June 1962
Derek Lucas (Tenor Horn) Joined the band at his first rehearsal.
23 June 1962
CONCERT – C.A.V. Sports (Paid £100)
24 June 1962
CONCERT – Royal Parks (Paid £65)
June 1962
BAND MEMBERS (in order from the band Signing in Book)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Rex Mortimer / Harry Mortimer
Soprano Cornet R Roe (or R Rose)
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Solo Cornet
Marcus Newton (16 Apr 1953 to 8 Mar 1964)
Solo Flugel
Sidney Garratt
Cornet
Jimmy Charles
Repiano Cornet George Bailey
2nd Cornet
David Lewsley
3rd Cornet
3rd Cornet
Hubert Shergold
Solo Cornet
Michael Davies
Tenor Horn
Derek Lucas (21 June 1962)
1st Horn
David Newton
Solo Baritone
Jim McDean
2nd Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Solo Euphonium Denis Smith
2nd Trombone
Bill Kitson
B Flat Bass
Ted Swindles (E Swindles)
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
E Flat Bass
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
Drums
Walter Illingworth
EXTRA 2nd Cornet
Doug Connolly (5 Apr 1948 to 14 Mar 1968)
22 Jan 1962
3 Mar 1962
8 July 1962
15 July 1962
21 July 1962
22 July 1962
12 Aug 1962
19 Aug 1962
26 Aug 1962
8 Sept 1962
15 Sept 1962
20 Oct 1962
1962
20 Nov 1962
25 Nov 1962
27 Nov 1962
2 Dec 1962
9 Dec 1962
19 Dec 1962
CONCERT – Bette Dwe (Paid £68/5/0)
CONCERT – Redhill (Fuller‟s Earth) (Paid £60)
BBC X 2 (Paid £148)
Two recordings for the BBC.
CONCERT – Chapel en le Frith (S Longson) (Paid £25)
Rex Mortimer was to be awarded the Medal of the Worshipful Company of
Musicians (The Iles Medal) following on from his brothers who were also awarded
the honour, Harry in 1953 and Alex in 1959.
Unfortunately Fodens were unable to gain an award coming only 10 th.
Test Piece “Island Heritage” by Helen Perkin
FIRST
Fairey
SECOND
Ransome and Marles
THIRD
Yorkshire Imperial
Tenth
London.
Test Piece “Force of Destiny” by Verdi arr Frank Wright.
FIRST
CWS Manchester (Alex Mortimer Conducting)
SECOND
Crossley‟s Carpet Works
THIRD
Ransome and Marles
BAND MEMBERS
Hubert Shergold, Alex English, Rex Mortimer, Bill Kitson, Jack Cotterill,
Arthur Webb, James Clarke, George Bailey, Joe Moores and Jimmy Charles.
BBC Sheffield (Paid £96/10/0)
BBC (Paid £78)
BBC (Paid £78)
###################################################################################
1963
###################################################################################
24 Jan 1963
2 Feb 1963
3 Mar 1963
5 Mar 1963
15 Mar 1963
Apr 1963
10 Apr 1963
20 Apr 1963
23 Apr 1963
BBC (Paid £78)
Mr R Roe (Eb Soprano Cornet) left the band. (20 Nov 1961 to 2 Feb 1963)
CONCERT - Colne (Paid £60)
BBC (Paid £78)
CONCERT - Bedworth (Paid £60)
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Manchester.
Test Piece “Rienzi” by Richard Wagner
Fodens Motor Works Band Failed to qualify.
CONCERT - Manchester Town Hall (Paid £42)
BBC (Paid £78)
CONCERT - Stoke City (Paid £45)
Date in the Band Diary
24 April 1963
CONCERT - Stoke City (Match date Wednesday 24 Apr 1963)
To Celebrate Stoke City‟s 100th Anniversary a friendly match was played
against Real Madrid (Spanish Team).
The match ended in a 2 all draw (2-2) with Dennis Viollet and Jimmy Mcllroy
scoring for Stoke and Felix Ruiz and Ferenc Puskas for Real Madrid.
According to the Beyond the Last Man Twitter page Fodens played the “on the
pitch music” for the Stoke City V Real Madrid Centenary Game starting
with Colonel Bogey.
6 May 1963
Jim Clarke (James Clarke Solo Tenor Horn) left the band.
(2 Jan 1956 to 6 May 1963)
2 June 1963
CONCERT - West Park, Wolverhampton (Paid £65)
AFTERNOON 3pm Programme
3. Lucille (Code) Cornet Solo Edward Gray
4. Dance of the Young Men (Gungl)
5. Negro Spirituals (Eric Ball)
6. Copa Cabana (Stephen)
7. The Long Day Closes (Sullivan)
8. Frederica (Lehar)
INTERVAL
1. The Avengers (William Rimmer)
2. Ballet Egyptian (Luigini)
3. Allegro Spiritoso (Senalle) Euphonium Solo Denis Smith
4. Vagabond King (Frimal)
5. Cock of the North (Carrie)
6. Fandango (Perkins)
7. Merrie England (E German)
8. BB and CF (Hume)
EVENING 7pm Programme.
1. Death or Glory (Cope)
2. Overture – Crown Diamonds (Auber)
3. Fancy Dress Ball (Heath)
4. The Trumpeters (Dix) Trombone Solo Alex English
5. Sweet and Low (Barnby)
6. Whistling Bobby (arr Edrich Siebert)
7. Country Girl (Monckton)
8. Medallion (Moreton)
INTERVAL
2. Divertimento (Ball)
3. Absent (Metcalfe)
4. Spanish Gypsy Dance (Marquina)
5. Selection from Showboat (Kern)
6. When Johnny Comes Marching Home (arr Howe)
7. Lightning Switch (Alford)
8. Cossack (William Rimmer)
20 to 22 June 1963
BBC FESTIVAL HALL (Paid £286)
23 June 1963
BROADCAST – BBC Radio “Bright and Early” – London (Paid £70).
The band made the broadcast the day after the 3 day engagement at the Festival hall.
30 June 1963
CONCERT - Ashton Under Lyne (Paid £60)
1 July 1963
Jimmy Charles was marked in the signing in book as “hospital” and stayed
away from rehearsals until the 2 Jan 1964.
7 July 1963
CONCERT - Newcastle Under Lyme (Paid £50)
11 July 1963
Sam Brough (2nd Euphonium) left the band for the second time.
(6 Oct 1949 to 11 Feb 1954 and 9 Feb 1956 to 11 July 1963)
14 July 1963
CONCERT - Thorne (Paid £68/5/0)
16 July 1963
BBC (Paid £78)
21 July 1963
CONCERT - Southport (Paid £70)
22 July 1963
Arthur Mullock (E Flat Bass) joined the band for his first rehearsal. (to 1974+)
B Evanshaw ? (2nd Tenor Horn) Joined the band until the 16 September 1963.
(12 Aug 1963 to 16 Sept 1963 Name difficult to read)
13 Aug 1963
17 Aug 1963
18 to 24 Aug 1963
CONCERT - Folkstone (Paid £390)
24 Aug 1963
Derek Lucas (Tenor Horn) left the band. (31 June 1961 to 23 Aug 1963)
He later rejoined in the 1970‟s (1979+)
25 Aug 1963
CONCERT - Royal Parks (Paid £65)
7 Sept 1963
Test Piece “Life Divine” by Cyril Jenkins.
FIRST
Fairey
SECOND
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
UNPLACED
8 Sept 1963
8 Sept 1963
Sidney Garratt (Solo Cornet / Flugel Horn) left the band.
(17 Nov 1941 to 8 Sept 1963) he returned to the band on the 26 July 1967.
4 Oct 1963
Ellis Shufflebotham (2nd Tenor Horn) joined the band. 4 Oct 1963 (to 1979 +)
5 Oct 1963
CONCERT - Free Trade Hall (Paid £50)
14 Oct 1963
BBC (Paid £78)
12 Aug 1963
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
19 Oct 1963
London.
Test Piece “Belmont Variations” by Sir Arthur Bliss arr Frank Wright.
Conductor for Fodens (Didn‟t Qualify)
FIRST
CWS Manchester (Alex Mortimer Conducting)
SECOND
THIRD
GUS (Footwear)
Fodens failed to get through the heats of the Nationals and so didn‟t attend the
competition in London.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1963
EARLY RETIREMENT / EMPLOYEES ONLY.
With a lack of success in Competitions the board of Fodens decided to make some
changes.
1. All Members of the Band must be employed by Fodens Motor Works a policy that
goes back to the formation of the band but had been flouted over the last
few Year‟s, bringing in extras to boost the prospects of the band.
2. Members of the Band must retire at the age of 65 thus enabling a younger band.
Hubert Shergold (3rd Cornet) was over 75 and so he was forced to retire.
His last performance was playing with the band was on the cobbles in
Sandbach for a Carol Concert.
3. The bands men would be paid £1 per week for services to the band plus 7/6 per
rehearsal.
27 Oct 1963
3 Nov 1963
CONCERT - Sale (Paid £50)
4 Nov 1963
Mr J Feehan (Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(4 Nov 1963 to 30 Sept 1965)
17 Nov 1963
CONCERT - Knypersley (Paid £30)
8 Dec 1963
CONCERT - Connahs Quay (Staffordshire) (Paid £57/15/0)
23 Dec 1963
The band officialy lost two players as they were both forced to retire to to age.
Hubert Shergold (Cornet / Flugel 3rd Cornet 16 July 1912 to 23 Dec 1963)
who was over 75 and
Bob Shepley (2nd Cornet) Pre 1923 to 23 Dec 1963) who retuned to the band on
the 2 March 1964 to 23 May 1972 (48 Years)
###################################################################################
1964
###################################################################################
6 Feb 1964
Mr A James (Unkn) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(6 Feb 1964 to 5 Mar 1964)
12 Feb 1964
CONCERT – Cheltenham (Paid £99/15/0)
13 Feb 1964
BBC (Paid £78)
22 Feb 1964
CONCERT – Barnsley (Paid £68/5/0)
2 Mar 1964
Granville Jennings joined Fodens on Eb Soprano Cornet taking over from
Mr R Row and for a short time Mr A James.
___________________________________________________________________________________
GRANVILLE JENNINGS Biography.
.b. 24 April 1930 in Wigan.
Granville‟s father was a Cornet player with Abram Colliery Band (Later known as Bickershaw Colliery
band) while his Uncle Stanley Jennings was MD of Bolsover Colliery Band.
Granville started with the Wigan British Legion Band followed by the Coppull Band under the
direction of Harry Bentham. During this time he moved to Soprano Cornet.
He then worked with the Wingates Band in the early 1950‟s. He then joined the Haigh Band and Lower
Ince Band.
In 1956 he met his wife Evelyn who moved with him to Sandbach. She went on to work in Chatwins
the local Bakery (Norned in Nantwich shop including Sandbach).
In 1963 Granville auditioned for the Fodens band starting on the soprano helping them to win during
the 1964 British Open playing “Lorenzo” with Rex Mortimer conducting.
In 1974 Granville moved to the Royal Doulton band with conductor Ted Gray.
Between 1978 and 1990 Granville conducted the Beresford band in Congleton.
He then returned to Fodens as assistant librarian with Jimmy Charles, keeping his lip in by playing with
the Winterley Methodist Band and the Sandbach U3A band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
5 Mar 1964
8 Mar 1964
11 Mar 1964
20 Mar 1964
3 Apr 1964
5 Apr 1964
9 Apr 1964
18 Apr 1964
1964
4 May 1964
15 May 1964
26 May 1964
27 May 1964
28 May 1964
29 May 1964
2 June 1964
A James left the band. (6 Feb 1964 to 5 Mar 1964)
Marcus Newton (3rd Cornet / Solo Cornet -16 Apr 1953 to 8 Mar 1964)
Left the Band.
CONCERT – Manchester Town Hall (Paid £42)
BBC (Paid £78)
CONCERT – St Annes (Paid £70)
BBC Overseas (Paid £35)
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Free Trade hall,
Manchester.
Test Piece “Symphony of Marches” by Gilbert Vinter
FIRST
Cammell Laird Works (R Mortimer)
SECOND
Fodens Motor Works Band (R Mortimer)
THIRD
Mossley
On hearing the news that Fodens had come second to another band conducted by
Rex Mortimer in the North West Regional Finals, the directors decided to introduce
the rule that in future Rex would only conduct Fodens and no other band in direct
competition with them (He could conduct bands outside of competition).
COMPETITION - Daily Herald (2nd Prize)
BBC (Paid £78)
LP RECORDING – Festival Hall E.M.I (Paid £350)
BILLY FODEN / William Foden Died at the age of 95.
“No longer would he sit next to the coke stove keeping warm in the rehearsal room,
listening to his band and smoking a cigar.”
5 June 1964
24 June 1964
28 June 1964
29 June 1964
2 July 1964
9 July 1964
17 July 1964
14 July 1964
10 Aug 1964
18 Aug 1964
5 Sept 1964
5 Sept 1964
10 Sept 1964
14 Sept 1964
16 Sept 1964
3 Oct 1964
9 Oct 1964
17 Oct 1964
19 Oct 1964
15 Nov 1964
16 Nov 1964
27 Nov 1964
28 Nov 1964
Nov 1964
1964
Dec 1964
William Foden had returned from sheep farming to run the Foden Motor Works and
now the last of the original family was gone.
At the funeral of Billy Foden the band led the procession part way from Ted Foden‟s
house in Warmingham (3 miles away) past the administration building of Foden‟s
and on to the church of St Peters in Elworth followed by a 1916 Steam Wagon
called “Pride of Edwin” bearing Billy‟s coffin.
Pic and Feature 6 June Daily Mail.
Joe Moores (Bass Trombone 1920 to 24 June 1964) left the band.
He died in 1978 aged 88.
Mr A Morton (Bass Trombone) joined the band, taking over from Joe Moores.
CONCERT – Royal Parks (Paid £75)
MEN O‟ BRASS (Paid £15)
CONCERT – Cheshire Show (Paid £140)
Test Piece “Lorenzo” by Dr Thomas Keighley.
FIRST
(Soprano Cornet played by Granville Jennings)
SECOND
Lindley
THIRD
Morris Motors
Having won with the test piece before it was only right that when the results were
announced they went Rex Mortimer‟s way.
Prize of £200.
BBC (Paid £80)
Broadcast of the Winning Performance.
CONCERT – Belle Vue (1st Prize)
CONCERT – Connahs Quay (Paid £57/15/0)
CONCERT – Greenway Moor (Paid £37/10/0)
COMPETITION – “The People” National Championship at the Royal Albert Hall,
London.
This was the first year that “The People” newspaper sponsored the event.
Test Piece “Variations on a Ninth” by Gilbert Vinter.
RESULTS
FIRST
G.U.S.
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
CWS (Manchester)
Fodens Motor Works Band were Unplaced. (Drawn 11 th to play)
MEN O‟ BRASS Wolverhampton (Paid £70)
Gordon Hindle (Flugelhorn) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(16 Nov 1964 to 22 Dec 1966)
BBC (Paid £88)
LORD MAYOR‟S SHOW
The band were involved in the Lords Mayor‟s show of 1964 which had the title
“The History of British Motoring Cavalcade” providing the music. (see 9 Nov 1933)
The Band were photographed at Sandbach Secondary School during the year.
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
Soprano Cornet Granville Jennings
3110321 (New Sept 1962)
Was 128437 (until Sept 1962)
135953
Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet 124376
Cornet
Marcus Newton
Own Cornet 135273
Cornet
Geoff Whiston (25 Mar 1965)
Cornet 127184
Cornet
Jimmy Charles
Cornet
George Bailey
Cornet 1125341
Cornet
J Feehan
Cornet 124376
Cornet
Michael Davies
Cornet 139459
Cornet
David Lewsley
Cornet 128364
Tenor Horn
David Newton
Horn 129477
Tenor Horn
Ellis Shufflebotham
Horn 127499
Baritone
James McDean
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Denis Smith
Euphonium 76355
Euphonium
Arthur Mullock
Euphonium 75730
Trombone
Arthur English
Trombone HP290354
Trombone
Bill Kitson
Trombone HP291571
Trombone
A Morton
Trombone 371001
Bb Bass
Ted Swindles
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass
Jack Millington
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Edgar Spurr
SPARES
Cornet
Cornet 99379
Sop 91218
Tenor Horn 124617
Echo Cornet 74612
###################################################################################
1965
###################################################################################
20 Jan 1965
5 to 7 Feb 1965 MEN O‟ BRASS London – E.M.I. Royal Festival Hall (Paid £500)
The MEN O‟ BRASS played at the Royal Festival Hall and included the tune
“The Trumpets” by Gilbert Vinter for the first time. The players were joined
by 8 percussionists (off stage) and a 250 voiced choir.
8 Feb 1965
the guest Owen Brannigan (Opera Singer).
The track asked for was “Drinking” featuring Alec Mortimer.
2 Mar 1965
Granville Jennings (Solo Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(2 Mar 1965 to 8 Jan 1975)
7 Mar 1965
MEN O‟ BRASS Rochdale (Paid £45)
25 Mar 1965
Geoff Whiston (3rd Cornet / Solo Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
29 Mar 1965
BBC (Paid £88)
4 Apr 1965
10 Apr 1965
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Free Trade hall,
Manchester.
Test Piece “Themes from The First Symphony” by Beethoven, arr Eric Ball.
FIRST
Cammel Laird Works
SECOND
Fairey
THIRD
CWS (Manchester)
FOURTH
17 Apr 1965
18 Apr 1965
9 May 1965
29 May 1965
CONCERT – Arclid (Nr Sandbach) (Paid Gratis)
30 May 1965
CONCERT – Adwick Le Street (Paid £73/10/0)
6 June 1965
9 to 10 June 1965
CONCERT - Cheshire Show (2 days) (Paid £140)
13 June 1965
CONCERT – Nottingham (Paid £65)
14 June 1965
20 June 1965
26 June 1965
CONCERT – Trentham (Paid £68/5/0)
27 June 1965
11 July 1965
CONCERT – Llangollen (Paid £126)
18 June 1965
19 July 1965
9 Aug 1965
16 Aug 1965
26 Aug 1965
Neil Fryer (Cornet) Joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(26 Aug 1965 to 23 Mar 1970)
29 Aug 1965
MEN O‟ BRASS Buxton (Paid £55)
4 Sept 1965
Test Piece “Saga of the North” by Cyril Jenkins.
FIRST
Fairey
SECOND
THIRD
Morris Motors
FOURTH
11 to 12 Sept 1965
CONCERT – Stanhope (Paid £195)
19 Sept 1965
25 to 26 Sept 1965
LP RECORDING – “Abbey Road”, London.
London – BBC and E.M.I. – MEN O‟ BRASS (Paid £300)
MEN O‟ BRASS (Fairey, Fodens and BMC - Morris)
A recording was made with Sir Malcolm Sargent conducting and
arranging the following compositions.
CLASSICS FOR BRASS
EMI
SRS 5156
Marche Militaire
Iolanthe Overture
Chopin‟s Polonaise
Mozart‟s Fantasia
Yeomen of the Guard Overture.
This was a studio recording.
30 Sept 1965
Mr J Feehan (Cornet) left the band. (4 Nov 1963 to 30 Sept 1965)
2 Oct 1965
MEN O‟ BRASS Manchester (Paid £45)
9 Oct 1965
CONCERT – Wellington (Paid £55)
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
16 Oct 1965
London.
Test Piece “Triumphant Rhapsody” by Gilbert Vinter.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Fairey
SECOND
Cammell Laird
THIRD
G.U.S.
Fodens Motor Works Band Failed to Qualify.
___________________________________________________________________________________
17 Oct 1965
MEN O‟ BRASS Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (Paid £55)
(Fairey Aviation, Fodens and BMC - Morris)
Fairey (Conductor Leonard Lamb),
Fodens (Conductor Rex Mortimer)
BMC – Morris (Conductor Clifford Edmunds)
CONCERT
30 Oct 1965
14 Nov 1965
30 Nov 1965
5 Dec 1965
1965
1. Marche Militaire (Schubert arr Sir Malcolm Sargent)
2. Overture Poets and Peasant (Suppe)
3. Whispering Brass (P Hayson)
4. Early One Morning (Frank Seymour)
5. Featuring Trombones: Where e‟er you Walk (Handel)
6. Galopade (King Palmer arr Eric Ball)
7. Tone Poem, Resurgen (Eric Ball)
INTERVAL
1. Overture: Yeoman of the Guard (Sullivan arr Malcolm Sargent)
2. Suite: The Shipbuilders (Peter Yorke)
3. Instrumental Showcase
a. Tenor Horns: Hindu Song –Sadke (Rimsky-Korsakov)
b. Euphoniums: serenade Les Millions d‟Harlequin (Drigo)
c. Cornets: Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke)
d. Xylophone: Splinters (Illingworth)
Solo Xylophone Walter Illingworth
4. Themes from Symphony No 5 (Beethoven arr Denis Wright)
5. Choral Prelude: Deeep Harmony (Parker)
6. Finale: Sunset (arr Green)
RECORDING - Paxton Recording – Lorenzo (Paid £40)
BBC (Paid £88)
CONCERT - At Worsley Civic Hall, Walkden Nr Manchester (Paid £60)
1. Punchinello (William Rimmer)
2. Poet and Peasent (Suppe)
3. Bugler‟s Holiday (Leroy Anderson)
Cornet Trio Edward Gray, Desmond Thomas and Jimmy Charles.
4. Thoughts (Alford)
5. The Rhythmic Danube (arr S P Wood)
6. Lorenzo (Keighley)
INTERVAL
1. Old Chelsea Selection (Tauber)
2. Melodie Caprice (Hespe) Solo Trombone Alex English
3. ITEMS IN CONTRAST
a. The Long Day Closes (Sullivan)
b. The Whistling Bobby (Alman)
4. Czardas (Monti) Solo Xylophone Walter Illingworth
5. Variations on a Welsh Melody (arr A Rimmer)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
BAND MEMBERS (Taken from By Royal Command)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
Solo Cornet
Jimmy Charles (Joined 1961)
Solo Cornet
Michael Davies
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
2nd Cornet
David Lewsley
Cornet
Geoff Whiston (Joined 25 Mar 1965)
Cornet
Neil Fryer
Solo Flugel
Gordon Hindle
1st Horn
David Newton
2nd Trombone
Bill Kitson
Trombone
A Morton
Solo Euphonium Denis Smith
Horn
Ellis Shufflebotham
Solo Baritone
Jim McDean
2nd Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
E Flat Bass
E Flat Bass
Arthur Mullock
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
B Flat Bass
Ted Swindles
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
Drums
Walter Illingworth
###################################################################################
1966
###################################################################################
CONCERT – Knypersley (Paid £37/10/0)
CONCERT – Crewe Alex (Paid £35)
Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road.
13 Feb 1966
CONCERT - At Worsley Civic Hall, Walkden Nr Manchester (Paid £60)
1. March Slav (Tchaikowsky)
2. Overture Pique Dame (Suppe)
3. Rondo – Horn Concerto (Mozart) Euphonium Solo Denis Smith
4. Destiny (Baynes)
5. Andante in G (Batiste)
6. Selection from Rossini‟s Works (arr Owen)
INTERVAL
1. Maid of the Mountains Selection (Simson)
2. Three Trumpeters (Agostini)
Cornet Trio Edward Gray, Desmond Thomas and Jimmy Charles.
a. The Long Day Closes (Sullivan)
b. Whistling Bobby (Alman)
4. Selection from Rigolletto (Verdi)
5. Splinters (Walter Illingworth) Xylophone Solo Walter Illingworth
6. Lightning Switch (Alford)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
12 Mar 1966
MEN O‟ BRASS Rochdale (Paid £55)
23 Mar 1966
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Apr 1966
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Public Hall, Preston.
Test Piece (Missing from 4 bars Rest Website)
FIRST
(Missing from 4 bars Rest Website)
SECOND
(As Above)
THIRD
(As Above)
___________________________________________________________________________________
16 Apr 1966
21 Apr 1966
Frank Hughes (Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
___________________________________________________________________________________
6 Feb 1966
12 Feb 1966
FRANK HUGHES Biography.
Frank joined the band in April 1966 playing Third Cornet progressing to 2 nd Cornet and finally playing
Tymps with the band in the late 1970‟s. Frank left the band in 1980.
As a composer he has been featured on many recordings and competition pieces including the tunes –
“Polka Brilliant”, “Autumn Song”, “Patterns in Brass”, “A Festival Parade”, “Red Musketeer” and
“The Talisman”.
Frank remembered one occasion when the band were invited to take part in a television programme
about the Crystal Palace days. Fodens were invited to play the test piece “Honour and Glory”. Harry
Mortimer also suggested that the band play Fred Mortimer‟s favourite hymn “Beautiful Zion” but Ted
Swindles the librarian at the time was unable to find a copy of the full band arrangement only
managing to track down the 1st horn, 2nd baritone and trombone parts. “Give them to Frank to see what
he could do with them” said Harry and with the added problem that the hymn didn‟t feature in any of
the Hymn books to hand Frank asked Sid Garratt an older flugel Horn player with the band to sing the
tune to him and from that rendition Frank arranged the piece.
On the 5 July 1968 the band played at a concert at Cartmel Priory (Cumbria). Frank Hughes was
approached by Rex Mortimer after the rehearsal on the Thursday before the concert (4 July) and
suggested that the band played a special arrangement of “Nan Danket”. Rex had a copy in his office
and gave Frank the manuscript asking him to bring the new arrangement with him on the following
night.
After staying up all night to complete the new arrangement, Frank brought the manuscript to the
concert and the band played the piece from first sight.
___________________________________________________________________________________
8 May 1966
14 May 1966
CONCERT – Chapel en Le Frith (Sales) (Paid £25)
22 May 1966
CONCERT – Adwick Le Street (Paid £70)
29 May 1966
5 June 1966
11 June 1966
12 June 1966
13 to 14 June 1966
E.M.I. Recording – London (Paid £200)
16 June 1966
Michael Davies (Solo Cornet) attended his last rehearsal with the band.
(6 Jan 1959 to 16 June 1966)
26 June 1966
3 July 1966
CONCERT – Southport (Paid £57/15/0)
9 July 1966
CONCERT – Middlesboro (Paid £80)
10 June 1966
CONCERT – Southborough (Paid £78/15/0)
16 June 1966
17 July 1966
CONCERT – Ilkeston (Paid £65)
19 July 1966
BBC (Paid £88)
20 July 1966
7 Aug 1966
14 Aug 1966
21 Aug 1966
28 Aug 1966
3 Sept 1966
Test Piece “Downland Suite” by John Ireland
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
Yorkshire Imperial
THIRD
Morris Motors
Fifteenth
4 Sept 1966
Belle Vue MASSED BANDS (Paid £85)
The Concert featured the Massed bands of Black Dyke Mills Band,
B.M.C. (Morris Motors) Band, C.W.S. (Manchester ) Band,
The Fairey Band and Fodens Motor Works Band
conductor Harry Mortimer.
The concert also included the comedian Jimmy Edwards who will
also conduct and play with the band.
The Sale and District Choral Society were also involved in the concert.
Compere Ian Wallace (Bass Baitone and BBC Celebrity)
22 Sept 1966
BBC (Paid £88)
1 Oct 1966
CONCERT – Huddesfield (Paid £50)
2 Oct 1966
CONCERT – Kirkby in Ashfield (Paid £73/10/0)
8 Oct 1966
13 Oct 1966
London.
Test Piece “Carnival Romain” by Berlioz.
RESULTS
15 Oct 1966
16 Oct 1966
27 Oct 1966
28 Oct 1966
FIRST
GUS (Footwear)
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Fairey
Eighth
Fodens Motor Works Band Came 8th
(The 4 bars rest website puts the date at the 15 Oct 1966, however Fodens Band
were in Wolverhampton on this day. Working back from the Foden Concert at the
Lyceum which was on a Monday the Saturday of this week would have been
the 13 Oct 1966)
MEN O‟ BRASS at Civic Hall Wolverhampton
Manager of venue Clifford Beswick
(Fairey, Fodens and BMC - Morris)
Fairey (Conductor Leonard Lamb),
Fodens (Conductor Rex Mortimer)
BMC – Morris (Conductor Clifford Edmunds)
1. March Le Reve Passe (Ganne)
2. Overtute The Thieving Magpie (Rossini)
3. The Holy city (Adams) Featuring Euphoniums
4. Waltz The Blue Danube (Strauss)
5. The Three Trumpeters (Agostini) Played by 9 Trumpeters
6. Tone Poem – Life Divine (Jenkins)
INTERVAL
1. Radedetsky March (Strauss)
2. The Trumpeters (Airlie-Dix) Featuring the Trombones
3. Edward German Melodies (Stanford Robinson)
4. Tyrolean Tubas (Clarke)
5. Slav March (Tchaikovsky)
6. Finale – Evening Hymn and Last Post (Green)
CONCERT – Westminster Abbey.
Foden‟s Band played at the 900th anniversary of the founding of Westminster Abbey
by Edward the Confessor at which Fodens took part in a “Service for Industry” held
in celebration.
The concert on the 27 October 1966 was called “One People at Work” – A Special
Service for those engaged in Industry. It started at 2.30pm with the Foden Band
playing music while the congregation assembled.
Director of Music: Rex Mortimer Esq.
2. Pomp and Circumstance No 4 (Edward Elgar)
4. Watching the Wheat (Arr Geebl)
5. Skye Boat Song (Arr W Rimmer)
6. All in the April Evening (Robertson)
7. Solemn Melody (Walford Davis)
After the Service the band played,
The Thin Red Line (Alford)
Bric-a-Brac (Monkton)
(Westminster Abbey was founded between 1050 and 1065 by
Edward the Confessor)
BROADCAST (LIVE) - BBC London (Paid £160)
“Friday Night is Music Night” from the Camden Theatre, London.
1. Signature Tune (Charles Williams) BBC Concert Orchestra
2. March The Thin Red Line (Kenneth Alford) FODEN‟S BAND
3. Slavonic Dance No 8 in G Minor (Dvorak) Orchestra
4. Sig Tune / Song of Songs / Come to the Ball
Vocal Cynthia Glover and Raimund Herincx
5. Getting to Know You – The King and I (Rogers arr Torch)
Vocal Cynthia Glover
6. Souveniers De France (Trad arr Hanmer) FODEN‟S BAND
7. Sig Tune (Friday Knights and William Davies)
4 Nov 1966
12 Nov 1966
Road to the Isles (Trad McCartney)
Belinda (D Heneker arr McCartney)
Follow Me (Roberts)
8. Dubarry Waltzes (Millocker arr Torch) Orchestra
9. Non Piu Andrai – The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart)
Vocal Raimund Herincx
10. Valce Caprice (Etherington)
FODEN‟S BAND Cornet duo Teddy Grey and Jimmy Charles
11. VOCAL SELECTION from KISMET (Wright, Forest arr Torch)
Night of My Nights (Chorus)
This is My Beloved (Cynthia Glover)
The Olive Tree (Raimund Herincx)
Baubles, Bangles and Beads (Cynthia Glover and Chorus)
Stranger in Paradise
(Cynthia Glover, Raimund Herincx and Chorus)
12. Farandole –L‟Arlesienne (Bizet) Orchestra
13. COMMUNITY MEDLEY
Yes Sir That‟s My Baby (Donaldson) Chorus
If You were the Only Girl in the World (Ayer) Raimund Herincx
Always (Berlin) Cynthia Glover
Goodbye Dolly Gray (Barnes) Raimund Herincx
14. Signature Tune (Charles Williams) BBC Concert Orchestra
CONCERT - Walkden (Paid £60)
CONCERT – Secondary Modern School, Newport (Paid £55)
“Sounding Brass and Voices” with Newport (Salop) and District Male Voice Choir
1. La Reve Passe (Ganne)
2. Overture – Raymond (Thomas)
GWEN DAVIES
a. The Dolls Song (Takes of Hoffman – Offenbach)
NEWPORT AND DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Sound an Alarm
b. A Roving (Solo Ernest Ball)
c. The Battle Eve
3. Down the Vale (Moir) Trombone Solo Alex English
4. The Headless Horse Man (Goodwin)
GWEN DAVIES
b. Song of the Tritsch Tratsch
c. Arcady is Ever Young
5. Valse Caprice (Etherington)
Cornet Solos Edward Gray and Jimmy Charles
d. The Farmers Boy
e. Love Could I Only Tell Thee
FODEN‟S BAND AND CHOIR
6. Hymn – Yonder See The Dawn Appear (Llanfair)
INTERVAL
1. Capriccio Italien (Tchaikowsky)
2. Bric a Brac (Monkton)
3. The Skye Boat Song (Trad)
a. The Song of the Jolly Roger
b. Passing By
c. Rose of England
GWEN DAVIES
a. Poor Wandering One (Pirates of Penzance)
b. Canterbury Fair
13 Nov 1966
14 Nov 1966
(Mon)
20 Nov 1966
(Sun)
27 Nov 1966
12 Dec 1966
Dec 1966
Dec 1966
22 Dec 1966
4. Kentucky (Hartmann) Euphonium Solo Denis Smith
d. Psalm 23
e. The Promise of Life (Solo Tom Philips)
GWEN DAVIES
c. The Bell Song (Lakme)
5. Variations on A Welsh Melody (arr A Rimmer)
6. Jerusalem “And did those feet in Ancient Times” (William Blake)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
CONCERT - Blackburn (Paid £65)
CREWE THEATRE (Paid £50)
Musical director Rex Mortimer (Conductor)
CONCERT – In the College of Further Education, Rowtenstall (Paid £57/15/0)
The Water Prize Band (Centenary 1866 to 1966) presents Fodens Motor Works Band
1. BB and CF (Hume)
2. Raymond (Thomas)
3. Cornet Carillon (Binge)
4. Morning Papers (Strauss)
5. Sky Boat Song (arr William Rimmer)
INTERVAL
1. Corrialanus (Jenkins)
2. a. Whispering Brass (Haysom)
b. Galopade (King Palmer arr Eric Ball)
3. Angels Guard Thee (Godard) Trombone Solo Alex English
4. The Merry Widow (Lehar)
5. Spring (Grieg)
The NATIONAL ANTHEM
CONCERT – Town Hall, Chorley (Paid £52/10/0)
Coppull band Presents a season of Brass Band Concerts, The Fourth Concert
will be given by Fodens Motor Works Band by Royal Command.
1. BB and CF (Hume)
2. The Force of Destiny (Verdi)
3. Polka Brilliantine (Hughes) Solo Cornet Edward Gray
4. The Grenadiers (Waldteufal)
5. Loreli (Nesvadba)
6. Gounod (arr William Rimmer)
INTERVAL
1. Ballet Russe (Luigini)
2. Angels Guard Thee (Godard) Trombone Solo Alex English
3. Bric a Brac (Monckton)
4. Negro Spirituals (Ball)
5. Rondo from 4th Horn Concerto (Mozart) Euphonium Solo Unkn
6. Spring (Grieg)
The NATIONAL ANTHEM
BBC (Paid £88)
BANDROOM BLEW DOWN THE ROOF OF THE BANDROOM.
The band room blew down shortly after a Thursday rehearsal. Gale winds had made
the building unsafe and after a few brave members of the band entered the building to
retrieve the instruments and other band property the owners demolished the building.
NEW BANDROOM at Co-Op Elworth.
Within a few days the band had managed to find a new rehearsal hall in the nearby
Co-operative hall in Elworth (60 yards down the road).
Gordon Hindle (Flugelhorn) left the band. (16 Nov 1964 to 22 Dec 1966)
Dec 1966
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
3110321 (New Sept 1962)
135953
Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Jimmy Charles
Cornet
Geoff Whiston
Cornet 127184
Flugel
Gordon Hindle (1964-22 Dec 1966)
Flugel 124083
Cornet
George Bailey
Cornet 1125341
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet 124376
Cornet
Neil Fryer
Own Cornet 361371
Cornet
Michael Davies
Cornet 139459
Cornet
David Lewsley
Cornet 284933
Tenor Horn
David Newton
Horn 127498
Tenor Horn
Ellis Shufflebotham
Horn 127499
Baritone
James McDean
Baritone 128277
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Denis Smith
Euphonium 76355
Euphonium
Arthur Mullock
Euphonium 75730
Trombone
Arthur English
Trombone HP290354
Trombone
Bill Kitson
Trombone HP291571
Bass Trombone A Morton
Bb Bass
Ted Swindles
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass
Jack Millington
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Edgar Spurr
Percussion
Walter Illingworth
SPARES
Cornet 127172
Cornet 124376
Cornet 99379
Cornet 74612
Horn 124617
Soprano 91218 Charlie Cook
###################################################################################
1967
SECRETARY Rex Mortimer c/o Foden‟s Ltd.
###################################################################################
19 Jan 1967
23 Jan 1967
12 Feb 1967
13 Feb 1967
26 Feb 1967
1 Mar 1967
19 Mar 1967
23 Mar 1967
29 Mar 1967
1 Apr 1967
8 Apr 1967
16 Apr 1967
18 Apr 1967
30 Apr 1967
David Whitson (Solo Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(19 Jan 1967 to 7 Oct 1970)
CONCERT – Alsager School (Paid £35)
CONCERT – Heywood Coou Hall (Paid £60)
Rodney Booth (2nd Cornet / Tenor Horn) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(13 Feb 1967 to after 1975)
CONCERT – Biddulph (Paid £37/10/0)
CONCERT – Huddersfield Town hall (Paid £60)
Geoff Wynes (2nd Euphonium) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
CONCERT – Bishops Castle (Paid £60)
BBC (Paid £88)
BBC (Paid £88)
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Apr 1967
Conductor for Fodens
FIRST
SECOND
(As Above)
THIRD
(As Above)
___________________________________________________________________________________
19 May 1967
CONCERT – Liverpool (Paid £73/10/0)
22 to 23 May 1967
E.M.I. Recording (Paid £285)
4 June 1967
CONCERT – Nottingham (Paid £65)
7 to 8 June 1967 CONCERT – Cheshire Show (Paid £140)
11 June 1967
25 June 1967
27 June 1967
BBC (Paid £88)
1 July 1967
CONCERT – Ludlow (Paid £70)
9 July 1967
16 July 1967
21 July 1967
23 July 1967
20 Aug 1967
27 Aug 1967
2 Sept 1967
Test Piece “Comedy” by John Ireland
FIRST
SECOND
Fairey
THIRD
Wingates Temperance
UNPLACED
3 Sept 1967
CONCERT - Belle Vue (Paid £65)
MASSED BANDS
The Concert featured the Massed bands of
Black Dyke Mills Band,
B.M.C. (Morris Motors) Band,
The Fairey Band,
And Wingates Temperance
The concert also included Adele Leigh
The Rossendale Male Voice Choir.
With Pianist Miss Nancy Harris
9 Sept 1967
10 Sept 1967
CONCERT – Bramcote (Nr Nottingham) (Paid £20)
14 to 15 Sept 1967
E.M.I. Recording (Paid £300)
17 Sept 1967
CONCERT – Todmorden (Paid £60)
21 Sept 1967
Bill Kitson (Trombone) left the band. (21 Mar 1946 to 21 Sept 1967)
23 Sept 1967
CONCERT – Barnoldswick (Paid £60)
24 Sept 1967
CONCERT – Weywood (Paid £60)
27 Sept 1967
BBC (Paid £88)
2 Oct 1967
Wynford Barnett (2nd Trombone) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
7 Oct 1967
MEN O‟ BRASS (BMC, Fairey and Fodens)
King George‟s Hall, Blackburn (Paid £65)
In Aid of the Blackburn Toc H effort in aid of
The British Leprosy Relief Association.
With the Rossendale Male Voice Choir
MEN O‟ BRASS
1. March, Men O‟ Brass (Harold Scull)
2. Ruy Blas (Felix Mendelssohn)
3. Largo (Handel)
4. Introduction and Allegro from Spiritoso (Sanaille)
ROSSENDALE MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Boots (McColl arr E Tomlinson)
b. Night Song (Schubert)
c. An Evening‟s Pastorale (W Shaw)
d. Down in the Valley (arr Mead)
e. The Gendarmes (Offenbach arr Geehl)
MEN O‟ BRASS and ROSSENDALE MALE VOICE CHOIR
5. Sound the Alarm from Judus Maccabaeus (Handel)
MEN O‟ BRASS
7. Little Lisa (James Warr)
f. The Light of Other Days (arr Stanford Robinson)
g. Loch Lomond (arr Vaughan Williams)
h. Pace-egging Song (arr E Thomlinson)
INTERVAL
MEN O‟ BRASS
1. Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke)
Featuring Cornets
2. Buglar‟s Holiday (Leroy Anderson)
Featuring Cornets
3. Romanza (Henry Geehl)
Featuring Trombones
4. Seventy Six Trombones – From the Music Man (Meredith Willson)
Featuring Trombones
5. Jesu, Comfort of my Heart (Bach arr Eric Ball)
a. Speed your Journey from Nabucco (G Verdi)
b. By Babylon‟s Wave (Gounid)
c. Swing Low Sweet Chariott (arr Warrell)
d. Arise O Sun (arr Doris Arnold)
MEN O‟ BRASS and ROSSENDALE MALE VOICE CHOIR
6. March of the Peers from Iolanthe (Arthur Sullivan and William S Gilbert)
MEN O‟ BRASS
7. Themes from the New World Symphony (Dvorak arr Drake Rimmer)
8. Evening Hymn and Last Post (arr Pope)
9. National Anthem
8 Oct 1967
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (Paid £55)
Recorded for LP “Massed Brass Spectacular” EMI SX6202
12 Oct 1967
CONCERT – Wolsall (Nr Birmingham) (Paid £75)
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
14 Oct 1967
COMPETITION – “National Championships”, Royal Albert Hall, London
Test Piece “Journey into Freedom” by Eric Ball.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
CWS (Manchester)
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works Band were Unplaced (Failed to Qualify)
__________________________________________________________________________________
14 Oct 1967
MEN O‟ BRASS CONCERT (BMC, Fairey and Fodens) (Paid £45)
Free Trade Hall, Manchester
With Semprini (Pianist and Radio Presenter)
In aid of Toc H Leukaemia Fund.
21 Oct 1967
24 Oct 1967
4 Nov 1967
18 Nov 1967
22 Nov 1967
Due to not qualifying for the National Finals the band were able to do this
concert at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester.
MEN O‟ BRASS
1. March – Men O‟Brass (Harold Snell)
2. Overture – Ruy Blas (Mendelssohn)
3. Featuring Euphoniums
a. Largo (Handel)
b. Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso (Senaille)
SEMPRINI
a. Solo Items
SEMPRINI AND MEN O‟ BRASS
5. Scherzo (Litoff)
INTERVAL
MEN O‟ BRASS
1. Featuring Cornets
a. Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke)
b. Bugler‟s Holiday (Leroy Anderson)
2. Featuring Trombones
a. Romanza (Henry Geehl)
b. Seventy Six Trombones (Meredith Willson)
3. Soft Shoe Dance, Little Lisa (James Warr)
SEMPRINI
a. Solo Items
SEMPRINI AND MEN O‟ BRASS
4. Souvenirs de France (Hanmer)
MEN O‟ BRASS
5. 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky arr Denis Wright)
6. Evening Hymn and Last Post (arr Pope)
BBC (Paid £88)
CONCERT – Ibstock (Nr Leicester) (Paid £75)
CONCERT – Trench (Nr Telford, Shropshire) (Paid £60)
CONCERT – Town Hall Congleton. (Not in Band Diary)
With The Oriana Choir
Organised by the Rotary Club of Congleton.
FODENS BAND
1. Radetsky March (Strauss)
2. Bohemian Girl (Balfe)
ORIANA CHOIR
a. Linden Lea (R.V.W.)
b. Ave Maria (Lang)
FODENS BAND
3. The Three Trumpeters (Agostini)
Cornet Trio - Edward Gray, Neil Fryer, Desmond Thomas
4. Little Suite for Brass (Arnold)
ORIANA CHOIR
c. Songs of Scotland Nos 1 and 6 (Thinman)
FODENS BAND
FODENS BAND AND ORIANA CHOIR
6. Psalm 148 (Gustav Holst)
INTERVAL
FODENS BAND
1. Roberto (Giacomo Meyerbeer 1791-1864)
2. Down the Vale (Moir)
Trombone Solo Alex English
ORIANA CHOIR
a. Fire Fire my Heart (Morley)
25 Nov 1967
10 Dec 1967
19 Dec 1967
Dec 1967
b. Arise Awake (Morley)
FODENS BAND
3. Old Chelsea (Tauber)
5. Bluebird (Stanford)
ORIANA CHOIR
c. Revel of the Leaves (Bruckner)
FODENS BAND
6. The Long Day Closes (Arthur Sullivan)
FODENS BAND and ORIANA CHOIR
7. Aida (Verdi)
CONCERT – Shaw (Nr Oldham) (Paid £55)
CONCERT – Free Trade Hall (Paid £60)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
3110321 (New Sept 1962)
135953
Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Jimmy Charles
Cornet 352396 (New Aug 1966)
Cornet
Geoff Whiston
Cornet 127184
Flugel
Gordon Hindle
Flugel 402103 (New Aug 1966)
Cornet
George Bailey
Cornet
Doug Connolly
Cornet
Neil Fryer
Own Cornet 361371
Cornet
David Lewsley
Cornet 284933 (SH Oct 1966)
Tenor Horn
David Newton
Horn 127498
Tenor Horn
Ellis Shufflebotham
Horn 127499
Baritone
James McDean
Baritone 128277
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Denis Smith
Euphonium 76355
Euphonium
Arthur Mullock
Euphonium 75730
Trombone
Arthur English
Trombone HP290354
Trombone
Bill Kitson
Trombone HP291571
Bass Trombone A Morton
Bass Trombone 371001 (N Sept 1964)
Bb Bass
Ted Swindles
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass
Jack Millington
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Edgar Spurr
Percussion
Walter Illingworth
SPARES
Cornet 127172
Cornet 124376
Cornet 99379 R Shepley
Cornet 74612
Cornet 129477
Horn 124617
Trombone HP 290534
Soprano 91218 Charlie Cook
Flugel 127882
###################################################################################
1968
###################################################################################
CONCERT – Chorley (Paid £52/10/0)
CREWE THEATRE.
Incl;
Rex Mortimer (Conductor)
12 Feb 1968
CREWE THEATRE Crewe.
Conductor Mr Rex Mortimer
Pic and Feature Page 5, 8 Feb Crewe Chronicle.
15 Feb 1968
22 Feb 1968
BBC (Paid £88)
4 Mar 1968
CONCERT – Bury (Paid £60)
14 Mar 1968
Doug Connolly (2nd Cornet) left the band (5 Apr 1948 to 14 Mar 1968)
25 Mar 1968
CONCERT – Huddersfield (Paid £57/15/0)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Apr 1968
FIRST
SECOND
(As Above)
THIRD
(As Above)
___________________________________________________________________________________
24 Apr 1968
25 Apr 1968
27 Apr 1968
CONCERT – Hereford (Paid £65)
30 Apr 1968
5 May 1968
6 May 1968
David Richards (Bass Trombone) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
18 May 1968
26 May 1968
CONCERT – Biddulph Hospital (Paid £25)
1 June 1968
CONCERT – Belle Vue – T.U.C. (Paid £150)
11 June 1968
MEN O‟ BRASS E.M.I. Recording (Paid £325)
14 June 1968
BBC (Paid £88)
15 June 1968
16 June 1968
23 June 1968
30 June 1968
1 July 1968
Colin Cranson (Euphonium) joined the band for his fist rehearsal.
5 July 1968
CONCERT – Cartmel Priory (Cumbria) (Paid £65)
Colin Cranson‟s first appearance with the band.
The first tune they played was the March fromTennhauser with another tune
being the Seven Suite.
Frank Hughes was approached by Rex Mortimer after the rehearsal on the Thursday
before the concert (4 July) and suggested that the band played a special arrangement
of “Nan Danket”. Rex had a copy in his office and gave Frank the manuscript asking
him to bring the new arrangement with him on the following night.
After staying up all night to complete the new arrangement, Frank brought the
manuscript to the concert and the band played the piece from first sight.
___________________________________________________________________________________
11 Jan 1968
12 Jan 1968
COLIN CRANSON Biography.
1968 to 1977 and 1977 to 1980 (Bandmaster).
.b. 1950
Colin Cranson was born in County Durham in the North East of England where at the age of nine he
started playing the cornet with his first band the Blackhall Salvation Army Band.
During a Wednesday night youth rehearsal Colin picked up a Tenor Horn to try playing it and found he
could get the higher notes better on this than his cornet. Later when his Uncle a Euphonium player with
the main band was unavailable one of the band suggested that Colin play his instrument and it was then
that Colin felt at home with the euphonium.
In 1964 at the age of fourteen Colin started playing the Euphonium in bands and joined the Hartlepool
Public Prize band (Hartlepool Silver Band) for two years. The band was conducted by his Uncle, Stan
Cranson.
Colin was at the time was working as a French Polisher at “Binns in Hartlepool” and joined the
Blackhall Colliery Band as Principal Euphonium for 2 to 3 years. The band played in the top section of
banding taking part in a number of competitions.
Having been made redundant from Binns due to a cutback in staff, Colin looked towards other bands to
play with and having listened to Fodens on the radio wrote to Rex Mortimer to see if there were any
vacancies. The reply was that they were indeed looking for a Euphonium player and would Colin be
interested in applying for an audition. Colin came to Sandbach with his wife Brenda to play in front of
Rex at the old Fodens Works. His audition piece was a tune called “Kim” a slow piece after which Rex
produced a piece called “Invincible”. Colin obviously made an impression on Rex who asked him to
come and play alongside the band during a rehearsal in 1968. His first tune was a march called
“Cornelius” by Felix Mendelssohn. Colin then asked to play “La Belle American” with the band, which
in later years Rex told Colin was not particularly good, but there was something he saw in Colin that
made his want him in the band.
In 1968 Colin joined the Foden Motor Works Band as their Principal Euphonium Player. As Colin
fitted into the band he became friends with Arthur Mullock (E Flat Bass 1965 to the late 1970‟s) who
helped him to learn the extra tricks of the trade needed for his work with the band.
Working with Fodens band was going well until just before the “National Championships” on
September 10th 1971the date of Colin and Brenda‟s Wedding anniversary. They decided to go to the
White Lion at Weston. However as they were driving back through Haslington a car hit them head on.
Colin was badly injured and his wife Brenda was in a coma for a while. Colin‟s lip and face were badly
damaged and it wasn‟t until the 11 January of 1972 that he was able to return to playing with the band.
Jim McDean came out of retirement to cover for Colin on Euphonium while he recovered.
In 1972 the band played Annabells in London, a nightclub where Georgie Fame was topping the bill.
The band changed in a caravan outside the venue ready for their performance about 12.30 at night. The
dressing room was also where Georgie Fame and his wife were also getting ready for that nights show.
In November 1972 as a supplementary hobby Colin started conducting the Middlewich Town Band
which was eventually to become the Middlewich Centenary Band and then the Roberts Bakery Band.
Colin had first applied to Knutsford to conduct their band as Ted Gray was finishing with the band.
Colin didn‟t hear anything from Knutsford but a call from the Middlewich Band led to an audition with
them in front of a full band of 30 members but once Colin had got the job the band suddenly went
down to 18. When he asked the organisers about this reduction he was told that they had arranged for
extra band members from Knutsford and the surrounding area to make up the numbers for the auditions
and in reality the band only numbered about 20 musicians. Continuing with Fodens on a Monday and
Thursday, Colin attended Middlewich Civic Hall for rehearsals with the town band on a Wednesday,
but those attending were not as enthusiastic as he would have liked with some turning up 30 minutes
late for rehearsals so he decided to have a heart to heart with them, thinning out those not committed to
the band.
Arthur Jackson a key member of the band spoke to Colin about this thinning out saying that if it
continued then there would be no band. Rex Mortimer from Fodens also agreed and offered Colin a
chance to lead the „Rhos Band‟ for £5 a week. This was far more than he was getting at Middlewich
but declined preferring to see through the changes to Middlewich.
With only 15 of the original members, the band started to attract a number of younger players and
when the band played at concerts Colin brought in various members of the Fodens band, Granville
Jennings, Des Thomas, Ted Swindles and others to give a bigger sound to the band. By 1974 they had
started competing in the area contests and came third in the fourth section.
In 1974 “Grimethorpe Colliary Band” came knocking on Colin‟s door offering him a house with no
rent to play for them. Colin turned them down and they went to America to play at the Whitehouse and
Australia for a month and then all over the world without him.
In 1976 Colin was part of the National Quartet Championship winning group from Fodens which
included Alan Brotherston (Cornet), Tony Goddard (Cornet) and Derek Lucas (Tenor Horn). The band
had had a quartet before but it was Alan who became the driving force behind the new quartet and its
numerous wins in National and local competitions.
With an increase in Fodens playing in competitions and concerts it meant that when Colin‟s other band
in Middlewich which had entered the 1976 North West Area Fourth Section Championships was
conducted by his friend Rex Mortimer for their winning performance.
Ted Gray was also at the competition as one of the judges and said it was a forgone conclusion once he
heard the band as to who the winners would be even though he didn‟t know which band it was or that
his friend Rex Mortimer was leading them.
In April 1977 Foden‟s Band as part of the Men O‟ Brass were taken on tour to Utrect in Holland for
a celebratory concert with Harry Mortimer. Foden‟s, Fairey and Morris Motors also made records and
did a broadcast while in Holland.
Colin Cranson was tasked with handing out the wage packets to the band and just before Harry
Mortimer handed over the envelopes he said to Colin to put the name of each band member on them so
no one could have two sets of wages. Enough to say one member did try it on but failed to get paid
twice.
Colin had been with Fodens since 1968 and from 1977 had been the Band Manager, but when James
Scott the conductor with the band was forced to give up his job in July 1979 Colin decided it was also
time to leave the band.
Middlewich Town Band‟s win in 1976 had been a remarkable win as the band were playing with old
instruments while all the other bands in the competitions had shiny new cornets etc. With Colin being
able to devote more time to Middlewich due to leaving Fodens he and John Whittaker the bands
manager went round all the local companies looking for sponsorship. When they approached Allan
Roberts at „Roberts Bakery‟ the company agreed to take on the band, supplying them over a few years
with new instruments and equipment. With this new sponsorship deal in 1979 Colin became full time
Musical Director of the band. It was also the time that he decided to give up playing the Euphonium
devoting his time to conducting and bringing on the youngsters of the band.
In 1980 the Northwich based company Roberts Bakery officially took on the sponsorship of the band
which became good enough to enter championships alongside Colin‟s old band of Fodens which was
now conducted by Howard Snell.
In 1982 „Roberts Bakery Band‟ followed soon after Fodens on stage at Preston in the Area Finals
playing 13th to Fodens 12th order to play. After the performance Len Withington a Famous Euphonium
player came to Colin to offer some advice to the band pointing out that Colin had conducted the last
movement of “Essay for Brass Band” by Edward Gregson a lot quicker than the other bands. “If you
had slowed down that last movement you would have been in the top three beating Fodens who came
fourth in the competition” as it was Colin‟s band came a very respectable sixth.
Colin had seen John Price-Jones and the Yorkshire Imps at the Yorkshire area final and he had
conducted it how he had seen it. From then on Colin conducted the Roberts Bakery Band in his way
rather than how others saw the piece.
In one year the band, were second in the „Grand Shield‟ and second at a contest in Pontins. This
success also had a downside as his good players were poached by other bands with 5 players going to
the Leyland Band and 5 players also going to Colin‟s old band Fodens. Like the Crewe Alex academy,
Colin looked upon this as a proving ground for young talent and encouraged his best players to move to
bands like Fodens and was very proud to see them have the success they deserved.
Other members of the band who could have move on to better bands have stayed with Roberts for a
long time with Tim Sage on third cornet with the band for 30 years, Kelvin Goodwin and Gareth
Broughton for about 25 years and Arthur Jackson had been a key member of the band since the 1970‟s
and has stayed with the band for 30 years until his retirement and who sadly passed away in 2013.
In February 2005 due to the expansion of the Roberts Bakery in Northwich the band moved its
rehearsals to the Maxwell Davies Centre in Sandbach School from their rehearsal room at the factory.
With a place to store equipment provided by the school and the continued support by the bakery who
paid for the hire of the hall the band could look to the future.
Colin started thinking about retiring from the band in 2008 but as the band needed new instruments,
uniforms and were again starting to succeed in competitions he put off retirement until the band was in
safe hands with a good secure future.
In 2012 the Middlewich / Roberts Bakery Band celebrated its 125th anniversary with Colin still at the
helm, although in these terms he was a mere youngster with only 40 years‟ service as the bands
conductor.
Looking for a new conductor was the next stage to securing the future of the band and out of a short list
of two, Simon Stonehouse who lives in Stockport and had helped out Fodens and Faireys was
recommended by Howard Snell a well-known conductor.
In April 2013 Colin announced that he had decided to retire from leading the Roberts Bakery Band
having already put Simon Stonehouse in place to continue the tradition of the band since 1887.
Colin had taken the band to Germany ten times, Leon in France, Brussels (1995), Malta and Estonia
(2012).
The band has also appeared on BBC Radio 2‟s “Listen to the Band”.
He has also recorded 12 records and CD‟s with his favourite being the 2002 CD “The Heart of
Cheshire” which includes music from television and films.
Colin was married to Brenda who unfortunately died in October 2005 and he has two children Paul and
Karen.
ROBERTS BAKERY BAND at the REGIONAL FINALS.
1982
Preston Guild Hall
1987
Blackpool Winter Gardens
1988
1989
1990
1991
2009
2010
ROBERTS BAKERY BAND Formed 1887
The band has played in Belgium, Malta, The Netherlands and France.
The band has also represented Great Britain in the European Blasmusikfestival in Germany on 11
occassions in front of over 6,000 people as well as an appearance on German TV.
1887
Band formed as the Middlewich Band.
1971
Colin Cranson involved in a car crash.
1972
Colin Cranson started conducting the Middlewich Town Band.
1976
Champions of the North West Area Fourth Section Championships
(Conductor Rex Mortimer).
1979
Colin became the Roberts Bakery Band full time Musical Director.
1980
Champions of the North West Area Second Section Championships.
1982
2nd place “Grand Shield Contest” beaten by Brodsworth Colliery who were the last band
to play at Belle Vue, Manchester that day.
1982
Preston Guild Hall plated at the Northwest Regional Finals against Fodens.
2002
Launched their own Website.
2005
In February 2005 the band moved its rehearsals to the Maxwell Davies Centre in
Sandbach School.
2006
Won the “Best Non-Championship Section Band” Whit Friday Contest at Delph.
2007
Won the “Best Non-Championship Section Band” Whit Friday Contest at Delph for
the second year in a row.
2008
North West Area First Section Champions.
2008-11 Took part in the Championship Sections.
2011
North West Area First Section Champions.
2013
In April 2013 Simon Stonehouse took on the role of Musical director with the band
on the retirement of Colin Cranson.
ROBERTS BAKERY BAND RECORDINGS
1. 1987 “Century Brass” LP to celebrate 100 years of the band.
2.
3. “Classic Brass” Including Mark Wilkinson from Fodens Band (Solo Cornet) (Cassette).
4. 1999 “Roberts Bakery Band in Concert” Vol 1 (First released on CD)
5. 2000 “Roberts Bakery Band in Concert” Vol 2
6. 2001 “Roberts Bakery Band in Concert” Vol 3
7. 2002 “The Heart of Cheshire” Music from TV and Films.
8. 2003 “Rolling Along”
9. 2005 “A Classical Celebration” to celebrate 25 Years of Sponsorship.
10. Feb 2007 “Roberts Bakery Band in Concert” Vol 4
11. Sept 2011 “Victory” Marking 40Years of Colin Cranson.
12. The Best of Roberts Bakery Band (Compilation)
___________________________________________________________________________________
FODENS BAND Continuation of History.
13 July 1968
CONCERT – Cottenham (Paid £70)
14 July 1968
CONCERT – Hyde Park (Paid (£80)
17 July 1968
18 to 19 July 1968
MEN O‟ BRASS - E.M.I. Recording (Paid £300)
CONCERT – Port Vale (Paid £40)
BBC (Paid £88)
Denis Smith (Solo Euphonium) left the band.
(2 Oct 1958 to 19 Aug 1968)
25 Aug 1968
Ron Bobs (Baritone) joined the band. (25 Aug 1968 to 10 Nov 1971)
25 Aug 1968
1 Sept 1968
7 to 8 Sept 1968 COMPETITION – “British Open Championships”, Belle Vue, Manchester.
Test Piece “John O‟ Gaunt” by Gilbert Vinter.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Wingates Temperance
THIRD
FOURTH
CWS (Manchester)
FIFTH
Pic and Feature Page 3, 14 Sept British Bandmaster (on Concert).
8 Sept 1968
CONCERT at Belle Vue (Paid £160)
(see above)
MASSED BANDS (Men O‟Brass)
The Concert featured the Massed Bands of
Grimethorpe Colliery,
B.M.C. (Morris Motors) Band,
C.W.S (Manchester)
The Fairey Band,
The concert also included Joan Turner
The Rossendale Male Voice Choir.
12 Sept 1968
Bob Sparks (R Sparks) (E Flat Bass) left the band. (17 Mar 1949 to 12 Sept 1968)
Bob did however appear at rehearsals on the 7 Oct and 2 Nov 1968.
13 Sept 1968
CONCERT – Nantwich (Paid £50)
22 Sept 1968
CONCERT – Skipton (Paid £65)
27 Sept 1968
CONCERT – Ossett (Nr Dewsbury in Yorkshire) (Paid £55)
29 Sept 1968
CONCERT – Bacup (Paid £55)
5 Oct 1968
Free Trade Hall (Paid £55)
6 Oct 1968
10 Oct 1968
CONCERT – Walsall (Paid £75)
12 Oct 1968
CONCERT – Regent Hall, London (Paid £100)
As the band had not qualified for the Nationals they were available for this concert.
__________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
12 Oct 1968
Test Piece “The Mastersingers” by Wagner arr Frank Wright.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
G.U.S.
Fodens Motor Works Band Failed to Qualify for the event.
19 Oct 1968
JOHN DUNN introduced Highlights from the National Brass Band Competition on
BBC Radio 2.
According to the British Library the programme featured The Foden‟s Motor Works
Band who didn‟t take part in the competition. They may however have taken part in
the concert the following day and this was part of the broadcast.
The programme was broadcast at 21.00hrs.
21 July 1968
11 Aug 1968
17 Aug 1968
18 Aug 1968
19 Aug 1968
19 Aug 1968
(Available in the British Library Sound Archive dated 12 Oct 1968)
__________________________________________________________________________________
19 Oct 1968
20 Oct 1968
Oakengates, Salop (Paid £60)
25 Oct 1968
CONCERT – Knutsford (Paid £60)
26 Oct 1968
St George‟s Hall, Blackburn (Paid £45)
27 Oct 1968
3 Nov 1968
CONCERT – Watford Town Hall (Paid £95)
7 Nov 1968
CONCERT – Barston (Nr Solihull, Birmingham, Midlands) (Paid £50)
9 Nov 1968
CONCERT – Winsford (Paid 355)
10 Nov 1968
15 Nov 1968
BBC (Paid £88)
16 Nov 1968
CONCERT – Endon (Paid £55)
17 Nov 1968
CONCERT – Welshpool (Paid £65)
24 Nov 1968
Derby (South Sergeant) (Paid £55)
In aid of Sir Malcolm Sergent Cancer Fund.
1 Dec 1968
7 Dec 1968
CONCERT – Worksworth (Paid £55)
8 Dec 1968
17 Dec 1968
###################################################################################
1969
###################################################################################
CONCERT – Shaw (Nr Oldham) (Paid £55)
CONCERT – Oakengates (Paid £65)
CONCERT – Chell Heath (Paid £50)
BBC (Paid £88)
De Montfort Hall, Leicester (Paid £75)
2 Mar 1969
15 Mar 1969
CONCERT – Wallasey (Paid £57/15/0)
16 Mar 1969
20 Mar 1969
CONCERT – Chesterton (Paid £40)
22 Mar 1969
23 Mar 1969
CONCERT – Lawton (Paid £40)
30 Mar 1969
CONCERT – Dunstable (Paid £90)
31 Mar 1969
CONCERT – Stroud (Paid £105)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Apr 1969
FIRST
SECOND
(As Above)
THIRD
(As Above)
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 Apr 1969
CONCERT – Huddersfield (Paid £57/15/0)
10 Apr 1969
BBC (Paid £88)
18 to 19 Apr 1969
Albert Hall and E.M.I. – London (Paid £350)
Recording released on the LP “MEN O‟ BRASS and Voices”
19 Jan 1969
26 Jan 1969
13 Feb 1969
15 Feb 1969
18 Feb 1969
23 Feb 1969
(CSD3664 Released 1969)
with British Morris Company (BMC), Fairey and Fodens.
The recording was made for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children
and was conducted by Harry Mortimer along with Guest Conductor
Lt Col. Sir Vivian Dunn. (Recording made 19 April 1969)
The singers were the London Philharmonic Choir.
Replacement Player - Trevor Groom (Euphonium) joined the band alongside
Colin Cranson.
19 Apr 1969
(see above)
In Aid of Sir Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund
20 Apr 1969
27 Apr 1969
CONCERT – Heywood (Paid £63)
3 May 1969
CONCERT – Concert for Glyn Cowog (Paid £70)
4 May 1969
10 May 1969
11 May 1969
16 May 1969
24 May 1969
14 June 1969
CONCERT – Cheddleton (Paid £55)
29 June 1969
CONCERT – York (Paid £85)
6 July 1969
9 July 1969
13 July 1969
CONCERT – Adwich-Le-Street (Paid £70)
20 June 1969
23 July 1969
BBC (Paid £88)
17 Aug 1969
24 Aug 1969
30 Aug 1969
CONCERT – Cholmondeley Castle (Paid £35)
31 Aug 1969
CONCERT – Harrogate (Paid £95)
6 Sept 1969
(Sat)
Test Piece “Spectrum” by Gilbert Vinter
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Fairey
UNPLACED
7 Sept 1969
CONCERT – Belle Vue (Paid £65) (Sunday Appearance)
13 Sept 1969
CONCERT – Bridgnorth (Paid £70)
14 Sept 1969
17 Sept 1969
20 Sept 1969
21 Sept 1969
CONCERT – Mossley (Paid £55)
26 Sept 1969
CONCERT – Hope (Paid £55)
27 Sept 1969
CONCERT – Barton-under-Needwood (Paid £65)
28 Sept 1969
CONCERT – Whitehaven (Paid £159/15/0)
1 Oct 1969
BBC (Paid £88)
5 Oct 1969
9 Oct 1969
11 Oct 1969
CONCERT – Free Trade Hall Manchester (Paid £60)
(Available for the concert due to not appearing at the National Championship)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
11 Oct 1969
Test Piece “High Peak” by Eric Ball
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
CWS (Manchester)
Fodens Motor Works Band failed to qualify for the event.
___________________________________________________________________________________
CONCERT – Odwaldtwistle (Paid £60)
CONCERT – Radcliffe (Paid £70)
STROUD BRASS BAND FESTIVAL –
The festival started in about 1969 when Fodens appeared in a Concert and
Rex Mortimer was invited to be a judge at the days competition.
(Another biography of the band puts the date as Sept 1969)
7 to 8 Nov 1969 LP RECORDING - Worcester Cathedral – E.M.I. Recording (Paid £400)
9 Nov 1969
15 Nov 1969
22 Nov 1969
CONCERT – Hang e Lou (Paid £120)
29 Nov 1969
7 Dec 1969
14 Dec 1969
20 Dec 1969
21 Dec 1969
LP RECORDING - Saga Records (Paid £300)
12 Oct 1969
13 Oct 1969
24 Oct 1969
26 Oct 1969
1 Nov 1969
###################################################################################
1970
###################################################################################
CONCERT – LYCEUM THEATRE Crewe. (Paid £55)
FODEN‟S BAND
Soloist (Euphonium) playing La Belle Americaine
Walter Illingworth (Xylophone) playing Czardas by Monti
24 Jan 1970
8 Feb 1970
CONCERT – Wathden (Paid £60)
15 Feb 1970
19 Feb 1970
CONCERT – Saltney (Paid £70)
21 Feb 1970
CONCERT – Bedworth (Paid £70)
1 Mar 1970
10 Mar 1970
15 Mar 1970
17 Mar 1970
BBC (Paid £128)
21 Mar 1970
23 Mar 1970
Neil Fryer (Cornet) left the band. (26 Aug 1965 to 23 Mar 1970)
24 Mar 1970
26 Mar 1970
Walter Illingworth (Drums / Xylophone) left the band.
(8 Oct 1937 to 26 Mar 1970 /Rejoined 28 Aug 1974 to 6 Sept 1974)
He later rejoined between the 28 Aug 1974 to 6 Sept 1974 for the recording of
The Foden Sound LP. (33 Years)
4 Apr 1970
5 Apr 1970
6 Apr 1970
BBC (Paid £88)
6 Apr 1970
Jim McDean (Solo Baritone) left the band. (15 Jan 1948 to 6 Apr 1970)
Jim officially left on the 26 Feb 1970 but was asked to return for the above
BBC Broadcast.
Jim rejoined the band in 1970 to cover for Colin Cranson after his accident.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
12 Apr 1970
Test Piece “Overture, The Corsair” by Berlioz arr Geoffrey Brand.
11 Jan 1970
14 Jan 1970
19 Jan 1970
FIRST
Cammell Laird
SECOND
Wingates Temperance
THIRD
Greenway Moor
Fodens Motor Works Band Didn‟t take Part.
___________________________________________________________________________________
18 Apr 1970
19 Apr 1970
25 Apr 1970
CONCERT – Clitheroe (Paid £65)
26 Apr 1970
CONCERT – Whitehaven (Paid £156/15/0)
26 Apr 1970
R Chadwick (Cornet) joined the band for the above concert.
(26 Apr 1970 to 27 Sept 1971)
2 May 1970
3 May 1970
CONCERT – Thorne (Paid £73/10/0)
4 May 1970
9 May 1970
CONCERT – Holywell (Paid £70)
10 May 1970
CONCERT – Rotteston (Paid £70)
16 May 1970
6 June 1970
14 June 1970
28 June 1970
2 July 1970
Roy J Sparks (Roy Sparks E Flat Bass) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
According to Roy he joind the band in Aug 1969 but the band signing in book
puts his first rehearsal at July 1970. Roy could have been playing in concerts
during this period which are not recorded in the book.
(2 July 1970 to 1987+) Left and rejoined in 1983.
___________________________________________________________________________________
ROY SPARKS Biography.
1985
Became Musical Director of the United Co-op Band based in Crewe.
___________________________________________________________________________________
E Massey (Unknown) joined the band as a deputy for shows and played
occasionally until November 1971. (6 July 1970 to 10 Nov 1971)
6 July 1970
11 July 1970
CONCERT – Cotterham (Paid £80)
12 July 1970
19 July 1970
20 July 1970
BBC (Paid £88)
10 Aug 1970
R Gaskell (Solo Tenor Horn) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
15 Aug 1970
16 Aug 1970
CONCERT – Altrincham (Paid £65)
19 Aug 1970
RECORDING - Saga records (Paid £300)
23 Aug 1970
30 Aug 1970
5 Sept 1970
Test Piece “Pagentry” by Herbert Howells.
FIRST
Yorkshire Imperial
SECOND
CWS (Manchester)
THIRD
___________________________________________________________________________________
CONCERT WITHOUT FODENS
6 Sept 1970
CONCERT at Kings Hall, Belle Vue
(see above)
MASSED BANDS
City of Coventry
Grimethorpe Colliery,
The Fairey Band,
Wingates Temprence
Yorkshire Imperial Metals
5 July 1970
6 July 1970
___________________________________________________________________________________
19 Sept 1970
CONCERT – Lostock (Paid £85)
20 Sept 1970
MEN O‟ BRASS (Fairey and Fodens only)
Shrewsbury (Paid £65)
21 Sept 1970
BBC (Paid £88)
27 Sept 1970
CONCERT – Heywood (Paid £68/5/0)
3 Oct 1970
Free Trade Hall, Manchester (Paid £65)
4 Oct 1970
“Your Music”
1. Men O‟Brass (Harold Scull)
2. William Tell Overture (Rossini)
3. Featuring Cornets
a. Alleluia (Mozart)
b. Nine Busy Fingers (Woods0
4. Liebestraum (Liszt)
5. Waltz – Nights of Gladness (Ancliffe)
6. Londonderry Air (Trad arr Gordon Langford)
7. Rhapsody in Brass (Dean Goffin)
INTERVAL
1. When the Saints Go Marching in (Trad arr Gordon Langford)
2. Ballet Music – The Sicilian Vespers (G Verdi)
3. Featuring Euphoniums
a. Grandfather‟s Clock (George Doughty)
4. The Dambusters March (Eric Coates)
5. Featuring Trombones
a. Paperchase (Denzil Stephens)
6. March Slav (Tchaikovsky)
7. Finale – Sunset (Arr A.C. Green)
7 Oct 1970
David Whitson (Solo Cornet) left the band. (19 Jan 1967 to 7 Oct 1970)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
10 Oct 1970
Test Piece “Pride of Youth” by Gordon Jacob.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Ransome Hoffman Polland
THIRD
Hanwell
Fodens Motor Works Band UNPLACED
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 Oct 1970
CONCERT – London (Paid £250)
17 Oct 1970
22 Oct 1970
CONCERT – Town Hall, Walsall (Paid £80)
“Grand Concert of Brass and Voices”
Organised by Walsall and District Co-Operative Society (Educational Department)
With The Brownhills Co-Operative Choral Society (Founded 1949)
And Guest Artist Edward Darling (Tenor)
FODEN‟S BAND
1. March Entry of the Gladiators (Fucik)
2. Overture Barber of Saville (Rossini)
CHOIR
a. Just as the Tide Was Flowing (Vaughan Williams)
24 Oct 1970
25 Oct 1970
28 Oct 1970
1 Nov 1970
7 Nov 1970
12 Nov 1970
14 Nov 1970
15 Nov 1970
21 Nov 1970
27 Nov 1970
16 Nov 1970
18 Nov 1970
19 Nov 1970
29 Nov 1970
b. The Blue Bird (Stanford)
c. Trav‟ling (Winstead)
d. Goin‟ Home – Largo from the New World Symphony (Dvorak)
FODEN‟S BAND
3. Slavonic Rhapsodie (Fiedemann)
EDWARD DARLING
a. Una Furtiva Lagrima – L‟Elisir d‟amore (Donizetti)
b. Aubade – Le Roi d‟Ys (Lalo)
c. Bonnie wee Thing (Fox)
d. To People who have Gardens (Kennedy-Fraser)
FODEN‟S BAND
4. Handel‟s Largo (arr Hume)
CHOIR
e. Syke Boat Song (arr Heathcote Statham)
f. Hymn to Music (Dudley Buck)
INTERVAL
FODEN‟S BAND
1. Ballet – Pineapple Poll (Mackeras)
2. Frogs of Aristophanes (Bantock)
EDWARD DARLING
a. American Folk Songs with Guitar Including –
The Tenor Doodle Doo
The Riddle Song
The Lavender Cowboy
FODEN‟S BAND
3. Musical – Rose Marie (Friml)
CHOIR
Songs from the Stage
a. Tell me Pretty Maiden (Stuart arr Dexter)
b. And This is My Beloved – Kismet (Borodin)
c. Speed Your Journey – Nabucco (Verdi)
d. Seventy Six Trombones – The Music Man
(Meredith Willson arr Stickles)
FODEN‟S BAND
CHOIR AND EDWARD DARLING
a. Panis angelicus
Derby (Paid £70)
CONCERT – Stalybridge (Paid £65)
E Harrey (Percussion) joined the band on occasional rehearsals and shows
until the 10 November 1971. (12 Nov 1970 to 10 Nov 1971 Dep player)
Dates known -12 Nov 1970 /27 May 1971 / 10 Nov 1971
Skipton CANCELLED
CONCERT – Erden (Paid £60)
CONCERT – Middleton (Paid £65)
“HARRY MORTIMER – DIAMOND JUBILEE CONCERT”.
MEN O‟ BRASS (Morris, Fairey and Fodens)
Belle Vue, Manchester
A celebration of Harry Mortimer‟s Diamond Jubilee of music making.
The Men O‟ Brass were joined on stage by International Piano Star
1970
Dec 1970
Alberto Semprini (BBC Radio Presenter “Semprini Serenade”,
29 Sept 1957 onwards) and compere Wilfred Pickles.
A recording of the event was made by E.M.I. (or HMV) for release on LP
under the title “Harry Mortimer Diamond Jubilee Concert” HMV.
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Rex Mortimer (Musical Director)
Principal Cornet Teddy Gray (Ted Gray)
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Solo Cornet
Granville Jennings
Solo Cornet
David Whiston
Solo Flugel
Sid Garratt
2nd Cornet
David Lewsley
2nd Cornet
Rodney Booth
3rd Cornet
Frank Hughes (1966 to 1980)
3rd Cornet
Bob Shepley
1st Horn
David Newton (left 1 Mar 1971)
2nd Horn
Trombone
Alex English (joined c1951)
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett (2 Oct 1967)
Bass Trombone David Richards
2nd Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Solo Euphonium Colin Cranson
2nd Euphonium Geoff Wynes (or Eb bass)
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
E Flat Bass
Arthur Mullock
Horn
Ellis Shufflebotham
B Flat Bass
Ted Swindles
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
Percussion
Walter Illingworth
Ron Bobs (Baritone)
Geoff Whiston (Cornet)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
3110321 (New Sept 1962)
135953
Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Jimmy Charles
Cornet
Geoff Whiston
Cornet 127184
Flugel
Sid Garratt
Flugel 402103 (New Aug 1966)
Cornet
George Bailey
Cornet
David Whiston
Cornet
Cornet
Rodney Booth
Cornet 127499
Cornet
Frank Hughes
Own Cornet 140504
Cornet
Robert / Bob Shepley
Cornet 329405
Cornet
R Chadwick
Cornet 127172
Cornet
David Moulton
Cornet 370198
Cornet
H Dale
Cornet 99379
Tenor Horn
David Newton
Horn 127498
Tenor Horn
Roy Sparks (Moved)
Horn 124617
Tenor Horn
R Gaskill
Horn 129477
Baritone
Ron Bobs
Baritone 128847
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Colin Cranson
Euphonium 1251700
Euphonium
Arthur Mullock
Euphonium 76355
Trombone
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Bb Bass
Bb Bass
Eb Bass
Bb Bass
Percussion
Arthur English
Wynford Barnett
David Richards
Ted Swindles
Jack Millington
Geoff Wynes
Edgar Spurr
E Harrey
Trombone 345688
Trombone HP291571
Bass Trombone 371001 (N Sept 1964)
Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass 124049
###################################################################################
1971
###################################################################################
1971
Fodens Motor Works were victims of a downturn in sales and had to lay off 300 of
the 2,000 employees at Sandbach.
Some of the newer members of the band were also earmarked for redundancy on the
basis of being over the retirement age or the “last one in, first one out” rule.
Many of those who lost their jobs in the works also felt unable to continue with
the band and Rex Mortimer became very disheartened with the company even though
they would allow the players to stay with the band breaking their rules introduced
in 1963.
5 Jan 1971
BBC (Paid £128)
8 Jan 1971
Home Guard Reunion – Sandbach (Paid Gratis)
I am told by Granville Jennings that the Sandbach Home Guard held a reunion
on a number of occasions in Sandbach and that the band played at a number of these.
As the Band Diary ends in 1974 the only other date I have is the 7 January 1973.
16 Jan 1971
the guest Robert Bolt (Playwrite).
The track asked for was “Stars and Stripes forever” with the Massed Bands
(Fairey and Fodens).
17 Jan 1971
CONCERT – Wansley (Paid £70)
24 Jan 1971
26 Jan 1971
CONCERT – Caernarvon (Paid £150)
31 Jan 1971
LP RECORDING - Polydor Recording (Paid £300)
7 Feb 1971
CONCERT – Adwich–Le-Street (Paid £85)
14 Feb 1971
CONCERT – Bury (Paid £75)
16 Feb 1971
21 Feb 1971
De Montford Hall, Leicester (Paid £80)
1 Mar 1971
David Newton (1st Horn) left the band. He hadn‟t appeared at rehearsals since
the 22 October but made one last appearance at the 1 March rehearsal.
(28 March 1955 (one off) - 5 May 1955 to 1 Mar 1971)
10 Mar 1971
12 Mar 1971
13 Mar 1971
14 Mar 1971
17 Mar 1971
CONCERT – Darwen (Paid £85)
20 Mar 1971
Rochdale (Paid £65)
21 Mar 1971
22 Mar 1971
H Dale (Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(22 Mar 1971 to 26 Sept 1973)
28 Mar 1971
CONCERT – Rugby (Paid £94/10/0)
29 Mar 1971
CONCERT – Hartford (Paid £65)
4 Apr 1971
14 Apr 1971
17Apr 1971
18 Apr 1971
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
18 Apr 1971
Test Piece “A Joyful Noise” by Gordon Jacob
FIRST
Wingates Temperance
SECOND
Mirrlees Works
THIRD
Hoggarth‟s
Fodens Motor Works Band didn‟t take part.
___________________________________________________________________________________
25 Apr 1971
9 May 1971
CONCERT – Wolverhampton Fate (Paid £80)
10 May 1971
CONCERT – Rotteston (Paid £80)
15 May 1971
CONCERT – Rhyl (Paid £99/15/0)
22 May 1971
CONCERT – The Palace Theatre, Rhos (Paid £80)
“The World Famous Foden‟s Motor Works Championship Band”
In “Brilliance of Brass” presented by Norway ‟71 The
Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir.
With International Concert harpist Ceinwen Roberts.
1. Imperial Echoes (Saffroni)
2. The Thieving Magpie (Rossini)
3. The Lost Chord (Arthur Sullivan)
Featuring Cornets
CEINWEN ROBERTS (Harp)
a. Variations on a theme of Mozart (Arr Glinka)
4. Espana (arr Seymour)
Items in Contrast
5. Little Lisa (Warr)
a. Serch Hudol (Thomas)
7. Selection from Rigoletto (Verdi)
RHOS ORPHEUS MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Unknown
INTERVAL
RHOS ORPHEUS MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Unknown
2. Grandfather‟s Clock (George Doughty)
a. 1st Movement from Harp Concerto in B Flat (Handel)
b. Bugeilo‟r Gwenith Gwyn (Thomas)
3. Brick A Brack (Monckton)
5. Where‟er you Walk (Handel)
Trombone Solo
6. Variations on a Welsh Melody (arr William Rimmer)
7. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
___________________________________________________________________________________
MUSIC HISTORY
MY GRANDFATHER‟S CLOCK
Written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work who also wrote “Marching through Georgia”. Grandfather‟s
Clock was inspired by a clock the composer saw in a Piercebridge Hotel and it has become a standard
Euphonium Solo for many Brass Bands. It was a firm favourite on Childrens Radio programmes when
it was sung by the Radio Revellers in the UK.
The song has also inspired a 1963 episode of the TV series The Twilight Zone called “Ninety Years
without Slumbering”. Between 1962 to 1968, Fisher Price produced a toy clock with clock like ticking
based on the song and in 1994 a plastic version with a mouse on the side was produced.
The Oxford English Dictionary also attributes the naming of a Longcase Clock as the Grandfather‟s
Clock to the Song.
In 1966 an “Air and Variations on the theme of Grandfather‟s Clock” was composed by George
Doughty for Brass Band and which was later re arranged for Piano Accompanist by Drake Rimmer.
This was George‟s first composition for a Soloist and brass band and was recorded for the first time by
John Clough on euphonium with the Black Dyke Mills Band (Conductor Roy Newsome) on the 1968
Pye Golden Guinea Popular Series LP “The Champions” (Mono GGL 0410).
___________________________________________________________________________________
27 May 1971
CONCERT – Middlewich British Legion (Paid £55)
12 June 1971
CONCERT – Stevenage (Paid £120)
19 June 1971
CONCERT – York Centennial Celebrations / Festival / BBC (Paid £165)
CONCERT – York Minster.
MEN O‟ BRASS (Morris Motors, Fairey and Fodens)
The band played YORK Minster in celebration of the cities foundation by
Quintus Cerealis of the Ninth Legion of Romans.
26 June 1971
CONCERT – Highley (Nr Kidderminster, Midlands) (Paid £80)
27 June 1971
4 July 1971
18 July 1971
12 Aug 1971
CONCERT – Connahs Quay (Paid £75)
16 Aug 1971
21 Aug 1971
CONCERT – Rists (Staffordshire) (Paid £70)
22 Aug 1971
CONCERT – Fleetwood (Paid £75)
29 Aug 1971
4 Sept 1971
Test Piece “Festival Music” by Eric Ball
FIRST
Yorkshire Imperial
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
UNPLACED
5 Sept 1971
MEN O‟ BRASS - Belle Vue (Paid £85) (Sunday)
(see above)
MASSED BANDS (Men O‟ Brass)
Morris Motors Band,
The Fairey Band,
The concert also included Madge Stephens (Soprano)
9 Sept 1971
10 Sept 1971
COLIN CRANSON INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
On the date of Colin and Brenda‟s Wedding anniversary. They decided to go to
the White Lion at Weston. However as they were driving back through
Haslington a car hit them head on. Colin was badly injured and his wife Brenda
was in a coma for a while. Colin‟s lip and face were badly damaged and it wasn‟t
until the 11 January of 1972 that he was able to return to playing with the band.
Jim McDean came out of retirement to cover for Colin on Euphonium while
he recovered. (24 Nov 1971)
The band signing in book however has Colin attending the rehearsals during
this time period.
11 Sept 1971
CONCERT – Town Hall, Huddersfield (Paid £80)
12 Sept 1971
18 Sept 1971
CONCERT – Ashbourne (Paid £75)
19 Sept 1971
23 Sept 1971
Bob Dean (Robert Dean - Solo Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
___________________________________________________________________________________
BOB DEAN BIOGRAPHY (Robert Dean) Solo Cornet.
Born in Liverpool in 1933 Bob played under James Scott at the Camel Lairds Band in the 1960‟s
before joining Foden‟s in September 1971.
In the late 1970‟s Bob left Foden‟s to conduct the Edge Hill (British Rail) band and it was in this role
that he was contacted by Denis Carr a producer at the BBC asking him if he would be prepared to
present a six week programme of Brass Band music.
The programme was called “Sounds of Brass” on BBC Radio Merseyside a job he continued to do for
14 years. He produced over 500 shows (Celebrated on a Thursday 12 November) and was nominated
for a Broadcasting Award in the 1983 Rediffusion Radio Awrds (Now the Sony Radio Awards) on the
25 March at the London Hilton.
Bob was also the Head of Brass with Liverpool Education.
He died on the 16th February 2013 just a few days before he was due to attend a Patrons Concert.
___________________________________________________________________________________
CONCERT – Knutsford (Paid £70)
R Chadwick (Cornet) left the band. (26 Apr 1970 to 27 Sept 1971)
3 Oct 1971
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
9 Oct 1971
Test Piece “Le Roi D‟Ys” by Lalo arr Frank Wright
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Wyngates Temperance
SECOND
City of Coventry
THIRD
Cory
Fodens Motor Works Band came Failed to Qualify for the event.
___________________________________________________________________________________
9 Oct 1971
CONCERT – London MASSED BANDS (Paid £285)
10 Oct 1971
CONCERT – Hartshill (Paid £75)
16 Oct 1971
17 Oct 1971
CONCERT – Sandbach School (Paid Gratis)
21 Oct 1971
BBC (Paid £88)
23 Oct 1971
26 Oct 1971
Ted Gray (Edward Gray), Cornet, left the band to concentrate on
conducting other band including the Royal Doulton Band in Staffordshire.
(5 Apr 1948 to 26 Oct 1971)
29 Oct 1971
30 Oct 1971
31 Oct 1971
King‟s Hall, Derby (Paid £85)
4 Nov 1971
CONCERT – Barrton (Paid £65)
6 Nov 1971
7 Nov 1971
CONCERT – Treharris (Mid Glamorgan, South Wales) (Paid £165)
10 -14 Nov 1971 Ron Bobs (Baritone) left the band. Last entry in band signing in book 10 Nov
with the next entry being the 24 November when he was absent from rehearsals.
(25 Aug 1968 to 10 Nov 1971)
13 Nov 1971
CONCERT – Oswestry (Paid £94/5/0)
14 Nov 1971
CONCERT – Crewe (Lyceum Crewe)
CREWE THEATRE with Crewe and District Male Voice Choir.
Presented by Crewe Lions Association.
26 Sept 1971
27 Sept 1971
2 Oct 1971
(Paid £55)
CONCERT – Bispham (Paid £85)
CONCERT – Lymn (Paid £65)
CONCERT – Worsley (Paid £70)
Jim McDean (Euphonium / Solo Baritone -15 Jan 1948 to 6 Apr 1970)
Rejoined the band to cover for Colin Cranson who had been involved in a
Car accident. (24 Nov 1971 to 17 Aug 1972) see 10 Sept 1971.
27 Nov 1971
28 Nov 1971
___________________________________________________________________________________
28 November 1971
GRANADA BAND OF THE YEAR CONTEST
Presented in association with Novello Ltd and Belle Vue Ltd the first Autumn competition was held
at1pm on Sunday the 28 November 1971 at Belle Vue. The competition included the Top Ten Bands.
___________________________________________________________________________________
5 Dec 1971
Victoria Hall, Hanley (Paid £75)
11 Dec 1971
CONCERT – Shaw (Paid £60)
12 Dec 1971
15 Dec 1971
CONCERT – Northwich (Paid £89/5/0)
17 Dec 1971
18 Dec 1971
17 Nov 1971
19 Nov 1971
21 Nov 1971
24 Nov 1971
###################################################################################
1972
###################################################################################
(1971 see below) In 1971 redundancies at Cammell Lairds the ship builders they took the view that
their band was not needed and discontinued it along with Rex Mortimer‟s services
as conductor.
This meant that a number of good players were now available to fill some
of the gaps left in Fodens Band.
Among these band members was 19 year old Alan Brotherston (Born in Scotland)
who had played with the Galashields band before moving to the ship builders under
James Scott in 1969.
Trevor Halliwell who had been principal cornet with Wingates joined Fodens as
Assistant Principal Cornet just in time to help the band get to Belle Vue.
4 Jan 1972
Alan Brotherston (Solo Cornet) joined the band taking over from Ted Gray.
(1 Jan 1972 to 1981)
4 Jan 1972
Trevor Halliwell (Cornet) joined the band. (4 Jan 1972 to 28 Nov 1973)
15 Jan 1972
19 Jan 1972
CONCERT – Rotherham (Less 12 ½ % Commission) (Paid £120)
21 Jan 1972
22 Jan 1972
17 Feb 1972
(or 13 Feb)
Oakengates (Paid £85)
(Or Dates refer to an advert in the Open Championship programme)
18 Feb 1972
(or 20 Feb)
21 Feb 1972
BBC (Paid £88)
2 Mar 1972
CREWE THEATRE – (Paid £85)
According to the Foden band diary the band played the theatre on the 2 March 1972,
however the play “So What About Love” was on at the time so it may have been
a Sunday Concert. (Date not in the Crewe Chronicle)
11 Mar 1972
20 Mar 1972
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Test Piece “Concert Overture for Brass Band” by Vilem Tausky
FIRST
SECOND
Rochdale Band
THIRD
Hoggarth‟s
Fodens Motor Works Band didn‟t take part.
___________________________________________________________________________________
27 Mar 1972
CONCERT – Romley (Paid £70)
1 Apr 1972
CONCERT – Cleator Moor (Nr Whitehaven, Cumbria) (Paid £150)
4 Apr 1972
5 Apr 1972
CONCERT – Poulton Le Filde (Paid £85)
6 Apr 1972
15 Apr 1972
25 Apr 1972
Peter J Christian (Solo Baritone) joined the band for his first
rehearsal. (see below)
(25 Apr 1972 to 1977+)
25 Apr 1972
CONCERT – Weaverham (Paid £70)
2 May 1972
6 May 1972
(or 7 May)
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Fate (Paid £85)
13 May 1972
24 May 1972
17 June 1972
CONCERT – Ashton Under Lyme (Paid £85)
20 June 1972
CONCERT – Stevenage (Paid £130)
27 June 1972
1 July 1972
CONCERT – Highley (Nr Kidderminster, Midlands) (Paid £80)
10 July 1972
15 July 1972
CONCERT – Rossett (Nr Wrexham) (Paid £45)
20 July 1972
24 July 1972
25 July 1972
LP RECORDING - E.M.I. Recording (Paid £225)
1 Aug 1972
2 Aug 1972
20 Aug 1972
2 Sept 1972
Test Piece “Sovereign Heritage” by Jack Beaver
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
THIRD
Cory
FOURTH
FIFTH
___________________________________________________________________________________
3 Sept 1972
(see above)
MASSED BANDS
City of Coventry
The Fairey Band,
Wingates Temprence
Including Madge Stephens (Soprano)
___________________________________________________________________________________
3 September 1972
The Granada TV Band of the Year Festival was held at1pm on Sunday 3 Sept 1972 at Belle Vue.
The competition included the Top Ten Bands.
26 Mar 1972
___________________________________________________________________________________
12 Sept 1972
MEN O‟ BRASS (City of Coventry, Fairey and Fodens)
(or 9 Sept)
Town Hall, Huddersfield (Paid £80)
The MEN O‟ BRASS LTD were advertised as being at
50 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 Telephone 01-2291129
14 Sept 1972
CONCERT – Crewe Theatre (Paid £55)
(Lyceum Crewe)
23 Sept 1972
2 Oct 1972
(or 18 Sept)
Bedworth (Paid £80)
5 Oct 1972
(or 7 Oct)
Free Trade Hall Manchester (Paid £80)
6 Oct 1972
(or 1 or 2 Oct) Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (Paid £90)
8 Oct 1972
CONCERT – Hartford (Nr Northwich) (Paid £75)
14 Oct 1972
Test Piece “A Kensington Concerto” by Eric Ball.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
G.U.S.
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works Band came 19th
19 Oct 1972
(or 21 Oct)
28 Oct 1972
CONCERT – Steela (Paid £95)
29 Oct 1972
Kings Hall, Derby (Paid £85)
4 Nov 1972
5 Nov 1972
LP RECORDING - Belle Vue MEN O‟ BRASS (Paid £105)
The MEN O‟ BRASS, recorded SOUSA MARCHES (EMI Studio 2- TWO3385)
at the New Elizabethan Ballroom at Belle Vue with Harry Mortimer conducting.
8 Nov 1972
K Brotherston (3rd Cornet) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(8 Nov 1972 to 1 May 1974)
15 Nov 1972
CONCERT – Esda (Paid £75)
19 Nov 1972
Victoria Hall, Hanley (Paid £75)
20 Nov 1972
CONCERT – Lymm (Paid £75)
27 Nov 1972
CONCERT – ANNABELS – London (Night Club) (Paid £500)
Rex Mortimer was asked if the band would play at a Nightclub called “Annabel‟s” in
Berkeley Square in London. Thinking it was a sleaze club Rex would only agree if he
was able to check out the venue for himself, so the management agreed to invite him
to see their club. Having approved the venue the band went on to perform a
successful concert so much so that they were invited back shortly after to do another
evening.
The entertainment also included performances from Georgie Fame and Alan Price,
using arrangements written by Peter Skellern to be accompanied by Fodens.
It is possible that Peter Skellern was also at the concert however Granville Jennings
A member of the band at the time doesn‟t recall him being there. Peter Skellern went
on to use the Grimethorpe Colliery Band for “You‟re a Lady” and other hits.
The band were paid £500 for the 1972 appearance.
The band were asked back to the club the following year (see 4 June 1973).
(EXTRA INFO - On the 4 June 1963 “Annabel‟s” nightclub opened its doors for
the first time.)
9 Dec 1972
CONCERT – Shaw (Paid £60)
16 Dec 1972
18 Dec 1972
19 Dec 1972
20 Dec 1972
21 Dec 1972
22 Dec 1972
CONCERT – Sunderland (Paid £200)
CONCERT – Wythernshawe (Paid £80)
###################################################################################
1973
SECRETARY Rex Mortimer c/o Foden‟s Ltd.
BANDMASTER Edward Gray
###################################################################################
___________________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY NEWS
1973
Foden Motor Works desperate to gain back it position in the market decided despite
the poor sales of trucks, to build a new £5 million assembly plant making it the most
modern in Europe. It was opened in the Summer of 1973.
1973
Foden Motor Works received an order from the British Army for £18 Million pounds
worth of trucks.
___________________________________________________________________________________
7 Jan 1973
CONCERT – Home Guard Reunion - Sandbach (Paid Gratis)
(see 8 Jan 1971)
8 Jan 1973
Raymond Rose (B Flat Bass) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
8 Jan 1973
Jack Millington (B Flat Bass) left the band.
(14 Jan 1954 to 8 Jan 1973 / Rejoined 1977? to 4 Sept 1982)
12 Jan 1973
BBC (Paid £110)
20 Jan 1973
CONCERT – Butt Lane, Crewe (Paid £65)
22 Jan 1973
28 Jan 1973
CONCERT – Cranage (Nr Sandbach) (Paid £55)
4 Feb 1973
City Hall, Sheffield (Paid £90)
11 Feb 1973
18 Feb 1973
25 Feb 1973
CONCERT – Worsley, Manchester (Paid £75)
3 Mar 1973
CONCERT – Welwyn (Paid £150)
10 Mar 1973
CONCERT – Town Hall, Walsall (Paid £95)
“Brass in Concert”
Presented by Brownhills and District Ladies Circle
in aid of Locally Mentally Handicapped Children.
With Clifford Parkes (Bass – Covent Garden Opera Company) and
Organist John Langford.
1. BB and CF (Hume)
2. Overture La Gazza Ladra (Rosssini)
3. Not for Vengeance (Mozart) Song
4. Simon the Cellarer (J.L. Hatton) Song
5. Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell) Band and Organ
6. Jesu Joy of Man‟s Desiring (Bach)
7. Some Enchanted Evening (Richard Rodgers)
8. The Lost Chord (Sullivan)
10. Slavonic Rhapsodie (Friedemann)
INTERVAL
1. Student Prince (Romberg)
2. Cornet Carillon (Ronald Binge)
3. When the Saints Come Marching In (arr Langford)
4. The Floral Dance (Moss) Song
11 Mar 1973
17 Mar 1973
17 Mar 1973
(see above)
17 Mar 1973
(See above)
19 Mar 1973
24 Mar 1973
25 Mar 1973
30 Mar 1973
31 Mar 1973
(or 1 Apr)
6 Apr 1973
7 Apr 1973
25 Apr 1973
29 Apr 1973
5 May 1973
6 May 1973
12 May 1973
14 May 1973
15 May 1973
19 May 1973
4 June 1973
10 June 1973
17 June 1973
24 June 1973
1 July 1973
8 July1973
20 July 1973
22 July 1973
5. Non Piu Andrai (Mozart) Song
6. The Wedding (Prieto) Euphonium Solo
7. Finlandia (Sibelius) Band and Organ
8. Song of the Flea (Moussorgsky) Song
9. Ol‟ Man River (Kern) Song
10. Sullivan Operas Excerpts (arr Wright)
CONCERT – Whitworth (Nr Rochdale, Lancashire) (Paid £100)
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Guild Hall, Preston.
Test Piece (Not on 4 Bars Rest Website)
Conductor for Fodens Unknown
FIRST
(Not on 4 Bars rest website)
SECOND
(As above)
THIRD
(As above)
The Band book gives the band playing in Preston on this date with the band being
paid presumably for a concert after the main event.
Fodens Motor Works Band (Paid £100)
The MEN O‟ BRASS (City of Coventry, Fairey and Fodens)
Were booked for the Town Hall, Birmingham on this date according to an advert
in the 1972 Open Championship programme.
CONCERT – Warren C Club (Paid £85)
CONCERT – Middlesbrough (Paid £200)
CONCERT – Hattesley (Paid £85)
Oakengates (Paid £100)
CONCERT – Cranage (Nr Sandbach) (Paid £70)
Final Concert in the First Holmes Chapel Music Society Season.
Conductor for the concert was Rex Mortimer.
The venue was the Cranage Hall Hospital (Since been knocked down)
which had a revolving stage, ordinary stage and a theatre organ among its facilities.
The concert opened with the Introduction to Act 3 of Lohengrin by Richard Wagner.
3. Ida Dot () Duet by Alan Brotherstone and Tony Goddard.
At the end of the concert the final piece should have been the Tone Poem “Finlandia”
by Sibelius however the show finished with a request. Rumour has it that the band
had forgotten to bring the music for Finlandia. With Rex no longer with us we shall
never know.
(From a report by Peter Fletcher in the 2009 Fanfare – Patron‟s Newsletter)
CONCERT – Weaverham (Nr Northwich) (Paid £80)
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Fate (Paid £110)
CONCERT – Barrow (Paid £150)
CONCERT – Hanley – Chatfields (Paid £85)
BBC (Paid £100)
ANNABELLS Nightclub, London (Paid £825)
CONCERT at the Nightclub called “Annabel‟s” in Berkeley Square in London.
After the success of the show last year they band was booked again for this venue.
The band were paid £825 for the 1973 appearance, £325 more than last year.
CONCERT – Stowe School (Paid £150)
CONCERT – Warmingham (Nr Sandbach) (Paid £55)
27 July 1973
Tony Goddard (Cornet / Librarian) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
(27 July 1973 to 1983)
26 Aug 1973
1 Sept 1973
Test Piece “The Accursed Huntsman” by Cesar Franck arr Edrich Siebert
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills (197 Points)
SECOND
Grimethorpe Colliery (195 Points)
THIRD
Brighouse and Rastrick (193 Points)
FOURTH
Yorkshire Imperial Metals (192 Points)
FIFTH
Hammonds Sauce Works (191 Points)
SIXTH
Stanshawe (190 Points)
UNPLACED
___________________________________________________________________________________
2 Sept 1973
(see above)
MASSED BANDS
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Hammonds Sauce Works
Including Madge Stephens (Soprano)
Compere Jimmy Kingsbury
with John Hanson (Singer)
___________________________________________________________________________________
8 Sept 1973
Huddersfield (Paid £100)
13 Sept 1973
Colston Hall, Bristol (Paid £160)
16 Sept 1973
26 Sept 1973
H Dale (Cornet) left the band. (22 Mar 1971 to 26 Sept 1973)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
6 Oct 1973
Test Piece “Freedom” by Hurbert Bath.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
CWS (Manchester)
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
Fodens Motor Works Band Failed to Qualify.
Fairey Aviation and Morris Motors also failed to take part in this year‟s final and
as you can see below joined together for a MEN O‟ BRASS Concert at Manchester.
___________________________________________________________________________________
6 Oct 1973
7 Oct 1973
12 Oct 1973
13 Oct 1973
20 Oct 1973
21 Oct 1973
3 Nov 1973
4 Nov 1973
11 Nov 1973
(see above – 6 Oct 1973 National Championships)
Wolverhampton (Paid £120)
Bedworth (Nr Coventry) (Paid £110)
CONCERT – Crosby (Paid £110)
CONCERT – Bentley (Nr Doncaster) (Paid £100)
CONCERT – Sandbach (Paid Gratis)
25 Nov 1973
28 Nov 1973
9 Dec 1973
11 Dec 1973
13 Dec 1973
16 Dec 1973
20 Dec 1973
Dec 1973
Hanley (Paid £105)
Trevor Halliwell (Cornet) left the band. (4 Jan 1972 to 28 Nov 1973)
CONCERT – Wythenshawe (Paid £85)
CONCERT – Nelson (Paid £90)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
LOAN INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
3110321 (New Sept 1962)
Principal Cornet Alan Brotherston
Cornet 543563
Besson ECHO CORNET
Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Cornet 127177
Cornet
Trevor Halliwell
Own Cornet 486251
Cornet
Bob / Robert Dean
Cornet 329405
Cornet
Geoff Whiston
Cornet 127184
Flugel
Sid Garratt
Flugel 127882
Cornet
George Bailey
Cornet
Frank Hughes
Own Cornet 140504
Cornet
David Moulton
Cornet 125341
Cornet
H Dale
Cornet 370198
Cornet
K Brotherston
Cornet 352396
Tenor Horn
R Gaskill
Horn 129477
Tenor Horn
Roy Sparks (Moved)
Horn 124617
Tenor Horn
Rodney Booth (Moved) Horn 539002
Baritone
Peter J Christian
Baritone 128847
Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
Euphonium
Colin Cranson
Euphonium 1251700
Euphonium
Arthur Mullock
Euphonium 76355
Trombone
Arthur English
Trombone 345688
Trombone
Wynford Barnett
Trombone HP291571
Bass Trombone 473554 (New)
Bb Bass
Edward / Ted Swindles Bb Bass 127500
Bb Bass
Raymond Rose
Bb Bass 124685
Eb Bass
Edgar Spurr
Eb Bass 124075 (Replated 1950)
Eb Bass
Geoff Wynes
Eb Bass 124049
Percussion
Walter Illingworth
###################################################################################
1974
Musical Advisor Harry Mortimer.
###################################################################################
12 Jan 1974
CONCERT - Buxton (Paid £90)
20 Jan 1974
CONCERT - Dewsbury (Paid £110)
29 Jan 1974
PYE Recording (Paid £300)
(Recording session for the LP “The Foden Sound” Pye GSGL10511)
3 Feb 1974
CONCERT – Town Hall, Todmorden (Nr Halifax) (Paid £100)
1. Dambusters (Eric Coates)
2. Barber of Saville (Rossini)
Solo Cornet Alan Brotherston
4. Skaters Waltz (Waldteufel)
5. Items in Contrast
a. Whispering Brass (Haysom)
b. Pixie‟s Parade (Le Duc)
10 Feb 1974
14 Feb 1974
Mar 1974
7 Mar 1974
7 Mar 1974
14 Mar 1974
17 Mar 1974
21 Mar 1974
22 Mar 1974
31 Mar 1974
6 Apr 1974
17 Apr 1974
25 Apr 1974
27 Apr 1974
5 May 1974
7 May 1974
11 May 1974
12 May 1974
6. Tchaikovsky Selection (arr William Rimmer)
INTERVAL
1. Ballet Music - Coppelia (Delibes)
2. Invincible (H. Scott)
Euphonium Solo Colin Cranson
3. Student Prince Selection (Romberg)
4. Where-eer-you-Walk (Handel)
5. A lightning Switch (Alford)
6. Flying Squad (Hume)
7. National Anthem
CONCERT - Winsford (Paid £100)
CONCERT - Chester (Paid £95)
Test Piece (Missing from 4 Bars Rest Website)
FIRST
(Missing from 4 Bars Rest Website)
SECOND
(as above)
THIRD
(as above)
Unknown
Fodens Motor Works Band (Not in Top 2)
Glenn Greenlees (Unkn) joined the band. (see below)
(7 Mar 1974 to 1981+)
CONCERT - Manchester (Paid £70)
CONCERT - Silverdale (Staffordshire) (Paid £80)
CONCERT - Nantwich (Paid £80)
CONCERT - Walsall (Paid £105)
CONCERT - Pensioners (Possibly in Sandbach) (Paid Gratis)
CONCERT - Oakengates (Paid £125)
CONCERT - Ansdell (Nr Lytham St Anne‟s, Merseyside) (Paid £100)
At Ansdell Secondary School.
1. BB and CF (J Ord Hume)
2. Morning Noon and Night (Suppe)
3. The Golden Waltz (arr Winter)
4. Nightingale (Harold Moss)
Cornet Solo Alan Brotherston
5. Nimrod (Edward Elgar)
7. Slavonic Rhapsody (Friedemann)
INTERVAL
Euphonium Solo Colin Cranson)
3. Desert Song (Romberg)
5. Lorelei (Nesvadba)
6. Excerpts from Sullivan‟s Operas (arr Wright)
7. Deep Harmony (Duckworth)
CONCERT - Huntington (Staffordshire?) (Paid Gratis)
GRANADA TV (Paid £500)
CONCERT - Chapel-a (Paid £95)
CONCERT - Wolverhampton Fate (Paid £135)
BBC (Paid £100)
CONCERT - Rossett (Nr Wrexham) (Paid £110)
PYE Records (Paid £210)
Released in the Autumn of 1974, Fodens joined with the Northwich and
District Festival Choir to release A CHRISTMAS OFFERING
(Pye - Top Brass GSGL10514) with the title track being composed by John Golland
(See 1975) It was probably recorded at this session for Pye records although the band
diary does‟t list the joint venture just the session. (see also 29 Jan 1974)
A Christmas Prelude
All on A Christmas Morning
Christmas Offering
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Carol of the Bells
Sans Day Carol
Jingle Bells
Away in a Manger
Hail to the Lord's Anointed
Ring out wild Bells
The Little Drummer Boy
Mary had a Baby
(Re issued in 1997 as BRASS BAND CHRISTMAS Castle Communications PLS CD260)
18 May 1974
MEN O BRASS CONCERT – Central Hall, Coventry (Paid £115)
Foden‟s, Fairey‟s and City of Coventry
1. Introduction to Act 3 of Lohengrin (Wagner arr Denis Wright)
2. Overture – Light Cavalry (Suppe)
3. The Prince of Denmark‟s March – Trumpet Voluntary
(Jeromiah Clarke arr Bram Gay)
4. The Lost Chord (Sullivan arr Langford)
5. Cappricio Italian (Tchaikovsky)
6. Music from the TV Series
a. Eye Level – Van der Valk (arr Norman Richardson0
b. The Onedin Line - Sparticus (Khachaturian)
c. Tone Poem - Life Divine (Cyril Jenkins)
INTERVAL
1. French Military March (Saint Seans arr W. B. Hargreaves)
2. Londonderry Air (arr Gordon Coleman)
6. To A Wild Rose (Macdowell)
7. When the Saints Come Marching in (arr Gordon Langford)
8. Overture 1812 (Tchaikovsky arr Denis Wright)
9. Sundown – The Day Thou Gavest (arr Barsotti)
10. Fanfare and National Anthem
1 June 1974
CONCERT - Bridgemere (Nr Nantwich) (Paid £30)
8 June 1974
CONCERT - Stevenage (Paid £150)
13 June 1974
CONCERT - Burntwood (Nr Litchfield, Staffordshire) (Paid £120)
15 June 1974
CONCERT - Berkswick (Paid £100)
16 June 1974
CONCERT - Aldwick (Paid £125)
30 June 1974
CONCERT - Fleetwood (Paid £95)
7 July 1974
CONCERT - Barrow (Paid £170)
21 July 1974
17 Aug 1974
CONCERT - Stoke City (Paid Wages)
18 Aug 1974
25 Aug 1974
CREWE THEATRE - SOUNDING BRASS AND VOICES
Incl;
Foden‟s Band and Crewe Male Voice Choir
Proceeds from this concert went to Crewe Lions Club
(Paid £55)
28 Aug 1974
Walter Illingworth (Drums / Xylophone) rejoined the band for the recording of
The Foden Sound LP. (28 Aug 1974 to 6 Sept 1974)
See also 8 Oct 1937 to 26 Mar 1970
(8 Oct 1937 to 26 Mar 1970 /Rejoined 28 Aug 1974 to 6 Sept 1974)
1 Sept 1974
CONCERT - Bentley (Nr Doncaster) (Paid £105)
5 Sept 1974
CONCERT - Frodsham (Paid £100)
6 Sept 1974
Walter Illingworth (Drums / Xylophone) left the band. (see above)
7 Sept 1974
Test Piece “James Cook – Circumnavigator” by Gilbert Vinter.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Stanshawe
THIRD
GUS Footwear
UNPLACED
___________________________________________________________________________________
8 Sept 1974
(see above)
MASSED BANDS
City of Coventry
C.W.S. (Manchester)
Fairey
Including Lois Malcom and the Boarshurst Silver Band (Brian Garside)
Airborne
Catherine Howells (Young Cornet Virtuoso)
Compere Sam Mason
___________________________________________________________________________________
14 Sept 1974
CONCERT - Bristol (Paid £200)
With Dowty Boulton Paul Male Voice Choir.
1. Roll Away Bet (Hume)
2. Jenny Wren (Davies)
MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Border Ballad (Cowen arr Rowley)
b. Song of the Volga Boatman
c. Pilgrims Choris - Tannhauser
3. New World Fantasy (arr Langford)
5. Dream O Day Jill from Tom Jones (E German)
Soprano Solo M Jones
6. One Fine Day – Madame Butterfly (Puccini)
MALE VOICE CHOIR
d. The Holy City (Sullivan)
e. Sound Ye Trumpets
BAND AND CHOIR
6. Rule Britannia (Thomas Arne arr Woodgate)
INTERVAL
MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Old Man River – Showboat
b. Toreadors Song – Carmen
1. Overture – Forces of Destiny (Verdi)
2. Bird Songs at Eventide (Eric Coates)
3. Pipes of Pan – Arcadians (Monckton)
MALE VOICE CHOIR
c. An Evening‟s Pastoral
d. The Lord‟s Prayer
4. Angels Guard Thee (Godard)
BAND AND CHOIR
6. March of the Peers – Iolanthe (Sullivan)
7. Jerusalem (Hubert Parry)
22 Sept 1974
CONCERT - Shifnal (Paid £45)
28 Sept 1974
5 Oct 1974
6 Oct 1974
9 Oct 1974
CONCERT - Wrexham (Paid £110)
CONCERT - Pwttheli (Paid £250)
R Torkington? Joined the band (Unable to read name in Signing in Book)
(9 Oct 1974 to 5 Feb 1975)
12 Oct 1974
CONCERT - Free Trade Hall Manchester (Paid £100)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
17 Oct 1974
Test Piece “Fantasy for Brass Band” by Malcolm Arnold.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Cory
SECOND
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
___________________________________________________________________________________
18 Oct 1974
20 Oct 1974
27 Oct 1974
4 Nov 1974
8 Nov 1974
9 Nov 1974
CONCERT - Pensioners (Possibly Sandbach) (Paid Gratis)
CONCERT - Mansfield (Paid £150)
Organised by Mansfield District Council
1. Passing of the Regiments (Winter)
3. Thoughts (Alford)
4. La Vienne Rose (or La Vie En Rose by Edrich Siebert arr Louiguy)
Cornet Feature
5. Items in Contrast
a. Handels Largo (arr Hume)
b. Heykens Serenade (arr Mackenzie)
INTERVAL
1. Serenade Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (W.A. Mozart)
2. Intermezzo – Aisha (Lindsay)
3. (Musical) Bric-a-Brac (Lionel Monkton)
4. (Ballet Music) Pinapple Poll (Mackeras)
5. Rhythmic Skaters (Waldteufel arr S P Wood)
6. Death or Glory (Hall)
7. Hymn – Selected
8. National Anthem
CONCERT - Sandbach PTA (Paid Gratis)
CONCERT - Fodens (For the company) (Paid Gratis)
CONCERT – Theatre Royal, St Helens (Paid £90)
1. Bombardier (Powell)
2. Ray Blas (Mendelesohnn)
3. Gold and Silver Waltz (Franz Lehar)
4. Hailstorm (William Rimmer)
6. Headless Horseman (Goodwin)
INTERVAL
Solo euphonium Colin Cranson
3. Perchance to Dream (Ivor Novello)
4. Where-err you Walk (Handel)
6. March of the Peers from Iolanthe (Arthur Sullivan arr D Rimmer)
7. Beautiful Zion (arr Hughes)
CONCERT - Heanor (Nr Nottingham) (Paid £120)
17 Nov 1974
23 Nov 1974
24 Nov 1974
1 Dec 1974
7 Dec 1974
12 Dec 1974
15 Dec 1974
(Sunday)
CONCERT - Telford (Paid £110)
CONCERT - Stroud (Paid £125)
CONCERT – Pavilion Gardens, Buxton (Paid £100)
Combined Bands with the Fairey Band (Kenneth Dennison)
and Foden‟s (Rex Mortimer)
Conducted by Harry Mortimer
1. March The Padstow Lifeboat (Malcolm Arnold)
2. Overture Orpheus in the Underworld (Offenbach)
Tenor Horns – Air on a G String (Bach arr Eric Ball)
Cornets – The Three Trumpeteers (Agostini)
Cornets – Cornet Carillon (Ronald Binge)
4. Waltz Espana (Chabrier / Waldteufel)
5. Whispering Brass (Peter Haysom)
6. Excerpts from H.M.S. Pinafore (Sullivan arr Seymour)
7. Tone Poem – Lorenzo (Thomas Keighley)
INTERVAL
1. Our Boys will Shine Tonight (Trad arr Langford)
2. Overture the Force of Destiny (Verdi arr Frank Wright)
Trombones – Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)
Trombones – 76 Trombones (Sandy Wilson)
Euphoniums – Grandfather‟s Clock (George Doughty)
4. A New World Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
5. Themes from the TV Shows (Arr Woodfield)
6. A Christmas Fantasy (Harold Scull arr Eric Ball)
CONCERT - Blackburn (Paid £100)
CONCERT - Altrincham (Paid £90)
CONCERT – Lydney Town Hall (Paid £200)
The Bream Silver Band Presents “Sounding Brass and Voices”
With The Woodberry Singers
Compere Mr G Biggard
1. Bombardier (Powell)
2. Overture – Chal Romano (Ketelby)
3. The Golden Waltz (arr Winter)
5. Items in contrast
a. The Long Day Closes (Arthur Sullivan)
b. Mexican March (Barsotti)
WOODBERRY SINGERS
a. Christmas is Coming (arr Walford Davies)
b. Mary had a Baby (Derek Hyde)
c. Mary‟s Boy Child (Jester Hairston)
d. Melba Waltz (Mischa Spoliansky)
e. This is my Lovely Day (Vivian Ellis)
f. Meadley of Waltzes
INTERVAL
1. Serenade – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart)
2. La Belle Americaine (Hartmann)
3. Selection – Desert Song (Romberg)
5. New World Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
17 Dec 1974
18 Dec 1974
1974
6. Selection Tchaikowsky (arr William Rimmer)
7. National Anthem
BBC (Paid £100)
CONCERT - Northwich (Paid £105)
During the year 1974 Harry Mortimer gave up his post as Musical Director
with the band.
November 1974 Fodens Motor Works were again having difficulties. Not even the contract to fit out
the Army with new trucks stopped the Bank from pulling the carpet from under them
asking for the company to pay off its debts.
1974
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
Solo Cornet
Anthony S Goddard (Tony Goddard)
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Solo Cornet
Robert Dean
Solo Cornet
Geoff Whiston
2nd Cornet
Frank Hughes
3rd Cornet
David Moulton
3rd Cornet
K Brotherston
Flugel Horn
Sidney Garratt
Solo Tenor Horn R Gaskell
1st Tenor Horn Roy J Sparks
2nd Tenor Horn Rodney Booth
Solo Baritone
Peter J Christian
2nd Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett
2nd Euphonium Arthur Mullock
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
E Flat Bass
Geoff Wynes
B Flat Bass
Edward Swindles (Ted Swindles)
B Flat Bass
Raymond Rose
Percussion
Walter Illingworth
(From LP “The Foden Sound” Pye GSGL10511)
###################################################################################
BAND SIGNING IN BOOK
From 1923 to 1974 every time a band member attended a rehearsal they were asked to log in. This way
we can now look back and find out when members joined the band.
The First entry was the 20 January 1923 with the final entry from March 1975.
LIST OF NAMES
INSTRUMENT
NAME
EXTRA DETAILS
Conductor
Rex Mortimer
Principal Cornet
Alan Brotherston
Solo Trombone
Alex English
Solo Euphonium
Colin Cranson
Percussion
Walter Illingworth
LEFT 6 Sept 1974
Solo Cornet
Anthony S Goddard (Tony Goddard)
Solo Cornet
Desmond Thomas
Solo Cornet
Geoff Whiston
Flugel Horn
Sidney Garratt
Repiano Cornet
George Bailey
LEFT 29 Jan 1975
2nd Cornet
Frank Hughes
3rd Cornet
David Moulton
Soprano Cornet
Granville Jennings
LEFT 8 Jan 1975
Solo Tenor Horn
R Gaskell
1st Tenor Horn
Roy J Sparks
2nd Tenor Horn
Rodney Booth
Solo Baritone
Peter J Christian
2nd Baritone
Arthur Webb Jnr
2nd Euphonium
Arthur Mullock
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett
Bass Trombone
David Richards
B Flat Bass
Edward Swindles (Ted Swindles)
B Flat Bass
Raymond Rose
E Flat Bass
Geoff Wynes
E Flat Bass
Edgar Spurr
Solo Cornet
Robert Dean
NAMED ADDED AT BOTTOM OF LIST.
Unknown
G Greenless
(Joined 7 Mar 1974)
Unknown
R Torkington ?
(Joined 9 Oct 1974)
Unknown
B Wilding
###################################################################################
1975
Conductor
Rex Mortimer / John Golland / James Scott
###################################################################################
8 Jan 1975
26 Jan 1975
29 Jan 1975
5 Feb 1975
16 Feb 1975
Granville Jennings (Solo Cornet) left the band. (2 Mar 1965 to 8 Jan 1975)
Granville had left Fodens to join Ted Gray at the Royal Doulton Band.
Between 1978 and 1990 Granville conducted the “Beresford Band”
in Congleton.
CONCERT – New Civic Hall, Radcliffe
1. Bramwyn (Carr)
2. Overture – Barber of Saville (Rossini)
3. Estudiantina (Waldteufel)
4. Jenny Wren (Davis)
5. New World Fantasy (Dvorak arr Gordon Langford)
INTERVAL
1. Show Boat (Kern)
3. Rhapsodie on Negro Spirituals (Ball)
4. Where-err you Walk (Handel)
7. NATIONAL ANTHEM
George Bailey (Repiano Cornet) left the band. (16 Jan 1956 to 29 Jan 1975)
R Torkington? left the band (Unable to read the name in Signing in Book)
(9 Oct 1974 to 5 Feb 1975)
MEN O‟ BRASS De Montfort Hall, Leicester.
(Fodens, Fairey and City of Coventry)
Conducted by Harry Mortimer OBE
With Michael Austin at the Organ.
1. War March of the Priests (with Organ) (Felix Mendelssohn)
3. Minuet – Berenice (with Organ) (Handel)
5. Serenade (Drigo)
6. The Grenadiers (Waldteufel)
7. Lorenzo (Thomas Keighley)
INTERVAL
1. Tune for a Ceremonial Occasion (With Organ) (Harold Scull)
2. The Force of Destiny (Verdi)
3. The Lost Chord (With Organ) (Sullivan arr Gordon Langford)
Featuring Cornets
4. A New World Fantasy (arr Gordon Langford)
Featuring Cornets
5. Unknown
Xylophone Solo Nigel Thomas
6. Tricky Trombones (Jack Hellyer)
Featuring Trombones
7. Jesu Joy of man‟s Desiring (with Organ) (Bach arr Seymour)
MAN O BRASS with ORGAN
8. Tone Poem, Finlandia (Sibelius)
9. Now Thank we all our God (arr Siebert)
10. Fanfare and NATIONAL ANTHEM
26 Feb 1975
B Wilding (Unkn) joined the band for his first rehearsal.
Early 1975
The Fodens Motor Works Band received an overdraft facility organised by
Gwynneth Dunwoody the Crewe Labour MP from the Minister for Industry
Tony Benn. The help offered was however not needed as private investors and
financial institutions put enough money into the company to keep it going.
1975
The loss of jobs was still on the cards and many members of the company took early
retirement.
Rex Mortimer was also of the age of retirement and had to consider his position
with the band and decided to take up the offer of early retirement after
48 year‟s of service.
20 Apr 1975
CONCERT – Bentley Pavilion, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council,
Department of Amenities and Leisure Band Concerts.
Conductor John Golland
1. Bramwyn (Carr)
2. Rosaminde (Schubert)
3. Shylock (Lear)
4. West Side Story
5. Londonderry Air (arr Coleman)
7. Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik (Mozart)
INTERVAL
1. Scherzo (Boekel)
2. Pineapple Poll (Sulivan)
3. Taste of Honey
4. Emperor Waltz (Strauss)
6. Ballet Music – Robert the Devil (Giacomo Meyerbeer)
7. Hymn
8. National Anthem
After Apr 1975 With the retirement of Rex Mortimer the job of his replacement was sort after.
It went to a new name in the band world John Golland a 32 year old from
Lancashire who had studied at the Royal Northern Collage of Music and had
composed “Christmas Offering” for the bands LP of the same name in 1974.
John had the credentials to be in charge of the band however he just didn‟t seem to
gel with the band who lacked confidence in their conductor. As he was not quite what
the band wanted his appointment was short lived and Allan Littlemore decided to
let him go.
___________________________________________________________________________________
JOHN GOLLAND Biography.
John Golland of Duckinfield, Cheshire was a full time musician and composer.
He was also the director of various bands and lived at 35 Lismore Road, Duckinfield.
Born in Ashton-under-Lyne near Manchester on the 13 September 1942.
He lived for most of his life in Duckenfield.
Educated at De La Salle College, Salford and then teacher training College in Oldham. John also
studied part time at the Royal Northern College of Music under composition tutor Thomas Pitfield.
In the 1960‟s John played the Euphonium with the Stalybridge Band one of the instruments he played,
including piano and violin.
In 1970 John gave up full time School Teaching to concentrate on composing.
John composed for various bands including “City of Chester Band”, “Fodens”, James shepherd
Versatile Brass”, “The Adamsons Military Band”, “The Spillers Band (Nottingham)”, “Dubcross”,
“Lees and Glodwick”, and “Boarshurst”.
As a conductor he went to Switzerland and composed many tunes for their bands as well as in the UK.
Composing credits included music for the BBCTV series “Dear Ladies” starring Hinge and Bracket.
John Dollans died on the 14 Apr 1997 aged 50 after a long illness.
A celebration took place at the RNCM between the 14 and 23 April 1994 at various locations.
13 Apr 1997
DUCKENFIELD TOWN HALL
Blue Plaque unveiling with Adamson‟s Military Band and
Chetham‟s School of Music Orchestra
With Hinge and Bracket.
13 Apr 1997
BOARSHURST BAND CLUB
Lees and Glodwick Band (John‟s last band) with Tony Creswell
14 Apr 1997
RNCM Manchester.
Manchester Celebration Orchestra, Manchester Junior Schools Choir,
Mancunian Winds, Manchester Youth Dance Theatre.
Introduced by Allan Jones
16 Apr 1997
MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC,
Denmark Road.
Alison Wells (Soprano), John Turner (Recorder), Keith Swallow (Piano)
17 Apr 1997
RNCM Manchester.
RNCM Brass Band (Conducted by Howard Snell),
RNCM Wind Orchestra (Conducted by Michael Fowles)
18 Apr 1997
SOUTHPORT TOWN HALL
Britannia Building Society Brass Band (Fodens)
19 Apr 1997
BRAMHALL UNITED REFORM CHURCH
Northern Chamber Orchestra.
21 Apr 1997
SWINTON HIGH SCHOOL
John Colland Brass – Workshop and Concert
23 Apr 1997
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD
University of Salford Brass Band and Halle Brass
Pic and Feature on retirement of Rex Mortimer - Chronicle.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1975
Ted Foden who had helped to run the band also decided to hand in his resignation
with Foden Motor Works as well as running the band. His son David should have
taken on the role but he was appointed Sales Director and spent most of his time
abroad. It was decided that the role of Band Manager should go to Allan Littlemore
who had previously only attended concerts and competitions. Running the band was
something else. As personnel manager he was given the job by David Foden
basically because any job that had no real description went to the Personnel manager
to sort out. Allan was assisted by Alan Stubbs as band secretary.
Allan was excited at the prospect but wasn‟t quite sure what was needed.
Ted Swindles (Double Bass Player) came to the rescue. As librarian with the band he
knew everything Allan needed to know and soon put him on the right track.
1975
Allan decided that a new change to the musical helm of the band was needed and
Rex Mortimer agreed to return to take charge on a temporary basis until a new
musical director could be found.
__________________________________________________________________________________
LOCAL NEWS
22 Feb 1975
BBC RADIO STOKE KNOCKOUT BRASS
Radio Stoke held a competition for many years with Brass Bands competing for a
number of trophies. This year‟s final took place at the QUEEN‟S THEATRE
BURSLEM on Saturday the 22 February 1975 and was broadcast later on the BBC.
The programme started in 1970 and was devised by technical producer
Simon Penfold of BBC Radio Stoke.
Bands taking part this year.
Beresfords (Congleton) Senior Band (Conductor Charles Cook)
The Glossop Comprehensive School Band (Conductor Jack Fletcher)
The Royal Doulton Band (Conductor Edward Gray)
The Thornsett Band (Conductor Brian Taylor)
Compere for the Programme Arfon Roberts
Producer
The Adjudicator were Derek Gardside (CWS Manchester)
Rex Mortimer (Foden‟s Band)
Referee Jack Oliver (Evening Sentinal Newspaper)
BROADCAST DETAILS
PART 1. Sat 1 Mar at 11.30am / Repeated Thursday 6 Mar at 6.40pm
PART 2. Sat 8 Mar at 11.30am / Repeated Thursday 13 Mar at 6.40pm
MASSED BAND CONCERT Sat 15 Mar at 11.30am / Repeated Thursday 20 Mar at 6.40pm
The winners will receive either the Foden Cup or the Norman Machin Trophy
MASSED BAND CONCERT Conducted by Rex Mortimer
1. The Bombardier (T.J. Powell)
2. Overture Bohemian Girl (Balfe)
4. Showboat selection (Jerome Kern)
5. 76 Trombones (Sandy Willson)
6. Crimond (arr Austin Rayner)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
23 Mar 1975
Test Piece “Journey Into Freedom” by Eric Ball
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
Fairey
THIRD
Hoggarth‟s
Fodens Motor Works Band Didn‟t take part.
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
UNKNOWN DATE
ASHTONIAN BRASS PRESENT
FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND under the direction of John Gollard.
1. March – O.R.B. (Anderson)
2. Force of Destiny (Verdi arr Frank Wright)
3. Jenny Wren (Davis) Solo Cornet Alan Brotherston
4. Adagio from Spartacus (Khatachaturian)
5. Relay (John Golland)
6. Rhapsody in Brass (Dean Goffin)
INTERVAL
2. La Belle Americane (Hartman) Euphonium Solo Colin Cranson
3. The Wild Wild West (arr Hanmer)
4. Early One Morning (Seymour)
5. Angels Guard Thee (Goddard) Trombone Solo Alex English
###################################################################################
18 May 1975
2 CONCERTS – Pinxton Miners Welfare Hall.
“Golden Jubilee Brass Band Concert”
Organised by the Pinxton Miners Welfare Music Festival Committee.
Afternoon Concert at 3pm (PINK PROGRAMME)
14 June 1975
15 June 1975
2. Overture - Magic Flute (Mozart)
3. Estudinantino (Waldteufel)
4. Jenny Wren (Davis) Solo Cornet Alan Brotherston
5. Intermezzo – Aisha (Lindsay)
6. Themes from the New World (Dvorak)
INTERVAL
1. Show Boat (Kern)
5. The Onedin Line Theme – Spartacus (Khatachaturian)
6. Music of the Peers from Iolanthe (arr D Rimmer)
Evening Concert at 7pm (BLUE PROGRAMME)
1. Three DG‟s (Brophy)
2. Overture – Semiramide (Rossini)
3. La Chatalaine (arr Fred Mortimer)
a. Londonderry Air (arr G Colman)
b. Our Boys will Shine Tonight (arr Langford)
6. Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 (Liszt)
INTERVAL
1. Eugene Onegin (Tchaikowsky)
2. Panis Angelicus (Franck)
Trombone Solo Alec English
4. Excerpts from Sullivan Operas (arr Denis Wright)
5. Crimmond (arr Rayner)
MASSED BANDS – Free Trade Hall, Manchester
Fodens Motor Works Band, Mirrlees Works Band and
Wingates Temperance Band
Conductor Vilem Tausky
Soloist John Lawrenson accompanist Vincent Billington
MASSED BANDS
1. Overture Zampa (Herold arr Rimmer)
2. Rhapsody in Brass (Goffin)
3. Overture – The Force of Destiny (Verdi arr Frank Wright)
4. Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke arr Denis Wright)
JOHN LAWRENSON
a. Even Bravest Heart (Faust)
b. Ladies have such Variations (Cosi fan Tutti)
MASSED BANDS
5. New World Symphony (Dvorak arr D Rimmer and F Richardson)
INTERVAL
MASSED BANDS
1. Overture – Yeomen of the Guard (Sullivan arr Sergent)
2. Selection from Edward German Melodies (arr Stanford Robinson)
JOHN LAWRENSON
a. Waiata Poi (Maori Song)
b. Passing By
c. When I was a Lad (HMS Pinafore)
MASSED BANDS
3. The Shopbuilders (Yorke)
4. Themes from Symphony No 5
CONCERT – Band Concert at Harbour Band Arena, Morecambe
Sunday 2.30pm Concert
1. ORB (Anderson)
2. Zampa (Herold arr Rimmer)
3. Unknown –
4. Polly Wolly Doodling (Bryce)
5. A Taste of Honey (Scott)
INTERVAL
1. Pel-Mel (W Hogarth-Lear)
2. Wild Wild West (arr Hanmer)
4. Relay (J Golland)
5. Sullivan Selection (arr Denis Wright)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
12 July 1975
CONCERT – Southport Arts Centre.
1. Lohengrin Introduction to Act III (Wagner)
2. Overture Morning Noon and Night (Suppe)
3. Waltz The Grenadiers (Waldteufel)
5. Londonderry Air (arr Langford)
INTERVAL
3. Musical Desert Song (Romberg)
4. Where-eer-you-walk (Handel)
5. New World Fantasy (arr G Langford)
6. Tone Poem Finlandia (Sibelius)
7. Deep Harmony – Hymn (Duckworth)
8. National Anthem
___________________________________________________________________________________
EXTRA INFO
LONDONDERRY AIR
No one knows when the tune was written but it was collected by Jane Ross of Limavady in 1855 and
was published in a book of collected works by Collector George Petrie called “The Ancient Music of
Ireland”
The tune has since become a popular one for adding lyrics to. The first known of which was “The
Confession of Devorgilla” otherwise known as “Oh! Shive me, father”.
In 1894 Katherine Tynan Hinkson set the words of her “Irish Love song” to the tune and called it
“Londonderry Air” after the town in Ireland.
The Hymn “I cannot tell” by William Young Fullerton also uses Londonderry Air as its tune as do a
number of others.
The song DANNY BOY was written in 1910 by Frederick Edward Weatherly an English Lawyer who
added the words (“Od Danny Boy the Pipes The Pipes are calling”) to the tune Londonderry Air in
1913.
In Modern times the tune has been given new lyrics as “You Raise me Up” adapted and written by
Secret Garden‟s Rolf Lovland with Lyrics by Irish novalist Brendon Graham. The si=ong became a hit
in 2003 after Secret Garden performed it with guest artist Brian Kennedy. Hit versions include Josh
Groban (2004) and Westlife (2006)
___________________________________________________________________________________
20 July 1975
2 CONCERTS – Wirral
Organised by the Department of Leisure Services.
AFTERNOON
23 July 1975
1. March Medley
2. Suppe on Parade (arr King Palmer)
3. Overture The Mill on the Cliff (Reisseger)
4. Estudiantina (Waldteufel)
5. Carillon (Bing)
Featuring Cornets
6. Early One Morning (Seymour)
INTERVAL
1. Melodies from Oklahoma (Rodgers)
3. Aisha (Lindsay)
4. Tyrolean Tubas (Clark)
6. March Bramwyn (Carr)
7. National Anthem
EVENING
1. March O.R.B. (Anderson)
2. Overture Morning Noon and Night (Suppe)
3. Shylock (Lear)
4. Gold and Silver Waltz (Lehar)
5. Tender Foot Trail (Haysom)
INTERVAL
1. Cappelia (Delibes)
3. Carmen (Bizet)
5. Marche Slavonic (arr Davies)
7. National Anthem
PRESENTATION of Foden Vehicle to Army School of Transport
Bordon, Hampshire.
The coach left the band room at 11am with the band arriving at the Army School of
Transport, Bordon, Hampshire between 4pm and 4.30pm (1600 Hours) where they
were met by the Orderly Officer. The Band member were then taken to the
Sergeants Mess for accommodation and a substantial tea.
Mr Rex Mortimer was however taken to the Officers Mess for his accommodation
and substantial tea.
At 6pm the band were taken to the officers mess where a tent had been arranged
outside for the band to play in as a Foden Vehicle was driven by one of the drivers
from Sandbach to a position in front of Mr D.C. Foden at 6.30pm.
When the vehicle is driven into position the band played “The Cossack”.
At the end of the event while the vehicle withdrew from the presentation the band
played the Royal Corps of Transport March “Wait for the Waggon”.
The band then played a 30 minute show.
At 7.10pm the band were taken to the Sergeants Mess where they were themselves
entertained by the troops while Mr Rex Mortimer was taken to the Officer‟s Mess
for a Cocktail Party.
The Band were then billeted in the barracks.
The following day after breakfast the band departed for Sandbach.
CONCERT
1. Semiranide (Rossini)
Cornet Trio
Alan Brotherson
Anthony Goddard
17 Aug 1975
D Thomas
3. White Horse Inn (arr Wright)
5. New World Fantasy
6. John Peel (Trad arr Mortimer)
7. Where eer you Walk (Handel)
8. BB and CF (Hume)
9. National Anthem
SOUNDING BRASS AND VOICES
Foden‟s Band (Conducter Rex Mortimer who
came out of Retirement for the event)
and
Crewe and District Male Voice Choir
In aid of Crewe Lions Club.
Crewe Lions Present
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
6 Sept 1975
Test Piece “Fireworks” by Elgar Howarth.
FIRST
Wingates Temperance
SECOND
Fairey
THIRD
Yorkshire Imperial
Fodens Motor Works Band, Didn‟t take part. (see below)
___________________________________________________________________________________
14 Sept 1975
CONCERT –
Fodens Motor Works Band and Dowty Boulton Paul Male Voice Choir.
FODENS BAND
1. Roll Away Bet (Hume)
DOWTY BOULTON PAUL MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Border Ballad (Cowen arr Rowley)
b. Song of the Volga Boatman (Petrovsky arr Howitt)
c. Pilgrims Chorus – Tannhauser (Wagner)
FODENS BAND
3. New World Fantasy (arr Langford)
5. Dream O Day Jill – Tom Jones (E German)
6. One Fine Day – Madame Butterfly (Puccini)
d. The Holy City (Sullivan arr Arnold)
e. Sound Ye Trumpets (Clarke arr Woodgate)
FODENS BAND AND CHOIR
7. Rule Brittania (Thomas Arne arr Woodgate)
INTERVAL
a. Ole Man River – Showboat (Kern)
b. Toreador Song – Carmen (Bizet)
1. Overture – Force of Destiny (Verdi)
2. Bird Songs at Eventide (Coates)
3. Pipes of Pan – Arcadians (Monckton)
21 Sept 1975
Sept 1975
c. An Evening‟s Pastoral (Shaw)
d. The Lords Prayer (Malotte arr Deis)
FODENS BAND
5. Tone Poem – Finlandia (Sibelius)
6. March of the Pears – Iolanthe (Gilbert and Sullivan)
WITH AUDIENCE
NATIONAL ANTHEM
CONCERT – Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
1. La Reine de Saba (Gounod)
2. Masaniello (Auber)
3. Gold and Silber Waltz (Lehar)
4. Carnival De Venice (arr Auber)
5. Londonderry Air (arr Colman)
6. Themes from the New World Symphony (Dvorak)
INTERVAL
1. Student Prince Selection (Romberg)
3. Pinapple Poll (Mackeras)
4. Where-eer-you-walk (Handel)
6. Excerpts from Sullivan Operas (arr Wright)
7. Beautiful Zion (arr Hughes)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
CONCERT - The start of 15 MEN O‟ BRASS concerts.
Harry Mortimer‟s wife Margaret was the organising force behind the
MEN O‟ BRASS and charged a fee of £110 per band plus her huband‟s fee.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
11 Oct 1975
Test Piece “Un Vie de Matelot” by Robert Farnon.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Stanshawe
THIRD
___________________________________________________________________________________
14 Oct 1975
INSTITUTION AND INDUCTION at St Mary‟s, Nantwich
The Reverend James John Richardson became the Rector of Nantwich at a service
At St Marys Church Nantwich with the Lord Bishop of Chester and
Archdeacon of Maccesfield in attendance.
Trumpeters and Drummers from Fodens Band were asked to take part in the service.
24 Oct 1975
CONCERT – Vauxhall Motors Sports and Social Club, Ellesmere Port.
Organised by the Ladies Section.
3. The Grenadiers (Waldtefeul)
4. Carnival de Venice (arr Scott)
5. Perchance to Dream (Ivor Novello)
6. The New World (Dvorak)
INTERVAL
1. Robert the Devil (Mayerbeer)
3. Londonderry Air (arr Colman)
5. Tenor Trombone Rag (Roy Newsome)
7. Beautiful Zion (arr Hughes) Hymn
EXTRA INFORMATION –
During the performances of the band it was usual at this time to end with
a Hymn Tune just before the National Anthem. (1900- 1970‟s /80‟s)
26 Oct 1975
CONCERT – Elworth Village School.
This was Rex Mortimer‟s last appearance as conductor of the band for this 25 th
Annual Charity concert.
Nov 1975
James Scott was appointed to lead the band. He had been approached by
Allan Littlemore after a number of recommendations from the band members
and those in the know.
###################################################################################
JAMES SCOTT Biography
James had been first Cornet at the age of 12 with the Ibstock United band having learnt to play in his
home town of Farnworth in Warwickshire (Having moved from Lancashire where he was born).
At the age of 16 he joined the City of Coventry Band.
In the 1940‟s he played with Grimethorpe Colliery, Ransome and Marles and then with Munn and
Feltons (renamed G.U.S.) where in 1959 and 1960 he gained the title “Cornet Champion of Great
Britain”.
In 1960 he started conducting with the Cammell Laird band based at Birkenhead where he stayed for
10 years.
In April 1973 he joined the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band taking them to win the “National
Championships” in 1974 and 1975 along with the Granada Television Band of the Year contest also in
1975.
In November 1975 James joined Fodens.
In 1979 James left the band.
###################################################################################
1 Nov 1975
CONCERT – Pleckgate Centre, Blackburn.
2. Overture Rosamunde (Schubert)
3. Carnival de Venice (arr Scott)
6. Hootenanny (Harold Walters)
7. Rhapsody in Brass (Goffin)
INTERVAL
1. Oklahoma (Rodgers)
2. La Belle Americaine (Hartman)
3. Coppelia (Delibes)
5. New World Fantasy (Gordon Langford / Colman)
6. Variations on a Welsh Melody (A Rimmer)
7. National Anthem
7 Nov 1975
CONCERT – Festival of Remembrance Concert and Service,
by the Royal British Legion, Barnton and Anderton Branch.
1. Great Little Army (Alford)
2. Overture from Light Cavalry (Suppe)
4. Over the Waves (Rosas)
5. April Evening (Hugh Roberton)
7. A Lighting Switch (Alford)
INTERVAL
2. Themes from No 5 Symphony “V” (Beethoven)
3. Where-r‟er you Walk (Handel)
4. R.A.F. March Past (Davies)
5. Showboat (Kern)
6. Land of Hope and Glory (Elgar)
Surprisingly in the programme there is no mention of the National Anthem.
However I feel that this concert would not have it in the programme either
at the start of the show or the end.
7. National Anthem
6 Dec 1975
CONCERT – Barnsley College of Technology.
“Grand Concerts” organised by the Co-operative Services Ltd,
Barnsley British Region Education Department, Chairman Mrs L Barton
2. Overture Masaniello (Auber)
3. Unknown –
5. The Watermill (Ronald Binge)
INTERVAL
1. Overture Iolanthe (Sullivan)
2. Unknown –
3. Music from the Ballet – Robert the Devil (Giacomo Meyerbeer)
4. Unknown –
(Written in programme as Alec English)
5. All in the April Evening (Hugh Roberton)
7. NATIONAL ANTHEM
EXTRA INFORMATION
1960‟s and 70‟S The format of the shows seemed to follow a pattern in the 1970‟s.
March
Opening
Cornet Solo
Melodies From (a show or classical piece)
Novelty
Themes from (Classical arrangement)
Waltz
Items in Contrast (2 tunes that sound very different)
Selection
INTERVAL
Ballet Music
Waltz
Euphonium Solo
Selection
Trad Tunes
Finale
National Anthem
###################################################################################
1976
CONDUCTOR
James Scott
BAND MANAGER
Allan Littlemore c/o Foden‟s Ltd.
###################################################################################
14 Jan 1976
22 Feb 1976
28 Mar 1976
10 Apr 1976
Alex Mortimer died at the age of 70.
CONCERT – Accrington Town Hall.
1. Radetsky (Strauss)
3. Unknown – Cornet Solo Alan Brotherston
6. Gothique (Louis Boellman arr Eric Ball)
INTERVAL
1. Overture Iolanthe (Sullivan)
2. Unknown – Euphonium Solo Colin Cranson
3. Music from the Ballet – Robert the Devil (Giacomo Meyerbeer)
4. Unknown – Trombone Solo Alex English
(Written in programme as Alec English)
5. Judex (Gounod arr Frank Wright)
Test Piece “Spectrum” by Gilbert Vinter
Conductor for Fodens James Scott
FIRST
CWS (Manchester)
SECOND
Wingates
THIRD
The band came third missing out on a place in the National Championship to
CWS Manchester and Wingates. However adjudicator Albert Chappell recommended
that Fodens be invited to take part in the competition on merit as shall we say best
losers.
CONCERT – Civic Hall Ellesmere Port.
“Spring Concert” with Great Sutton Male Voice Choir (Conductor Emrys Williams)
And Crewe and District Male Voice Choir (Conductor Edward Griffiths,
Accompanist Martin Hassal), and Douglas Brice (Baritone)
Compere Joseph Bennion
GREAT SUTTON MALE VOICE CHOIR (Conductor Edward Griffiths)
a. Serenade from “The Fair Maid of Perth”
b. All in the April Evening
c. Shenandoah (Solo D Brice)
d. Rolling down to Rio
FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND (Conductor James Scott)
1. Radetsky March (Strauss)
2. Iolanthe Overture (Sullivan)
3. Cornet Carillon (Ronald Binge) Featuring Cornets
DOUGLAS BRICE
a. When a Maiden takes your fancy
b. O Mistress Mine
CREWE AND DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR (Conductor Edward Griffiths)
a. With a Voice of Singing
b. Rest
c. The Cuckoo Cries
d. In the Gloaming
COMBINED CHOIRS (Conductor Edward Griffiths)
a. Dana Dana
b. Calm is the Sea
c. Morte Christe
INTERVAL
GREAT SUTTON MALE VOICE CHOIR (Conductor Edward Griffiths)
a. Old Man River
b. Jamaica Farewell
c. Sing me a Chant with a Yo Heave Ho
Summer 1976
23 May 1976
26 May 1976
1. New world Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
2. Forgotten Dreams (Leroy Anderson)
CREWE AND DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR (Conductor Edward Griffiths)
a. The Mulligan Musketeers
b. My Lord, what a Morning
c. My Grandfather‟s Clock
COMBINED CHOIRS (Conductor Emrys Williams)
a. Comrades Song of Hope
b. Close Thine Eyes
c. Gwahadoliad
FODENS BAND AND COMBINED CHOIRS (Conductor James Scott)
4. Speed Your Journet “Nabucco” (Verdi)
5. God Save the Queen (National Anthem)
The Band-room was refurbished. The band received new uniforms and instruments in
time for a BBC TV programme broadcast from the Southport Festival Hall.
CONCERT – Brodsworth Welfare Hall, Doncaster
Organised by the Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
Directorate of Amenities and Leisure Services.
1. The Passing of the Regiment (arr Winter)
2. Overture the Marriage of Figaro (Mozart)
4. Blow the Wind Southerly (Langford)
5. The British Grenadiers (Robinson)
6. Espana (Chabrier)
INTERVAL
1. Overture from Iolanthe (Sullivan arr Malcolm Sargeant)
3. Ballet Russe (Luiginni)
4. Unknown – Trombone Solo Alex English
5. Little Serenade (Ernest Tomlinson)
7. Crimond
8. National Anthem
CONCERT – Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, Wrexham
“Gwyl Wrexham Maelor Festival 1976”
With the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Chour (MD John Glyn Williams)
1. French Military March (Saint Saens)
2. Overture Masanielle (Auber)
RHOS MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. With Cat Like Tread
b. Conspirators Chorus
c. Gipsy Chorus
4. Rhapsody on American Gospel Songs (Eric Ball)
d. Men of Harlech
e. Ar Eyd Y Nos
f. Meinir Twyn
g. Psalm 8
INTERVAL
a. Drakes Drum
b. Westering Home
c. Johnny Comes Down to Hilo
d. Recognician of Land
1. Ballet Russe (Luiginni)
2. Perpetuum Mobile (Johann Strauss)
e. Miscellaneous Items selected by John Glyn Williams)
4. Aida (Verdi)
FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND AND CHOIR
6. National Anthems (God save the Queen and Welsh National anthem)
10 July 1976
CONCERT – Malvern Festival Theatre
1. Intro to Act 3 Lohengrin (Wagner arr Denis Wright)
4. Gershwin for Brass (arr Alan Street)
5. Perpetuum Mobile (Johann Strauss)
6. A Moorside Suite (Gustav Holst)
INTERVAL
1. Thundercrest (Eric Osterling)
3. Souvenir De France (Ronald Hanmer)
4. A Little Serenade (Ernest Tomlinson)
5. Unknown - Trombone Solo Wynford Barnett
6. Grand March from Aida (Verdi)
1976
CONCERT and Band Photo at Birmingham Public Works Exhibition.
Aug or Sept 1976
CONCERT Huddersfield Town Hall.
With “William Davis Construction Group Band”, “Lindley Band”
(Massed Band Concert)
Pic and Feature Page 9, 25 Sept 1976 British Bandsman.
4 Sept 1976
Test Piece “An Epic Symphony” by Peter Fletcher
FIRST
Black Dyle Mills
SECOND
Stanshawe (Bristol)
THIRD
Nineth
Between 1976 and 1991 Harry directed operations for the “British Open
Championships” after the owners of Belle Vue were keen to get rid of organising
the extra activities at the venue and gave the Rights to the British Open to Harry
for him to take controle.
The Winning Band, “Black Dyke Mills” was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 between
9.30pm and 10pm having been recorded at 7pm in the Kings Hall.
18 Sept 1976
An announcement in the British Bandsman announced the retirement
of Alex English from Fodens. His replacement on Solo Trombone will
be Wynford Barnet (Now Second Trombone).
Feature Page 4, 18 Sept 1976 British Bandsman.
9 Oct 1976
Test Piece “Sinfonietta – The Wayfarer” by Eric Ball.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
THIRD
Wingates Temperance
Fodens Motor Works Band came equal 13th with Hammonds Sauce.
16 Oct 1976
MEN O‟ BRASS at Free Trade Hall Manchester.
Sponsored by Toc H Manchester Area
“Festival of Music” with FODEN‟S AND FAIREY‟S
With Alberto Semprini (BBC Radio Presenter “Semprini Serenade”).
Conductor Harry Mortimer.
1. March – Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa)
21 Nov 1976
17 Dec 1976
1976
3. All Through The Night (Trad arr Gordon Langford)
FEATURING CORNETS
4. Trumpets Wild (Walters)
SEMPRINI
Band
6. Way Out West (Brian Crookes)
7. Finale from Suite Gothique (Boellmann arr Eric Ball)
INTERVAL
1. Famous British Marches (arr Gordon Langford)
2. Waltz - Destiny (Sydney Baynes)
FEATURING TROMBONES
3. Frolic for Trombones (Reginald Heath)
4. 76 Trombones from The Music Man (Sandy Willson)
FEATURING EUPHONIUMS
6. Watching the Wheat (Arr Geehl)
SEMPRINI Solo and with the Band
7. Scherzo (Litolff arr Denis Wright)
Band
8. The Entertainer (Scott Joplin arr Bryce)
9. Tunes from My Fair Lady (Learner and Loewe)
10. Tone Poem – Finlandia (Sibelius)
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
CONCERT – Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Conductor James Scott
1. Slavonic Dance No 8 (Dvorak)
2. Nabucco (Verdi)
4. A Sullivan Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
5. Rhapsody on American Gospel Songs (Eric Ball)
INTERVAL
1. Thundercrest (Eric Osterling)
3. Sinfonietta (Gordon Langford)
4. Swan Lake (Tchaikowsky)
a.Dance of the Swans
b. Czardas (arr Wright)
5. Unknown – Trombone Solo Wynford Barnett
6. Fanfare and Sololoquy (Trevor Sharpe)
CONCERT – The Goldwell Rooms, Ashgate Road, Chesterfield.
The Chesterfield Charity Gala Committee Presents the programme
with James Scott as Conductor.
1. County Palatine (Maurice Johnstone)
2. Mansaniello (Auber)
3. Unknown - Cornet Solo Alan Brotherston
4. Way Out West (Brian Crooks)
5. Swan Lake (Tchaikowsky)
a.Dance of the Swans
b. Czardas (arr Wright)
6. Sinfonietta (Langford)
INTERVAL
3. Blow the Wind Southerly (arr Gordon Langford)
4. Waltzing Matilda (arr Gordon Langford)
5. Unknown – Trombone Solo Wynford Barnett
6. Pinapple Poll (Sullivan and Maskeras)
Colin Cranson (Euphonium) brought back the “Fodens Quartet” which had stopped
being a permanent feature of the band.
1976
Dec 1976
Alan Brotherston (Cornet), Tony Goddard (Cornet),
Derek Lucas (Tenor Horn) and Colin Cranson on Euphonum
comprised the quartet.
They decided to compete in the 33rd Annual Brass Quartet Championships of
Great Britain in Oxford which was organised by the Morris Concert Band.
They chose to play “Alla Burlesca” by Gilbert Vinter. They were competing against
21 entries and came first along with Alan Brotherston winning the Richard Crouch
trophy for the best instrumentalist in the competition and the R.A. Bishop Challenge
Trophy for the highest placed cornet in the Preliminary solo championships.
FIRST Foden‟s Motor Works Quartet
(Won the “Morris Challenge Trophy”)
CONCERT – Ludlow Festival.
This year was a special occasion with the pianist Elizabeth Lightoller joining the
Band to play the Scherzo from “Concerto Symphonique” by Litolff.
Each year Fodens thanked its ex members and works employees with a Christmas
Dinner and Concert. This year they decided to emulate the success at the Ludlow
Festival with Fodens director John Stubbs who was an accomplished pianist to take
on the role of Miss Lighttoller to play the Concerto Symphonique. It wasn‟t difficult
for Allan Littlemore to persuade John to play at the concert and after a rehearsal
where it was pointed out to John that the piece was a Scherzo and not a waltz he
managed to quicken the pace for the concert and it was a great success.
###################################################################################
1977
CONDUCTOR
James Scott
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
1977
The Year of the Queen‟s Silver Jubilee.
1977
The Year of Celebrations for Sandbach School which was founded in 1677 at which
location Fodens started off a Year‟s-worth of celebrations for the Grammar School.
1977
Another Celebration, this time in Crewe as Crewe Alexandra celebrated its 100 th
season and they invited the band to play at the Special Centenary concert.
19 Feb 1977
CONCERT – Music Hall, Shrewsbury.
With Rolls Royce Motors Male Voice Choir and Soloist Anita Corfield (Contralto)
MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Fishermen of England
b. In Absence
c. Serenade (Bizet)
d. Stein Song (Fenstad)
4. Sullivan Fantasy (arr Langford)
ANITA CORFIELD
a. Selected Items
5. Slavonic Rhapsody (Freidemann)
INTERVAL
MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Men of Harlech (Anon)
b. Down Among the Dead Men
ANITA CORFIELD
a. Selected Items
1. Unknown – euphonium Solo Colin Cranson
2. Prelude to La Traviata (Verdi)
MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Jacobs Ladder (Anon)
b. Morte Christe (arr Watts-Jones)
3. Blow the Wind Southerly (Anon)
4. Waltzing Matilda (arr Langford)
5. Pomp and Circumstance No 1. (Elgar)
12 Mar 1977
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Barrow in Furness
“Grand Brass Concert” organised by the Rotary Club of Barrow-in-Furness.
With St Andrew‟s Pipe Band, Ulverston Junior Band and Millom Vocalists
ST ANDREW‟S PIPE BAND
a. unknown
FODENS BAND
1. County Palatine (Maurice Johnstone)
3. Trumpets Wild (C Walters)
Cornet Trio
Alan Brotherston
Tony Goddard
Gwyn Edwards
4. Sullivan Fantasy (arr Langford)
5. Unknown - Trombone Solo Norman Law
6. Things to Come (Arthur Bliss arr G Beresford)
a. Ballet for Children
b. March
c. Epilogue
ULVERSTON JUNIOR BAND
a. unknown
INTERVAL
THE MILLOM VOCALISTS
a. Songs from the Shows
FODENS BAND
1. Pell Mell (E Howarth)
2. Unknown –
3. Gershwin for Brass (arr S Druro)
4. Blow the Wind Southerly (Gordon Langford)
5. Unknown –
Xylophone Solo Ken Pavey
6. Marche Slav (Tchaikovsky)
ST ANDREW‟S PIPE BAND
3 Apr 1977
Test Piece “Pagentry” by Herbert Howells
FIRST
Wingates Temperance
SECOND
THIRD
CWS (Manchester)
The band came second to Wingates qualifying for the London Nationals event.
Pre 10 Apr 1977 Feature in the Crewe Chronicle on Harry Mortimer as he celebrates his
75th Birthday.
23 Apr 1977
CONCERT – Anglssey Music Club, David Hughes School, Menai Bridge, Anglessey
1. French Military March (Saint-Saens)
2. Masaniello (Auber)
3. Blow the Wind Southerly (arr Gordon Langford)
4. Waltzing Matilda (arr Gordon Langford)
5. Gershwin for Brass (arr Druro)
6. Unknown –
Trombone Solo Norman Law
INTERVAL
1. Pel Mel (Elgar Howarth)
2. Unknown –
3. Pineapple Poll (Sullivan and MacKerras)
5. Unknown –
6. Marche Slav (Tchaikovsky)
April 1977
The Band completed a Decca record with James Scott conducting called
(Released 30 Sept 1977) SOUNDS OF BRASS – VOLUME 30
(Decca - SB330)
1. Nibelungen March (Wagner -Ring)
2. Blow the Wind Southerly
3. Silver Threads among the Gold
4. Things to Come
Side 2 1. Fantasia on British Airs
2. Prelude from Suite for brass "The Talisman"
3. La Sonnambula (Bellini)
April / May 1977
TOUR for Men O‟ Brass – Holland
Foden‟s Band as part of the Men O‟ Brass were taken on tour to Utrect in Holland for
a celebratory concert with Harry Mortimer. Foden‟s, Fairey and Morris Motors also
made records and did a broadcast while in Holland.
Colin Cranson was tasked with handing out the wage packets to the band and just
before Harry Mortimer handed over the envelopes he said to Colin to put the name
of each band member on them so no one could have two sets of wages.
Enough to say one member did try it on but failed to get paid twice.
14 May 1977
TOUR CONCERT – Jaarbeurs- Congreszaal, Utrecht 8pm to 8.45pm
(Dutch Bands - Excelsior Surhuizum, Rotterdam, De Waldsang Buitenpost)
Conductor‟s Frits Smienk and Tjeerd Brouwer
(as Above)
TOUR CONCERT – Jaarbeurs- Congreszaal, Utrecht 9.15pm to 10.15pm
(MEN O‟BRASS Fairey, Fodens Motor Works Band, Morris Concert Band)
1. Fanfare – Men O‟Brass (George Hespe)
2. Introduction Act 3 Lohengrin (Richard Wagner arr Dennis Wright)
3. Carnival Variations (Jacobi) (Cornet Solos)
4. Three Inventions (Pi Scheffer)
5. Grandfather‟s Clock (George Doughty) (Euphonium Solos)
6. The Padstow Lifeboat (Malcolm Arnold)
7. Life Divine (Cyril Jenkins)
8. Rock Out (Ted Huggens) (Solo Ronald van Ent)
9. The Dover Coach (Gilbert Vinter)
10. Trumpets Wild (C Walters)
11. Trombola (Frank Bryce) (Solo Trombones)
15 May 1977
TOUR CONCERT – Vara-Studio 1, Hilversum.
(MEN O‟BRASS Fairey, Fodens Motor Works Band, Morris Concert Band)
2. Punchinello (William Rimmer)
3. Knightsbridge March (Eric Coates)
4. Carnival Variations (Jacobi) (Cornet Solos)
5. The Rover‟s Return (Edrich Siebert)
6. Grandfather‟s Clock (George Doughty) (Euphonium Solos)
7. The Dover Coach (Gilbert Vinter)
8. Anchors Away (Zimmerman)
9. The Shipbuilders - Suite (Peter Yorke)
10. Ouid Pro Quo (Eric Ball)
11 June 1977
10 Sept 1977
17 Sept 1977
CONCERT – BRASS SPCTACULAR – ROYAL ALBERT HALL, London
The band took part in a Brass Band Spectacular in celebration of the
Queen‟s Silver Jubilee. The event was one of a number of concerts held at the
Royal Albert Hall. This was a massed bands event with Fodens joining
Black Dyke Mills, Cory, Fairey Aviation, Hanwell and Morris Motors under the
baton of guest conductor Walter Susskind and associate conductor Harry Mortimer.
MASSED BANDS Black Dyke Mills, Cory, Fairey, Foden‟s, Hanwell, Morris.
Conductor Harry Mortimer with Guest Conductor Walter Susskind
1. Fanfare for a Dignified Occasion (Arthur Bliss)
2. Overture The Yeomen of the Guard
(Arthur Sullivan arr Malcolm Sargent)
3. CONTRASTS
a. Prelude to Revelry (Gordon Jacob)
b. Skye Boat Song (Traditional arr William Rimmer)
4. Concerto for Cornet and Band (Denis Wright)
(Written for Harry Mortimer)
5. Overture Comedy – A London Overture (John Ireland)
6. Suite Vivat Regina Op 75 (William Mathias)
(Fanfare, Air, Jig, Mountain Song Jubilate Fanfare
written for the Queen‟s Silver Jubilee Celebrations)
INTERVAL
1. Little Suite for Brass (Malcolm Arnold)
2. A Severn Suite (Edward Elgar)
3. INSTRUMENTAL SHOWCASE
Featuring Cornets – The Dutch Coach (Gilbert Vinter)
4. Featuring Euphoniums – Grandfather‟s Clock (George Doughty)
5. Featuring Trombones – Trombola (Frank Bryce)
7. Music From the Elizabethan Court (arr Elgar Howarth)
8. Fantasy on British Marches (arr Gordon Langford)
COMPETITION – “British Open Championships” Belle Vue, Manchester.
(Organised by Harry Mortimer).
Test Piece – “Diadem of Gold” which had been first used in the year of the Queen‟s
Coronation.
One of the rules of the contest was that if a band had a problem filling the solo role
due to illness then a member of the previous selected band would be asked to play
again for the other band. This year Desford Band‟s soprano player sustained injuries
in a Pit accident and was unable to play. Fodens were drawn 6 with Desford at 7 thus
Ken Davies the soprano player with Fodens was asked to repeat his performance for
the following band. Ken looked forward to the challenge as he had always felt that he
could play the solo better once he had left the stage and now this was his opportunity
to see if it was true.
Unfortunately Fodens were Unplaced but James Scott was awarded the
“Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians of the City of London”
for his contribution to the brass band scene. A special presentation dinner took place
in London during November 1977.
Test Piece “Diadem of Gold” by Bailey arr Frank Wright
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
THIRD
Fairey Engineering
UNPLACED
The Winning band, “Black Dyke Mills” was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 between
5.15pm and 5.40pm on the following Monday (12 Sept 1977) having been
recorded at 6pm in the Kings Hall after the winners announcement.
The programme is produced by Mr James Langley.
CONCERT – McKinlay Theatre, St Mary‟s Road, Ketting
1. March from La Reine de Saba (Gounod)
24 Sept 1977
8 Oct 1977
2. Overture Die Fledermaus (Strauss)
4. Melodies from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein arr Denis Wright)
5. Unknown – Trombone Solo Norman law
INTERVAL
1. Famous British Marches (Gordon Langford)
5. Pel Mel (Elgar Howarth)
6. Unknown – Xylophone Solo Ken Pavey
7. Marche Slav (Tchaikowsky)
“Festival of Music” with FODEN‟S (Conductor James Scott)
AND WINGATES (Conductor Frank Renton)
With The Orpheus Male Choir (RHOS) (Conductor J. Glyn Williams)
BANDS 1. March The Queen‟s Trumpeters (arr Edrich Siebert)
2. Rule Britannia (Thomas Arne arr William Rimmer)
3. Londonderry Air (arr Gordon Colman)
ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR
a. Cyfrir Geifr (Counting the Ghosts) (arr Caradoc Roberts)
b. Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through the Night) (arr Gordon Langford)
c. Kalinka (Russian Folk Song) (Alexandrov)
BAND 4. Featuring Cornets – Bugler‟s Holiday (Leroy Anderson)
5. Featuring Cornets – Summertime (George Gershwin)
ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR
d. My Lord What a Morning (arr J.G. Williams)
e. Listen to the Lambs (arr Robinson)
f. Men of Harlech (arr M Thomas)
BAND 6. Chit Chat Polka (Strauss)
7. Overture – The Force of Destiny (Verdi)
BAND AND ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR
8. March of the Peers (Iolanthe)
INTERVAL
BAND 1. March Redetsky (Strauss)
2. Second Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals (Eric Ball)
ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR
a. With Cat Like Tread – Pirates of Penzance (Arthur Sullivan)
b. Westering Home (Arr Robertson)
c. When Johnny comes Down to Hilo (arr Stanford)
BAND 3. Featuring Trombones – Trombola (Frank Bryce)
4. 76 Trombones – The Music Man (Sandy Wilson)
5. Featuring Euphoniums – Blaydon Races (arr Gordon Langford)
6. To A Wild Rose (Macdowell)
ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR
d. Wandering Star – Paint Your Waggon (arr V.C. Williams)
e. Grandfather‟s Clock (George Doughty arr V.C. Williams)
f. Ave Maria (arr Fischer)
g. The Lost Chord (arr Langford)
BAND 7. Among your Souvenirs – Medley of Old Time Musicals
BAND AND ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR
8. Battle Hymn of the Republic (arr Schubert)
National Anthem
Test Piece “Connotations” by Edward Gregson.
Conductor James Scott.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
15 Oct 1977
21 Oct 1977
SECOND
Grimethorpe
THIRD
CONCERT – Huddesfield Town Hall.
With BRIGHOUSE AND RASRICK BAND (Conductor Derek M Broadbent)
BOTH BANDS (Conductor James Scott)
1. Introduction to Act III of Lohengrin (Wagner arr Denis Wright)
2. The Thievish Magpie (Rossini) Thieving Magpie
3. Trumpets Wild (Schumann arr Walters)
4. Frolic for Trombones (Reginald Heath)
SOLO BRIGHOUSE AND RASRICK BAND
a. Unknown Item
INTERVAL
SOLO FODENS MOTOR WORKS BAND (Conductor James Scott)
a. Unknown Item
BOTH BANDS (Conductor James Scott)
1. Grand march from Aida (Verdi arr Denis Wright)
2. Air from Suite in D (Bach arr Eric Ball)
3. Pinapple Poll (Sullivan and Mackarras arr Geoffrey Brand)
4. Finale from Capriccio Italien (Tchaikowsky)
5. National Anthem
FOUNDERS CONCERT
75 years of Sponsorship by Foden Ltd was celebrated with a Founders Concert at
the Recreation club attended by many ex members among them Harry Mortimer.
Earlier in the year Allan Littlemore asked his friend Don Burgess to compile a short
history of the band. It was titled “By Royal Command” and was published just
before the concert.
Band secretary Marlene Howarth arranged an exhibition of the bands past in the
adjoining room to the concert bringing together old pictures, Uniforms and the
Crystal Palace trophy were loaned to the band for the occasion and which was
returned to the Welsh Folk Museum in Cardiff after the event.
Musical Director James Scott
Guest Conductor Harry Mortimer
The evenings events were hosted by Don Burgess.
MUSIC FOR THE OCCASION –
1. Cossak (William Rimmer)
2. Overture The Thieving Magpie (Rossini)
4. Angels ever Bright and Fair (Handel)
(1st Winning Piece of Music 1907 at Haslington)
5. Melody and Caprice (Hespe)
INTERVAL
1. Pat in America (Eden)
3. Severn Suite (Elgar) Test piece
4. La Traviata – Prelude Act 1 (Verdi)
5. Sparks (Alford)
7. Beautiful Zion (arr Mortimer)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
The PROGRAMME for the event had a list of members from 1902 and 1977
(See below)
Pic and Feature Page 4, 27 Oct 1977 Crewe Chronicle.
Pic and Feature Page 1, 29 Oct 1977 Crewe Chronicle.
##################################################################################
F. Don BURGESS Biography. (Compiler of the book “By Royal Command”).
.b. 1931.
Don Burgess was taken by his parents to see Fodens Motor Works band at an early age in the 1930‟s
when they played in Elworth after one of their many successes in the Championships.
Later Don started singing and as part of a choral group was part of a concert with Foden‟s band.
Don would attend the “Belle Vue” (Manchester), “National Championships” and “Open
Championships” in London where one year at the Albert Hall he met the lady who would become his
wife.
Working at Fodens Don Burgess was the Head of the companies Wages Department.
In January 1977 Mr Burgess completed the book “By Royal Command” for the bands 75 th
Anniversary. As many think the Foden band started in 1900 this may be considered a late arrival,
however as it was not until 1902 when the Foden family took over the band that it finally gained the
name that will always be associated with the town of Sandbach.
##################################################################################
(Taken from the Founders Concert programme)
1902
INSTRUMENT
1977
S Charlesworth
Musical Director
James Scott
None
Principal Cornet
Alan Brotherston
E.R Foden
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
J Davies
Solo Cornet
S Cooke
E Charlesworth
Solo Cornet
R Grand
V Pass
Soprano Cornet
Kenneth Davies
E Venables
Flugel Horn
Gwyn Edwards
G Mason
Repiano Cornet
John French
H Davies
2nd Cornet
Jimmy Charles
G Faulkner
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
None
3rd Cornet
Sidney Garratt
None
3rd Cornet
Geoffrey Whiston
W Peers
1st Tenor Horn
Geoff Poyser
T Hough
2nd Tenor Horn
Brian Boden
J Mellor
3rd Tenor Horn
Ellis Shufflebotham
E Plant
1st Baritone
Peter Christian
W Arrowsmith
2nd Baritone
Richard Thomas
W Foden
1st Euphonium
Colin Cranson
T Mitchell
2nd Euphonium
Andrew Thornley
S.P. Twemlow
1st Trombone
Norman Law
J.E. Cowap
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett
H Burgess
Bass Trombone
David Richards
J Boulton
1st B Flat Bass
(Ted) Edward Swindells
None
2nd B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
W Edmonds
1st Eb Bass
Ian Davey
F Wakefield
2nd Eb Bass
Roy Sparks
E Spooner
Percussion
Kenneth Pavey
None
Percussion
Robert Smith
###################################################################################
22 Oct 1977
CONCERT – Town Hall, Walsall
“Concert of Brass and Voices”
With The Brownhills Co-operative Choral Society
Ian Comboy (Baritone)
FODEN‟S BAND
1. Bandology (Erich Osterling)
2. Overture The Yeomen of the Guard (Sullivan arr Sargent)
CHOIR
a. Old Mother Hubbard
b. weep you No More, Sad Foundations
c. Zadok the Priest
FODEN‟S BAND
4 Nov 1977
11 Nov 1977
3. Trumpets Wild (Schuman)
IAN COMBOY
a. Lungi Dal Caro Bene
b. Now for Vengeance “Marriage of Figaro” (Mozart)
c. O Isis and Osiris “The Magic Flute” (Mozart)
CHOIR
d. Dona Nobis Pacem
e. Valiant for Truth
FODEN‟S BAND
5. Prelude to “La Traviata”
IAN COMBOY AND CHOIR
f. Eriskay Love Lift
INTERVAL
FODEN‟S BAND
1. Capriccio Italien (Tchaikowsky arr Denis Wright)
CHOIR
a. Somebody‟s Knocking at your Door
b. Michael Row the Boat Ashore
FODEN‟S BAND
2. Unknown – Trombone Solo Norman Law
IAN COMBOY
a. The Ships of Arcady
b. Money – O
c. O Waly Waly
d. The Foggy Dew
CHOIR
c. Rock A My Soul
d. Ezekjel Saw de Wheel
FODEN‟S BAND
3. Samum (Robrecht)
4. Grand March from Aida (G Verdi)
CONCERT – Hazel Grove Methodist Church
A Grand Concert as part of the „Festival of Industry‟.
1. National Anthem
2. Florentiner (Fucik)
3. Overture – Yeoman of the Guard (Sullivan)
5. A New World Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
6. Samum (Robrecht)
INTERVAL
1. Famous British Marches (Langford)
2. Unknown - Euphonium Solo Colin Cranson
4. Music from the Ballet La Boutique Fantasque (Rossini / Rhespigi)
5. Pei Mei (Elgar Howarth)
CONCERT – Northwich Memorial Hall
The Vale Royal Lions Club Presents
“Friday Night is Music Night” with Fodens Band and
The Cestrian Male Voice Choir (Directed by Frederick Warren)
Comperes for the Evening Mr James Scott and Mr Cyril Thompson.
In aid of the NSPCC.
1. Nibelungen (Wagner)
2. Overture Die Fledermaus (Strauss)
3. A Roman War Song – Rienzi (Wagner)
5. The Lord High Executioner – Mikado (Gilbert and Sullivan)
6. And I Love You So (Don MacLean)
8. Entry of the Peers – Iolanthe (Gilbert and Sullivan)
INTERVAL
2. Unknown - Trombone Solo Norman Law
3. Casatchok – Ukranian Song
4. Dashenka – The Gypsy – Ukranian Song
5. Selection from Oliver (Lionel Bart)
6. Londonderry Air (arr Gordon Colman)
7. Beim Kronenwirt (Nach Einem Badischen Tanzlied)
English words by Cyril Thompson
8. Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany‟s
(Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini)
9. Christus Redemptor – Hyfrydd (R H Pritchard)
10. Overture – Yeoman of the Guard (Sullivan)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1977
COMPETITION – “Brass in Concert”, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Gateshead.
The first year of the competition.
FIRST
SECOND
Hammonds Sauce
THIRD
City of Coventry
Fodens Motor Works Band (Didn‟t take Part 1977 to 1982)
___________________________________________________________________________________
1977
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
James Scott
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
Robert Dean (Bob Dean)
2nd Cornet
Jimmy Charles
2nd Cornet
Sidney Garratt (Sid Garratt - moved from Solo Cornet)
2nd Cornet
Steve Cooke
3rd Cornet
Geoffrey Whiston
Cornet
Martyn Booth (Advertised on the LP as Flugel)
Soprano Cornet Kenneth Davies
Repiano Cornet John French
Flugel Horn
Gwyn Edwards (Advertised on the LP as Solo Cornet)
Solo Trombone Norman Law
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett
Solo Tenor Horn Alan Fowler (Guest Player)
1st Tenor Horn Brian Boden
2nd Tenor Horn Ellis Shufflebotham
Solo Baritone
Peter Christian
2nd Baritone
Richard Thomas
2nd Euphonium Andrew Thornley
Tenor Horn
Derek Lucas
Eb Bass
Roy Sparks
Eb Bass
Ian Davey
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
B Flat Bass
Percussion
Robert Smith
Tympani and Percussion Kenneth Pavey
(Information from LP “Sounds of Brass”)
###################################################################################
1978
CONDUCTOR
James Scott
BAND MANAGER
G Allan Littlemore c/o Foden‟s Ltd.
###################################################################################
Jan 1978
Colin Cranson decided to become a conductor rather than playing the Euphonium
with Fodens and was appointed Bandmaster with the band.
Due to the increase in work for the band this appointment was needed to allow
James Scott to have someone able to take the rehearsals when he was unable to
attend a job that hadn‟t been filled with the band in the last 7 years.
1978
With Colin Cranson taking on the role of Bandmaster his position in the band was
taken by Lindsay Lawrie who had played with the Lochgelly Band from Scotland.
Lindsay‟s appointment brought the Scottish contingent to three principal soloists with
the band joining Alan Brotherston (Cornet) and Norman Law (Trombone).
4 Mar 1978
CONCERT - Central Hall, Westminster, London SW1
“Fodens and Friends”
With Crystal Palace Band, Fulham Band, Enfield Co-op Band, London Co-op Band
and Guest Conductor Lt Col Trevor leM Sharpe O.B.E.
1. Prelude and Fugue (Gordon Langford)
2. Overture Thalassa – The Sea (Denis Wright)
3. Belmont Variations (Sir Arthur Bliss)
4. A Moorside Suite (Gustave Holst)
5. Spectrum (Gilbert Vinter)
INTERVAL
MASSED BANDS Conductor‟s James Scott and Lt Col Trevor leM Sharpe O.B.E.
1. Overture Die Fledermauss (Johann Strauss)
2. Hootanany (Harold Walters)
3. Fanfare and Soliloquy (Trevor Sharpe)
4. Carnival of Venice (J B Arban)
Euphonium Solo Jonathan Smith
5. Caribbean Cameo (Trevor Sharpe)
6. Radetsky March (Johann Strauss)
7. Overture 1812 (Peter Tchaikowsky)
8. National Anthem
2 Apr 1978
Test Piece “The Belmont Variations” by Sir Arthur Bliss
FIRST
Fairey Engineering Works
SECOND
THIRD
1978
The death was announced of Joe Moores at the age of 88. Joe Moores had been
playing the Bass Trombone with the band since 1920 to 25 June 1964.
1978
The BBC in Manchester ran a programme called “Champion Brass” which
Gerald Harrison produced for them between 1976 and 1987.
This year Fodens were crowned champions of the series after beating
Besses and Wingates in earlier rounds they faced Faireys in the final taking
the crown from the series champions by one point (98-97 points).
The band was conducted by James Scott and the following week from their win saw
the band back in the studio for a special 30 minute programme of music exclusively
from them.
The band played the Following
Country Palatine March
Havanagilah
You‟ve Only Just Begun
Ballet Music from Faust by Gunod
Adjudicator Bill Railton (Manager of the BBC Symphony Orchestra)
Solo spot of the evening went to Norman Law (Trombone) with “I wish you love”.
1978
1978
9 Sept 1978
1978
The band had just finished recording a new LP and from that the played the
“Sugar Plumb Fairey” from the Nutcracker.
BBC 2 also ran a competition at the same time called “Best of Brass”.
(Broadcast on Friday Night BBC 2 between 1978 and 1986)
BAND MEMBERS (taken from the Crewe Chronicle Feature)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Band Manager G Allan Littlemore
Conductor
James Scott
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
Keith Hilton
2nd Cornet
Jimmy Charles
2nd Cornet
2nd Cornet
Steve Cooke
3rd Cornet
Geoffrey Whiston
Cornet
Martyn Booth (Advertised on the LP as Flugel)
Flugel Horn
Gwyn Edwards (Advertised on the LP as Solo Cornet)
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett
Solo Tenor Horn
Solo Baritone
Peter J Christian
2nd Baritone
Tenor Horn
Geoff Poyzer (Solo Horn)
Eb Bass
Roy Sparks
Eb Bass
Ian Davey
B Flat Bass
B Flat Bass
Percussion
Tympani and Percussion Frank Hughes
EXTRA PLAYERS
Anthony Nash (Bb Bass)
B Williams
Terry F O‟Brien (Percussion)
Lindsay Lawrie (Euphonium)
Pic and Feature Crewe Chronicle.
CONCERT - Southport Flower Show.
Test Piece “Overture Benvenuto Cellini” by H Berlioz arr Frank Wright.
Conductor for Fodens James Scott.
FIRST
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Ransome Hoffman and Pollard
Tenth
GRANADA TV produced a programme called “Sounds of Brass”.
Rex Mortimer conducted the first two tunes “Alpine Echoes” (Solo Cornet Alan Brotherstone)
conducted by Harry Mortimer
“Lorenzo” by Dr Thomas Keighley
“Drinking” arranged by Alex Mortimer (Who appeared in a
Wheelchair in an archive film as he had died in 1976)
(Solo Euphonium Colin Cranson)
“Cossack”
The programme included a history of the band and interviews with the Mortimer
family.
The band, were behind a three tier University Challenge like blue set of stands.
7 Oct 1978
Test Piece “Checkmate” by Sir Arthur Bliss arr Eric Ball.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Grimethorpe
FOURTH
Fairey Engineering
FIFTH
Fodens Motor Works
7 Oct 1978
(see above)
“Festival of Music” with
Booked but may have been re-arranged.
3 Nov 1978
CONCERT – Hazel Grove Methodist Church
1. La Reine De Saba (Gounod)
2. Morning Noon and Night (Suppe)
3. Unknown – Solo Cornet Alan Brotherston
4. A Sullivan Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
5. Scarborough Fair (arr Ray Woodfield)
6. Hava Nagilah (arr Ray Woodfield)
INTERVAL
2. Unknown – Solo Euphonium Lindsay Lawrie
3. Caribbean Cameo (Trevor Sharpe)
4. All Through The Night (arr Langford)
5. Unknown – Solo Xylophone Ken Pavey
6. Finale from the Ballet Faust (Gounod)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
29 Nov 1978
CONCERT – Possibly Congleton.
“Wednesday Night is Music Night” a Tribute to Mr Charles Cook and his
58 years of Banding.
Guest Conductor Harry Mortimer OBE
With Beresfords Band
BERESFORDS BAND (Conductor Charles Cook)
1. Radetsky March (J Strauss)
2. Loreley (Nesvadba)
3. La Vie En Rose (Louiguy)
4. Rule Britannia Overture (Thomas Arne arr William Rimmer)
1. Carnival from Caribbean Cameo (T Sharp)
2. The Hustle (Van McCoy arr Derek Ashmore)
3. Finale Symphony No 4 (Tchaikovsky)
INTERVAL
1. Overture – Merry Wives of Windsor (Nicholais)
2. Hava Nagilah (arr R Woodfield)
FODEN‟S AND BERESFORDS (Conductor Harry Mortimer)
3. 76 Trombones (M Sandy Willson)
4. Floral Dance (arr D Broadbent)
5. A New World Symphony (arr Gordon Langford)
6. Skye Boat Song (arr W Rimmer)
FODEN‟S AND BERESFORDS (Conductor Harry Mortimer)
7. Overture 1812 (Tchaikovsky)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
FIRST
Hammonds Sauce Works
SECOND
William Davis
THIRD
Fodens didn‟t take part 1977 to 1982.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Nov 1978
3 Dec 1978
1978
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Lichfield
2. Die Fledermaus (Johann Strauss)
3. Unknown – Solo Cornet Alan Brotherston
4. A Sullivan Fantasy (arr Gordon Langford)
5. Scarborough Fair (arr Ray Woodfield)
6. Hava Nagilah (arr Ray Woodford)
7. Unknown – Solo Trombone Norman Law
INTERVAL
1. Three Inventions (Scheffer)
2. Unknown - Solo Euphonium Lindsay Lawrie
3. The Hustle (Van McCoy arr Derek Ashmore)
4. Autumn Song (Frank Hughes)
5. Unknown – Solo Xylophone Ken Pavey
SOUNDS OF BRASS – WINNERS BBC VOL 33 Decca
(Winners of the BBC Champion Brass Series 1978)
BAND MEMBERS (Taken from the Sounds of Brass LP)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Band Manager G Allan Littlemore
Conductor
James Scott
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
Keith Hilton
Solo Cornet
Graham Jones
Solo Cornet
Steve Cooke
2nd Cornet
Jimmy Charles
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
3rd Cornet
Geoffrey Whiston
Flugel Horn
Gwyn Edwards
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett
Solo Tenor Horn Geoffrey Poyzer
Solo Baritone
Peter J Christian
2nd Baritone
Richard Thomas
Solo Euphonium Lindsay Lawrie
Tenor Horn
Geoff Poyzer
Eb Bass
Roy Sparks
Eb Bass
Ian Davey
B Flat Bass
Anthony Nash
B Flat Bass
(Ted) Edward Swindles
Percussion
Terry O‟ Brien
Tympani and Percussion Frank Hughes
SB333
###################################################################################
1979
FODEN‟S BAND
CONDUCTOR
James Scott (see July 1979) / Derek Garside
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
Jan 1979
Feb 1979
Mar 1979
1 Apr 1979
Test Piece “Variations for Brass band” by Vaughan Williams.
FIRST
SECOND
Wingates Temperence
THIRD
FOURTH
Goodwin
FIFTH
1979
DUTCH VARA BRASS BAND FESTIVAL
The band played an Evening concert, Radio Broadcast and Morning Concert.
1979
COMPETITION – Granada Band of the Year Competition in Manchester.
The 1979 Competition was won by the Fairey Band.
24 June 1979
BROADCAST RECORDING
“Sounding Brass and Voices” BBC
Fodens conducted by James Scott.
With Besses O‟ th‟ Barn Band (Roy Newsome),
Halle Choir (Ronald Frost),
John Gracie (Solo Trumpet)
Conducted by Maurice Handford
FODENS
1. Caliban Scherzo Malevolo (Arthur Butterworth 1973)
July 1979
James Scott‟s term of office as Musical Director came to an end along with
Colin Cranson who resigned as Bandmaster.
1979
Fodens played “The Trumpets” by Gilbert Vinter for the first time since 1965 in a
concert to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of the composer.
Fodens were joined by Besses O th Barn, The Halle Choir, Forbes Robinson and
conductor Maurice Handforth. A recording was made later for broadcast on the BBC.
During the concert James Scott conducted Fodens in a piece called “Caliban” by
Arthur Butterworth.
Conductor
James Scott (Musical Director) (Left July 1979)
Colin Cranson (Bandmaster) (Left July 1979)
1979
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
James Scott
Soprano Cornet Ken Davies
Solo Cornet
Bob Dean (Robert Dean)
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
Geoff Whiston
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
2nd Cornet
Steve Cooke
3rd Cornet
James Charles (Jimmy Charles)
3rd Cornet
Sid Garratt
Repriano Cornet John French
Flugel Horn
Gwyn Edwards
E Flat Bass
Roy Sparks
E Flat Bass
Ian Davey
B Flat Bass
Ted Swindles
B Flat Bass
Jack Millington
Tenor Horn
Derek Lucas
2nd Tenor Horn Brian Boden
Solo Baritone
Peter Christian
2nd Baritone
Ian Barker
Euphonium
John French
Trombone
Norman Law
2nd Trombone
Wynford Barnett
Percussion
Robert Smith
Percussion
Ken Pavey
Howard Hough (Driver)
Tom Foster (Driver)
1979
The band needed a temporary stop gap in its leadership while a more permanent
Musical director could be found to lead the band to championship wins again.
Derek Garside was appointed to the role of temporary Musical Director.
He had been with the CWS Manchester band as a cornet player and came to Elworth
for just a few weeks but this turned out to be a longer stay that no one had seen.
Sept 1979
Derek Garside was appointed Resident Conductor of the band on a permanent basis
after financial constraints were put on the band. Originally Allan Littlemore and the
company had wanted a Professional Conductor and a Resident Conductor to take the
band forward but the recession and a lack of money changed all that and Derek was
hired to keep the band going.
___________________________________________________________________________________
DEREK GARSIDE Biography. Resident Conductor 1979 to 1980.
.b. 1930.
Derek was born in Brighouse in Yorkshire in 1930 where he began his musical life playing the cornet
at the age of 9 under the tuition of F. J. Roberts (Principal Cornet with Brighouse and Rastrick).
Derek joined the Brighouse and RAstrick band and between 1942 and 1947 he won more than 40 solo
competitions in the North of England.
In 1947, aged 17 he was appointed Principal Cornet with the C.W.S. (Manchester) Band a role he
continued with until April1972.
It was at this time that he started to consentrate on his solo work which took him all over the continent
and as a trumpeter he played with many professional orchestras.
In 1969 he was awarded the “Insignia of Honour” by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his
contribution to the Brass band Movement.
In 1972 still with the C.W.S. (Manchester) Band he was appointed their Musical Director a position he
continued in until he enterered into a private business in South Wales some five years later.
In 1979 Derek returned to the North of England to teach brass instruments young students in Yorkshire
Schools. During this time he was also in demand as an adjudicator and in 1979 Derek was appointed
resident conductor with the Foden Motor Works Band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1979
8 Sept 1979
6 Oct 1979
A New Bus was donated to the band despite the lack of money as it was more as a
publicity machine for Fodens who had started making the passenger vehicle again
along with Northern Counties Bodies of Wigan who put the shells onto Foden
underframes.
This was the first new bus for the band in 28 Year‟s.
Test Piece “Le Carnival Romain” by H Berlioz arr Frank Wright.
Conductor for Fodens Derek Garside.
FIRST
Fairey Engineering
SECOND
Desmond Colliery
THIRD
UNPLACED
Test Piece “Volcano” by Robert Simpson.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Cory
THIRD
Birmingham School of Music
13 Oct 1979
27 Oct 1979
10 Nov 1979
Fodens Failed to Qualify.
MASSED BRASS BANDS CONCERT
(Fairey Engineering Works Band and Foden‟s Motor Works Band)
At the Free Trade Hall, Manchester (sponsored by Toc H Manchester Arena)
With the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir
CONCERT – The Dome, Brighton
Produced and Presented by The Hangleton Band.
2. Oberon (Waber) Cornet Solo Alan Brotherston
3. Fantasy on British Sea Songs (Gordon Langford)
4. Carnival Romain (Hector Berlioz arr Frank Wright)
INTERVAL
1. Intradia and Scherzo from Rhapsodic Symphony (F Hughes)
Euphonium Solo Lindsay Lawrie
2. Ballet Music from Sylvia (Delibes)
3. Threnody (Henry Geehl) Xylophone Solo Ken Pavey
4. The King and I Selection (Rogers and Hammerstein)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
CONCERT – Stroud Brass Band Festival, Stroud Leisure Centre.
(Same programme as 27 Oct 1979)
0. National Anthem
2. Oberon (Waber) Cornet Solo Alan Brotherston
INTERVAL
2. Unknown - Euphonium Solo Lindsay Lawrie
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1979
FIRST
SECOND
Cory
THIRD
Desford Colliery
___________________________________________________________________________________
2 Dec 1979
CONCERT – Stockport Town Hall.
In Aid of the Stockport Campaign for the Winged fellowship Trust
(Holidays for the Diabled)
(Same programme as 27 Oct 1979)
2. Overture from Oberon (Weber)
INTERVAL
###################################################################################
1980
FODEN‟S BAND
CONDUCTOR
Derek Garside / Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
Jan 1980
8 Mar 1980
30 Mar 1980
15 July 1980
6 Sept 1980
The band under new conductor Derek M Garside recorded its third consecutive
record on the Decca label.
SOUNDS OF BRASS – VOLUME 41 (Decca SB341)
It included a track called “Threnody” by Henry Geehl, which he had written in
memory of Fred Mortimer. The older members of the band had never set eyes on the
piece nor had librarian Ted Swindles, however it was discovered in a pile of
manuscripts in the library by Allan Littlemore who was sorting out the unsorted pile.
It turned out to be a wonderful lament and as 1980 was the centenary of
Fred Mortimer‟s birth it was an appropriate track to include on the LP.
MUSICIANS on the LP (In addition to those mentioned in 1979)
Solo Cornet
James Leggat
Solo Cornet
Keith Hilton
Soprano Cornet
Darryl Home
Flugel Horn
Kenneth Davies
Solo Tenor Horn
Geoff Poyzer
Solo Baritone
Nigel Beasley
Bass Trombone
Ian Copestake
CONCERT – The Great Hall, Exeter University.
Conductor Derek M Garside
1. Rosslyn (Eric Ball)
2. The Italian Girl in Algiers (Rossini)
3. We‟ve Only Just Begun
(Paul Williams, Roger Nichols arr Derek Ashmore)
5. A Sullivan Fantasy (arr G Langford)
6. Unknown – Cornet Solo John French
7. Beatrice and Benedict (Hector Berlioz)
INTERVAL
1. Waltz from Eugene Onegin (Tchaikowsky)
3. Tintagel (Dennis Wright)
5. Threnody (Henry Geehl)
6. The White Horse Inn (arr Denis Wright)
7. National Anthem
Test Piece “Overture Beatrice and Benedict” by Berlioz arr Keith Wilkinson.
Conductor for Fodens D M Garside
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
The Band came 2nd qualifying for the Nationals in London.
FODENS MOTOR WORKS called in the receivers, Fodens were “broke”.
Receivers Sir Kenneth Cork and Philip Livesey were charged with running the
company and were happy to continue with the band playing its part in promoting the
company.
Test Piece “Energy” by Robert Simpson.
Conductor for Fodens Derek Garside.
FIRST
Yorkshire Imperial
SECOND
GUS
4 Oct 1980
(See below)
4 Oct 1980
10 Oct 1980
11 Oct 1980
13 Oct 1980
Nov 1980
15 Nov 1980
THIRD
Desford Colliery
UNPLACED
The Winning band, “Yorkshire Imperial” was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 between
10.30pm and 11pm having been recorded in the Kings Hall just after the results
were announced.
COMPETITION – “National Championships”.
With the anniversary of Fred Mortimer‟s Centenary the organisers wanted to pay
tribute to him and the concert following the competition reflected his many Year‟s
with Fodens. The evening includedSevern Suite (Elgar) (Conductor Harry Mortimer)
(March from) Epic Symphony (Percy Fletcher)
(Conducted by Rex Mortimer)
Also in attendance was Hubert Shergold (92 year old ex player with Fodens)
who was greeted on stage with rapturous applause.
Test Piece “Carnival Overture” by Anton Dvorak arr Geoffrey Brand.
Conductor Derek Garside
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Fairey Engineering
Fodens came equal 16th with Templemore.
The Friday after the Nationals back in Sandbach the Foden Motor Works
ceased to exist and all the band members were officially made redundant.
At the Free Trade Hall, Manchester (Sponsored by Toc H Manchester Area)
With the Mancunian Choir
MEN O‟ BRASS at Toc H Manchester Area
“Festival of Music” with FODEN‟S (Conductor Derek Garside)
And FAIREY‟S (Conductor Brian Broadbent)
BANDS 1. March – King Cotton (Sousa)
2. Overture – Poet and Peasant (Suppe)
3. The Londonderry Air (arr Gordon Colman)
4. Cornet Feature – Bugler‟s Holiday (By Request) (Leroy Anderson)
MANCUNIAN SINGERS
BANDS 1. Themes from the Fifth Symphony (Beethoven arr Denis Wright)
INTERVAL
BANDS 1. Trombones to the Fore (Harold Scull)
2. The Skaters Waltz (Waldteufel)
3. Elizabethan Serenade (Ronald Binge)
4. Polka Thunder and Lightning (Strauss)
5. Theme from “The Onedin Line” – Sparticus (Kchachaturian)
MANCUNIAN SINGERS
BAND 1. Slavonic Rhapsody No 2 (Friedemann)
2. Finale Nightfall in Camp (arr Douglas A Pope)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
The assets of the works not the employees were purchased by the
“PACCAR COMPANY OF SEATTLE”, USA.
The new company decided that the band was one of the best assets of the company
and would keep it going.
Hubert Shergold passed away a few weeks after making his appearance at the
Royal Albert Hall for the Fred Mortimer Tribute.
CONCERT – Hexagon, Reading
In Association with Reading Brass Band Guild
Conductor Derek Garside
1. Grand March Tannhauser (Wagner)
2. Beatrice and Benedict (Hector Berlioz arr Wilkinson)
(Test piece for the Regional Championships 1980)
6. Energy (Robert Simpson)
INTERVAL
1. Heroic March from the Epic Symphony (Percy Fletcher)
2. Girl with the Flaxen Hair (Debussey arr Brand)
4. Carnival (Dvorak arr Brand)
5. Music (Miles arr Broadbent) Xylophone Solo Ken Pavey
6. National Anthem
Nov 1980
Allan Littlemore started talks with Howard Snell with a view to becoming
Musical Director of the Band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1980
FIRST
SECOND
Desford Colliery
THIRD
Cory
___________________________________________________________________________________
28 Nov 1980
1980
CONCERT – Brine Leas School (PTA)
1. Grand March Tannhauser (Wagner)
2. Overture Morning, Noon and Night (Suppe)
5. Autumn Song (Frank Hughes) (Cornet Solo Alan Brotherston)
6. Patterns in Brass (Frank Hughes)
INTERVAL
1. Famous British Marches (Arr Gordon Langford)
2. Solo Euphonium featuring Lindsay Lawrie
3. Overture Canival (Dvorak arr G Brand)
4. Music (John Miles arr Derek Broadbent) (Xylophone Solo Ken Parry)
5. Finale from Epic Symphony Heroic March (Percy Fletcher)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
The conductor for the evening was Derek M Garside.
BAND MEMBERS (Taken from above programmes 15 Nov and 28 Nov 1980)
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Band Manager Allan Littlemore
Conductor
Derek Garside (Resident Conductor)
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
John French
Solo Cornet
Keith Hilton
Solo Cornet
Steve Cooke
2nd Cornet
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
3rd Cornet
Geoff Whiston
3rd Cornet
Sid Garratt (Sidney Garratt)
Soprano Cornet Daryll Home
Flugel Horn
Ken Davies
Repiano Cornet Jim Leggat (Later became Librarian of the Band)
Solo Horn
Geoff Poyzer
Solo Baritone
Nigel Beasley
2nd Baritone
Ian Barker
Euphonium
2nd Euphonium
Solo Trombone
1st Trombone
Bass Trombone
1st E Flat Bass
2nd Eb Bass
1st Bb Bass
2nd Bb Bass
Percussion
Percussion
Lindsay Lawrie
Andrew Thornley
Norman Law
Arthur Breeze (Joined in the Late 1970‟s)
Bob Gutteridge
John Pym
Ted Swindles
Jack Millington
Michael Oxley
Ken Pavey
Robert Smith
Dec 1980
Howard Snell was installed as MD of the band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
HOWARD SNELL Biography.
Born in the village of Wollaston in Northamptonshire to a Salvation Army family with whom he
started playing the cornet in the Citadel band.
The family moved to Scotland where Howard studied the piano at the Royal Scotish Academy. He later
went to the Royal Academy in London playing the trumpet as his first instrument.
After graduating from the RA he joined the orchestra of Sadler‟s Wells Opera. Three and a half years
later he joined the London Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet (for 6 Years) and Chairman of
the Orchestra‟s Board of Directors (4 Years).
In 1976 he left the LSO to become a conductor and also became the founder of the Wren Orchestra and
was its Musical Director a position he held for eight years (to 1984).
In 1979 Howard moved to North Staffordshire and took up a position at the Royal Northern College of
Music where in 1983 he was appointed Head of Brass Studies.
In 1980 Howard was appointed conductor of the Foden‟s Band a position he continued to hold until
June 1996.
CONDUCTOR FORRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
Philharmonic Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra Brass
Head of Brass Studies
Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Fodens Band / Britannia Building Society Band
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
1981
FODEN‟S BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
1981
Don Blakeson was appointed Bandmaster and decided to enter the band in the
“Whit Monday March Competition” where they would play “Ravenswood”.
8 Feb 1981
CONCERT – “Cat‟s Whiskers”, Burnley 2.24pm
Conductor Don Blakeson
1. Tannhauser (Wagner)
2. Pop Parade (Miles arr Broadbent)
3. Serenade (D Bourgois)
5. A Sullivan Fantasy
6. Girl with the Flaxon Hair (arr M Brand)
7. Watch Your Step (arr Howard Snell)
8. New World Fantasy (arr Gordon Langford)
INTERVAL
1. Famous British Marches (arr Gordon Langford)
2. Unknown – Trombone Solo Andrew Snelson
29 Mar 1981
12 Apr 1981
23 Apr 1981
21 June 1981
1981
Summer 1981
Sept 1981
5 Sept 1981
3. Murder on the Orient Express (Ron Goodwin arr Howard Snell)
4. Le Cid (Massenet arr Howard Snell)
5. Blues March (Roy Premru)
6. Unknown - Xylophone Solo Ken Pavey
7. Epic Symphony (P Fletcher)
8. National Anthem
Test Piece “Variations on the Shining River” by Rubbra arr Frank Wright
Conductor for Fodens Howard Snell
FIRST
SECOND
Leyland Vehicles
THIRD
Point of Ayr Colliery
Ninth
CONCERT – Coppenhall School, Crewe
1. Procession of the Nobels (Rimsky Korsakov arr J Curnow)
2. Candide (Leonard Bernstein)
4. Molly on the Shore (Percy Granger)
5. Girl with the Flaxen Hair (Debussy)
6. Adagio (Albinoni)
7. Watch Your Step (Ray Premru)
8. Henry V - Overture (Vaughan Williams)
INTERVAL
1. Le Cid (Massanet att Howard Snell)
3. Murder on the Orient Express (arr Howard Snell)
4. Pavane (Foure)
6. Bolero (Ravel)
7. National Anthem
CONCERT – Arcadia Theatre, Llandudno
2. Candide (Leonard Bernstein)
4. Watch Your Step (Ray Premru)
5. Henry V - Overture (Vaughan Williams)
INTERVAL
1. Le Cid (Massanet att Howard Snell)
3. Murder on the Orient Express (arr Howard Snell)
5. Bolero (Ravel)
6. National Anthem
CONCERT – Sandbach Secondary School Lawns / Sandbach Marathon
Fodens play on the front lawn of Sandbach Secondary School at the end of
the Sandbach Marathon which had been sponsored by Fodens Motor Works.
REDUNDANCY AT FODENS
With a number of retirements from the band due to being made redundant and having
to find other work outside the area, the band had to recruit new members including
Allan Withington from Wingates Band who took over from Alan Brotherston as
Principal Cornet.
Another addition to the band was Phillip Littlemore (Aged 14, 2nd Cornet) the son
of Allan Littlemore and an ex player with Roberts Bakery (Middlewich)
Don Burgess died at the age of 51.
Rachel French (Horn) had joined the band the first woman band member on the
contest stage. Rachel was to later to become the wife of Tony Goddard
(Cornet Player).
Test Piece “Variations on a Ninth” by Gilbert Vinter.
This was the last time the competition would be held at the Kings Hall, Belle Vue as
the venue would be demolished soon after the event.
The band came third. And as they were the last to play they became the last band to
play at the venue adding to the distinction of being the first winners of the
competition in the Belle Vue location back in 1910 (The contest began in 1853).
Test Piece “Variations on a Ninth” by Gilbert Vinter
Conductor for Fodens Howard Snell.
FIRST
City of Coventry
SECOND
Leyland Vehicles
THIRD
Fodens Motor Works
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 Oct 1981
Test Piece “Blitz” by Derek Bourgeois
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
THIRD
Whitburn
Fodens didn‟t take part.
3 Oct 1981
CONCERT – “National Championships”, Royal Albert Hall, London
Recorded Highlights of the “Gala Concert” were broadcast on BBC Radio 2
on Saturday 10 October 1981 from 8pm to 9pm and introduced by John Dunn.
The Massed Band concert included Besses O‟ Th‟ Barn, Black Dyke Mills Band,
Desford Colliery Dowrt Band and G.U.S. with guest soloists Philip McCann (Cornet)
and Gordon Higginbottom along with guest conductor Harry Mortimer and
Associate Conductor Roy Newsome.
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 Oct 1981
At the Free Trade Hall, Manchester (Sponsored by Toc H Manchester Area)
MEN O‟ BRASS
25 Oct 1981
MEN O‟ BRASS – Assembly Rooms Derby
Fodens (Conductor Howard Snell)
City of Coventry (Conductor Ray Stuttard),
Morris Motors (Conductor Cliff Edmunds)
Compere Robin Boyle (BBC Radio 2)
Guest Soloist Phillip McCann (Black Dyke Mills Band)
1. March – Thundercrest (Eric Osterling)
2. The Yeoman of the Guard (Sullivan arr Malcolm Sargent)
3. Men of Harlech (Trad arr Gordon Langford)
4. SOLO Philip McCann
5. Little Suite for Brass No1 (Malcolm Arnold)
6. Berne Patrol (Trad arr Elgar Howarth)
7. Overture The Force of Destiny (Verdi arr Frank Wright)
INTERVAL
1. French Military March (Saint-Seans arr Hargreaves)
2. Whispering Brass (Peter Haysom)
3. Les Preludes (Liszt arr William Rimmer)
4. Among your Souvenirs – Waltz, Destiny (Sydney Baynes)
5. SOLO Philip McCann
7. Finale – Sundown (arr Roger Barsotti)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1981
FIRST
SECOND
Yorkshire Imperial
THIRD
Desford Colliery Dowty
___________________________________________________________________________________
1981
1981
1981
The band left its rehearsal room at the Co Operative building and moved
into the Works offices to rehearse.
Allan Withington left the band to become Principal Trumpet with the
Bergen Symphony Orchestra in Norway.
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Band Manager Allan Littlemore
Conductor
Howard Snell (Conductor / Musical Director)
Principal Cornet Alan Brotherston (Left in 1981)
Principal Cornet Allan Withington (Left the same year see above)
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
Steve Cooke
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
2nd Cornet
Phillip Littlemore
2nd Cornet
Soprano Cornet Ken Davies (Soprano Cornet / Flugel)
Solo Horn
Geoff Poyser
2nd Tenor Horn Rachel Goddard (Miss Rachel French)
2nd Baritone
Nigel Beasley
Euphonium
John French (Moved from Solo Cornet)
1st Trombone
Arthur Breeze
Bass Trombone Bob Gutteridge
1st E Flat Bass John Pym
2nd Eb Bass
Ted Swindles
B Flat Bass
Ian Presho
Percussion
Ian Barker (Moved from 2nd Baritone)
Percussion
Ken Pavey
Percussion
Robert Smith
Michael Clarke
Andrew Snelson (See Feb 1981)
Glenn Greenlees
Andrew Thornley
Ian Davey
Andy Bramhill
Driver
Howard Hough
###################################################################################
1982
FODEN‟S BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
1982
By the start of 1982 PACCAR had decided to cut the cost of support to the band
by half.
28 Feb 1982
CONCERT – Grand Theatre Blackpool
1. National Anthem
2. Coronation (Meyerbee)
3. Candide (Bernstein)
5. Trumpeters Wild (Walters)
Cornet Trio
6. The Shipbuilders (Yorke)
7. If (David Gates)
Horn Solo Geoff Poyzer
8. Berne Patrol (Lear)
9. Paris Le Soir (Lear)
Flugel Solo Ken Davies
10. Dance of the Tumblers (Rimsky Korsakov)
INTERVAL
1. Russian Dance (Khatchaturian)
2. Rhapsody Trombone (Langford)
Trombone Solo Andrew Snelson
3. Molly on the Shore (Grainer)
4. Sicilienne (Paradies)
Baritone Solo Nigel Beasley
5. Scarborough Fair (Trad)
6. Hoe-Down (Copland)
Euphonium Solo Iain Davey
8. Helter Skelter (Alford)
23-24 Mar 1982 RECORDING OF SPECIAL PROGRAMME IN CELEBRATION OF
HARRY MORTIMER.
A letter to Sydney Garratt from the BBC dated the 17 th March 1982 gives details
of the schedule for the programme in which the “All Star Brass” took part.
Members of the band would be staying at the Kensington Hilton Hotel on the
evening of the 23 March. The band were given an account for the hotel room and
English Breakfast which was sent to the BBC for payment with £10 to cover meals
at the studios plus train or car expences.
The programme was recorded at the BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane,
London. The executive producer was Yvonne Littlewood (Light Entertainment).
28 Mar 1982
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”,
Guild Hall, Preston.
Test Piece “Essay for Brass Band” by Edward Gregson
FIRST
Leyland Vehicles
SECOND
THIRD
FOURTH
4 Apr 1982
CONCERT – Sports and Leisure Centre, Sherwood Hall, Matlock
(Same Programme as 28 Feb 1982)
1. National Anthem
Cornet Trio
7. If (David Gates)
INTERVAL
10 Apr 1982
17 Apr 1982
1982
24 Apr 1982
Anniversary of the Birth of Harry Mortimer.
(In Allan Littlemore’s book on the history of the band he puts the Anniversary
Concert on the 10th but a programme from the event puts the date as the 17 th April)
CONCERT – Anniversary Concert with Fairey Engineering Works Band.
On the anniversary of Harry Mortimer‟s 80th Birthday, Fodens joined with
Fairey Aviation to hold a concert at the Manchester Free Trade hall in celebration.
The idea was that both bands play for 30 minutes with their own conductors with the
second half being a joint concert with Harry conducting. However Howard Snell
suggested that various composers contribute musical messages of goodwill. It was
decided to keep this aspect of the concert secret until the concert.
Edward Gregson - Motif from Happy Birthday to you.
Derek Bourgeois - (A Reflective Piece)
Elgar Howarth - HM‟s Dream (Includes “Alpine Echoes” and “Cossack”)
Gordon Langford - For He‟s a Jolly Good Fellow (Arrangement)
The second half of the concert conducted by Harry Mortimer was to be recorded for
the BBC Radio Programme “Listen to the Band” and Harry Mortimer was expecting
the band to play the theme tune of the same name, however they had other ideas and
proceeded to play “Happy Birthday”. Harry enjoyed the whole evening‟s tribute to
him.
FODEN‟S MOTOR WORKS BAND (Conductor Howard Snell)
1. National Anthem
2. Russian Dance (Khatchaturian arr Howard Snell)
3. Salute from the suite Man O‟Brass (Howard Snell)
Commissioned by Foden‟s Band with funding from the
North West Arts Council.
5. Pines of Rome (Respighi arr Howard Snell)
FAIREY ENGINEERING WORKS BAND (Conductor Geoffrey Brand)
a. Valdress (Johannes Hanssen arr Herbert Moller)
b. Capriccio (Philip Sparke)
Solo Soprano Cornet Alan Wycherley
c. Ragtime Parade (Erik Satie arr Michael Brand)
d. Carnival (Dvorak arr Geoffrey Brand)
INTERVAL
COMBINED BANDS Fairey and Foden‟s (Conducted by Harry Mortimer)
(Recorded for BBC Radio 2)
1. Listen to the Band (Signature Tune) Soldiers in the Park
(Lionel Monckton)
2. Light Cavalry Overture (Suppe)
3. Skye Boat Song (arr William Rimmer)
Dance of the Happy Old Gentlemen (Eric Ball)
5. John Peel (Trad arr Fred Mortimer)
6. The Three Trumpeters (Agostini)
7. The Lost Chord (Sullivan arr Gordon Langford)
8. William Tell (Rossini)
ITV also paid Tribute to Harry Mortimer‟s 80th Birthday with a special
programme which included a massed band of Brass and Military players connected
with Harry. This of course included members of Fodens.
CONCERT – Holmes Chapel
“Holmes Chapel Music Society Presents”
1. National Anthem
15 May 1982
23 May 1982
5 June 1982
7. Bere Patrol (Lear)
8. Moto Perpetuo (Paganini)
INTERVAL
1. Diadem of Gold (G Bailey arr Frank Wright)
6. Elergy from Entertainments (Vinter)
8. Pines of Rome (Respighi)
CONCERT Brocksford School, Nr Uttoxeter, Staffs.
1. National Anthem
Cornet Trio
7. If (David Gates)
INTERVAL
COMPETITION – Joshua Tetley Leeds Open (Championship Section)
The band were placed 11th with 183 Points under the conductor Howard Snell.
CONCERT – Albert Hall, Nottingham.
Part of the Nottingham Festival 1982.
“HARRY MORTIMER‟S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CONCERT”
Foden‟s (Conductor Howard Snell)
With The City of Coventry Band (Conductor Stephen Shimwell) (Combined Bands)
And The Treorchy Male Voice Choir (Conductor John Cynan Jones)
Presenter Graham Percy (BBC Radio Nottingham)
COMBINED BANDS
1. March Bandology (Eric Osterling)
2. Overture Light Cavalry (Suppe)
3. Cavatina (John Williams)
CHOIR a. The Anvil Chorus (Verdi)
b. Speed your Journey (Verdi)
c. Fantasia on Welsh Folk Songs (Mansel Thomas)
CITY OF COVENTRY BAND
a. City Cruiser (Goff Richards)
b. Oranges and Lemons (arr Geldard)
c. Round the Horn (C.B. Mort) Tenor Horn Solo
d. Serenade (Derek Bourgeois)
e. Turkish delight (Darrol Barry)
COMBINED BANDS AND CHOIR
1. Glory and Love
INTERVAL
COMBINED BANDS
1. Overture The Force of Destiny (Verdi arr Frank Wright)
2. Featuring Cornets and Trombones (Unknown tune)
3. Quid Pro Quo (Eric Ball)
CHOIR a. Just a Closer Walk (arr Price Black)
b. The Battle Hymn of the Republic (arr R Ringwald) Solo Harry Price
c. Annie‟s Song (John Denver arr Gordon Langford)
e. The Impossible Dream (Leigh arr Sammes)
1. Overture Candide (Bernstein arr Howard Snell)
2. Scarborough Fair (arr Derek Ashworth)
3. The Pines of Rome (Respighi arr Howard Snell)
COMBINED BANDS
1. An American Folk Festival (arr Walters)
COMBINED BANDS AND CHOIR
2. Llanfair
The National Anthem
FODENS was now renamed the "Sandbach Engineering Company” and told
Allan Littlemore that they had decided to withdraw funding for the famous Brass
band on the 31 December 1982.
29 June 1982
On the 29 June 1982 Allan Littlemore broke the news of his retirement from the band
to the stunned band members during their rehearsal.
1982
With no money it made it difficult for Allan Littlemore to continue running the band.
What Paccar agreed to do was to give the band the instruments and music library
allowing the band to keep going but without a sponsor it would be very difficult.
Support came from various places due to the media interest in the loss of the
band and from Harry Mortimer and Howard Snell who continued their support for
the players.
1982
The band decided to go it alone and wrote a Constitution as well as appointing three
trustees to be responsible for the band‟s finances. These would be Harry Mortimer,
Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe MP) and Ted Foden the grandson of the founder of the
Foden Motor Works.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONSTITUTION
(taken from a Draft edition not dated but fits in style and age – This may be an earlier 1970‟s draft)
June 1982
THE FODEN BAND
DRAFT CONSTITUTION
1. The Band shall be called the FODEN BAND.
2. The objective of the band shall be to perform Brass Band music and to provide the facilities‟ for the
performance of such music.
3. The Band should be managed by a committee of members. The committee should be elected at the
Annual General Meeting in each year, and subject to termination of office by resignation or otherwise
shall remain in office until their successors are elected at the Annual General Meeting next following
their election. The Committee shall have powers to fill any vacancy that may occur. The retiring
members of the Committee shall be eligible for re-election.
4. Any member desiring to withdraw from the Band must give notice in writing to the secretary at least
28 days before hand.
5. The Band shall have powers to expel any member who shall offend against the rules of the Band and
who conduct shall in opinion of the majority of the Band render him unfit for membership of the Band.
Before any such member is expelled the Secretary shall give him 7 days written notice to attend a
meeting of the Band and shall inform him of the complaints made against him. No member shall be
expelled without first having had an opportunity of appearing before the Band and answering
complaints made against him nor unless at least two–thirds of the Band then present vote in favour of
his expulsion.
6. The Committee shall have power to alter the rules, but no such alteration shall take effect until the
same has been confirmed at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting convened for
the purpose.
7. The Committee shall have powers to make by-laws for regulating the conduct and affairs of the
Band, providing the same are not inconsistent with these rules. Such by-laws shall be posted in some
conspicuous part of the Band premises and shall be binding on all members.
8. A General Meeting of the Band shall be held in every year to transact the following business
a. To receive and if approved, to adopt a statement of Bands accounts to the end of the
preceding year.
b. To consider and if approved, sanction any duly made alteration of the rules.
c. To appoint the Officers and other members of the Committee.
d. To appoint an Auditor or Auditors.
e. To deal with any special matters which the Committee desire to bring before the members
and to receive suggestions from the members for considerations by the Committee.
Notice convening the General Meeting shall be posted in the Band premises not less than 7 days before
the meeting and shall specify the matters to be dealt with.
9. A Special General Meeting may be convened at anytime by the Committee and shall be convened
within 21 days from the receipt of a requisition in writing, signed by not less than two members
specifying the object for the meeting of any of the following purposes.
a. To consider, and if approved, sanction any duly made alteration of the rules.
b. To deal with any special matters which the members requiring the meeting may desire to
place before the Band.
Notice convening a Special General Meeting shall be posted in the Band premises not less than 7 days
before the meeting and shall specify the matters to be dealt with.
10. At Committee Meetings and General Meetings a Chairman shall be elected to preside and he shall
have a casting or an additional vote in the event of an equality of votes.
11. At Committee Meetings ____ shall form a quorum.
At General Meetings ____ shall form a quorum.
12. The Musical Director of the Band shall be decided by a majority of the Band and the Musical
Director shall have responsibility for all decisions of the musical nature and for the appointment and
dismissal of players which he feels shall be for the benefit of Band, in a musical context.
13. TRUSTEES
a. The number of Trustees shall be not fewer than two not more than four.
b. The Trustees shall hold office until death, resignation, or removal from office by a
resolution of the members.
c. They shall be vested in the Trustees all the property of the Band other than cash which will
be under the control of the Treasurer.
d. The Trustees may deal with the property so vested in them by way of sale, mortgage
charge, lease or otherwise as so ever directed by the Band. Such directions shall be given by resolution
of the members of the Band passed by a majority of the members present at a duly convened meeting
of the Band and when so passed shall favour of a purchaser mortgages, charge lease or grantee be
binding upon all the members of the Band. Certificate purporting to be signed by the Secretary for the
time being of the Band shall in favour of the said persons be conclusive evidence that a direction
complying in all respects with the above provisions of this rule was duly given to the Trustees.
14. ACCOUNTS, INCOME AND PROPERTY
a. The financial year of the Band shall end on ____ day of _________ in every year to which
day the account shall be balanced and drawn.
b. As soon as is practicable after the end of the financial year there shall be prepared a
statement of the assets and liability of the Band at the end of the financial year and a statement of
income and expenditure during that year, which statement shall be audited by an auditor no less than 28
days before the Annual General Meeting.
c. The copies of the auditor‟s Statement of Accounts shall be made available to every member
at the Annual General Meeting.
d. The Auditor shall be an professional accountant and shall not be a member of the Band. He
shall be appointed by each Annual General Meeting and shall hold office until the next following
Annual General Meeting.
e. All monies received by the Band shall be paid into an account in the name of the Band at
Bankers appointed by the Committee and cheques and other instruments drawn on, and directions to
the Bankers shall be signed by not less than two officers.
f. No action involving expenditure in name or on behalf of the band shall be taken and no
undertaking which will commit the Band to expenditure or other liability shall be made without the
prior authority of the resolution of the Committee.
15. There shall be held at least once in every month a General Meeting of all the Members of the Band
present to discuss any matters which require discussion by any member of the Band and the Committee
shall report to all members of the Band any decisions which they have made in the period proceeding
the monthly meetings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1982
After the band had been given the instruments, but before they had managed to insure
them some thieves broke into the band room and stole two cornets worth £1,000.
27 June - 4 July 1982 Between June and the 4 July the space shuttle COLUMBIA (Mission 4) went
into space with Tom Mattingly and Henry Hartsfield on board. Its return was
witnessed by Richard Carlton Tickell (.b. 1916 in Wallasey, Cheshire) and his wife
Meg.
5 July 1982
On the evening of the 4 July 1982 after witnessing the shuttles return they went to
celebrate Independence day with friends in Lake Isabella before returning to the UK
from Los Angeles airport. When he returned to his home on the 5th July 1982 he
switched on the TV to BBC Newsnight where he witnessed the interview with
Harry Mortimer about the loss of the band.
Richard Carlton Tickell decided to do something about it and arranged a meeting
with Harry Mortimer to see if he could invest in the bands future.
Owner of OTS (Overseas Technical Service) who ran various skill based projects all
over the world.
11 July 1982
CONCERT – Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Conductor Howard Snell
With Pendyrus Male Choir (Conductor Glynne Jones)
FODEN‟S BAND
2. The Watermill (Ronald Binge) Cornet Solo Alan Brotherston
CHOIR
a-d Not Listed.
FODEN‟S BAND
4. Paris Le Soir (Lear) Flugel Solo Ken Davies
CHOIR
d-e Not Listed.
BAND AND CHOIR
7. Not Listed.
INTERVAL
CHOIR
a- e Not Listed
FODEN‟S BAND
2. La Belle Americaine (Hartmann) Euphonium Solo Iain Davey
CHOIR
f- g Not Listed
FODEN‟S BAND
BAND AND CHOIR
6. Not Listed
15-18 July 1982 CONCERT – “Edwardian Extravaganza” at Dunham Massey
Organised by the National Trust the event started at 7.30pm and went through
to 10.05pm with a Firework Display accompanied by Fodens Motor Works Band.
Punch and Judy, The Palm Court Theatre Orchestra and Morris Dancing were
also part of the entertainment.
8pm SHOW Conductor Howard Snell
1. Coronation March (Giacomo Meyerbeer)
2. Le Cid – Ballet Music (Massenet)
3. The Polka (Smetana)
4. La Belle Americaine (Hartman)
5. Fantasy on Sea Songs (Langford)
6. Peer Gynt Suite (Greig)
7. The Pirates of Panzance (Arthur Sullivan)
8. Pomp and Circumstance March No 4 (Elgar)
9.10pm SHOW
1. Cossack (William Rimmer)
3. Chanson de Matin (Elgar)
4. March of the Peers (Arthur Sullivan)
10.05pm SHOW (with Fireworks Ending)
1. Royal Fireworks Music (Handel)
2. Devil‟s Galop – Dick Barton theme (Charles Williams)
3. Thunder and Lightning Polka (Strauss)
4 Sept 1982
COMPETITION – “British Open Championships”, Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
Test Piece “Three Figures” by Herbert Howells
Conductor for Fodens Howard Snell
FIRST
SECOND
Fairey Engineering
THIRD
GWS
UNPLACED
Fodens OTS Band.
The Winning band, “Besses o‟Th Barn” was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 the
4 Sept 1982
11 Sept 1982
21 Sept 1982
following Tuesday. The programme having been recorded in the Kings Hall
just after the results were announced.
Compere for the event Robin Boyle (BBC Radio 2)
Jack Millington retired from the band after the contest.
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Barrow in Furness
Management Committee Meeting.
Ken Davies (Chairman)
Brian Boden (Secretary)
John Pym (Treasurer)
Ian Barker
Anthony Goddard
Jimmy Charles (Missing from the Meeting)
1. It was agreed that the bank account at the National Westminster Bank
Sandbach should have the name “The Foden Band” on it.
2. The band would also apply for VAT registration.
3. The treasurer reported that the Instruments had not yet been passed to the band
by Sandbach Engineering Ltd. He would chase the company for the instruments.
4. Sponsorship was being considered from two companies OTS Ltd and
The Post Office. Unfortunately the Post Office seemed to be losing interest in
the option as replies to phone enquiries were infrequent. All band members
would be put in the picture by the 24 September 1982.
5. R Gutteridge had sent in his resignation.
Bob Gutteridge (Bass Trombone) had been with the band since 1980.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
2 Oct 1982
Test Piece “Contest Music” by Wilfred Heaton
Results introduced by John Dunn (BBC Radio 2)
RESULTS
FIRST
Cory
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Brodsworth Collier
CONCERT – Introduced by John Dunn
The Concert was recorded and Released by the “Chandos” LP Company.
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
QUOTE FROM COPPENHALL COACHES The Beaches, 29 Bradwall Road, Sandbach, Cheshire
(Tel Sandbach 2269) for 8 trips. Dated 29 Sepy 1982.
Sat 9 Oct 1982
Manchester
£45
Sun 17 Oct 1982
Wolverhampton £60
Thurs 21 Oct 1982
Denigh
£60
Sun 24 Oct 1982
Derby
£60
Sat 30 Oct 1982
Inglebourough £90
Sat 13 Nov 1982
Paignton
£200
Sun 14 Nov 1982
Accrington
£60
11 Dec 1982
Stroud
£100
###################################################################################
9 Oct 1982
17 Oct 1982
21 Oct 1982
24 Oct 1982
MASSED BRASS BANDS CONCERT (Possible Concert – Bands not advertised)
At the Free Trade Hall, Manchester
With the Cestrian Singers
CONCERT - Wolverhampton
CONCERT - Denigh
MEN O‟ BRASS – Assembly Rooms Derby
Fodens (Conductor Howard Snell)
City of Coventry (Conductor Major Peter Parks),
William Davis Construction Group Band (Conductor John Berryman)
Compere Robin Boyle (BBC Radio 2)
1. March – The Voice of the Guns (Kenneth Alford)
2. Overture – The Barber of Saville (Rossini)
TWO ITEMS IN CONTRAST
3. Galop Jeux d‟Enfants (Childrens Games) (Bizet arr Keith Wilkinson)
4. Little Lisa (James Warr)
FEATURING CORNETS
5. Trumpets Wild (Walters)
6. Shepherd‟s Song (Trad arr Goff Richards)
7. Tunes from “The Sound of Music” (Rodgers and Hammerstein)
8. Themes from Symphony from the New World
(Dvorak arr Drake Rimmer)
INTERVAL
1. Journey into Freedom (Eric Ball)
2. Cavatina (Myers arr Broadbent)
FEATURING TROMBONES
3. Blades of Toledo (Trevor Sharpe)
FEATURING EUPHONIUMS
4. Grandfather‟s Clock (By Request) (George Doughty)
5. Introduction to Act 3 „Lohengrin‟ (Wagner arr Denis Wright)
6. Nightfall in Camp (arr Douglas A Pope)
7. March Pomp and Circumstance No 1 (Edward Elgar)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
30 Oct 1982
CONCERT - Inglebourough
13 Nov 1982
CONCERT - Paignton
14 Nov 1982
CONCERT - Accrington
UNKNOWN 1982
CONCERT – Paignton Festival Hall, Torbay.
The Borough of Torbay Presents “The Festival Concert” of the
South West Brass Band Association‟s 36th Annual Championships, The Foden Band.
Conductor Howard Snell.
2. The Thievish Magpie (G.A. Rossini)
3. Cornet Roundabout (L Eaves)
4. To the Scaffold (Hector Berlioz)
5. Unknown - Horn Solo Geoff Poyzer
6. Berne Patrol (W Hogarth-Lear)
7. Unknown – Flugel Solo Ken Davies
8. Two Dances from Checkmate (A Bliss)
INTERVAL
1. Dance of the Tumblers (N Rimsky Korsakov)
2. Unknown – Trombone Solo Andrew Sneldon
3. Firework Music (G.F. Handel)
4. Unknown – Baritone Solo David Brunsdon
5. Greensleeves (Anon)
6. Hoedown (A Copland)
7. Unknown – Euphonium Solo Iain Davey
8. The Pines of Rome (O Respighi)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1982
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Leyland Vehicles
___________________________________________________________________________________
25 Nov 1982
COMPETITION – “Open Championship”, Manchester
25 Nov 1982
After meeting the band in an informal get together after the Open Championship in
Manchester on the 25 November 1982 a formal signing and announcement about
Dec 1982
Pre Dec 1982
11 Dec 1982
14 Dec 1982
16 Dec 1982
a sponsorship deal with OTS was made at Sandbach Town Hall after the band had
played an hours concert for Mr and Mrs Richard Carlton Tickell.
Following the signing the band joined its new sponsors at the Old Hall for a buffet
lunch.
The band secured new rehearsal rooms in Bold Street owned by the North Midlands
Co-operative Society. They also commissioned a new piece of music called
“Carlton Tickell” in honour of their new sponsor. The piece was written by
Darrol Barry of Little Hulton, Worsley, Manchester.
David Brunsdon (Baritone) joined the band from Lyceum Brass.
(see 11 Dec 1982)
CONCERT – Stroud Brass Band Festival
Compere W.J.S Brunt
1. National Anthem
2. Caerphilly Castle (Powell)
3. Thieving Magpie (Rossini)
4. Cornet Roundabout (Eaves)
5. To the Scaffold (Hector Berlioz)
6. (Unknown) Horn Solo Geoff Poyzer
WOODCHESTER HANDBELL RINGERS
7. Berne Patrol (Lear) Flugel Solo Ken Davies
8. Two dances from Checkmate (Bliss)
INTERVAL
1. Dance of the Tumblers (Rimsky-Korsakov)
2. Rhapsody for Trombone (Langford) Trombone Solo Andrew Snelson
3. Fireworks Music (Handel)
4. Sicilienne (Paradies) Baritone Solo David Brunsdon
5. Greensleeves (Trad)
6. Hoe Down (Copland)
WOODCHESTER HANDBELL RINGERS
7. (Unknown) Euphonium Solo Iain Davey
8. Two Imps (K.J. Alford)
Xylophone Duet Jenny Bradshaw and Melanie Sheasby
Having signed a new agreement everything seemed rosie until the 14 December
1982 when Richard Carlton Tickell died at his home in Beirut aged 66.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING - FODENS OTS BAND
COMMITTEE
Ken Davies (Chairman)
Ian Barker
Anthony Goddard
Jimmy Charles
The balance in the bank stood at £1,500.oo
RESPOSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jimmy Charles – Transport Arrangements plus last minute personnel problems
prior to leaving for engagements.
Ken Davies and Ian Barker – Responsible for Personnel.
Anthony Goddard – Library Matters along with a recruit from Members of the Band.
Iain Davey – Deportment and the fitting out of guest Players in Liason
with Jimmy Charles
BANDROOM
The Secretary reported that the leasing agreement was awaiting and planning
applications had been lodged with the Estate Agent.
It was the band‟s intention to move into the new rehearsal space before the first
rehearsal of 1983.
BANNERS
Anthony Goddard reported that a design had been proposed for a new Banner.
He reported the possibility of having the image Art Work completed by his
employers.
INAUGURAL CONCERT
It was agreed that an Inaugural Concert be held at the Sandbach Leisure Centre
in January 1983.
Arangements to be made by John Pym, Anthony Goddard and Jimmy Charles.
HOLIDAYS
The bands holiday would be the last week of July and the first week of August 1983.
###################################################################################
1983
FODENS OTS BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
COMMITTEE Ken Davies (Chairman)
Ian Barker
Anthony Goddard
Jimmy Charles
###################################################################################
Jan 1983
The first concert to have the FODENS OTS Band on stage was at the
Mansfield Civic Theatre.
29 Jan 1983
CONCERT – Sandbach Leisure Centre
A few days after the Mansfield concert the band held their “Inaugural Concert” at
Sandbach Leisure Centre which started better links with the community.
1. National Anthem
2. Pat in America (Trad)
3. Semiramide Overture (Rossini)
4. Salute to the Six (Langford)
5. Siciliana and Giga (Handel) Horn Solo Andre Helleur
7. Andalucia (Granados) Flugal Solo Ken Davies
8. Checkmate (Bliss)
INTERVAL
2. Rhapsody for Trombone (Langford) Solo Trombone Nicholas Hudson
3. The Rejoicing (Fireworks) (Handel)
4. Le Cid (Massenet)
5. Lucy Long (Unkn) Euphonium Solo Iain Davey
29 Jan 1983
Attending the Leisure Centre concert was Ted Swindles who had retired from playing
with the band. He was glad the band had secured it new sponsor but unfortunately a
few days later he passed away at the age of 71.
27 Mar 1983
The Test Piece was “Images” by John McCabe.
Conductor for Fodens (OTS) Howard Snell
FIRST
Fodens OTS (196 Points)
SECOND
Fairey Engineering (Conductor G Brand)
(195 Points)
THIRD
Besses O‟ Th‟ Barn (Conductor Roy Newsome)
(194 Points)
FOURTH
Rochdale Wilsons (Conductor D Loukes)
(193 Points)
8 Apr 1983
CONCERT – Gladstone Hall, Port Sunlight.
With The Lyceum Brass Band.
1. March Carlton Tickell (Darrol Barry)
1983
27 May 1983
3 June 1983
(see above)
2. Overture Semiramide (Rossini)
3. Cornet Solo John Hudson (Unknown Tune)
4. La Danza (Rossini)
5. Horn Solo Andre Helleur (Unknown Tune)
6. Bees a Buzzin‟ (Edrich Siebert)
7. Flugel Solo Ken Davies (Unknown Tune)
8. Spectrum (Vinter)
INTERVAL
1. Music from the Elizabethan Court (Howarth)
2. Trombone solo Nicholas Hudson (Unknown Tune)
6. Baritone Solo David Brunsdown (Unknown Tune)
7. Lez Ghinka (Khachaturian)
8. Euphonium solo Iain Davey (Unknown Tune)
9. Spartacus (Khachaturian)
Jimmy Charles became librarian of the band taking over from A Goddard.
COMPETITION – Whit Friday March, Tameside.
Various Venues First prize went to Fairey Engineering.
THIRD PRIZE @
Uppermill
CONCERT – Buckingham Palace, London
Fodens OTS with conductor Howard Snell played for Queen Elizabeth II by
Royal Command in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace with the Queen looking out
from her balcony. The concert was arranged with the Palace by Allan Littlemore.
In attendance at the concert in front of the Palace were Harry Mortimer and
Meg Tickell the wife of the late Richard Carlton Tickell the sponsor of the band.
The whole experience was followed by a BBC TV Camera crew for
“Look Northwest” (Stuart Hall in Manchester) who produced an insert into the
programme about the day for broadcast the following week, from the Bold Street
rehearsal room to meeting Her Majesty the Queen on the day the programme
captured the whole day.
Phillip Littlemore (Repiano Cornet) Brian Boden (Secretary and Player) and
Jimmy Charles were featured.
After the concert Jimmy was asked what they wanted to do next “Go for a Pint” was
his reply.
PROGRAMME
3. John Peel (Trad arr Harry Mortimer)
(EXTRA INFO – The arrangement was actually
made by Johnny Greenwood)
4. Pandora (Damare) (Cornet Solo John Hudson)
6. Music from the Elizabethan Court (Howarth)
7. Concert Variations (Trombone Soloist Nicholas Hudson)
8. Gallop Lezginkha (Khachaturian)
9. Music from the Royal Fireworks (Handel)
10. Tarantella from La Danza (Rossini)
11. March – Epic Symphony (Fletcher)
12. National Anthem
PLAYERS ON THE DAY
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Howard Snell (Musical Director)
Principal Cornet John Hudson
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
Marcus Pope
Solo Cornet
Steve Beardmore
Soprano Cornet Dave King
Repiano Cornet Phillip Littlemore
2nd Cornet
Steve Cooke
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
3rd Cornet
3rd Cornet
Mark Davies
Flugel Horn
Ken Davies
Solo Tenor Horn Andre Helleur
1st Tenor Horn Gary Russell
Solo Baritone
David Brunsdon
2nd Baritone
Nigel Beasely
Solo Trombone Nicholas Hudson
2nd Trombone
Don Till
Bass Trombone Simon Harpham
2nd Euphonium Robert Blackburn
E Flat Bass
John Pym
E Flat Bass
Gavin Woods
B Flat Bass
Michael Johnson
B Flat Bass
Ian Presho
Percussion
Ian Barker
Percussion
Robert Smith
___________________________________________________________________________________
3 June 1983
ALTERNATE INFORMATION
We know historically that the band played at Buckingham Palace on the 3 June 1983 however a piece
of paper giving a list of band players for a trip to Nottingham. If this was cancelled for the above I do
not know.
Conductor
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard
Solo Cornet
Steve Beardmore
Repiano Cornet Phillip Littlemore
2nd Cornet
Steve Cooke
3rd Cornet
3rd Cornet
Mark Davies
Flugel Horn
Ken Davies
Solo Tenor Horn Andre Helleur
Solo Baritone
David Brunsdon
2nd Euphonium Robert Blackburn
2nd Trombone
Don Till
Bass Trombone Simon Harpham
E Flat Bass
John Pym
E Flat Bass
Gavin Woods
B Flat Bass
Michael Johnson
B Flat Bass
Ian Presho
___________________________________________________________________________________
5 June 1983
BROADCAST BBC2 “News Review”
(Sun)
Feature on the band‟s concert at Buckingham Palace.
6 June 1983
BROADCAST BBC1 “Look North West”
(Mon)
Feature on the band‟s concert at Buckingham Palace.
JUNE 1983
The band produced an advertising programme showing a possible programme etc.
1983
“Friends of Fodens” was launched in 1983.
9 June 1983
1983
NEWSLETTER Number 1 – Issued
Marcus Pope had been principal cornet with the band but in 1983 they persuaded
John Hudson to join the band as Principal Cornet and assistant Conductor. He had
been with CWS Manchester and Leyland Vehicles.
___________________________________________________________________________________
JOHN HUDSON Biography.
Born into a banding family in Eccles, Manchester.
He joined the Manchester CWS Band under the conductor Alex Mortimer. John then went into playing
the Trumpet for Pop music before rejoining the Manchester CWS band this time as principal Cornet.
In the 1970‟s John started conducting with “Todmorden Old”.
In 1978 John joined the Leyland Vehicles Band before joining the Foden band in 1983 as Principal
Cornet and Assistant Conductor.
In 1980 John became conductor of the Greenhall‟s Champion Band.
By 1986 John had become Musical Director of the Alva Band in Scotland and Cornet Tutor at the
Salford College of Technology.
___________________________________________________________________________________
12 June 1983
13 June 1983
23 June 1983
17 July 1983
CONCERT – Richmond School, Lower Hall.
“Richmondshire Festival 1983”
1. National Anthem
4. Unknown – Cornet Solo John Hudson
6. Unknown – Horn Solo Andre Helleur
7. Bees a Buzzin (Edrich Siebert)
8. Unknown - Flugel Solo Ken Davies
9. High Peak (Ball)
INTERVAL
1. Music from the Elizabethan Court (Elgar Howarth)
2. Unknown – Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
5. Lez Ghinka (Khatchaturian)
6. Unknown – Euphonium Solo Iain Davey
7. Pines of Rome (Resphighi)
BROADCAST – “Brass Band Beat” with Roy Castle 6.30pm
The programme also included Harry Mortimer.
THE BRASS BEAT (BBCTV) Presented by Roy Castle.
The last programme in the series it was made at Oxford Road, Manchester.
The programme featured Foden OTS and an appearance by Harry Mortimer.
The programme also included footage of Fred Mortimer conducting the band.
Harry Mortimer conducted “John Peel”, arranged by Fred Mortimer.
The programme had the first broadcast of the “Carlton Tickell March” which had
been specially written for the late Richard Carlton Tickell who sponsored the band
just before his death. The march was written by Darrol Barry.
Roy Castle got his ambition to play alongside Harry Mortimer with the flugelhorn
solo accompanied by Fodens OTS.
The programme also featured scenes from Sandbach and the surrounding area
including the now demolished Foden offices and the Sandbach Market.
BROADCAST BBC Radio 3.
“Bandstand” a half hour programme.. The band played two items
“High Peak” by Eric Ball and “Images” by John McCabe.
CONCERT – Capital Radio / GLC Festival, London
At the Royal Festival Hall, London
With Massed London bands, The Hanwell Band, The Newham Band,
The Hendon Band, Locke Brass Consort
Fodens OTS Conductor Howard Snell.
1. Carlton Tickele (Darrol Barry)
2. Lezghinka (Khatchaturian)
3. Jeux d‟Enfents (Bizet)
4. Beethoven‟s Beano (Snell)
5. Kings Hunting Jig (Bull)
Massed Bands
1. Oranges and Lemons (Peberdy)
INTERVAL
Fodens 1. Le Cid (Massenet)
2. The Debutante (Clarke)
Solo Cornet Maurice Murphy
3. Amazing Grace (John Newton in 1779 arr Snell)
Massed Bands
HOLIDAY Last week in July First week of August.
17 Aug 1983
NEWSLETTER Number 2
It includes news that Roy Sparks had returned to the band after playing with
the “Fairey Engineering Works Band”.
The Band also welcomed Simon Kerwin from the “Royal Doulton Band”.
21 Aug 1983
CONCERT – “Ken Dodd Show” at Southport
28 Aug 1983
BROADCAST RECORDING “Best of Brass” BBC TV at Assembly Rooms, Darby.
To be shown in September.
Heat 3 at 2pm
Heat 4 at 8pm
3 Sept 1983
BROADCAST RECORDING “Best of Brass” BBC TV at Darby.
To be shown in September. (Depending on next Round)
4 Sept 1983
BROADCAST RECORDING “Best of Brass” BBC TV at Darby.
To be shown in September. (Depending on next Round)
10 Sept 1983
Test Piece “Connotations” by Edward Gregson.
Conductor for Fodens (OTS) Howard Snell.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
THIRD
Seventh
Fodens OTS
13 Sept 1983
BROADCAST of BEST OF BRASS BBC2 TV.
Start of the series (see 2-4 Oct 1983 for Fodens)
24 Sept 1983
CONCERT – Sandbach Leisure Centre.
In aid of the Poppy Appeal
With the Cheshire Constabulary Band and the Versatile Concert Orchestra.
2-4 Oct 1983
BROADCAST of BEST OF BRASS BBC2 TV.
The band reached the Quarter Finals (See below)
From the Assembly Rooms, Derby.
Fodens OTS (90) V (Birmingham School of Music) Jones and Crosslands (91 points)
The band played Brassman‟s Holiday
Yesterday (Lennon and McCartney arr Howard Snell)
Trombone solo Nicholas Hudson
March from Symphony Number 6 by Tchaikowsky
Kay Alexander from Midlands today supported Jones and Crossland with
main presenter Gerald Harrison supporting Fodens OTS.
(4 Oct 1983 Broadcast BBC 2 Round 1 Programme 4.
Fodens OTS Band conducted by Howard Snell)
8 -9 Oct 1983
Test Piece “Ballet for Band” by Joseph Horovitz
RESULTS
FIRST
Cory
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
GUS
FOURTH
Grimethorpe
FIFTH
Fodens OTS
Pic and Feature Page 8, 15 Oct British Mouthpiece.
14 Oct 1983
CONCERT – Orrell
15 Oct 1983
CONCERT – Queen‟s Hall, Widnes
Broadcast on BBC Radio Merseyside on the 29 December (1 st half)
and 19 April 1984 at 8.05pm.
Conductor James Scott.
16 Oct 1983
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
23 Oct 1983
CONCERT – Albion United Reform Church, Ashton-under-Lyne.
1. Carlton Tickell (Darrol Barry)
2. Semeramide (Rossini)
3. Concert Variations (Don Lusher) Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
4. Pastorale (Richards)
5. Brazilian Dance (Guarneiri)
6. John Peel (arr Mortimer)
7. For Your Eyes Only (arr John Barry)
8. March from 6th Symphony (Tchaikovsky)
INTERVAL
1. Trailblaze (Richards)
2. Guitar Concerto (Joaquin Rodrigo) Flugel Horn Solo Ken Davies
4. Beethoven‟s Beano (arr Howard Snell)
5. Lezghinka (Khatchaturian)
6. Endearing Young Charms (arr Boddington)
Euphonium Solo Linday Lawrie
7. Carillon (Herbie Flowers)
8. From Pines of Rome (Respighi)
29 Oct 1983
CONCERT – “Celebrity Brass” at Morley Town Hall
2. Ballet for Brass (Horovitz)
4. Czardas (Armondel) Featuring John Hudson.
5. Brazilian Dance (arr H Snell)
6. Moto Perpetuo (arr H Snell)
7. Concerto (Bellini) Horn Solo Andre Helleur
8. Little Husband, Little Wife (Bizet)
INTERVAL
1. Brassman‟s Holiday (arr Ray Farr)
2. Concert Variations (Don Lusher) Featuring Nicholas Hudson
4. Hari Janus (Faure)
5. Sicilliene (Faure) Euphonium Solo Lindsay Lawrie)
6. Lezehinka (Khatchaturian)
7. John Peel (Trad)
29 Oct 1983(Programme) BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
(1983 - Leyland Vehicles)
Solo Cornet
Tony Goddard (1973- Whaley Bridge)
Solo Cornet
Marcus Pope
(1983 - First band)
Solo Cornet
Steve Beardmore (1982 - Royal Doulton)
Solo Cornet
Martyn Booth (Moved from 2 nd Cornet)
(1982 - Desford Collier)
Repiano Cornet Phillip Littlemore (1981 - Roberts Bakery)
2nd Cornet
Steve Cooke
(1976- Bronze Social)
2nd Cornet
John Quirk
(1982 - First band)
Martin Booth
(1976- Beresford‟s)
3rd Cornet
James Charles (Jimmy Charles) (1975 - Beresford‟s)
3rd Cornet
Mark Davies
(1982 - North Midland Co-op)
Flugel Horn
Ken Davies
(1977- Mirlees Works)
Solo Tenor Horn Andre Helleur (1983 - Bodmin Town)
(1983 - Roberts Bakery)
2nd Tenor Horn
Solo Baritone
2nd Baritone
Brian Boden
(1977 - Mirlees Works)
David Brunsdon (1982 - Lyceum Brass)
Ian Barker (moved back from Percussion)
(1979- CWS -Manchester)
Solo Trombone Nicholas Hudson (1982 - First band)
2nd Trombone
Don Till
(1982- Poynton)
Bass Trombone Simon Harpham (1982 - Loughborough)
Solo Euphonium Lindsay Lawrie (1983 - Fairey Engineering)
2nd Euphonium John French
(1976- Beresford‟s)
E Flat Bass
John Pym
(1978 - Fairey Engineering)
E Flat Bass
Michael Johnson (Moved from Bb bass)
B Flat Bass
Paul Mungall (1983- Whitburn Burgh)
B Flat Bass
Roy Sparks (Return)
(1983 - Fairy Engineering)
Mike Johnson
(1983 - Rochdale Wilson‟s)
Percussion
Jenny Bradshaw (1982 - Bass Wingates)
Percussion
Kathy Gilbertson (1983 - First band)
Percussion
Melanie Sheasby (1982 - First band)
Nov 1983
12 Nov 1983
17 Nov 1983
20 Nov 1983
NEWSLETTER Number 3.
This issue had an article about a programme from 1919 the
British Championships and a good list of band members with which
bands they came from (See above list).
The newsletter also mentioned a Christmas Single issued with the children
of St John‟s School Choir, Sandbach Heath.
CONCERT – Oakley Centre, Crewe
CONCERT – Heswall
2. Dolphin Variations (Payne)
3. Czardas (Armondel) Featuring John Hudson.
5. Concerto (Joaquin Rodrigo) Flugel Solo Ken Davies
6. Watch your Step (Premru)
7. Concerto (Bellini) Horn Solo Andre Heleur
INTERVAL
2. Concert Variations (Don Lusher) Featuring Nicholas Hudson
3. Cavatina (arr Broadbent)
4. Brazilian Dance (Guarnieri arr H Snell)
5. Beethoven‟s Beno (Howard Snell)
6. Sicilliene (Faure) Euphonium Solo Lindsay Lawrie)
8. Solvig Song (Grieg)
COMPETITION – “Rothman‟s Entertainment Contest”, Darlington.
This was the 6th year of the competition but the first one that Foden‟s OTS Band
had been invited.
The competition was later renamed “Brass in Concert” and was staged at the
Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Gateshead.
Conductor for Fodens (OTS) James Scott.
TEST PIECE “Dolphin Variations” by Roger Payne.
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Leyland Vehicles
FOURTH
Fodens OTS
Both John Dunn and Charlie Chester were in attendance to record programmes
for BBC Radio 2. The Contest (John Dunn) was broadcast as a Highlights
programme in “Listen to the Band” between 8.15pm and 9pm on the
10 Dec 1983
17 Dec 1983
18 Dec 1983
14th December 1983 with a special concert by Besses O‟ Th‟ Barn playing
the music of Goff Richards at the Glaxo Social Club. The concert was
introduced by Charlie Chester and was recorded for broadcast on the
29 February 1984.
CONCERT – Stroud (Part of the Stroud Brass Band Festival)
(Same programme of music as 17 Nov 1983)
2. Dolphin Variations (Payne)
3. Czardas (Armondel)
Featuring John Hudson.
5. Concerto (Joaquin Rodrigo)
7. Concerto (Bellini)
Horn Solo Andre Heleur
INTERVAL
2. Concert Variations (Don Lusher)
Featuring Nicholas Hudson
3. Cavatina (arr Broadbent)
4. Brazilian Dance (Guarnieri arr H Snell)
6. Sicilliene (Faure)
8. Solvig Song (Grieg)
The Annual Christmas Party took place at the Masonic Hall, Sandbach.
Tickets were available from Maria French at a cost of £3.
“Sounds of X Mas” Carol Concert with a Choir of 100 Children.
Including Sandbach Junior School Choir (Conductor David R M Gibson)
And Audrey Vernon (Soprano)
FODENS OTS BAND (Conductor Howard Snell)
1. Christmas Festive Overture (Leroy Anderson arr Jim Pearson)
2. Alleiujah (Mozart) Cornet Solo John Hudson
SANDBACH SCHOOL JUNIOR CHOIR
a. Carols for Today
b. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
c. Mary Mary
d. Need You need Me
e. Teach me how to Pray Lord
f. Away in a Manager
g. Look Around
AUDREY VERNON (Soprano)
a. The Bells of Christmas
b. Sweet Little Jesus
c. The Virgins Slumber Song
FODENS OTS BAND
3. O Come All Ye faithful (With Audience)
4. Good King Wenceslas (With Audience)
5. Dance of the Russian Sailors
6. Gliere (arr Jim Pearson)
INTERVAL
FODENS OTS BAND
1. Cossack Dance (Tchaikowsky arr Howard Snell)
2. La Calinda (Delius arr D Carder)
3. Dance Sequence (arr Gareth Wood)
Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
SANDBACH SCHOOL JUNIOR CHOIR
a. Carols for Today
b. While Shepherds Watched
c. Taraq Salayma
d. Raggle Taggle Three Wise Men
e. Now Its Christmas
f. Hurray Herod
g. Can you do one more thing for me Lord
h. I Saw three Ships
FODENS OTS BAND (with Audience and Choirs)
4. Once in Royal David‟s City
5. Silent Night
6. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
a. Winter Wonderland
b. Christmas Song (Mel Torme)
c. Mary‟s Boy Child
FODENS OTS BAND
7. The Pines of Rome (Resphigi arr Howard Snell)
FODENS OTS BAND with SANDBACH SCHOOL JUNIOR CHOIR and
8. We Wish you a Merry Christmas
23 Dec 1983
CONCERT – Winsford Civic Hall
“Christmas Concert”
1. Christmas Festive Overture (Leroy Anderson)
2. Carillon (Herbie Flowers)
3. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson)
4. CAROLS O Come All Ye faithful / Silent Night
5. The Acrobat
7. When a Child is Born (arr John Golland)
8. Miller Magic (arr G Stephens)
INTERVAL
1. Fantasy on Good King Wenceslas (arr Roy Newsom)
2. Christmas Sing along (arr Derek Ashmore)
3. Brass in the Ballroom (arr Roy Newsom)
Bass Solo John Pym
4. CAROLS while Shepherds Watched / The First Noel
5. Hey Mr Music Man
6. Just the way you are
7. White Christmas (Irving Berlin)
8. Hey Jude (Lennon and McCartney)
10. National Anthem
31 Dec 1983
END OF YEAR ACCOUNTS FOR THE FODENS OTS BAND
INCOME
£
Sponsorship
24,500.00
Concert Sales
11,804,87
Prize Money
1,198.00
Donations
670.00
Sale of Assets
3,182.61
TOTAL
41,355.48
EXTENDITURE
Band Expenses
17,188.29
Conducting Expenses
Rent / Heat / Light / Rates
Bus / Van Hire
Depreciation
Miscellaneous
Contest Expenses
Guest Players
Instrument Repairs
Music
Stationary / Postage
Bank Charges
TOTAL
LOSS £1,163.83
9,189.70
4,181.84
3,127.44
2,696.54 (see below)
1,587.04
1,584.10
1,560.00
573.11
537.82
217.18
76.25
42,519.31
ASSETS
Instruments (Original Price £12,351.51
Depreciation £2,696.54)
Excess of Expenditure Over Income
Debtors
Cash in Hand
TOTAL
ASSETS FINANCED BY –
LIABILITIES
Customs and Excise (VAT)
Bank Overdraft
Creditors
Accruals
TOTAL
£
9654.97
1163.83
78.00
157.06
11053.86
17.72
2054.32
4826.01
4155.81
11053.86
###################################################################################
1984
FODENS OTS BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
1984
Harry Mortimer was appointed an CBE in the New Year‟s Honours.
4 Feb 1984
COMPETITION – “Yeovil Entertainment Contest”, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil.
Conductor for Fodens (OTS) Unknown.
FIRST
Sun Life
SECOND
Jones and Crossland
THIRD
Fodens OTS
11 Feb 1984
CONCERT – Widnes
3 Mar 1984
CONCERT – Orrell Rugby Union Football Club
1. National Anthem
2. Carton Tickell (Darrol Barry)
3. Waverley (Hector Berlioz)
4. Czardas (Hubay)
Solo Cornet John Hudson
6. Concerto (Bellini)
Solo Horn Andre Helleur
7. Cossack Dance (Tchaikovsky)
8. Dance Sequence (Wood)
9. Slavonic dance (Friedman)
INTERVAL
10. Trailblaze (Richards)
11. Adagio from Guitar Solo (Rodrogo)
unknown 1984
18 Mar 1984
1984
12 May 1984
Solo Ken Davies
12. Le Cid (Massanet)
13. The Swan (Saint Saens)
14. For Your Eyes Only (Bill Conte arr Darrol Barry)
15. March from Pines of Rome (Resphigi)
NEWSLETTER Number 4.
The Newsletter mentions the recording of a new album of the music of Elgar
to be recorded.
New Members
Ted Lester (Leyland vehicles) Solo Cornet
Steve Taylor (CWS Manchester) 2nd Cornet
Steve Day (Bradford, Leigh, Band) Bass
Members who left
Michael Johnson, B Flat Bass left to join an Orchestra in South Africa.
Mike had been a student at the Royal Collage of Music and played for
a time with Black Dyke Mills before Joining Fodens OTS.
Test Piece (Missing from 4 Bars Rest Website)
Conductor for Fodens OTS Howard Snell
FIRST
Fairey Engineering (190 Points)
SECOND
Leyland Vehicles (189 Points)
THIRD
Besses O‟ th‟ Barn (187 Points)
FOURTH
Darwen (186 Points)
Unplaced
Fodens (185 Points)
Charles Dawson (Cornet 1912 to 31 May 1934) died at the age of 90
(.b. April 1894 .D. 1984). Died after April 1984.
CONCERT – Queen‟s Hall, Widnes
With the Halton Orpheus Choir
CHOIR
a. Zadok The Priest
FODEN‟S BAND
1. James Cook Circumnavigator (Vinter)
2. Nessum Dorma (Puccini) Cornet Solo John Hudson
CHOIR
b. Rock-a-my-Soul
c. Wayfaring Stranger
d. I got Shoes
e. Pick a Bale of Cotton
FODEN‟S BAND
4. Dance Sequence (Wood) Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
BAND AND CHOIR
5. Grand Chorus Aida (Verdi)
INTERVAL
FODEN‟S BAND
1. Army of the Nile (Alford)
2. Concerto (Joaquin Rodrigo) Flugel Solo Ken Davies
3. Beethovens Beano (Howard Snell)
CHOIR
a. Easter Hymn – Cavalleria Rusticana (Mascagni)
b. The Lord is My Shepherd (Schubert)
c. Hymn to Music (Dudley Buck)
FODEN‟S BAND
4. Cossack Dance (Khatchaturian)
5. The Swan (Saint Seans) Euphonium Solo Lindsay Lawrie
6. 5th Symphony (Schostakovich)
CHOIR
d. Three Hungarian Folk Songs
e. Let‟s Do It – Cole Porter
f. Rolling down to Rio
g. Rose of England
BAND AND CHOIR
7. Pomp and Circumstance (Elgar)
June 1984
RECORDING of Foden OTS Band and Desford Colliery Dowty Band.
With conductor Howard Snell at the King‟s Hall, Stoke on Trent
(see December 1986 at Peel Hall, Salford University.) for the first part of an
ELGAR LP (see Below)
1984
In 1984 on the anniversary of the death of Sir Edward Elgar the band joined
Desford Colliery Band for two LP‟s entitled THE ENGLISH HERITAGE SERIES –
VOL 1 and 2 (Polyphonic EHSS001D and EHSS002D) SIR EDWARD ELGAR
With a follow up LP in 1986 (Vol 3)
(re released in 1995 Polyphonic QMPR 605D)
9 June 1984
FIRST
Desford Colliery Dowty Band (Howard Snell)
SECOND
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
THIRD
The Cory Band
6 July 1984
CONCERT – Litchfield Festival, at Litchfield Cathedral
With Desford Colliery Dowty Band
1. Overture Henry V (Vaughan Williams)
2. Suite for the Birthday of Prince Charles (1948) (Michael Tippett)
3. Concerto for Tuba (Edward Gregson)
INTERVAL
1. March from Caractacus (Elgar)
2. Moorside Suite (Holst)
3. Two Moods for Tuba (Donald Swann)
4. The Pine Trees of Rome (Respighi)
First complete performance of the work.
The event also had Ravi Sankar, Instant Sunshine and Harvey and the Wallbangers
12-13 July 1984 CONCERT at Dunham Massey
(or 13-14 July 1984 – Fri Sat)
25-26 Aug 1984 CONCERT Egham Royal Show (2 days)
1.30pm each day and 6pm Sat and 5.15pm Sun.
8 Sept 1984
Test Piece “Comedy Overture” by John Ireland
FIRST
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Fairey Engineering
Sixth
Fodens OTS
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
7 Oct 1984
Test Piece “Dances and Arias” by Edward Gregson
RESULTS
FIRST
Cory
SECOND
Sun Life
THIRD
Leyland Vehicles
Fodens Failed to Qualify.
1984 ROYAL ALBERT HALL GALA CONCERT (Timings)
PART 1.
1. Grand March from Tannhauser (Wagner arr F Harris)
3.30 m/s
2. Morning Noon and Night in Vienna (Suppe arr Ord-Hume) 6 mins
3. Memory from Cats (Lloyd Webber arr Goff Richards)
4 mins
4. Labour of Love (Fletcher)
10mins
5. Spinning Chorus from The Flying Dutchman
(Wagner arr Leonard Davies)
3.30m/s
6. Coronation Scene from Boris Godunov
(Mussorgsky arr R Farr)
5 mins
INTERVAL 8.40pm
PART 2.
1. Hooked on Brass Part 1
2. Euphonium Duet – R and Nicholas J Childs (arr R Farr)
3. BBC “Best of Brass” Winning Soloist
4. Hooked on Brass Part 2
INTERVAL 9.25pm
PART 3.
1. March to the Scaffold from Symphonie Fantastique
(Hector Berlioz arr A Kenney)
2. Spirits of Fire from the Ballet The Perfect Fool
(Holst arr T Slade)
3. La Calinda From Koanga (Delius arr D Carder)
4. Tame Bears and Wild Bears from The Wand of Truth
(Elgar arr B Gay)
5. Speed Your Journey fron Nabucco (Verdi arr W Relton)
6. Finale Act II from Aida (Verdi arr W Relton)
(The Concert Possibly Included Foden’s Band- Nicholas J Childs did take part)
___________________________________________________________________________________
27 Oct 1984
Nov 1984
29 Nov 1984
CONCERT Octagon Theatre, Yeovil.
2. Overture Chal Romano (A Ketelby)
3. Czardas (Hubay arr Howard Snell) Cornet Solo John Hudson
4. Watch your Step (ray Premru arr H Snell)
5. Suzanna‟s Secret (Wolf-Ferrari arr H Snell)
6. Dance Sequence (Gareth Wood) Trombone Solo Nick Hudson
7. Lark in the Clear Air (arr Peter Haysom Craddy)
8. Polovisian Dances (Borodin arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
1. Cossack Dance (Tchaikowsky arr H Snell)
2. Obo Concerto (Bellini arr H Snell) Horn Solo Andre Helleur
3. For Your Eyes Only (Bill Conti arr Darrol Barry)
4. Le Cid (Massanet arr H Snell)
5. Endearing Young Charms (S Boddington)
6. Brassman‟s Holiday (arr R Farr)
7. The Lost Chord (Sir Arthur Sullivan)
8. The Pines of Rome (Resphigi arr Howard Snell)
NATIONAL ANTHEM
FIRST
SECOND
Leyland Vehicles
THIRD
Yorkshire Imperial
FOURTH
Fodens OTS
CONCERT – RNCM Manchester (Royal Northern Collage of Music)
In Celebration of 160 years of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)
###################################################################################
1985
FODENS OTS BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
(Harry Mortimer and James Scott also returned for odd concerts)
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
Jan 1985
Feb 1985
Harry Mortimer conducted a concert at Winsford Civic Hall in Celebration of the
Golden Jubilee of the Mortimer‟s association with Fodens.
Conductor for Fodens (OTS) James Scott (Returning to the Band)
FIRST
Fodens OTS
SECOND
Yorkshire Imperial
THIRD
Sun Life
WINNING PROGRAMME (According to the VIDEO of the Competition)
Ka####
Tea for Two (Vincent Yeomans)
Napoli by Bellstedt () Cornet Solo
Polka from Schwanda the Bagpipe Man
Air from 3rd Suite by Bach
America and There‟s a Place for Us (West Side Story)
OR (according to Nigel Birch on the 4 Bars website)
Folk Festival (D Shostacovitsch arr H Snell)
Gilliwogs Cakewalk
Chapenicos (arr Mendez) Cornet Solo John Hudson
The Lost Chord
The Girl I left behind me
The Pines of Rome.
Mar 1985
1985
1985
1985
1985
11 Apr 1985
Test Piece “Contest Music” by Wilfred Heaton.
Conductor for Fodens (Missing from 4 Bars Rest Website)
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
On the anniversary of the band playing with ENSA during the war Year‟s they were
asked to repeat some of the venues for a celebration organised by the Flemish Brass
Band Association.
During rehearsals for the tour Arthur Webb Jnr was listening to the band playing
“Judex from Mors et Vita” by Gounod and asked Allan Littlemore if the band could
play that piece at his funeral. Arthur who had been in that original tour with ENSA
passed away the Sunday before Remembrance Day in November. As the band were
playing in St Mary‟s Church for the Service of Remembrance and Jimmy Charles
(Librarian) was asked by Allan to get the music together for them to play in tribute
to their own comrade.
During the year the band had expressed a wish to purchase the old
British Legion Club building in Elworth for rehearsals. This unfortunately was seen
as an opportunity to the bands landlords at the Cooperative building in
Bold Street to give the band notice to leave allowing them to have a more long term
tenant.
Plans put forward to move into the Elworth British Legion Club failed to proceed
quickly enough to allow the band to continue rehearsing and so Allan Littlemore
began talks with the County Grassland Services at the junction of Station Road and
Hill Street in Elworth to rehearse in their building.
By the end of the year OTS announced that it would stop its sponsorship of the band
from the end of June 1986 after completion of its contract with the Foden‟s Band.
CONCERT – Nantwich Civic Hall.
Cheshire Constabulary Band Presents “Brass and Voices”
in aid of R.A.F. Band (Germany)
Guest Conductor Squadron Leader A Mossford (RAF Uxbridge)
With Helsby High School Girls Choir (Conductor Margaret Marsden)
Fodens OTS band (Conductor John Hudson)
Cheshire Constabulary Band (Conductor Charles Holt)
BAND (Conductor Squadron Leader A Mossford)
0. National Anthem
1. 633 Squadron (Goodwin arr Bryce)
2. Die Felsenmuhle (Reissiger arr Rimmer)
3. Spanish Eyes (Woodfield) Solo G Slinger
CHOIR
a. Sing a Song of Sixpence (arr Diack)
b. Dormi Jesus (Bullock)
8 May 1985
9 May 1985
9 May 1985
4. A Sullivan Fantasy (Langford)
5. The Lark in the Clear Air (Langford) Solo D Woollam
CHOIR
c. What Saith My Darling (Morley)
d. My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land (Elgar)
6. Miller Magic (Stephens)
7. Les Preludes (Liszt)
INTERVAL
FODENS O.T.S. BAND (Conductor John Hudson)
1. Folk Festival (Shostakovitch arr Snell)
2. Suite for Trombone (Don Lusher) Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
3. Headless Horsemen (Goodwin arr Brand)
CHOIR
a. Memory from Cats (Andrew Lloyd-Webber)
b. Three Little Maids (Sullivan)
FODENS O.T.S. BAND (Conductor John Hudson)
4. Pastorale (Richards)
5. March from “Pines of Rome” (Resphigi arr Snell)
CHOIR
c. Were you There (Spiritual)
d. Let there be Peace on Earth (Miller arr Jackson)
BANDS
6. Dam Busters (Eric Coates)
BANDS AND CHOIR
TOUR OF BELGIUM – Brussels.
8 Mei 1985 at the Vrije Universtiteit Brussel
Presenter / Compere Fred Brouwers
1. Comedy (John Ireland)
2. Dance Sequence (Gareth Wood) Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
3. Incantations for Brass Band (Willem Kersters)
4. Connotations (Edward Gregson)
5. Little Suite for Brass No 1 (Malcolm Arnold)
INTERVAL / PAUZE
1. Khatchaturian Suite
2. Solistisch Optreden van John Hudson, Cornet
3. Andante and Scherzo (Felix Mendelssohn)
4. Ballet for Band (Joseph Horovitz)
5. Two English Folk Songs
6. Three Impressions (Arthur Butterworth)
7. Twee Bewegingen Uit “Pini Di Roma” (Ottorino Respigni)
(The Pines of Rome)
TOUR OF BELGIUM – Zaventem.
9 Mei 1985 2pm
Presenter / Compere Joke Bataillie
1. Comedy Overture (John Ireland)
2. Derde Beweging uit Concerto voor hoorn en brassband
(Edward Gregson) Solo Hubert Biebaut
3. Incantations voor Brassband (Williem Kersters)
5. Mars uit “Pini di Roma” (O Respighi arr H Snell)
(Pines of Rome)
TOUR OF BELGIUM – Zaventem.
9 Mei 1985 8.30pm
1. Folk Festival (D Shostacovitsch arr H Snell)
3. Solvig‟s Song (Edward Grieg)
4. Soirees Musicals (G Rossini)
INTERVAL / PAUZE
1. Bank Holiday (Howard Snell)
2. Zelda (Percy Code) Cornet Solo Beatrice De Pauw
3. Golliwoggs Cakewalk (C Debussy arr H Snell)
4. The Girl I Left Behind Me (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL / PAUZE
MASSED BANDS
5. Humoresque (Marcel Poot arr Roger de Pauw)
6. European Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
7. Colonel Bogey (Kenneth Alford and F.F. Ricketts)
8. It‟s a Long Way to Tipperary (Douglas)
10 May 1985
TOUR OF BELGIUM – Zaal Volksbelang 8.30pm
10 Mei 1985
3. Solvig‟s Song (Edward Grieg)
INTERVAL / PAUZE
3. Golliwoggs Cakewalk (C Debussy)
4. Webers Last waltz – Euphonium Solo Lindsay Lawrie
INTERVAL / PAUZE
MASSED BANDS
6. European Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
8. It‟s a Long Way to Tipperary (Douglas)
11 May 1985
TOUR OF BELGIUM – Brugge
11 Mei 1985
2. The Girl I Left Behind Me (Philip Sparke)
5. Solistisch optreden van Ken Davies, Bugel (Solo Cornet)
7. Greensleeves (Traditional)
8 June 1985
COMPETITION Granada Band of the Year.
At the Spectrum Arena, Birchwood, Warrington.
FIRST
Grimethorpe (235 Points)
SECOND
Yorkshire Imps (231 Points)
THIRD
Desford (228 Points)
Aug 1985
BROADCAST – The band featured on BBC Radio‟s Sunday morning programme
“The Early Show” at 6.30pm. The booking was taken by Allan Littlemore on the
understanding that the item was pre recorded.
Aug / Sept 1985 Soprano Cornet Player Dave King was involved in a motorcycle accident and
broke his leg. During the British Open and National Finals he took to the stage
with his leg in plaster.
Test Piece “Salute to Youth” by Gilbert Vinter.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
British Aerospace Wingates
THIRD
Fodens OTS
6 Oct 1985
Test Piece “Cloudcatcher Fells” by John McCabe.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
(Also Conducted by Howard Snell)
THIRD
IMI Yorkshire Imperial
FOURTH
Sun Life
FIFTH
Fodens OTS
6 Oct 1985
This competition also marked the move from the Cornet section to the
Percussion section for Jimmy Charles.
1985
(2nd Baritone / Percussion) Ian and Julie Barker and Ted Lester and Mandy
recently got married.
1985
GRANADA BAND OF THE YEAR from the Spectrum Arena Warrington.
The 1985 Competition was won by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
November 1985 NEWSLETTER NUMBER 7
Included Competition results and a history lesson on the band by Allan Littlemore.
_________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1985
FIRST
Desford colliery Dowty
SECOND
THIRD
Fodens OTS (Didn‟t take Part)
_________________________________________________________________________________
7 Sept 1985
30 Nov –
1 Dec 1985
13 Dec 1985
15 Dec 1985
22 Dec 1985
RECORDING – LP recording.
BROADCAST RECORDING – BBC Radio 3 “Bandstand” recording.
CONCERT – Winsford Civic Hall.
###################################################################################
1986
FODENS OTS BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
###################################################################################
Jan 1986
1 Feb 1986
2 Mar 1986
The first rehearsal in 1986 had a number of new members of the band including a
number of women.
Lynda Nicholson (From Hanwell) as Assistant Principal Cornet.
(alongside John Hudson)
Gillian Hinckley as 4th Solo Cornet
Christine Withington as Repiano Cornet
(Twin Sister of Gillian Hinckley)
Kirsten Thomas on the back row cornets.
FIRST
Fodens OTS band.
SECOND
Sun Life
THIRD
Newham
The Band came FIRST (2nd year in a row)
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, Opera House, Blackpool.
This was moved from the Preston Guild Hall to the BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE.
The Opera house had been built by Frank Matcham and opened on the 10 June 1889.
It had been closed for a number of Year‟s and was reopened in1982.
Although the venue was new it was not a good start for the band who were placed 4 th
and unfortunately missed out on the Nationals.
Test Piece Variations on a Theme of Haydn by Brahms (arr H Nash)
FIRST
Fairey Engineering (Conductor Roy Newsome)
(196 Points)
SECOND
Bess O‟ „Th Barn (Conductor Maj P Parkes)
(195 Points)
THIRD
Leyland Vehicles (Conductor R Evans)
(194 Points)
FOURTH
Fodens OTS band. (Conductor Howard Snell)
(193Points)
24 Apr 1986
COMPETITION – BBC2 “Best of Brass”
FIRST
Unknown
SECOND
Unknown
1986
With the imminent ending of sponsorship with OTS Allan Littlemore was given the
task to find a new investor in the band.
Allan knew Stephen Sebire a benefactor of the Congleton based Beresfords Band and
more importantly he was a Director of the Britannia Building Society based in
Leek (Staffordshire).
9 May 1986
Allan Littlemore attended a meeting with the board of directors at the
Britannia Building Society headquarters on Friday the 9 May 1986 to discuss
investment in the band. Setting out the bands history and playing them excerpts of
the Granada programme about the “Band of the Year” competition along with copies
of the bands LP‟s, Allan was hopeful that this would interest these potential
investors in the band.
The Britannia decided that Fodens would be a good investment but there were
conditions, one of which was that the band became the
“BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND”.
Until the societies publicity department had been moved into action Allan was unable
to tell the band members that they had been saved, however the wait was not long
and soon the band world would have a new band to compete against.
7 June 1986
COMPETITION – “Granada Band of the Year”.
FIRST
Unknown
SECOND
Unknown
9 June 1986
Jon Francis was installed as Headmaster of the local Sandbach School (Grammar
School for Boys) and was determined to make use of all the facilities both in school
time and for community usage after normal hours. With this in mind Allan opened
talks with Jon to see if the band could use the facilities to rehearse. Within the month
the band settled into its new rehearsal room. The association with the school would
continue well into the next century in one way or another.
June 1986
OTS formally ended its contract with Fodens.
July 1986
Britannia Building Society formally agreed to sponsor the Band and it was ready to
reveal itself to the public.
1986
The Britannia Building Society Foden Band made its debut at the Stoke on Trent
Garden Festival (Held on what is now the site of the Festival Park – Cinema and
Shopping centres in Eturia / Hanley).
1986
The Band had commissioned a new piece of music called “Britannia” from composer
Philip Sparke that was debuted a few weeks later on from the garden festival.
_________________________________________________________________________________
PHILIP SPARKE (Biography) Composer / Arranger
Born in London in 1951 into a non musical family. His first instrument was a recorder like so many at
school and by the age of 10 he had progresses to the Violin. It was also at this time the family acquired
a piano and he started to play and started composing on the upright.
He started his association with brass instruments when he swapped an old guitar with a friend who had
a trumpet. Later he played in an amateur production of “Oklahoma” which also had adrummer in the
band who played with the local Hendon Band. He attended a rehersal of the band and was hooked on
the music.
In 1972 Philip went to The Royal College of Music studying composition under Philip Cannon, Piano
with Alan Rowland and Trumpet with Richard Walton.
Philip‟s first printed composition was “Concert Prelude” which was passed to R Smith and Co who had
put up a poster at the college for new compositions. In 1977 Philip joined R Smith and Co as a
copywriter as well as writing various tunes for commissions. The New Zealand Brass Band Association
asked him to write a test piece which was called “Land of the Long White Cloud (Aotearoa)” which is
still a popular tune in his catalogue.
In 1982 Philip became music editor for Studio Music which also gave him the freedom to write more
tunes by request.
In the 1980‟s Philip was resident conductor of the Hanwell Band leaving them in 1983 to join
Hillingdon.
COMPOSITIONS
1975
“Concert Prelude”
1975
“Concert Overture – The Prizewinners”
1978
“Fantasy for Euphonium”
1979
“Land of the Long White Cloud” for the New Zealand Brass Band Association.
1981
“Song and Dance”
1981
“A Tameside Overture”
1981
“Woodhouse Lane”
1981
“Fanfare, Romance and Finale”
1982
“Barn Dance and Cowboy Hymn”
1983
“Jubillee Overture” for GUS
1983
“Rhythm and Blues” for GUS
1983
“Jubilate”
1984
“A London Overture” for Dutch National Finals.
1984
“A Malvern Suite” for 4th Section Area.
1984
“Aubade”
1984
“The Year of the Dragon” for Cory Band.
1985
“Skyrider” for BBC New Music for Band‟s Competition.
1985
“Music for a Festival”
1985
“Lord Robert‟s March”
1985
“A Celtic Suite”
1986
“Pantomime” for Nick Childs.
1986
“Masquerade” for Gordon Higginbottom.
1986
“Orient Express” for EBU Competition.
1986
“VSEL Fanfare”
1986
“Prelude, Toccata and Fugue”
1986
“Party Piece”
1986
“Thamesday Fanfare”
1986
“Britannia” for the Britannia Building Society Band / Foden‟s Band.
1986
“Variations on an Enigma” for Desford.
1987
“Mountain Song”
1987
“Harmony Music” for the National Test Piece.
1987
“Slipstream”
(Taken from “The Rakeway Brass Band Yearbook 1988” edited by Allan Littlemore.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Test Piece “An Epic Symphony” by Percy Fletcher
and
“Fusions” by Howard Blake.
Conductor for Fodens (BBSB) Howard Snell.
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Fairey Engineering
THIRD
GUS
FOURTH
Britannia Building Society Foden Band
_________________________________________________________________________________
6 Sept 1986
NATIONAL NEWS
4 Oct 1986
COMPETITION – “National Championships”, Royal Albert hall, London
The band featured in the Gala Concert alongside the “Desford Colliery”,
“Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band” with Howard Snell conducting.
Test Piece “Diversions for Brass band” by Derek Bourgeois.
Conductor
RESULTS
FIRST
Fairey Engineering
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
Sun Life
Fodens Failed to Qualify (See above)
_________________________________________________________________________________
19 Oct 1986
CONCERT – Aylesbury Civic Centre.
Organised by the Bucks and District Brass Band Association.
1. Britannia (Philip Sparke)
2. Russian Rhapsody (Rachmaninov arr Howard Snell)
3. Napoli (Bellstedt)
Cornet Solo John Hudson
4. Le Cid (Massanet arr Howard Snell)
5. Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Soprano Solo Nigel Fielding / Flugel Solo Murray Grieg
6. Perpetuum Mobile (Strauss arr Howard Snell)
7. Pavanne (Faure arr Howard Snell)
Horn Solo George Thackray
8. West Side Story (Bernstein)
INTERVAL
1. French Military March (Saint Saens)
2. Suite for Trombones (Don Lusher)
Trombone Solo Nick Hudson
3. American in Paris (George Gershwin arr Howard Snell)
4. Carillon (H Flowers)
5. Facilta (Hartmann)
6. Hungarian March (Hector Berlioz arr Howard Snell)
7. On the Track (Simpson)
Xylophone Solo Mark Oldham
10. National Anthem
16 Nov 1986
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Sixth
27 Nov 1986
CONCERT Royal Northern College of Music
In Aid of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute)
PROGRAMME
1. Royal Parks (George Lloyd)
2. Four Pieces (C Debussy arr Howard Snell)
Solo John Hudson
3. Rhapsody for Trombones (Gordon Langford)
Solo Nick Hudson
4. Kenilworth (Arthur Bliss)
INTERVAL
1. Brittania March (Philip Sparke)
2. Brazilian Dance (Guarnieri)
4. The Padstow Lifeboat (Malcolm Arnold)
5. The Old Chalet (Howard Snell)
6. Berne Patrol (Elgar Howarth)
Dec 1986
13 Dec 1986
21 Dec 1986
7. Arioso (Bach)
8. March from The Pines of Rome (Respighi)
RECORDING of Britannia Building Society Foden Band
and Desford Colliery Dowty Band.
With conductor Howard Snell at Peel Hall, Salford University
(see June 1984 at the King‟s Hall, Stoke on Trent.) for the second part of an
ELGAR LP (see June 1984)
CONCERT – Sandbach Leisire Centre
“Sound of Christmas „86”
Musical Director John Hudson
With Audrey Vernon (Soprano) accompanied by Sadie Baxter
Combined Choirs of Sandbach high School for Girls and
Sandbach Junior Boys School
Sandbach Girls High School Folk Group
Musical Director Mr Glen P Waite
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND
1. National Anthem
2. March Britannia
3. Pie Jesu (Flugel and Soprano Duet)
SANDBACH GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL FOLK GROUP
a. Gaudette
b. The Greatest Story (Glen P Waite)
AUDREY VERNON – SOPRANO
a. My Favourite Things (Rogers and Hammerstein 2 nd)
b. Walking in the Air (Howard Blake)
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND and Guests
1. Hark The Herald Sing
2. While Shepherds Watched their flocks by Night
3. The Minstrel
4. West Side Story
INTERVAL
1. March - Senator
2. Facilita (Euphonium Solo)
3. The Snowman (Howard Blake)
COMBINED CHOIR (see above)
a. Torches (arr J Joubert)
b. Infant Holy (arr D Wilcox)
c. We Three Kings
d. Ding Dong Merrily
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND and Choir
1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. Good King Wenceslas
1. On the Track (J.D. Simpson) (Xylophone Solo)
2. A Christmas Fantasy (arr Gordon Langford)
1. National Anthem
2. Britannia (Phillip Sparke)
3. Italian Girl in Algiers (Rossini)
4. Music from The Snowman (Howard Blake)
5. Winter (Vivaldi)
8. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
9. Annie Laurie (Trad arr Adrian Drover) Trombone Solo Nick Hudson
10. Music from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein)
INTERVAL
1. Devil‟s Galop – Dick Barton theme (Charles Williams)
2. Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber) Solo Nigel Fielding and Murray Grieg
4. First Noel
5. Sandy and Jock (Unkn)
Solo Jock Strap and Angus McCoatup (Fake Names)
6. Sleighride (Leroy Anderson)
7. On the Track (Simpson) Solo Xylophone Mark Oldham
8. Silent Night
10. Bolero (Ravel)
###################################################################################
1987
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY
FODEN BAND
CHAIRMAN
Cliff D. French
TREASURER
Ken Davies
SECRETARY
Allan Littleman
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
Allan Littlemore
###################################################################################
6 Feb 1987
FIRST
Britannia Building Society Fodens.
SECOND
Hanwell
THIRD
Camborne
The Band came FIRST (3rd year in a row)
Music for the occasion included the “Dick Barton Special Agent” theme
“Devil‟s Galop” and “Bolero” which featured Jimmy Charles swapping his brass
instrument for the Percussion section at the end of the piece giving him a go on the
Big Gong.
Mark Oldham performed one of the solo spots with the “Spinning Song” on the
Xylophone.
The contest was recorded for television and was broadcast on the 7 February 1987.
1987
An oversight by someone put the band in an awkward position. Having been evicted
from its rehearsal rooms in the Coop buildings in Bold Street the band had paid all its
rental charges but had failed to pay the local Council Rates from January 1983 until
November 1985 when they left. The bill due was £2,444 and it came as a big surprise
especially as the council should have let the amount get so large without asking for it
sooner.
New treasurer Ken Davies paid an initial payment to the Congleton Borough Council
who, knowing the contribution to the community decided to give a grant of a 50%
reduction in the amount owing.
1987
By February, Allan had booked the band for some outdoor concerts in “Tel Aviv”
for the “Technology „87” event.
The President if Israel, Chaim Hertzog attended the event and when it was discovered
he had been brought up in Ireland it was suggested that the band played
“The Irish Washerwoman” for him when he arrived. While talking to the band
afterwards he informed them that he had listened to Fodens on BBC Radio when he
was growing up.
1987
Having produced a Quarterly Newsletter for 250 Club members for some Year‟s by
Allan Littlemore, it was suggested that this idea of a club be extended to a wider
community in what would be called the “Patron‟s Society”. The new club would be
looked after by Cliff French and a team of helpers.
21 Feb 1987
CONCERT – The Great Hall, Exeter University.
Conductor John Hudson
1. National Anthem
21 Mar 1987
29 Mar 1987
5 May 1987
30 May 1987
3. Italian Girl in Algiers (Rossini)
4. Bess (Gershwin arr Drover) Cornet Solo Lynda Nicholson
5. Berne Patrol (Elgar Howarth)
6. Arioso (Bach arr H Snell)
7. Devil‟s Galop – Dick Barton Theme (Charles Williams)
8. Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Solo Nigel Fielding (Soprano) and Murray Grieg (Flugel)
9. West Side Story (Bernstein)
INTERVAL
1. Senator (Allan)
2. Rapsody for Trombone (Langford) Solo Nick Hudson
3. Largo - Winter (Vivaldi arr Howard Snell)
4. Hungarian March (Berloiz arr Howard Snell)
5. Facilita (Hartmann) Euphonium Solo Lindsey Laurrie
6. John Peel (arr Fred Mortimer)
7. On the Track (Simpson) Xylophone Solo Mark Oldham
8. Bolero (Ravel arr Howard Snell)
CONCERT – Stroud Brass Band Festival
Compere W.J.S. Brunt
1. National Anthem
3. Bess (Gershwin arr Drover) Cornet Solo Lynda Nicholson
4. Watch Your Step (Roy Premru)
5. Czardas (Johann Strauss II arr Howard Snell)
6. Annie Lawrie (arr Drover) Trombone Solo Nick Hudson
7. Largo - Winter (Vivaldi arr Howard Snell)
8. West Side Story (Bernstein arr Grees)
INTERVAL
2. Facilita (Hartmann) Euphonium Solo Lindsey Laurrie
3. Brasillian Dance (Guanieri)
4. The Summer Knows (Le Grand arr Drover)
Flugel Solo Kirsten Thomas
5. Star Wars (John Williams arr Drover)
6. Spinning Song (Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy arr Howard Snell)
7. Arioso (Bach arr Howard Snell)
COMPETITION – “Regional Championship, North West”, The Winter Gardens,
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Diversions on a Bass Theme” by George Lloyd
FIRST
Kennedy‟s Swinton Concert Brass
SECOND
Leyland Vehicles
THIRD
FOURTH
TOUR – “Technology ‟87” – Israel Trade Fair Centre, Telaviv.
The band departed Sandbach at 9.30am to get to Heathrow for 1.30pm.
4.15pm the plane left Heathrow for Tel Aviv.
The band will help to promote British exports to Israel and so will play at the
British Pavilion during Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday.
Friday was a day off for the band and they were given a tour of the Country
with trips to Nasareth, and the Sea of Galilee among the stops.
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port.
With Great Sutton Male Voice Choir / Cymau Male Voice
CHOIR a. Praise be to Thee
b. Softly as I Love You
c. Wandering the King‟s Highway
BBSFoden band
June 1987
12 June 1987
June 1987?
1. Ravenswood (William Rimmer)
2. Overture – Samiramide (Rossini)
3. Zelda (P Code) Solo Cornet John Hudson
4. To A Wild Rose (McDowell) Euphonium Feature
SIMON ELLIS PIANO
Unknown
CHOIR a. Jubilate
b. Rest Sad Heart
c. Love could I only tell thee
INTERVAL
BBSFoden band
1. Folk Festivals (Shostakovitch arr Howard Snell)
2. Rhapsody for Trombones (Langford) Solo Trombone Nicholas Hudson
3. Watch your Stop (Premru)
CHOIR a. If (David Gates arr D Littlemore)
b. Passing By (Edward Purcell)
c. By Babylon‟s Wave (Gounod)
d. Una Paloma Blanca (J Bouwens arr D Littlemore)
e. An Evening‟s Pastarale (Wilfred Shaw)
f. Monte Christo (Emrys Jones)
BBSFoden band
1. Berne (Howarth)
2. Spinning Boy (Mendelssohn arr Howard Snell)
4. National Anthem
PATRON‟S ASSOCIATION
The Patron‟s Association was formed in June 1987 for the Britannia Building
Society Band in order to give support to the band.
The band has promised at least one free concert per year, and all Patron‟s will
receive a list of band personnel, details of the Band‟s engagements and newsletters
giving up to date information of contest venues, special practices open to
Patron‟s, titles of new records (Which are sold to Patron‟s at a discount),
and current successes of the band etc.
The cost of joining the Association was £5 per person, per year or a
family membership of £10 which includes children up to the age of 16 years.
Payments were made to Mrs F.L. Vickers at 18 Chatham Way, Haslington, Crewe.
COMPETITION – “Stalybridge Whit Friday Competition”.
The 105th annual Contest
COMPETITION – “Granada Band of the Year”.
This was the 17th and last competition held by the television company at the
Villa Marina, Douglas, Isle of Man.
Broadcast 21 Nov 1987 on Granada ITV.
FIRST
SECOND
Desford Colliery Dowty Band
THIRD
Grimethorpe
The winning programme
Scaramouche (Darius Milhaud)
A Pretty Girl is like a Melody
Cornet Solo Christine Withington
Putting on the Ritz (Irving Berlin)
Love‟s old Sweet Song (James Malloy)
Czardas (Johann Strauss II arr Howard Snell)
Spinning Song (Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy arr Howard Snell)
On the Track (Jack Simpson)
Procession to the Minster (Richard Wagner)
1987
July 1987
4 July 1987
8 Aug 1987
The band consisted of the following members –
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Solo Cornet
Lynda Nicholson
Solo Cornet
Gillian Hinckley
Solo Cornet
Alan Hase
Repiano Cornet Christine Withington
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
2nd Cornet
Alan Cramp
3rd Cornet
Steve Cooke (moved from 2nd Cornet)
rd
3 Cornet
Paul Cafferkey
Flugel Horn
Kirsten Thomas
Solo Tenor Horn George Thackery
2nd Tenor Horn Rachel Goddard
Solo Baritone
David Brunsdon (See 4 Sept 1991)
2nd Baritone
Jimmy Charles (Moved from 3rd Cornet)
2nd Trombone
Chris Peeling (was Ian Appleton)
Bass Trombone Paul Milner
Solo Euphonium Stephen Singleton
E Flat Bass
Ian Mould
E Flat Bass
Roy Sparks (was Chris Robey)
B Flat Bass
Jef Sparks
B Flat Bass
Syd Wood
Percussion
Mark Oldham
Percussion
Andrea Richards
Percussion
John Savage
The band played at the Maltings Proms at Snape near Aldeburgh on the Suffolk
Coast, the first Brass band Prom held at the venue.
CONCERT – (John Houghton Trust) St Ann Church, Rainhill.
1. March Ravenswood (William Rimmer)
3. Zelda (Code)
5. (Theme) Little Husband, Little Wife (Bizet arr Snell)
7. Hungarian March (Hector Berlioz arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
2. Greensleeves (Trad arr Howards Snell)
3. Jenny Jones (William Rimmer)
Euphonium Solo Stephen Singleton
4. Lezghinka (Katchaturian arr Howard Snell)
5. Winter (Vivaldi arr Howard Snell)
6. Spinning Song (Felix Mendelssohn arr Howard Snell)
7. Minstrels (Debussey arr Howard Snell)
CONCERT – “English Heritage, Kenwood Lakeside Concerts 1987”.
A series of concerts at the venue starting on the 6 June and
22 Aug 1987
23 Aug 1987
29 Aug 1987
5 Sept 1987
12 Sept 1987
13 Sept 1987
19 Sept 1987
ending on the 30 Aug 1987.
COMBINED BAND with Desford Colliery Bowty Band
2. Royal Parks (George Lloyd)
4. Scaramouche (Milhaud)
5. Dance for Trombones (Gareth Wood)
6. Perpetuum Mobile (Strauss)
7. The Lost Chord (Arthur Sullivan)
8. Bolero (Ravel)
INTERVAL
1. Kenilworth (Arthur Bliss)
2. Duet for Two Cats (Rossini)
3. Mango Walk (Howard Snell)
4. Postcard from Mexico (Howard Snell)
5. Air on a G String (Bach)
6. The Pines of Rome (Resphighi arr Howard Snell)
7. Polovstian Dances from Prince Igor – with Fireworks (Borodin)
CONCERT – Southport Flower Show
TELEVISION – Recording for “Champion Brass” (BBCTV).
CONCERT Aldeburgh Festival
Introduced by Chris Serle (That‟s Life BBC TV)
COMPETITION 135th “British Open Championships”, Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
Test Piece “Freedom” by Hubert Bath
FIRST
Williams Fairey Engineering
SECOND
Britannia Building Society Fodens
THIRD
CONCERT – Stanier Hall, Wem
“Wem Jubilee Band” with their 10th Anniversat concert with BBSFoden Band.
1. National Anthem
4. Napoli
6. Perpetual Mobile (J Strauss)
7. Dance Sequence (Gareth Wood)
8. Freedom (Hubert Bath)
INTERVAL
2. Winter (Vivaldi arr Howard Snell)
Solo Kirsten Thomas
3. Star Wars Theme (John Williams arr Drover)
5. Air from Suite in D (Bach arr Howard Snell)
7. On the Track
8. Bolero
9. Radetzky March (Johann Strauss)
TELEVISION – Recording for “Champion Brass” (BBCTV).
If through to the next round.
CONCERT – Gladstone Theatre Trust, Port Sunlight.
(The programme for the concert doesn‟t have a list of tunes played.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
3 Oct 1987
Test Piece “Harmony Music” by Philip Snape.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
John Foster Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
(According to Allan Littlemore the band were booked for the event – See Below)
_________________________________________________________________________________
3 Oct 1987
COMPETITION – “National Championships GALA CONCERT”,
Royal Albert Hall, London
Concert Introduced by John Dunn (BBC Radio 2)
The Concert was also recorded for Broadcast on BBC Radio2
And for release on CD
Bands Include BRIGHOUSE AND RASTRICK BAND,
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND,
DESFORD COLLIERY DOWTY BAND
1. Flourish for a Birthday (Malcolm Arnold arr Philip Sparke)
2. Ruler of the Blessed Spirits (Weber arr Bram Gay)
3. Mountain Song (Philip Sparke)
4. Trumpet Concerto (Aratyunian arr Michael Antrobus)
Solo Rod Franks
5. Cope‟s Challenge (Herbet Howells)
6. General Lavine –Eccentric (Debussy arr Howard Snell)
7. Procession to the Minster (Wagner arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
1. Prelude to Act III – Lohengrin (Wagner arr Howard Snell)
3. Tea for Two (Vincent Yeomans)
4. BB and C.F. (J Ord Hune)
SOLO SPOTLIGHT
Xylophone Solo Mark Oldham (BBSFB)
6. Du bist die Ruh (Schubert arr Walter Hargreaves)
Solo Alan Wycherley (Joined BBSFB 2000)
7. Finale from Dance Sequence (Gareth Wood)
Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson (BBSFB)
8. Pastorale (Goff Richards)
9. Wellington‟s Victory (The Battle Symphony)
(Beethoven arr Howard Snell)
___________________________________________________________________________________
MUSIC HISTORY
PROCESSION TO THE MINSTER (Wagner arr Howard Snell)
“Procession” was premièred at the Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert in October 1987, to immediate
success. It fits together music from two separate parts of Act 2 of Lohengrin into a single stretch. That
it has become the most used finale in modern brass band history, is beyond any doubt, with only the
March from the Pines of Rome mounting any real challenge.
___________________________________________________________________________________
7 Oct 1987
PRIVATE CONCERT at Sandbach School.
The Sandbach School opened its new music centre called the MAXWELL DAVIES
CENTRE at a cost of £200,000. Sir Maxwell Davies was invited to officially open
the building and an inaugural concert was arranged featuring Fodens who played
“Peat Cutters” which was premiered by the band at the event. It was a piece written
for School Choir and Brass Band and had been commissioned by the Carnegie Trust
in 1985 to celebrate 150 Year‟s of the birth of Andrew Carnegie and was about a fire
on the island of Hoy which had been the home of the composer. Harry Mortimer
10 Oct 1987
15 Oct 1987
17 Oct 1987
24 Oct 1987
25 Oct 1987
1 Nov 1987
7 Nov 1987
travelled to Sandbach to conduct the Britannia Building Society Foden Band in
the first half of the concert and the English premier of “Peat Cutters”.
CONCERT – Bridgenorth
CONCERT at Sandbach School.
CONCERT – Charter Theatre, Guild Hall, Preston.
Conductor Maj. Peter Parkes.
1. Britannia (Sparke)
3. Napolo (Bellstedt)
4. Arioso (Bach)
5. Pepetuum Mobile (Strauss)
7. Freedom (Bath)
INTERVAL
2. Winter (Vivaldi)
3. Star Wars (John Williams)
5. Suite in D (Bach)
7. Bolero (Ravel)
CONCERT – Leek
MEN O‟ BRASS – Wolverhampton.
CONCERT – Middleton
CONCERT – Grove Street Methodist Church, Retford
With the Retford Male Voice Choir (Conductor Colin Leech)
CHOIR a. Stout Hearted Men
b. All in the April Evening
c. Speed your Journey
2. Unknown / Cornet Solo John Hudson
3. Putting on the Style (arr Howard Snell)
4. A Pretty Girl is like a Melody (arr Howard Snell)
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND and CHOIR
5. Onward Christian Soldiers
CHOIR d. Arise O Sun
e. Celtic Hymn
f. A Smuggler‟s Song
g. Tydi a Roddaist
INTERVAL
CHOIR a. The Battle Eve
b. Jacob‟s Ladder
c. Oliver
1. Comedians Gallop (Kabalevsky arr Snell)
2. (Unknown) Trombone Solo Gareth Wood
(or written by Gareth Wood)
3. Dance Sequence (Nick Hudson)
4. (Unknown) Xylophone Solo Mark Oldham
5. March The Prince of Rome (arr Howard Snell)
CHOIR d. Memory (Andrew Lloyd Webber arr J Shaw)
e. The Two Roses (Werner)
15 Nov 1987
21 Nov 1987
22 Nov 1987
26 Nov 1987
f. Goin‟ Home (Anton Dvorak)
g. Psalm 100 (arr G Stead)
COMPETITION – Darlington (Brass in Concert)
“Brass in Concert”, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Gateshead.
FIRST
Britannia Building Society (Fodens)
SECOND
THIRD
TELEVISION – Granada Band of the Year (Isle of Man)
At Villa Marina, Douglas, Isle of Man.
Sponsored by the Isle of Man Department of Tourism
In conjunction with the Manx Youth Band
FIRST
Britannia Building Society
SECOND
Desford Colliery Dowty Band
THIRD
Grimethorpe
This was the last year of the Competition.
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Hanley
“Celebrity Concert”
In Aid of the North Staffs, Special Schools Holiday Home.
With the Orpheus Male Choir Rhos,
Soloists Mr Howard Charles (Baritone) and Mr Gariant Dodd.
The Concert was recorded in aid of North Staffs Special School.
Copies were available from “Furhove Limited” 378 Shelton New Road,
Basford, Stoke on Trent ST4 6EW at £5 each.
2. Selection from Rodrigo (Joaquin Rodrigo)
Solo Flugel Kirsten Thomas
3. Sullivan Fantasy (Sullivan arr Gordon Langford)
CHOIR a. Calon Lan
b. All Through the Night
c. Calvary
HOWARD CHARLES (Selected Items)
5. On the Track (Jack Simpson)
6. March from the Pines of Rome (Respigi)
CHOIR d. Comrade in Arms (Adam)
e. Golden Slipper
f. Ti A Dy Dooniau / You and your Talents
g. Grandfather‟s Clock
INTERVAL
1. A Pretty Girl is like a Melody (Irving Berlin)
2. Putting on the Ritz (Irving Berlin arr Howard Snell)
HOWARD CHARLES selected Items
a. Hebrew Slaves
b. I‟se weary of Waiting
c. Abide with Me
GARAINT DODD (Selected Items)
CHOIR a. Morte Christie (When I survey the Wonderous Cross)
b. Lost Chord
3. Bolero (Ravel)
6. Welsh National Anthem
CONCERT – “Inaugural Concert” Patron‟s Association.
At Sandbach Town Hall. (Patron‟s Concert)
12 Dec 1987
1. Britannia March (Philip Sparke)
2. Nessum Dorma (Puccini)
Soprano Solo Ian Dickman
3. Little Boy Blue (S Woods)
Tenor Horn Solo George Thackray
4. A Sullivan Fantasy (arr Langford)
5. To a Wild Rose (McDowell)
6. Concert Variations (Unkn)
7. Lorenzo (Keighley)
INTERVAL
2. A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody (Berlin)
3. Puttin‟ on the Ritz (Berlin)
4. Love‟s Old Sweet Song (Molloy)
5. Czardes (Johann Strauss II arr Howard Snell)
7. On the Track (Simpson)
8. Elsa‟s Procession to the Church (Wagner)
“Sound of Christmas”
With Combined School Choirs (Sandbach High School),
Four in Accord, Sandbach Girls High School Folk Club
Musical Director John Hudson
1. National Anthem
2. The Cossack (William Rimmer)
3. Concerto De Aranjuez (Joaquin Rodrigo arr K Bolton)
COMBINED CHOIR (see above)
a. Long Long Ago (R Shepherd)
b. Sans Day Carol (arr J Rutter)
c. Adam Lay Ybounden (Boris Ord)
d. The Twelve Days of Christmas (arr J Rutter)
FOUR IN ACCORD
(Gwen Hickson – Messo Soprano, Audrey Vernon – Soprano,
Arthur Jury – Baritone and Sadie Baxter – Piano)
a. Thank you my Lord (T Gwyn Jones)
b. Bridge over Troubled Water (Paul Simon)
c. Let there be Pease on Earth (Sy Miller and Jill Jackson)
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND and Guests
1. The First Noel
1. Amazing Grace (John Newton arr William Himes)
2. Star Wars (John Williams)
INTERVAL
1. Comedians Gallop (Kabalevsky arr Howard Snell)
2. Concert Variations (Don Lusher) Solo Trombone Nick Hudson
FOUR IN ACCORD
a. Scarlet Ribbons (Evelyn Danzig)
b. Winter Wonderland (Felix Bernhard)
c. Look away to Bethlehem (Leslie Sturdie)
SANDBACH GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL FOLK GROUP
a. Christmas Time (Adam and Vallance)
b. Do they know its Christmas (Midge Ure and Bob Geldolf)
19 Dec 1987
20 Dec 1987
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY FODEN BAND and Choir
1. The Holly and the Ivy
2. March Slave (Tchaikowsky)
CONCERT – Preston
###################################################################################
1988
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY
FODEN BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
Allan Littlemore
###################################################################################
12 Jan 1988
BBC MANCHESTER – BBC Bandstand
23 Jan 1988
RECORDING of LP “BRASS WITH CLASS” Polyphonic PRL037D
At Winsford Civic Hall.
1988
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Solo Cornet
Lynda Nicholson
Solo Cornet
Gillian Hinckley
Solo Cornet
Alan Hase
Soprano Cornet Ian Dickman
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
2nd Cornet
Mark Vause
3rd Cornet
Steve Cooke (Stephen Cooke)
3rd Cornet
Paul Cafferkey
Flugel Horn
Kirsten Thomas
Solo Baritone
David Brunsdon
2nd Baritone
Jimmy Charles
2nd Trombone
Chris Peeling
Bass Trombone Mark Bates
E Flat Bass
Ian Mould
E Flat Bass
Andrew Grady
B Flat Bass
Jef Sparks
B Flat Bass
Syd Wood
Percussion
Mark Oldham
Percussion
Andrea Richards
Percussion
John Savage (Jonathan Savage)
13 Feb 1988
CONCERT – Museum Theatre, Hanley Stoke on Trent.
16 Feb 1988
BBC “Listen to the Band”
_________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Feb
FIRST
Desford Colliery
SECOND
Camborne
THIRD
Britannia Building Society Fodens Didn‟t take part this year.
_________________________________________________________________________________
6 Mar 1988
CONCERT – Westlands Club, Yeovil
12 Mar 1988
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Hanley.
With Audley Male Voice Choir
Compere Bill Humphries (BBC Radio Stoke)
In aid of Polio Plus.
Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Audley and Kidsgrove.
1. March Brilliant (Ord Hulme)
2. Ave Maria (Gounod) Cornet Solo John Hudson
AUDLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Border Ballad
b. Bushes and Briars
c. Marching Song
3. Ballet for Band (Horovitz)
e. Pirates of Panzance (Sullivan arr Haigh)
6. Pavanne (Ravel) Horn Solo George Thackray
7. Chalromano (Ketelby)
INTERVAL
1. Entrance and March of the Peers (Sullivan)
2. Brazillian Dance (Guanieri)
3. Thoughts of Love (arr Wilkinson) Trombone Solo Nick Hudson
a. Down in the Valley (arr Mead)
b. What Shall we do with the Drunken Sailor (Parker Shaw)
c. I Gave my Love a Cherry
d. Tumbalalika
5. A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody (Irving Berlin)
6. Putting on the Ritz (Irving Berlin) Cornet Solo Christine Withington
7. Love‟s Old Sweet Song (Molloy) Flugel Solo Kirsten Thomas
8. Procession to the Minster (Wagner)
e. My Lord what a Morning
f. Soon ah will be Done
g. Comrades Song of Hope
20 Mar 1988
27 Mar 1988
14 Apr 1988
28 May 1988
CONCERT – Oakley Centre, Crewe
With Rhos Male Voice Choir
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Ballet for Band” by Joseph Horowitz
FIRST
SECOND
William Fairey Engineering
THIRD
Leyland DAF
CONCERT – Sandbach School, Sandbach.
CONCERT – Chester –le -Street
CONCERT – Kenwood Bowl, London
“English Heritage, Kenwood Lakeside Concerts 1988”.
A series of concerts at the venue starting on the 4 June and
ending on the 28 Aug 1988.
COMBINED BAND with Brighouse and Rastrick Band
1. Fanfare for the Common Man (Aaron Copland)
2. Marche Joyeuse (Emmanuel Chabrier arr Gordon Langford)
3. Enigma Variations (Edward Elgar)
INTERVAL
2. A Kenwood Carol WORLD PREMIER (Howard Snell .b. 1936)
3. The Submerged Cathedral (Claude Debussy)
5. Appalachian Folksong Suite (James Curnow)
6. Wellington‟s Victory – The Battle Symphony No 91
(Beethoven arr Howard Snell)
23 June 1988
PATRON‟S CONCERT at Sandbach School Theatre?
9 -10 July 1988 CONCERT – Dunham Massey.
At an annual concert at Dunham Massey near Altrincham, Cheshire termed
“AN EDWARDIAN EXTRAVAGANZA” a lady standing next to Managing
Director of the Britannia Building Society, Michael Shaw, said that she had always
enjoyed listening to the “Fodens” brass band. Since the deal had been struck with the
Building Society there had been an arrangement to keep the name Fodens in the title
for historic reasons but with increasing pressure from the new owners of the Foden
name and this obvious lack of recognition of the societies sponsorship it was decided
reluctantly to drop the name FODENS from the title of the band.
The Band were pictured outside the Britannia Building Society HQ building for an
official photograph.
CONCERT “7th Edwardian Extravaganza” at Dunham Massey
Organised by the National Trust the event started at 6.45pm and went through
to 10.40pm with a Firework Display accompanied by the
Britannia Building Society Fodens Band.
The Shep‟s Banjo Band, Punch and Judy, The Palm Court Theatre Orchestra and
Morris Dancing were also part of the entertainment.
PERFORMANCES at 7.20pm, 8.35pm and 10.20pm
11 July 1988
CONCERT Litchfield Festival, Staffordshire.
14 July 1988
CONCERT – City Arts Festival, London
Conductor Howard Snell with Tuba Soloist Nicholas Hitchens.
7pm (Free Admission)
Part of the “City of London Festival”
13 Aug 1988
CONCERT – Shrewsbury Flower Show.
3 Sept 1988
CONCERT – Great Hall, Exeter.
4 Sept 1988
CONCERT – Chippenham
10 Sept 1988
Test Piece “Contest Music” by Wilfred Heaton
FIRST
Rigid Container Group GUS
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
FOURTH
Leyland DAF
FIFTH
17 Sept 1988
CONCERT – Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight (Centenary event 1888-1988)
1. Blenheim Flourishes (Curnow)
2. Overture – The Magic Flute (Mozart)
3. A Kenwood Carol (Howard Snell) Cornet Solo John Hudson
4. Spanish Dance (Faure)
5. Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini (arr Howard Snell)
4 June 1988
21 Sept 1988
24 Sept 1988
1 Oct 1988
8 Oct 1988
8 Oct 1988
13 Oct 1988
Soprano Solo Ian Dickman
6. American in Paris (Gershwin)
INTERVAL
2. Thoughts of Love (Pryor) Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson.
Featuring Christine Withington
4. Putting on the Ritz (Irving Berlin)
Featuring the Percussion Section
7. Sweet and Low (Barnby) Quartet
8. Finale – Procession to the Minster (Wagner)
CONCERT – Solihull
With Ceramic City Choir
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY OPEN DAY
The band made a “Personal Appearance” at the open Day of Newton House
the base of the Building Society.
(Picture of band with pond in front and statue behind taken on this day)
Test Piece “Seascapes” by Ray Steadman Arr Allen
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Britannia Building Society Foden Band.
THIRD
Jaguar Cars
CONCERT – GALA CONCERT “National Championships”,
Royal Albert Hall, London.
GRIMETHORPE COLLIERY BAND
a. Candide (Leonard Bernstein arr Howard Snell)
b. The Frogs of Aristophanes (Sir Granville Bantock arr Frank Wright)
PHILIP MCCANN Solo
c. Concerto for Cornet (Denis Wright) Solo Philip McCann
GRIMETHORPE COLLIERY BAND
d. Desert II – Horizon (John McCabe)
e. Endeavour (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL
1. Overture The Magic Flute (Mozart arr William Rimmer)
2. A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody / Putting on the Ritz
(Irving Berlin arr Howard Snell)
3. An American In Paris (George Gershwin arr Howard Snell)
4. Fetes (Debussy arr Thomas Wyss)
5. Le Petit Negre (Debussy arr G Emerson)
PHILIP MCCANN Solo
6. The Long day Closes (Sir Arthur Sullivan arr Eric Ball)
7. An Epic Symphony (Percy Fletcher)
CONCERT – Sandbach School
In Aid of the Burma Star Association (Crewe and District Branch).
1. Under the Double Eagle (R.F. Wagner)
2. The Thievish Magpie (Rossini)
3. A Kenwood Carol (Howard Snell) Cornet Solo John Hudson
4. Westminster (Farnon)
5. Serenade (Bourqeois)
6. On with the Motley (Leoncavallo arr Ray Far)
7. Pinapple Poll (arr Mackerras)
8. Life Divine (Fletcher)
INTERVAL
15 Oct 1988
16 Oct 1988
22 Oct 1988
28 Oct –
6 Nov 1988
1. French Military (Saint-Saens)
2. Thoughts of Love (Pryor) Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
4. West Country (Langford)
5. The Swan (Saint-Saens arr Howard Snell)
6. Loves Old Sweet Song (Molloy arr Snell)
7. Sweet and Low (Barnby arr Howard Snell)
8. Pomp and Circumstance March No1 (Elgar)
CONCERT – Huddersfield
With Brighouse and Rastrick Band
MEN O‟BRASS – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
(Britannia Building Society Foden Band, Williams Fairey Band)
“Sounding Brass and Voices”.
With Canoldir Male Voice Choir (Birmingham)
Conductor Harry Mortimer OBE
CHOIR AND BAND
1. March of the Peers from Iolanthe (Arthur Sullivan)
MEN O‟ BRASS
2. Overture Zampa (Herold)
CHOIR a. Sarah
b. Mala Moja
WILLIAMS FAIREY ENGINEERING BAND
a. Toccata and Fugue (Bach arr S Sykes)
b. Carnival for Brass (arr F Muscroft) Solo Shaun Crowther
MEN O‟ BRASS
4. The Water Music (Handel – Harty arr S Holt)
BANDS AND CHOIR
5. Special Request Item
INTERVAL
MEN O‟ BRASS
CHOIR a. The Lords Prayer (Malotte)
b. The Soldiers Chorus – Il Travatore (Verdi arr C Griffiths)
2. Scaramouche (Darius Milhaud arr Howard Snell)
3. On with the Motley (Leoncavallo arr Ray Farr)
Soprano Cornet Solo Ian Dickman
4. Tea for Two (Vincent Yeomans arr Howard Snell)
CHOIR c. Memory from Cats
d. Jack was every inch a Sailor
MEN O‟ BRASS
5. Pinapple Poll (Sullivan arr Charles Mackerras)
BAND AND CHOIR
6. The Soldiers Chorus – Faust (Gounod)
7. Cwm Rhondda (Hymn)
8. National Anthem
CONCERT – Leek
TOUR – Switzerland
Seven venues and various Radio broadcasts.
The coach left from Sandbch to Heathrow to catch the Britiah Airways
flight BA624 at 13.13pm to Geneva arriving at 15.40pm.
Fri 28 Oct 1988
Aubonne
Sat 29 Oct 1988
Trevaux
30 Oct 1988
Free Day
Mon 31 Oct 1988
Thun
Tues 1 Nov 1988
Frankendorf
Wed 2 Nov 1988
Sempach (see Below)
Thurs 3 Nov 1988
Walde (see Below)
Fri 4 Nov 1988
Collombey
Sat 5 Nov 1988
Nevchatel
6 Nov 1988 Depart Geneva 12.20pm to Heathrow 12.55pm and then a
Coach to Sandbach.
The Band stayed at Lion D‟or, Aubonne (28-31 Oct), Sursee (1-2 Nov),
Rorschrch, Lake Constance (3 Nov), Aubonne (4-5 Nov).
Mon 31 Oct 1988
Tues 1 Nov 1988
Wed 2 Nov 1988
Thurs 3 Nov 1988
Thun
2. Pageantry (Herbert Howells) Solo Cornet Ian Dickman
3. Anyone can Whistle (Stephen Sondheim arr Howard Snell)
Eb Bass Solo Thomas Wyss
5. An American in Paris (George Gershwin)
INTERVAL
1. Scaramouche (Milhaud) Trombone Solo Nicholas Hudson
2. Fete du 2eme Nocturne (Debussy arr Thomas Wyss)
Tenor Horn Solo George Thacqray (George Thackery)
4. Brazilian Dance (C Guarneri arr Howard Snell)
5. Daphnis Et Cole Finale (Maurice Ravel arr Howard Snell)
Frankendorf
2. Magic Flute (Mozart arr William Rimmer)
3. Unknown - Cornet Solo John Hudson
3. Spanish dance (Faure arr Howard Snell)
5. Love Old Sweet Song (Molloy arr Howard Snell)
6. Contest Music (Wilfred Heaton)
INTERVAL
4. Le Vieux Chalet (Trad arr Howard Snell)
Percussion Solo
Sempach
2. Zauberflote Overture (Mozart arr William Rimmer)
3. Spanish dance (Faure arr Howard Snell)
5. Love Old Sweet Song (Molloy arr Howard Snell)
6. Contest Music (Wilfred Heaton)
INTERVAL
4. Le Vieux Chalet (Trad arr Howard Snell)
Percussion Solo
Walde
1. Candide Overture (L.Bernstein arr Howard Snell)
Thurs 4 Nov 1988
1988
3. Anyone can Whistle (S Sondheim arr Howard Snell)
4. Pretty Girl is like a Melody Putting on the Ritz
INTERVAL
1. Blenheim Florishes (James Curnow)
2. Royal Parks (George Lloyd) Euphonium Solo Stephen Singleton
3. In the Woods (J Strauss II arr Howard Snell)
6. Arioso (J S Bach arr Howard Snell)
Collombey
1. Candide Overture (L.Bernstein arr Howard Snell)
3. Anyone can Whistle (S Sondheim arr Howard Snell)
4. Pretty Girl is like a Melody Putting on the Ritz
5. An American in Paris (George Gershwin arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
1. Blenheim Florishes (James Curnow)
2. Royal Parks (George Lloyd) Euphonium Solo Stephen Singleton
3. In the Woods (J Strauss II arr Howard Snell)
6. Arioso (J S Bach arr Howard Snell)
BAND MEMBERS ON THE TOUR
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Solo Cornet
Lynda Nicholson
Solo Cornet
Gillian Hinckley
Solo Cornet
Alan Hase
2nd Cornet
Martyn Booth
2nd Cornet
Mark Vause
3rd Cornet
Steve Cooke
3rd Cornet
Paul Cafferkey
Flugel Horn
Kirsten Thomas
Solo Baritone
David Brunsdon
2nd Baritone
Jimmy Charles
2nd Trombone
Chris Peeling
Bass Trombone Mark Bates
E Flat Bass
Ian Mould
E Flat Bass
Andrew Grady
B Flat Bass
Jef Sparks
B Flat Bass
Syd Wood
Percussion
Mark Oldham
Percussion
Andrea Richards
Percussion
John Savage (Jonathan Savage)
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Hanley (4th Annual Concert)
Introduced by Bill Humphreys (BBC Radio Stoke)
With the Orpheus Male Choir Rhos,
Soloists Mr Howard Charles (Baritone) and Mr Gariant Dodd.
1. Comedians Gallop (Kabelevsky)
2. Variations (Rachmaninov)
3. Black and White Rag (Botsford) Xylophone Duet
CHOIR a. Laudamas
b. Sanctus
c. Tydi A Roddaist
HOWARD CHARLES (Selected Items)
4. Moto Perpetuo (Paganini arr Howard Snell)
5. Love‟s Old Sweet Song (Molloy)
6. American in Paris (Gershwin)
CHOIR d. With Cat Like Tread (Pirates of Penzance)
e. Take me Home
f. Angels Watching over Me
g. Battle Hymn of the Republic
INTERVAL
ORGAN – Andrew Sackett
a. Nimrod (Elgar)
CHOIR a. It‟s a Long way to Tipperary
b. Pack up Your Troubles
c. Keep the Home Fires Burning
1. Night Fall in Camp
2. Rule Britannia (Thomas Arne arr William Rimmer)
CHOIR d. 100th Psalm (George Stead)
e. I‟se a Weary of Waiting (arr Doris Arnold)
f. The Lost Chord (Sullivan arr G Langford)
HOWARD CHARLES selected Items
3. Pines of Rome (Respigi arr Howard Snell)
6. Welsh National Anthem
14 -15 Nov 1988 CONCERT - Coventry
2 Concerts.
Nov 1988
Nicholas J Childs joined the band from Grimethorpe Colliery as Solo Euphonium.
20 Nov 1988
A Trades Union Festival.
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Leyland DAF
Fourth
Fifth
Jaguar Cars (City of Coventry)
Fodens also won the Entertainment and Presentation award and
Principal Cornetist with John Hudson.
Winning Conductor Howard Snell
20 Nov 1988
CONCERT – after “Brass in Concert”, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Gateshead.
(see above)
Introduced by John Dunn (BBC Radio 2)
13 Nov 1988
Highlights from the concert were broadcast of BBC Radio 2‟s
“Listen to the Band” on December 22 December and 28 December 1988 at 9pm.
26 Nov 1988
CONCERT – Alsager Civic Hall.
Or 26 Nov 1988 at Sandbach Town Hall. – I think this was advertised on a previous band list
and then the venue was changed to Alsager Civic Hall.
27 Nov 1988
CONCERT The Palace Brass Band Festival / Palace Theatre Manchester
6.45pm
The day was filled with Brass Bands.
2.30pm Yorkshire Imperial Band (Conductor James Scott)
3.40pm Grimethorpe Colliery Band (Conductor Frank Renton)
4.45pm Desford Colliery Dowty Band (Conductor James Watson)
6.45pm Britannia Building Society Foden Band
(Conductor Howard Snell)
1. Torchbearers (1933) (Eric Ball)
2. Overture Magic Flute (Mozart arr William Rimmer)
3. Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
(Mendelssohn arr William Halliwell)
4. Partita (First Public Performance) (Wilfred Heaton)
Prelude, Maestoso: Scherzo, Presto; Canzona, Andante; Rondo.
5. Procession to the Minster – Lohengrin Act III (1987)
(Wagner arr Howard Snell)
7.50pm Williams Fairey Band (Conductor Roy Newsome)
8.55pm John Foster and Sons Black Dyke Mills Band
(Conductor Peter Parker)
17 Dec 1988
CONCERT – Preston Guild Hall.
“A Festival for Christmas 88”
Compere HUMPHREY LYTTLETON (BBC Radio 2)
With the Preston Orpheus Choir (Conductor Harry Duckworth)
Queen‟s Drive County Primary School Choir,
Barbara Saunders Jones Dancers
The Hoghton Sword Rapper Team, The Kirkham Handbell Ringers,
Rachel Dixon (Flute)
The BELLS AND ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Up! Good Christian Folk and Listen
ORPHEUS CHOIR
b. There were Shepherds
c. Glory to God
ALL
a. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
HUMPHREY LYTTLETON
a. Introductions
BBS BRASS BAND
2. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Rachmaninov arr Howard Snell)
Solo Ian Dickman
3. Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (Bernstein)
QUEEN‟S DRIVE SCHOOL CHOIR
a. The Angel‟s Message
b. Because of Him
ALL
4. O Little Town of Bethlehem
BARBARA SAUNDERS
a. Dance Interlude
JONES DANCERS (Dance)
The BELLS AND ORPHEUS CHOIR
b. Ding Dong Merrily on High
ORPHEUS CHOIR
d. Myn Lyking
e. I Saw Three Ships
BBS BRASS BAND
5. Scaramouche (Milhaud arr Howard Snell)
6. A Pretty Girl is like a Melody (Irving Berlin arr Howard Snell)
ALL
8. It came upon the Midnight Clear (Trad)
INTERVAL
ALL
1. O Come all ye faithful (Wade arr Willcocks)
3. An American in Paris (Gershwin arr Howard Snell)
HOUGHTON SWORD Dance Interlude.
RAPPER TEAM Rap
ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Sans Day Carol
b. The Holly and the Ivy
c. The Three Kings
d. Jesus Child
QUEENS DRIVE SCHOOL CHOIR
a. Cradle Song
b. Come to Bethlehem
KIRKHAM HAND BELL RINGERS
a. Lift Thine Eyes
b. Carol Melody
VOCAL QUARTET
a. Gaelic Blessing
ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Here we come a Wassailing
b. Boar‟s Head Carol
c. The Twelve days of Christmas
BARBARA SAUNDERS
a. The Skaters Waltz
DANCERS AND BAND Dance
ALL
4. I‟m Dreaming of a White Christmas.
ORPHEUS CHOIR
d. A Merry Christmas
(see 24 Dec 1988) The BRITISH BANDSMAN magazine ran a competition for the band who had
contributed the most to new works of music. Allan Littlemore considered the band to
fit the criteria and entered the band in the competition.
The award for first place went to the Britannia Building Society (Fodens).
24 Dec 1988
The edition number 4497 of the British Bandsman announced that the Band
had won the new British Bandsman Award for improving the quality of music
in Contests.
Pic and Feature Page 1, 24 Dec 1988 British Bandsman.
1988
During the year the band became a REGISTERED CHARITY.
1988
Robert Fulcher joined the Band.
__________________________________________________________________________________
ROBERT FULCHER Biography. (Principal Tenor)
Starting to play at the age of seven Robert switched from Cornet to Tenor Horn five years later.
Soon Robert was Solo Horn Player with the Cornwall Youth Brass Band.
In 1984 he went to Nottingham University and during this time joined Desford Colliery Dowty Band.
In 1988 Robert joined Fodens (Britania Building Society Band).
___________________________________________________________________________________
1988?
CHRISTMAS CONCERT (Date and Venue Unknown BBSFodensBand)
1. March – Ravenswood (William Rimmer)
3. Nessun Dorma (Puccini) Soprano Solo Ian Dickman
4. The First Noel
5. Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
6. Finale from Pinapple Poll (Sullivan)
7. Little Boy Blue (S Woods) Horn Solo George Thackray
8. Star Wars Theme (John Williams)
INTERVAL
2. La Belle Americaine (Hartman) Euphonium Solo Unknown
3. A Christmas Fantasy (Gordon Langford)
4. Rhapsody for Trombone (Gordon Langford)
6. O Come all Ye Faithful
7. White Christmas (Irving Berlin)
8. Amazing Grace (John Newton arr William Himes)
9. Marche Slavan (Tchaikowsky)
Dec 1988
FODEN NAMED FROM FROM BANDS TITLE.
The band featured in the Crewe Chronicle article about the change of name in
January to the Britannia Building Society Band , dropping the Foden part.
(WAS - Britannia Building Society (Foden) Band)
Pic and Feature Crewe Chronicle (Photo taken 1 Oct 1988).
Pic and Feature Page 10, Winter 1988 Britannia News (In House magazine)
###################################################################################
1989
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
BAND MANAGER
Allan Littlemore
###################################################################################
12 Jan 1989
24 Jan 1989
4 Feb 1989
5 Feb 1989
RECORDING FOR BROADCAST BBC Radio 2.
“Listen to the Band” Studio 7 for Broadcast on Radio 2 on the
22 Feb 1989 between 9pm to 10pm.
1. Soldiers in the Park (Monkton) 30”
2. March – Praise (Wilfred Heaton) 2‟45”
3. Serious Doll and Business (Nursary Suite) (Elgar arr Bram Gay) 4‟30”
4. Mountain Song (Philip Sparke) 4‟00”
5. Thoughts of Love (Arthur Pryor) Trombone Solo Nick Hudson
6. Waltz – Divertissment (Ibert) 2‟00”
7. Finale – Divertissment (Ibert) 2‟00”
8. Hail Ancient Walls – Faust (Gounod) Solo Nick Childs 3‟30”
9. Putting on the Ritz (Berlin) 2‟30”
10. Mov2 –Cornish dances (Malcolm Arnold) 2‟30”
11. March – ORB (Anderson) 3‟00”
12. Soldiers in the Park (Monkton) 1‟30”
EXTRA 1. Cossack (William Rimmer)
Radio 2 Presenter Roy Newsome.
Producer Antony Askew (Room 39 BBC North East - Leeds)
REHEARSAL FOR THE MASSAH at 7.30pm.
(See 5 Feb 1989)
FIRST
Britannia Building Society Band.
SECOND
Hyundai Heart of England
THIRD
BROADCAST RECORDING BBC at Huddersfield Town Hall.
Just before Harry Mortimer‟s 87th birthday, Anthony Askew a senior BBC producer
in Leeds arranged for one of Harry‟s unfulfilled ambitions to come true. He had
previously mentioned that he had always wanted to conduct Dr Denis Wright‟s
brass band arrangement of Handel‟s Messiah.
The Britannia Building Society band were joined by Black Dyke Mills, the
Huddersfield Coral Society, Maurice Murphy, trumpeter with the London Symphony
Orchestra (Who would play the Trumpet Obligato) and Roy Newsome at the Father
Willis Organ. The recording took some ten hours to complete with Harry being the
12 Feb 1989
perfectionist he always was.
#######################################################
THE MASSIAH IN BRASS – BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO AT EASTER.
According to a letter to the band by Allan Littlemore the programme was
originally scheduled for a performance in front of an audience but this was
found to be impractical and so it was decided to record the performance
as a studio recording.
ARTISTS TAKING PART
Harry Mortimer (Conductor)
Britannia Building Society Band
Black Dyke Mills Band
Huddersfield Choral Society
Gilliam Fisher (Soprano)
Fionna Kimm (Contralto)
Vernon Midgeley (Tenor)
Paul Hudson (Bass)
Maurice Murphy (Trumpet)
Roy Newsome (Organ)
The recording started at 11am and was planned to be finished before 9pm with
meals provided at 1pm and 5,30pm.
Transmission will be initially on BBC Radio 2 over Easter. Harry Mortimer
took the rehearsal on Tuesday 24 January at 7.30pm.
(Allan 19/01/89)
8am Technical Get in of Nerve (E)
#######################################################
CONCERT – Oakley Centre, Crewe.
“Evening of Music for You” organised by the Crewe and Natwich Lions Club.
With Cestrian Male Voice Choir.
The band were presented with the Band of the Year Award by the Managing
editor of the British Bandsman.
1. March O.R.B. (C Anderson)
2. Prisms (Peter Graham)
CHOIR a. La Reve Passe
b. Roman war Song
4. Variations on a Theme of Paganini (Rachmaninov)
Solo Soprano David King (Dave King)
5. Putting on the Ritz (Irving Berlin)
6. Appalachian Folk Song Suite (James Curnow)
CHOIR c. Kentucky Babe
d. Sanctus
e. Old Man River
INTERVAL
1. Pagentry (Herbert Howells)
2. Black and White Rag (George Botsford arr H Snell)
Xylophone Duet Mark Oldham and Simone Rebello
CHOIR a. Zara
b. O Lesu Mawr
c. Morte Criste
3. Love‟s Old Sweet Song (James Molloy)
Flugel Horn Solo Kirsten Thomas
4. An American in Paris (George Gershwin)
CHOIR d. Glyn Rhosyn
e. Battle Hymn of the Republic
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY BAND and CHOIR
5. The Soldiers Chorus from Faust.
___________________________________________________________________________________
SIMONE REBELLO Biography. (1988/9 to 2000 Percussion)
Born in 1967 in Thurnton Heath, Surrey.
At the age of 12 she began percussion lessons at school. Soon Simone was asked to join various youth
orchestras including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
In 1987 Simone was accepted to the Royal Northern Collage of Music to study percussion.
Simone joined Fodens in the 1988/9 season as Principal Percussion.
In 1991 Simone graduated with distinction and began a career as a solo performer performing in
Europe and in 1999 she toured New Zealand.
Simone made her debut recital in 1991 at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
In October 1995 Simone formed a group called “Back Beat” (with Chris Bastock, Richard Charles and
Damien Harron) which won the Royal Overseas League Ensemble Competition.
In May 1998 the “Park lane Group” and Backbeat travelled to Japan as finalists of the 3 rd Osaka
International Chamber Music Competition.
Simone has recorded a number of CD‟s including “Fascinating Rhythm”, “A Secret Place” and
“Backbeat”.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Feb 1989
PATRON‟S CONCERT (Date to be Confirmed) at Sandbach School Theatre.
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Prisms” by Peter Graham
FIRST
SECOND
Leyland DAF
THIRD
British Aerospace Wingates
_________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
28 May 1989
COMPETITION – All England International Masters, The Corn Exchange,
Cambridge.
This was the first year of the competition and the band didn‟t take part.
Test Piece “Cloudcatcher Fells” by John McCabe.
FIRST
Leyland DAF
SECOND
Desford Colliery
THIRD
Kennedy Swinton
Britannia Building Society Fodens didn‟t take part.
_________________________________________________________________________________
19 Mar 1989
Test Piece “Diversions for Brass Band” by Derek Bourgeois.
FIRST
Kennedy‟s Swinton Concert
SECOND
Hammonds Sauce
THIRD
Leyland DAF
UNPLACED
7 Oct 1989
Test Piece “Odin” by Alan Butterworth”
RESULTS
FIRST
Desford Colliery
SECOND
Black Dyke
THIRD
Whitburn
FOURTH
Britannia Building Socity Band
_________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1989
FIRST
Leyland DAF
SECOND
THIRD
CWS (Glasgow)
Britannia Building Society Band didn‟t take part.
9 Sept 1989
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dec 1989
In December 1989, Allan Littlemore gave up the job of organising the band after
14 years.
_________________________________________________________________________________
LAURENCE BARTON Biography.
Nicknamed “Crazy Horse” Laurence Barton was with the band from 1989 to 2005 as a Bb player.
Laurence joined from the now defunct “Kennedy‟s Swinton Concert” and was part of the 1989 British
Open winning band.
Joining Fodens in 1989 Lawrence continued until soon after the May 1991 “All England Masters”
victory when he was invited by Howard for his infamous “Half a Lager” and Laurence was moved onto
the “Fairey‟s Band”.
Between 1991 and 2005 Laurence made a number of guest appearances with Foden‟s.
Laurence had a number of times when as he put it “The Mouthpiece remained on the shelf” and made
his final comeback following Deano‟s (Dean Morley) departure, joining Phil Green, Toby Hobson and
Brett Wharton.
Lawrence‟s final appearance in a contest with Foden‟s was at Cambridge on the 29 May 2005.
During his playing the line up for Bb went like this;Mark Owen and Sid Woods
Mark Owen and Laurence Barton (1989 to)
Laurence Barton and Andrew Warriner
Andrew Warriner and Andy Cattanach (Took over from Lawrence)
(Both joined pre 1992)
Laurence and Mark Owen were both ex National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain members and
studies at the Royal Northern Collage of Music at the same time, sharing digs.
_________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
1990
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
###################################################################################
1990
CD RECORDING – Ossett Town Hall
The band recorded a CD called Euphonium Music (DOYCD 002) which featured
Robert and Nicholas J Childs accompanied by the Britania Building Society Band.
Feb 1990
25 Mar 1990
1990
1990
PATRON‟S CONCERT (Date to be Confirmed) at Sandbach School Theatre.
AWARDS
Bandsman of the Year
Martyn Booth (2nd Cornet 1976 -83+)
Blackpool.
The band were placed third. The organisers of the “National Championships” decided
that extra bands from the Northwest and Yorkshire could go through this included the
Britannia Building Society band.
Test Piece “The Beacons” by Ray Steadman-Allen
FIRST
Leyland DAF
SECOND
THIRD
COMPETITION – European Championships
COMPETITION – The United Kingdom Entertaining Championships as part of the
Doncaster Festival.
The band won the competition. Simone Rebello (Percussionist) collected the cheque
for £5,000 as it was her 21st birthday.
27 May 1990
Cambridge.
Test Piece “Blitz” by Derek Bourgeois
FIRST
SECOND
Leyland DAF
THIRD
Williams Fairey
1990
John Hudson (Principal Cornet) decided to leave the band to pursue teaching,
conducting and adjudicating. The Patron‟s Association gave him a metronome in
recognition of his seven years and much to his surprise the band presented him with
the cornet he had been playing.
His position was taken by Martin Winter.
8 Sept 1990
Test Piece “Le Roi d‟Ys” by Edouard Lalo arr Frank Wright.
FIRST
Sun Life
SECOND
Leyland DAF
THIRD
Seventh
6 Oct 1990
Test Piece “English Heritage” by George Lloyd.
RESULTS
FIRST
CWS (Glasgow)
SECOND
THIRD
Sellers Engineering
Nov 1990
FIRST
SECOND
Rigid Containers Group
THIRD
1990
COMPETITION - BBC Band of the Year.
FIRST
1990
With the loss of John Hudson going to the CWS band his place as Bandmaster was
taken by Nicholas J Childs (Euphonium)
1990
Granville Jennings returned to Fodens as Assistant Librarian alongside
Jimmy Charles.
###################################################################################
1990 BAND MEMBERS (Full list not available)
###################################################################################
Conductor
(Musical Director)
Band Members John Hudson (Principal Cornet – Left 1990)
Martin Winter (Principal Cornet – Joined 1990)
Jimmy Charles (Baritone)
David Brunsdon (Baritone)
John French (Baritone)
Simone Rebello (Percussion)
###################################################################################
1991
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
###################################################################################
Jan 1991
Feb 1991
PATRON‟S CONCERT at Sandbach School Sports Hall.
Incl;
Hailstorm
AWARDS
16 Mar 1991
24 Mar 1991
27 Apr 1991
26 May 1991
4 Sept 1991
7 Sept 1991
Bandsman of the Year
Jimmy Charles (2nd Baritone and Librarian)
A new cornet had been purchased for the band and was immediately played
by Martin Winter (who had replaced John Hudson - 1990) in a brilliant
performance of “Hailstorm”.
In the audience were Nigel Davies and his daughter who had travelled from
Thetford in Norfolk to attend the concert.
CONCERT – Heritage Centre, Macclesfield.
In Aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
1. Simoraine (C Barraclough)
2. Corsair (Hector Berlioz)
3. La Danza (Rossini arr Langford)
Solo Cornet Martin Winter
4. Hogarth‟s Hoedown (W Hogarth Lear)
Solo Tenor Horn Robert Fulcher
5. In Sentimental Mood (Duke Ellington arr Howarth)
Solo Kirsten Thomas
7. Triptych (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL
2. Endearing Young Charms (arr Boddington)
Solo Euphonium Nicholas J Childs
(The programme has the name as Nicholas Hodson)
3. Pastime with Good Company (arr Stephen Roberts)
4. Embraceable You (George Gershwin arr Elgar Howarth)
5. Moto Perpetuo (Novacek)
6. Two Cats (Rossini arr Howard Snell)
Soloists Martin Winter (Cornet) and Nicholas Hudson (Trombone)
7. Xylophonia (Joe Green arr Howard Snell)
Solo Xylophone Simone Rebello
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Journey into Freedom” by Eric Ball
FIRST
Leyland DAF
SECOND
THIRD
Britannia Building Society.
COMPETITION – European Championships
FIRST
Unknown
SECOND
THIRD
Cambridge.
Test Piece “Harmony Music” by Philip Sparke
FIRST
SECOND
William Davis Construction
THIRD
Leyland DAF
Just 3 days before the “British Open Championships” David Brunsdon (25 year old
Solo Baritone player, also known as “Pup”) was killed in a road traffic accident in
Heywood, Lancashire on his way from work to attend the rehearsal that night with
the band.
A Memorial Fund was later set up to raise money for the National Youth Brass band
of Great Britain and it raised over £5,000 in his memory.
His memorial service was held on the 11 September at Neston Paris Church
at 12.15pm.
11 Sept 1991
5 Oct 1991
1991
Nov 1991
Dec 1991
Test Piece “Paganini Variations” by Philip Wilby.
David Brunsdon‟s chair was left empty as a mark of respect for the player.
The baritone parts were re-written by Howard Snell before the competition.
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Leyland DAF
FOURTH
Adjudications by Vivian Dunn, Bram Gay and David Read.
Memorial Service for David Brunsdon (.b. 1966 .D. 1991) was held
at Neston Paris Church at 12.15pm.
Test Piece “Energy” by Robert Simpson
FIRST
Desford Colliery
SECOND
THIRD
After John Hudson had left the band, Russell Gray and Martin Winter shared the
role of Principal Cornet but Martin also wanted to leave to join the
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra as co-principal Trumpeter.
The Band finally settled upon a permanent replacement in the shape of
Mark Wilkinson who had been principal cornet with the National Youth
Brass Band, Besses Boys and finally Wingates before joining the Britannia.
He joined the band in 1992.
FIRST
Leyland DAF
SECOND
THIRD
CONCERT Winsford Civic Hall ?
The first concert to include Mark Wilkinson before he officially joined the band
in January 1992.
###################################################################################
1992 BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY BAND
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
###################################################################################
7 Jan 1992
Mark Wilkinson joined the band as Principal Cornet.
__________________________________________________________________________________
MARK WILKINSON Biography.
Mark started playing the cornet at the age of 6 with the Ellenbrook and Boothstown Band. He then
moved onto Walkden Band and then at the age of 13 he joined “Besses Boys Band”.
During his time with Besses, Mark also played with the “National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain”.
Aged 18 (1990) Mark joined Wingates as Principal cornet for 2 Year‟s.
In 1992 Howard Snell approached Mark to join the Britannia Building Society Band as principal
cornet.
Mark has been the cornet tutor for the “National Children‟s Band of Great Britain” and an entrance
examiner for the “National Youth Brass band of Great Britain” since 2000.
In 2009 Mark became “Player of the Year” as voted by the public of “4Barsrest”.
OTHER RECORDINGS Not made with Fodens.
Late 1980‟s 1990‟s
“Classic Brass” with Roberts Bakery Band (Cassette).
1999
CD with Rossendale Scout Band
___________________________________________________________________________________
19 Jan 1992
CONCERT – DAVID BRUNSDEN MEMORIAL FUND Concert at Winsford.
8pm
1. Simoraine (Clive Barraclough)
2. Corsair (Hector Berlioz arr G Brand)
23 Jan 1992
Feb 1992
22 Mar 1992
1992
1992
3. Winter (arr H Snell)
Or Ava Maria (Gounid) on Band List.
4. Pastime with Good Company (Henry VIII arr Roberts)
5. Embraceable You (Gershwin arr Howarth)
6. Steal Away (Traditional arr Snell)
7. Paganini Variations (Philip Wilby)
INTERVAL
2. Comedy (John Ireland)
3. Over the Rainbow (arr Goff Richards)
Solo Robert Fulcher
Or Pantomime (Philip Sparke) on Band List
4. Rhythm and Blues (Philip Sparke)
5. The Way we Were (Marvin Hamlish arr Snell)
6. Galop (Shostakovich arr Antrobus)
7. Arioso (Bach arr Snell)
8. Procession to the Minster (Wagner arr Snell)
ENCORES
Judex
Gladiators
You‟ll Never walk Alone (from Carousel)
Sad news for the start of the new year was the death of Brass Band‟s most
famous son. Harry Mortimer who died at the age of 89 just three months short
of the magic 90.
In September 1992 a Memorial service was held in Manchester Cathedral
with over 1,000 people in attendance including Foden‟s Jimmy Charles who had
worked with Harry Mortimer many times and Allan Littlemore who had been invited
at the request of the family. The service opened with Maurice Murphy playing
“Trumpet Voluntary” and a massed band of 40 members from all over the
band world was conducted by Elgar Howarth for this tribute programme of music.
Pic and Feature Page 16, 25 Jan 1992 Daily Telegraph.
PATRON‟S CONCERT at Sandbach School Sports Hall. (Date TBC)
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Frontier” by Michael Ball
FIRST
SECOND
Kennedy‟s Swindon Contest
THIRD
COMPETITION - BBC Band of the Year.
Part of BBC Radio 3‟s Festival of Brass.
FIRST Britannia Building Society Band
(Conductor Howard Snell).
BAND MEMBERS for above Band of the Year.
INSTRUMENT PLAYER
Conductor
Principal Cornet Mark Wilkinson
Soprano Cornet Martin Winter
Solo Cornet
Colin Short
Solo Cornet
Anna Hughes (Joined 1989)
Solo Cornet
Peter Coulson
Repiano Cornet Catherine Withington
2nd Cornet
Greg Moverley
2nd Cornet
Nicola Schofield
3rd Cornet
Steve Cooke
3rd Cornet
Katy Wyss
Flugel Horn
Kirsten Thomas
1st Tenor Horn Alison Childs
2nd Tenor Horn Carole Halliwell
Solo Baritone
David Evans
Solo Baritone
Jonathon Webster
2nd Baritone
2nd Trombone
Michael Fowles (Joined 1990)
Bass Trombone Paul Mason
Bass Trombone Mark Frost
E Flat Bass
Thomas Wyss
E Flat Bass
Andrew Wyatt
B Flat Bass
Andrew Warriner
B Flat Bass
Andrew Cattanach
Percussion
Simone Rebello
Percussion
Richard Dyson
Percussion
Debbie Garden
Chairman
Cliff French
Secretary
Gerry Preston
FESTIVAL BRASS 92 BBC Band of the Year
Doyen
DOYCD019
(Released 1 Jan 1993)
(BBC Radio 3 Recorded for BBC North)
(Conductor Howard Snell)
1. Overture “Comedy” (John Ireland)
2 to5
PARTITA (Wilfred Heaton)
6 to 8 SUITE “PAGEANTRY” (Herbert Howells)
9 to 11 THREE FIGURES – TIPTYCH FOR BRASS BAND
(Herbert Howells)
___________________________________________________________________________________
PARTITA by Wilfred Heaton. Extra Information.
This piece was given its Premier by Howard Snell in the 1980‟s but was written in 1947 by Wilfred
Heaton. It was originally composed for Orchestra with references to many other composers from
Malcolm Arnold and William Walton. Heaton did do a Brass Band version of the score but had to wait
a long time until it was presented in this form. In the 1980‟s he reworked much of the piece with a bit
more humour in the Rondo section at the end.
The name “Partita” has also been used by Philip Sparke, who arranged his own version for the regional
Championships in 1994 (13 March) and by Edward Gregson when his version of the title was used for
the regionals in 2004.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
ANNA HUGHES / ANNA HUGHES-WILLIAMS
Biography. (Cornet)
Anna first joined the band in the 1989-90 season from the Treorchy Band in the Rhondda Valley,
Wales.
Anna started playing the Cornet at the age of 12 and became principal cornet with theTrorchy Youth
Brass Band and the Mid Glamorgan Youth Brass Band.
At the age of 17 she became principal cornet of the Lewis Merthyr Brass Band under the batton of
Brian Buckley as well as the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.
In 1992 Anna left to join Wingates.
Anna has also been principal cornet / Ass Principal / Solo Cornet with Wingates, Besses, Desford,
Sellers International Brass Bands and the YBS Yorkshire Building Society Band.
In 2004 Anna returned to Fodens before leaving again in 2008.
In 2008 Anna took a break from banding to concentrate on peripatetic teaching round Bolton and St
Helens where she is also the Musical Director of the St Helens Youth Brass band and Bolton Junior
Brass Band.
On the 13 May 2013 it was announced that a married Anna Hughes-Williams was returning to the band
on Solo Cornet.
(adapted from an article in the Patron‟s Magazine August 2013)
__________________________________________________________________________________
2 May 1992
COMPETITION – The Boosey and Hawkes European Brass Band Championships.
1992
24 May 1992
Autumn 1992
Held at St David‟s Hall, Cardiff.
Test Piece “Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden” by Gareth Wood with an additional
piece chosen by the Britannia Building Society Band called
“The Year of the Dragon” by Philip Sparke.
FIRST Britannia Building Society Band.
Becoming “European Champions” by a massif six points.
TOUR – 1 week in Norway.
Cambridge.
Test Piece “Cambridge Variations” by Philip Sparke
FIRST
BNFL Leyland
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
FOURTH
Sun Life
FIFTH
THE BRITANNIA SEASON
The Britannia Building Society Sponsored a season of concerts at the
Royal Northern Collage of Music in Manchester with classical musicians like
Ian Bousfield, Maurice Murphy and James Gourlay playing to audiences.
The Building Societies own band would of course play its part in this season with a
new venture that of using a composer in residence. Philip Wilby was enrolled in the
post and set about composing music for the band including “A Lowry Sketchbook”
which was performed at the RNCM.
1. Cloudcatcher Fells (John McCabe)
2. Tuba Concerto (Joseph Horovitz)
INTERVAL
1. Shadow Songs – In Memorandum H M (Philip Wilby)
2. Tuba Concerto (Edward Gregson)
3. Lowry Sketchbook (Philip Wilby)
Band list in programme.
Chairman
Cliff French
Secretary
Gerry Preston
Conductor
Principal Cornet Mark Wilkinson
Soprano Cornet Martin Winter
Solo Cornet
Colin Short
Solo Cornet
Anna Hughes
Solo Cornet
Peter Coulson
Repiano Cornet Shelly Ball
2nd Cornet
Maureen Cameron
2nd Cornet
Daniel Beer
3rd Cornet
Steve Cooke
3rd Cornet
Katy Wyss
Flugel Horn
Kirsten Thomas
1st Tenor Horn Paul Bennett
2nd Tenor Horn Carole Halliwell
Solo Baritone
David Evans
2nd Baritone
2nd Trombone
Michael Fowles
E Flat Bass
Thomas Wyss
E Flat Bass
Andrew Wyatt
B Flat Bass
Erike Gjerdevik
B Flat Bass
Andrew Cattanach
Percussion
Simone Rebello
Percussion
Richard Dyson
Percussion
Debbie Garden
5 Sept 1992
Test Piece “Cloudcather Fells” by John McCabe
Conductor for Fodens (BBSB) Howard Snell
FIRST
Black Dyke
SECOND
BNFL Leyland
THIRD
Williams Fairey
Seventh
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
17 Oct 1992
Test Piece “The New Jerusalem” by Philip Wilby.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Desford Colliery
THIRD
Williams Fairey
Nov 1992
FIRST
BNFL
SECOND
THIRD
Sellers Engineering
___________________________________________________________________________________
###################################################################################
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
###################################################################################
Feb 1993
14 Mar 1993
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Of Men and Mountains” by Edward Gregson
FIRST
BNFL Leyland
SECOND
THIRD
BT
1 May 1993
COMPETITION – The Boosey and Hawkes European Brass Band Championships.
Held in Plymouth.
Test Piece “Sounds” by John Golland a former conductor with Fodens for a brief
time in 1975, who had died just a few weeks before the competition.
FIRST
Unknown
SECOND
Unknown
THIRD
Unknown
Sixth
1993
Gala Concert the night of the European Brass Band Championships where they had
failed to win back their title.
1993
The following day a trip to Norwich to appear at the “Norwich Annual Festival”.
1993
A trip back to Sandbach for a Band Wedding following on from Norwich.
30 May 1993
Cambridge.
Test Piece “English Heritage” by George Lloyd
FIRST
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
4 Sept 1993
Test Piece “Masquerade” by Philip Wilby
FIRST
Williams Fairey
SECOND
Black Dyke Mills
THIRD
CWS Marple
Eleventh
16 Oct 1993
Test Piece “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” by Derek Bourgeois
RESULTS
FIRST
Williams Fairey
SECOND
Tredegar
THIRD
Sun Life
Eleventh
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
Nov 1993
FIRST
SECOND
BNFL
THIRD
CWS (Glasgow)
___________________________________________________________________________________
1993
By the end of the year Nicholas J Childs (Nov 1988 – 1993 Euphonium) had moved
on to conducting and became Resident Music Director at the revamped
Yorkshire Building Society Band.
1993
John French (1975- 1993 Euphonium) left to join Black Dyke.
###################################################################################
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
###################################################################################
Feb 1994
13 Mar 1994
29 May 1994
10 Sept 1994
24 Sept 1994
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Partita” by Philip Sparke
FIRST
BNFL Leyland
SECOND
Marple
THIRD
Wingates
FOURTH
Cambridge.
Test Piece “Montage” by Peter Graham
FIRST
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
Yorkshire Building Society
Test Piece “Salamander” by John McCabe
FIRST
BNFL Leyland
SECOND
Black Dyke
THIRD
Grimethorpe
Sixth
CONCERT – All Saints Church, Leek
Guest Conductor Alan Lawton
1. Folk Festival (Shostakovich arr Snell)
2. Jubilee Overture (Philip Sparke)
3. Hailstorm (William Rimmer) Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
4. Londonderry Air (Handel? arr Roberts)
5. Cossack Dance (Tchaikovski arr Snell)
6. Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen arr Goff Richards)
7. One Moment in Time (John Bettis)
8. Indiana Jones (John Williams arr Ray Farr)
INTERVAL
1. Strike up the Band (Gershwin)
2. Aspects of Lloyd Webber (arr Peter Graham)
3. Street Scene (Alf Newman arr Drover)
4. Hoe Down (Copeland arr Snell)
6. Deep Harmony (arr John Golland)
7. Unknown – Tuba Solo Thomas Wyss
___________________________________________________________________________________
ALAN LAWTON BIOGRAPHY
Alan started playing with local Brass Bands in the saddleworth area. He then spent three years in
Malaya with the Band of the XI Hussars. From then onwards he joined the Fairey Aviation Works
Band in 1956 and stayed with them for the next 20 years on the front row cornet section. While with
the band they won the British Open Championships for three years running between 1961 and 1963.
Alan was also part of the “All Star Band” organised by Harry Mortimer and for ten years he was Band
manager of Fairey‟s becoming their Resident Conductor in 1984 until 1991. Alan then became a gust
conductor with various top class bands and in July 1995 he was appointed Musical director of the BT
Band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
15 Oct 1994
Test Piece “Theme and Cooperation” by Joseph Horowitz.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
Willians Fairey
THIRD
Britannia Building Society (Fodens) failed to qualify.
Nov 1994
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
BNFL
Britannia Building Society (Fodens) didn‟t take part.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1994
The band found it difficult to rehearse in the refectory at Sandbach School as they
had to set up their equipment each time they rehearsed. Grateful for the opportunity
to use the school they however felt it necessary for a room of their own to save time
and allow a bus to bring the equipment to the doorstep rather than 100 yards away.
Eddie Timmins owned the Stud Green Industrial Estate and had an appropriate room
they could convert into a band-room with wood panels on the walls backed with
fibreglass for soundproofing and carpeted flooring. A neat office was also
constructed with an upper floor storage space for the library of music. The bill for the
conversion was footed by the Britannia Building Society with approval by outgoing
Managing Director Michael Shaw as a parting gift to the band.
Workers were needed to help with the conversion and under the chairmanship of
Cliff French the Patron‟s Association were please to lend a hand. Neil Barnett,
Audrey Vernon and Ken Davies were among those involved with the move.
###################################################################################
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell
Secretary G Preston (237 Congleton Rd, Scolar Green ST7 3HH 0782-784461)
###################################################################################
Feb 1995
25 Feb 1995
CONCERT – The William Aston Hall, Wrexham.
“Celebration Charity Concert” organised by the Rotary Club of Erddig.
With Guests The Sirenian Singers (Conductor Jean Stanley Jones)
3. Paganini Variations (Rachmaninov arr Snell)
Soprano Solo Tracey Redfern
4. Londonderry Air (arr Roberts)
5. Cossak Dance (Tchaikovsky arr Snell)
SIRENIAN SINGERS
a. Fanfare (Robin Wells)
b. O Quam Gioriosum (Victoria)
c. Boroditse Devo (Ave Maria) (Rachmaninov)
d. Geni Crist (Brian Hughes)
e. Alleluia (Randall Thompson)
f. Welsh Folksong Suite (William Mathias)
INTERVAL
SIRENIAN SINGERS
a. Turot Ezik A Cigany (Kodaly)
b. Who Shall Have my Lady Fair / Lay a Garland (Robert Pearsall)
c. Epitaph (Brian Hughes)
d. It was a Lover and His Lass (John Rutter)
e. Jonah (Brian Hughes)
f. The Mermaid (Trad)
g. Rhythm of Life (Cy Coleman)
1. Strike up the Band (Gershwin arr Roberts)
2. Here‟s that Rainy Day (Vanheuson arr Geldard)
3. My Treasure (Heaton)
4. Pineapple Poll (Sullivan arr Brand)
5. Pines of Rome (Resphiggi arr Snell)
__________________________________________________________________________________
TRACEY REDFERN Biography.
Tracey started her musical career at the Music School of Douglas Academy in Glasgow before moving
to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. After five years of study Tracey left the RNCM
with a BMus(Hons) degree.
Before joining Fodens Tracey played with the London Mozary Players, The Scottish National
Orchestra, Camerata Scotland and as a freelance trumpeter she played with the Royal Liverpool
Orchestra, Halle Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
On the 12 Mar 2000 Tracey Redfern left the band after the area contest.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Blackpool.
Test Piece “Un Vie De Matelot” by Robert Farnon
FIRST
Wingates (Conductor - John Hudson)
SECOND
BNFL (Leyland) (Conductor - Richard Evans)
THIRD
Britannia Building Society Band (Howard Snell).
8 Apr 1995
CONCERT – Oxford Town Hall
9 Apr 1995
Cancelled concert at Assembly Rooms, Derby.
(See 11 June 1995)
10 Apr 1995
CD RECORDING Studio 7 Manchester.
With Halifax Choral Society
Released as THE BEST OF BRASS AND VOICES VOL 1. Doyen DOYCD041
(see also 15 May 1995)
12-14 May 1995 COMPETITION – “Swiss Open Championship”.
The band became the first British Brass band to win the competition. Nick Hudson
12 Mar 1995
? May 1995
13 May 1995
15 May 1995
28 May 1995
won the Solo Championship.
COMPETITION – Swiss Open
FIRST
CONCERT – Switzerland Galakonzert
“Brass in Concert”
Introduced by Kurt Brogli of Schweitzer Radio DRS.
BRASS BAND DE WALDSANG, HOLLAND (Conductor Rieks van der Veide)
1. Fanfare for a New Age (Goff Richards)
2. Canterbury Choral (Jan Van Der Roost)
3. Siciliana and Giga (Handel arr Gordon Langford) Tenor Horn Solo
4. Ruby Tuesday (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards arr Alan Catherall)
5. Cute (Neil Hefti arr Philip Sparke)
6. Radetzki Forever (arr Reiks van der Velde)
7. Tara‟s Theme (Max Steiner arr Alan Catherall)
8. Entry of the Gods into Valhalla (Richard Wagner arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
1. Knight Templar (Geo Allen)
2. Strike up the Band (George Gershwin arr Goff Richards)
3. Alpine Echoes (Basil Windsor) Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
4. Beautiful Dreamer (Stephen Foster arr Howard Snell)
5. Hail Ancient Walls (Charles Gounod arr Howard Snell)
Solo Euphonium Glyn Williams
6. Robbin‟ Harry (Robbins arr Richard Dyson)
Xylophone Solo Simone Rebello
7. Greensleeves (Trad arr Howard Snell)
8. The Pines of Rome (Ottorino Respighi arr Howard Snell)
CD RECORDING Studio 7 Manchester.
With Halifax Choral Society
Released as THE BEST OF BRASS AND VOICES VOL 1. Doyen DOYCD041
(see also 10 Apr 1995)
Cambridge.
Test Piece “24th Caprice” (South Bank Show Theme) by Paganini with Variations by
Philip Wilby (Composer in Residence at the Britannia Building Society Band).
FIRST
Britannia Building Society Band (2nd Year in a row)
SECOND
BNFL band (British Nuclear Fuels) 198 points
THIRD
The band won with an incredible 199 points out of 200.
Philip Sparke one of the adjudicator said, “it was one of the great contest
performances; a privilege to listen to”.
BAND MEMBERS
Conductor
Chairman
Secretary
Patron‟s Association
Band Members
Principal Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Soprano Cornet
Repiano Cornet
2nd Cornet
2nd Cornet
3rd Cornet
3rd Cornet
Philip Davis
Gerry Preston
Ken Davies
Mark Wilkinson
Peter Coulson
Colin Short
Tim Walters
Tracey Redfern
Sarah Field
Maureen Cameron
Ann Freeman
Neil Hewson
Nicky Lees
2nd Trombone
Mike Fowles (Michael Fowles)
2nd Euphonium Bernie Logan
Solo Baritone
Jonathon Webster
2nd Baritone
Jimmy Charles
Solo Flugel
Shelly Ball
1st Tenor Horn Paul Bennett
2nd Tenor Horn Murray Borthwick
E Flat Bass
Thomas Wyss
E Flat Bass
Toby Hobson
Solo B Flat Bass Dean Morley
2nd B Flat Bass Phil Green
Solo Percussion Simone Rebello
1st Percussion
Richard Dyson
2nd Percussion Chris Bastock
___________________________________________________________________________________
GLYN WILLIAMS Biography.
Born in 1975 in Aberystwyth, North Wales.
Glyn was raised in the village of Bryncrug where he learnt to play the Cornet at the age of nine.
His first band was the “Towyn Silver Band” before moving to the “Royal Oakley Silver Band”
In 1988 he was encouraged to play the Euphonium by his uncle and soon joined the “Menai Bridge
Band”.
In 1993 Glyn went to the University College in Salford which coinsided with a move to the BT Band
and in January 1995 he joined Fodens (Britannia Building Society Band) as Solo Euphonium.
In 2004 he became the Professional Conductor with the Marsden Silver Prize Band (Ossett Brewery).
In 2005 the band became “Excellence Division Champions and overall March Champions” at the
French Open Championships.
In 2005 Glyn recorded his first solo CD “Glyn Williams Virtuoso”.
Working for Fred Rhodes Ltd until the Summer of 2007 when it was re-constructed Glyn was given the
opportunity to form his own company and on the 1 st July 2007 “Glyn Williams Musical Instruments
was born with an exclusive deal to sell “Sterling and Eclipse Instruments”.
__________________________________________________________________________________
3 June 1995
9 June 1995
11 June 1995
24 June 1995
1 July 1995
22 July 1995
Cancelled Concert – Portsmouth Citadel, Portsmouth
COMPETITION – “Whit Friday”
CONCERT - Assembly Rooms, Derby.
(See 9 Apr 1995)
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Halifax
CONCERT – Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough
CONCERT – Cholmondley Castle (Afternoon)
1. Glads ?
2. Impresario
3. Dubist de Rue ?
4. Greensleeves
5. Molly on the Shore
6. Beautiful Dreamer
7. Folk Festival
8. Hail Ancient Walls
9. Strike up the Band
10. When I‟m 64
11. Romance
12. Radetsky March
13. Miller Magic
14. Midwest
15. Traumerei
16. Galop
17. Pines of Rome
18. Glads
INTERVAL
1. Fantasy on British Sea Songs
2. It‟s A Lovely Day Today
3. Stars and Stripes
4. President
5. The Victor‟s Return
6. Indiana Jones (John Williams arr Ray Farr)
23 July 1995
CONCERT – Rydale Festival at the Orangery, Settrington House 8pm
1. Moonlight Suite (Holst)
2. Fantasy for Cornet (Howard Snell)
Solo Cornet Mark Wilkinson
3. Cloudcatcher Fells (McCabe)
4. President (William Rimmer)
5. Molly on the Shore (Percy Granger arr Howard Snell)
6. Unknown –
7. Funeral March for Rikard Nordraak (Grieg arr Howard Snell)
8. Beautiful Dreamer (Stephen Foster arr Howard Snell)
9. Rhapsody for Euphonium (Curnow)
Euphonium Solo Glyn Williams
10. Galop (Shostakovitch arr Michael Antrobus)
11. Daphnis and Chloe – Final Dance (Ravel)
28 July 1995
CONCERT – Dunham Massey (Afternoon)
11 Aug 1995
CONCERT – Farmlingham Castle
Organised by Bill Relton
17-19 Aug 1995 CONCERT – Southport Flower Show
Sept 1995
Howard Snell was awarded the “Iles Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians
of the City of London” for his services to Brass bands.
9 Sept 1995
COMPETITION – British Open Championship – Free Trade Hall, Manchester
(Saturday)
The Britannia Building Society was the last band to play at this venue as it had done
with Belle Vue in 1981 before it was demolished just like the Free Trade hall was to
have done to it.
The band were drawn last to play (22nd), however the band only came 8th in the
competition.
Test Piece “Revelation” by Philip Wilby
FIRST
Black Dyke
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
Eighth
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
21 Oct 1995
Test Piece “Songs of BL” by Elgar Howarth.
RESULTS
FIRST
Black Dyke Mills
SECOND
THIRD
Desford Colliery
Nov 1995
FIRST
Yorkshire Imperial
SECOND
THIRD
___________________________________________________________________________________
12 Nov 1995
5 Dec 1995
“Gala Concert” in Aid of the North Staffordshire, Special Schools Holiday Home.
With Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir
(MD John Glyn Williams Accompanist Anne Philips)
Dewi Williams (Tenor), Organist Ian Riddle, Ray Johnson and well known Singers
M.C. Bill Humphreys (BBC Radio Stoke)
BRITANNIA BAND
1. The Corsair (Hector Berlioz)
2. Oh Happy Day (Eric Leidzen)
Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
3. Gallop (Shostakovitch)
ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Daskenka
b. Hand me Down my Silver Trumpet Lord
c. Calvary
DEWI WILLIAMS
a. Unknown
BRITANNIA BAND
4. Samba from Scaramouche (Milhaud)
5. Duet for Two Cats (Unknown)
Soloists Shelly Ball and Nicholas Hudson
ORPHEUS CHOIR
d. Love me tender (To tune of Aura Lee) (arr J.G. Williams)
e. Softly as I Leave You
f. Rhythm of Life
BRITANNIA BAND
7. Soldiers Chorus (Gounod)
INTERVAL
RAY JOHNSON AND OTHER WELL KNOWN LOCAL SINGERS
a. Unknown
BRITANNIA BAND
1. Ariosa (J.S. Bach)
2. Xylophonia (Joe Green arr Howard Snell)
Solo Caroline Smith
ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Comrades in Arms (Adam)
b. Morte Christe
c. Listen to the Lambs
d. Lost Chord
DEWI WILLIAMS
a. Unknown
BRITANNIA BAND
3. Procession to the Minster (Wagner)
BRITANNIA BAND AND ORPHEUS CHOIR
4. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Verdi)
5. Pomp and Circumstance No 1 (Sir Edward Elgar)
BROADCAST – “Listen to the Band” at Pebble Mill, Birmingham.
BBC Radio 2 start time 7.30pm.
A letter dated 23 Nov 1995 to Mark Wilkinson gives a list of tunes played
and in reserve.
3. 18th Variation (Rachmaninov)
4. Scaramouche (Milhaud arr Snell)
5. Amazing Grace (John Newton arr Himes)
6. Pomp and Circumstance No 5 (Elgar)
7. Tenderly (Unknown)
Tenor Horn Solo Robert Fulcher
8. Arioso (Bach arr Snell)
8- 11 Dec 1995
9 Dec 1995
10 Dec 1995
TOUR – Rotterdam Concert Weekend.
CONCERT - Concert Hall De Doelen Schouwburgplein, Rotterdam.
CONCERT - Schoonhoven 12 noon.
The Brass Band Schoonhoven will play for 30 minutes.
12.30pm Britannia Building Society conclude the first half.
2pm Second half of the Concert.
__________________________________________________________________________________
TOUR DETAILS
8 Dec 1995
(Friday)
8 Dec 1995
(Friday)
9 Dec 1995
(Sat)
10 Dec 1995
(Sun)
BAND ROOM
Leave 12noon
LEAVE FOR HULL
12.30pm
NORTH SEA FERRIES, HULL 4.30pm
BOARD FERRY
5pm (Last boarding 5.50pm)
FERRY TRIP TO ROTTERDAM
NAME
CABIN MATE CABINS ECO2 V002 TO V016
Nicholas Hudson
Michael Fowles
Mark Forest
Glyn Williams
Robert Fulcher
Ken Cant
Jonathon Webster
Paul Bennett
Murrey Brothwick
Dean Morley
Representative
Philip Green
Chris Bastock
Caroline Smith
Debbie Pheasant
Toby Hobson
Tim Walters
Mark Wilkinson
Peter Coulson
Colin Short
Shelly Ball
Maureen Cameron
Ann Freeman
Tracey Redfern
Morvern Gilchrist
Neil Hewson
Nicky Lees
Gerry Preston
Malcolm Brew
Bernard Logan
Lynne Logan (Wife?)
Coach Driver
None
SP14 V001
FERRY
BREAKFAST
6.30am to 7.30am
COACH Meet on the Coach Deck 7.45am
LEAVE FERRY to Rotterdam
8.00am
25 Mile Journey to Hotel from Europort
ROTTERDAM
9am
Arrive at Inntel Hotel, Leuvehaven, Rotterdam.
Meeting with organiser Mr Andre Hazekamp.
Instruments to be left on the bus, however if you do take them into the
hotel “Please do not compromise the stay of other guests by practising”.
LUNCH (Not provided at the Hotel)
EVENING MEAL
5pm
LEAVE FOR THE CONCERT
6.15pm
From the Foyer of the Hotel.
COACH LEAVING
6.30pm
To the “Concert Hall De Doelen Schouwburgplein”.
BAND REHEARSAL
7.15pm
Short rehearsal and Balance Test
GALA CONCERT
8.15pm to 9.15pm
Following the performance pack up instruments and load coach.
BACK TO HOTEL
10pm to 10.15pm
HOTEL
BREAKFAST
Unknown times
MEET IN FOYER AND LOAD COACH 10am
COACH TO CONCERT
10.15am
Venue at Schoonhoven (45 Minutes away)
LUNCH (Not provided)
11 Dec 1995
(Mon)
CONCERT
12noon
The Brass Band Schoonhoven will play for 30 minutes.
12.30pm Britannia Building Society conclude the first half.
2pm Second half of the Concert.
COACH BACK TO FERRY
2.45pm
BREAKFAST on Ferry
6.30am to 7.30am
COACH Meet on the Coach Deck 7.45am
LEAVE FERRY to Sandbach
8.00am
ARRIVE AT BANDROOM
11.45am to 12noon
__________________________________________________________________________________
13-14 Dec 1995 CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Halifax
16 Dec 1995
CONCERT – St Mary‟s Church, Sandbach
17 Dec 1995
Conductor Nicholas J Childs.
2. Christmas Festival Overture (arr Anderson)
3. Unknown –
4. Scaramouche (Darius Milhaud arr Howard Snell)
5. Carol – O Come All Ye Faithful
6. Beautiful Dreamer (Foster arr Snell)
7. Festival Overture (Shostakovich arr Kitson)
INTERVAL
2. Christmas Fantasy (arr G Langford)
3. Frosty the Snowman (arr Sandy Smith)
Bass Trombone Solo Mark Frost
4. Silent Night
5. Third Movement Sweet Gothique (Boellmanr arr Eric Ball)
7. Unknown –
Xylophone Solo Caroline Smith
8. Nimrod (Elgar)
###################################################################################
CONDUCTOR
Howard Snell (Musical Director) (see 15 Mar 1996)
/ Philip McCann (see 17 July 1996)
Chairman
Philip Davis
Secretary
Gerry Preston
Patron‟s Secretary
Ken Davies –
51 Gorseyville Road, Bebbington, Wirrall, Merseyside.
###################################################################################
1996
John Barber (Trombone) joined the band.
___________________________________________________________________________________
JOHN BARBER Biography.
Born in Hampshire, John started playing the Baritone until the age of 11, gaining Grade 5 distinction
until his brass music teacher Mrs Sheila Wire suggested that he take up the Trombone which was not
what John wanted to play at all preferring to play valve'd instruments. However his parents purchased a
trombone for him and it sat in its box for the next three weeks until his father insisted that he try it as
they had spent a lot of money on the instrument. John then had to learn bass clef rather than treble clef
and eventually became proficient in the instrument.
John then joined the Hampshire Youth Orchestra on trombone progressing to Principle Trombone.
John then managed to get on the “Hampshire Specialist Music Course” where he would lean academic
subjects and would also be taught by a top grade music teacher. John was sent by the course to the
Guild hall in London where he would be taught by Eric Crease (Co Principal Trombone with the
London Symphony Orchestra).
In 1993 he was awarded one of only six places on a course run jointly by the Royal Northern Collage
of Music and Manchester University with tutors Andrew Berryman and Christopher Houlding.
While on the course John played with the Royal Northern Collage of Music Brass Band which was
conducted at the time by Nicholas J Childs (Fodens) John also played with the “Skipton and
Barnsoldwick Band” who were part of the North East Area and needed a trombone player to play the
Philip Sparke arrangement of “Partita” (1994) in a competition.
A friend of John‟s, Ian Hogan (3rd Year Student) was playing with the “Trafford band” and he
wondered if John would be interested in taking over his position with the band as he wanted to
concentrate on his own playing and orchestral work.
The good thing about playing with the Trafford band was you were paid £40 a week which would help
John‟s parents who were at the time supporting him through collage as well as his sister. The money
would pay for his rent and would continue to play for the band for the next year before he was asked to
audition for the Black Dyke Mills band in 1996 by James Watson who was conducting them at the
time.
Getting the position of trombone player with Black Dyke, John stayed with them for three months
taking over from Chris Jeans as Solo Trombone.
Having played with the “Trafford Band”, who paid him £40 a month which covered his house rental,
he asked the Black Dyke band if they would be willing to pay the same rate for his services. The replay
came back that members of Black Dyke were in it for the Badge and the Jacket and not the money. It
was then that John went back home. The following day Howard Snell who was at the time with Fodens
approached him at Collage and asked if he would like to audition for the Britannia Building Society
Band (Fodens) as Nick Hudson was leaving the band after 15 years.
After accepting the job with Fodens, Black Dyke suddenly found they could afford the £2,000 a year
John had asked for. During the conversation John told them that he had in fact joined Fodens to which
they asked “If you have joined Fodens then where has Nick Hudson gone”. “I don‟t know” said John,
at which point Black Dyke put the phone down and called Nick Hudson.
John also toured with the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, the Halle, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic,
Manchester Camerata and the Welsh National Orchestra along with the Andy Prior Big Band.
In November 1996 John started a year out from Fodens when he became lead trombone with the Tony
Evans Orchestra in Monte Carlo working as the house band with guest artists Elton John, Rod Stewart,
Liza Minelli, The Gypsy Kings and Paul Anka among those appearing at the venue.
Returning to England, John gained an MA at Salford University and decided to approach his friends in
Sandbach to see if a job with the Fodens Band was still available. To his surprise the job was still open
as no one had been appointed on a permanent contract for the solo trombone slot within the band.
John‟s day job is as a teacher of music, firstly with Woodford Lodge High School in Winsford before
being appointed the Head of Music at Sandbach Boys School (Crewe Road) in 2003.
In September 2012 John was appointed Director of the “Love Music Trust” which runs music lessons
for children in Cheshire which has taken over from the previous Cheshire East Music Service.
John has also played alongside the band‟s composer in residence Andy Scott (on Saxophone) in a small
Jazz Combo.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1996
A reorganisation of the band was needed to cope with the workload of running the
band. A committee was formed to look after the day to day needs of the band.
COMMITTEE
Chairman
Philip Davis
Band Manager
Bernard Logan
Treasurer
Gerry Preston
Promotions and Patron‟s Manager Malcolm Brew
Personnel and Publicity
Mark Wilkinson
Committee Secretary
Peter Coulson
Transport Manager
Colin Short
Players Representative 1
Robert Fulcher
Players Representative 2
John Barber (Trombone)
NON COMMITTEE POSTS
Librarian
Jimmy Charles
Assistant Librarian
Granville Jennings
21 Jan 1996
20 Feb 1996
Mar 1996
Band Sargent
Tim Walters
Uniforms
Maureen Cameron
Instruments
Glyn Williams
With the Roberts Bakery Band (Conductor Colin Cranson)
MASSED BANDS (Conducted by Colin Cranson)
1. Introduction to Act 3 Lohengrin (Wagner)
2. Overture Light Cavalry (Suppe)
3. Cornet Carillon (R Binge) Cornet Feature
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY BAND (Conductor Howard Snell)
4. Ravenswood (W Rimmer)
5. Overture – Raymond (Hawkins)
6. Pantomime (Philip Sparke)
7. Scaramouche (Howard Snell)
8. Entry of the Gods into Valhalla (Wagner arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
ROBERTS BAKERY BAND (Conducted by Colin Cranson)
a. March – Army of the Nile (K Alford)
b. Overture the Magic Flute (Mozart)
c. My Ain Folk (P Graham)
Flugel Solo Rachel Woollam
d. Jubilation (J Curnow)
MASSED BANDS (Conducted by Howard Snell)
1. Folk Festival (Howard Snell)
2. Winter (arr Howard Snell)
Horn Feature
3. 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky)
4. National Anthem
CONCERT – Patron‟s Concert at Sandbach School, Sports Hall.
1. Spirit of Praise (George Marshall)
2. Diadem of Gold (G Bailey arr Frank Wright)
3. Musetta‟s Waltz Song (Puccini arr Snell)
4. (Popular Song)
5. Hunters Moon (Vintner arr Snell)
6. Star Wars (John Williams arr Drover)
7. Pantomime (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL
1. Dam Busters (Eric Coates)
2. Romance from Gadfly (Shostakovich arr Broadbent)
3. Rhapsody for Trombone (Langford)
Trombone Solo Unkn
4. Batman
5. Someone to Watch Over Me (Gershwin arr Alan Fernie)
6. Xylomania (Peter Graham)
7. You‟ll Never Walk Alone (Richard Rodgers arr Howard Snell)
ENCORES Not in the Programme
Folk Festival (D Shostacovitsch arr H Snell)
Galop (Shostakovich)
Greensleeves (Trad arr Howards Snell)
Test Piece “Sounds” by John Golland
FIRST
Williams Fairey
SECOND
BNFL Leyland
THIRD
The band came 3rd failing to qualify for the National Competition.
15 Mar 1996
24 Mar 1996
26 May 1996
June 1996
Howard Snell tendered his resignation with the band giving three months notice.
The reason was simple. The band needed money and to do this it was deemed
necessary to do more paid concerts something that Howard felt was not in his
contract and due to other commitments, he felt unable to fulfil the job.
A parting of the ways was unfortunately the only solution to the problem and
so at the All England finals the band and its conductor parted company.
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Winsford.
With Crewe Male Voice Choir (Conductor Paul Morris)
In aid of St Luke‟s Hospice and other local charities.
1. Spirit of Praise (George Marshall)
2. Musetta‟s Waltz Song (Puccini arr Snell)
3. Blues March (Premru)
4. Hunter‟s Moon (Vintner / Snell)
Horn Solo Robert Fletcher
5. Trumpet Blues and Cantabile (Harry James arr Geldard)
6. Shepherds Song (Trad arr Richards)
7. You‟ll Never Walk Alone (Richard Rodgers arr Howard Snell)
CREWE MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Dona Nobis Pacem (Haydn)
b. Roman War Song “Rienzi” (Wagner)
c. O Bone Jesu (Palastrina)
d. Glory and Love to the Man of Old from Faust (Gounod)
e. Speed your Journey from Nabucco (Verdi)
f. Poor old Joe (Foster)
g. My Love is like a Red Red Rose (Trad arr Roberts)
h. Gwwoddiad (Wales Trad)
INTERVAL
a. Wandering the King‟s Highway (Leslie Coward)
b. The Rose (arr L Harry)
c. Pedro the Fisherman “The Lisbon Story”(Harry Davies)
d. Memory from Cats (Webber arr Cullen)
e. Stout-Hearted Men from New Moon (Romberg arr Scotson)
f. Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love (Webber arr E Jones)
g. Rhythm of Life (Coleman arr Barnes)
h. Morte Christe (Emrys Jones)
1. March – Simoraine (Barraclough)
2. Rhapsody (Langford) Trombone Solo John Barber
(In Programme as John Barker)
3. Tarantella (Rossini arr Snell)
4. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple (Bizet arr Wilkinson)
Euphonium Duet Glyn Williams and Ken Cant
5. A Carmen Phantasy (Langford)
6. Star Wars (John Williams arr Howard Snell)
Cambridge.
Test Piece “Hymn at Sunrise” by Ray Steadman-Allen
Conductor Howard Snell making his last appearance with the band.
FIRST
Williams Fairey from Stockport.
SECOND
THIRD
BNFL Leyland
The replacement for Howard Snell came from a distinguished member of the banding
community, Phillip McCann who had been principal cornet with Black Dyke from
1973 to 1988 when he joined Leyland and then Fairey. He was a founder and Musical
Director of the Sellers Engineering Band in Huddersfield.
Phillip was at the time touring New Zealand and Australia and it was only by Band
1996
9 June 1996
30 June 1996
9 July 1996
Manager, Bernard Logan leaving Faxes at various venues that the band were able to
secure a contract with him.
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY REMOVE FUNDING.
Having secured a new Musical Director the band suffered another blow as the
Britannia Building Society announced that it would be reducing its contribution to
the band by the year 2000 when it would end its association and a new sponsor could
take over. (See 19 April 1997)
CONCERT – Kirkby in Ashfield
1. March - The Melody Shop (K.L. King arr P Smally)
2. A Festive Overture Op 96 (Shostakovich arr W Gordon)
3. Unknown (Unkn)
4. Dance – La Calinda (Delius arr D Carder)
5. Black and White Rag (G Botsford arr A Fernie)
6. Unknown (Unkn)
Solo Trombone John Barber
INTERVAL
1. The Dam Busters March (Eric Coates)
2. Soave Sia Il Vento (Mozart arr S Kerwin)
Soloists Mark Wilkinson -Cornet, Shelly Ball -Flugel
and Ken Cant
3. Scheherazade Op 35 (Rimsky Korsakov arr J Ord. Hume)
a) The Festival at Bagdad
b) The Sea, Shipwreck on Magnetic Rock
4. Pantomime (Philip Spark)
5. Light as Air (Goff Richards)
6. The Two Imps (K.J. Alford)
Xylophone Duet Simone Rebello and Debbie Pheasant
7. Symphony No 4 Op 36 (Tchaikovsky arr W Gordon)
CONCERT – Kirkless Oakwell Hall
1. March - The Melody Shop (K.L. King arr P Smally)
2. Overture - Orpheus in the Underworld (J Offenbach)
3. Unknown (Unkn)
6. Unknown (Unkn)
Trombone Solo John Barber
INTERVAL
1. Folk Festival (Shostakovich)
2. Soave Sia Il Vento (Mozart arr S Kerwin)
Soloists Mark Wilkinson -Cornet, Shelly Ball -Flugel
and Ken Cant
6. Happy Hammers (Harry Breuer)
7. A Festival Overture (Shostakovich)
8. Hora Staccata
9. Shield of Liberty
(Admin Ref: BBS/072/BPL)
CONCERT – SANDBACH SCHOOL FESTIVAL 1996
PROGRAMME -
1. March - The Black Knight (William Rimmer)
2. Overture - Orpheus in the Underworld (J Offenbach)
3. Summertime (Gershwin)
Solo Soprano Tracey Redfern
5. When I‟m 64 (Lennon and McCartney arr A Fernie)
6. I Hemmelen (arr T Brevik)
Flugel Solo Shelly Ball
INTERVAL
1. 76 Tombones (M Wilson arr A Fernie)
2. Making Whoopee (Donaldson and Kahn)
Soloists Mark Frost – Bass Trombone and Shelly Ball – Flugel
5. Eg Skar Mitt Navn (Folk Song) (arr A Fernie)
6. Happy Hammers (Harry Breuer)
7. Finale - March Slave (Tchaikovsky)
8. Hora Staccata
9. Stars and Stripes
The concert was recorded for Hospital Radio Leighton (Crewe) by Stewart Green.
13 July 1996
CONCERT – Keel University
1. Festive Overture (Shostakovitch arr P Kitson)
2. Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber arr A Smith)
Duet Tracey Redfern (Soprano) and Shelly Ball (Flugel)
5. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple (Bizet arr K Wilkinson)
6. Broadway Showstoppers (arr A Fernie)
9. Unknown –
10. Marche Slave (Tchaikovsky)
ENCORE
Hora Staccato
17 July 1996
CONCERT – Buxton Opera House
Part of the 18th Buxton Festival (12-28 July 1996).
Conductor Philip McCann
1. Festive Overture (Shostakovitch arr P Kitson)
2. Symphonic Variations (Edward Gregson)
4. Revelation (Philip Wilby)
6. March Star Lake (Eric Ball)
7. Just as I Am (Wilfred Heaton)
8. Tarantella (Rosssini arr H Snell)
9. Three Movements from The Pines of Rome (Respighi arr H Snell)
LIST OF TUNES FROM HANDBILL NOT PROGRAMME.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Philip McCann Biography.
He is not only a conductor but also a famous cornet player having played the theme music for the BBC
Series “Hetty Wainthrop Investigates” starring Patricia Routlidge.
___________________________________________________________________________________
20 July 1996
21 July 1996
9 Aug 1996
CONCERT – Cholmondley Castle
1. The Stars and Stripes Forever (J P Sousa arr P Graham)
2. Orpheus in the Underworld (J Offenbach)
3. Hora Staccato (G Dinicu) Cornet Feature
6. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple (Bizet arr K Wilkinson)
8. Making Whoopee (Donaldson and Kahn)
Soloists Mark Frost – Bass Trombone and Shelly Ball – Flugel
9. Where No Man Has Gone Before (A Fernie)
10. Unknown – Percussion Feature
11. March Slave (Tchaikovsky)
ENCORE Not in the Programme
76 Trombones (Sandy Wilson)
CONCERT – Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association in conjunction
with The Burton Constable Foundation.
“The 151st Anniversary of the first Brass Band Concert”
(July 1845 at Burton Constable)
MASSED BANDS (Britannia Building Society Band and
David Urquhart Travel Yorkshire Imperial Band)
Compere David Nash (BBC Radio Humberside)
Conductor Philip McCann (BBSB)
1. Fanfare and National Anthem (Gordon Jacobs)
2. King Cotton (J.P. Sousa)
3. The Corsair (Berloiz arr G Brand)
4. Bugler‟s Holiday (Leroy Anderson arr R Barsotti) Cornet Feature
5. Let‟s Face the Music and Dance (I Berlin arr Richards)
6. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (Hubert Parry arr Bolton and Banks)
7. Toccata and Fugue (J.S. Bach arr R Farr)
8. Labour and Love (P Fletcher)
INTERVAL
Conducted by Alan Exley (Yorkshire Imps)
1. Padstone Lifeboat (M Arnold)
2. Blades of Toledo (T.L. Sharp) Trombone Feature
3. Mack and Mabel (Jerry Herman arr Wilkinson)
4. Nimrod (Elgar arr Denis Wright)
5. Rhythm and Blues (P Sharpe)
6. Sabre Dance (Khatchaturian arr Walker)
7. Overture Solonelle -1812 (Tchaikovsky arr Denis Wright)
Accompanied by a Firework display.
CONCERT – Framlingham Castle.
1. La Reine De Saba (Gounod)
2. Pique Dame (Supe)
3. Muzettas Waltz (Puccini arr Howard Snell)
4. Bugler‟s Holiday ((Leroy Anderson arr Barsotti)
Cornet Feature
5. Stanchen Serenade (Heyken arr Hilton)
6. Blach and White Rag (G Botsford arr A Fernie)
7. English Folk Song Suite (Vaughan Williams)
INTERVAL
1. A Festive Overture (Shostakovich arr W Gordon)
2. Toccata (Boelemann arr Ball)
27 Aug 1996
(Tues)
7 Sept 1996
8 Sept 1996
3. Let‟s Face the Music and Dance (arr Goff Richards)
4. Country Scene (Goff Richards)
5. Bacchanal (Saint Seans arr Wilkinson)
7. Introduction Allegro Spiritoso (J Senaille)
Euphonium and Baritone Feature
8. Amazing Grace (John Newton arr Himes)
9. William Tell Overture (Rossini)
ENCORE not in the programme
Pomp and Circumstance No 1 (Elgar arr Org Hulme)
BROADCAST - Recording “Listen to the Band” BBC Radio 2.
1. Introduction (Torstein Aagaard Nilsen)
2. Black and White Rag (George Botsford arr Alan Fernie)
3. In Heaven (Traditional arr Tom Brevik)
4. Aarctic Funk (Torstein Aagaard Nilsen)
5. Pilatus (Goff Richards)
6. March Melody Shop (K. L. King)
7. Faroe Folk Song (Eg Skarr Mitt Navn arr Alan Fernie)
8. Happy Hammers (Harry Breuer arr Simon Kerwin)
9. Final Movement Moorside Suite (Holst)
COMPETITION – “British Open Championships”, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.
Mrs Mortimer decided to hold the contest here as the Free Trade Hall had been
demolished after last Year‟s contest.
Test Piece “The Severn Suite” by Sir Edward Elgar
Conductor for Fodens (BBSB) Philip McCann
FIRST
Marple
SECOND
Tredegar
THIRD
BNFL Leyland
FOURTH
Williams Fairey
FIFTH
(The First Competition with Phillip McCann)
CONCERT – North Wales Theatre, Llandudno
“Brass Night at the Proms”
With Haydock Male Voice Choir.
Dawn Mullard (Soprano)
With Guest Conductor Richard Evans
POSSIBLE ORDER AS PER 13 OCT 1996
1. Stars and Stripes (J.P. Sousa)
2. Light Cavalry Overture (Von Suppe)
3. Nessun Dorma (Puccini) Cornet Solo Unknown
5. Gold and Silver Waltz (Franz Lehra)
6. Mack and Mabel (Jerry Herman)
DAWN MULLARD (Soprano)
7. The Sherpherds Song (French Tradional Song)
INTERVAL
3. Galop from William Tell (Rossini)
4. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple from the Pearl Fishers (Bizet)
a. Apres un Reve (G Faure)
b. O My Beloved Father
15 Sept 1996
13 Oct 1996
6. Nimrod from Enigma Variations (Edward Elgar)
7. Fantasy on British Sea Songs (Henry Wood)
CONCERT – Beaminster Parish Church.
1. The Waltonian (J J Richards)
2. Overture – Raymond (Amboise Thomas)
3. Miss Blue Bonnet (Frank Simon) Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
4. Satin Doll (Duke Ellington arr A Fernie)
5. Hungarian Dance (Messager arr A Owensom)
6. Amazing Grace (John Newton arr A Drover)
7. I Hemmelen (arr T Brevik) Flugel Solo Shelly Ball
8. The Land of the Long White Cloud (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL
1. Coronation March – La Prophete (Meyetbeer arr Gordon Langford)
2. Unknown – Trombone Solo John Barber
3. When I‟m 64 (Lennon and McCartney arr A Fernie)
4. Scheherazade Op 35 (Rimsky Korsakov arr J. Ord Hume)
5. Unknown – Solo Euphonium Glyn Williams
6. Priere A Notre Dame (Boellmann arr E Ball)
7. Unknown - Xylophone Solo Simone Rebello
8. Symphony No 3 “Organ” (C Saint-Saens arr Frank Renton)
ENCORE Not in the Programme
Hora Staccatio
Perpetuum Mobile
Farandole
The Britannia Building Society Band joined the Roberts Bakery Band for a concert.
“Brass Night at the Proms”
Conductors Philip McCann and Colin Cranson
Guest Soloist Dawn Mullard (Soprano).
(Recorded for Hospital Radio at Leighton Hospital Crewe by Stewart Green)
BOTH BANDS
1. Stars and Stripes (J.P. Sousa)
2. Light Cavalry Overture (Von Suppe)
3. Nessun Dorma (Puccini) Cornet Solo Unknown
5. Gold and Silver Waltz (Franz Lehra)
6. Mack and Mabel (Jerry Herman)
a. The Sherpherds Song (French Tradional Song)
BOTH BANDS
INTERVAL
BOTH BANDS
3. Galop from William Tell (Rossini)
4. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple from the Pearl Fishers (Bizet)
a. Apres un Reve (G Faure)
b. O My Beloved Father
BOTH BANDS
6. Nimrod from Enigma Variations (Edward Elgar)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL NEWS
19 Oct 1996
Test Piece “Isaiah 40” by Robert Redhead.
RESULTS
FIRST
CWS Glasgow
SECOND
THIRD
Black Dyke Mills
___________________________________________________________________________________
Nov 1996
FIRST
Williams Fairey
SECOND
THIRD
Yorkshire Building Society.
Simone Rebello (Percussion) received first prize for best Solo.
10 Dec 1996
CONCERT – Halifax Choral Society, Victoria Theatre, Halifax (1 of 2 Concerts)
“Carols and Brass” Sponsored by the Evening Courier.
With the Halifax Choral Society (Conductor John Price-Jones)
The programme for the events were in the form of a Tabloid Newspaper.
BAND and CHOIR
1. Christmas Fantasy (arr Gordon Langford)
ALL
2. Joy to the World
CHOIR and ORGAN
a. A Maiden Most Gentle
ALL
3. See Amid the Winter Snow (J Goss and E Caswall 1851)
4. The Spirit of Christmas (P Graham)
5. Largo from Winter, The Four Seasons (Vivaldi arr Snell)
Tenor Horn Solo
6. Broadway Showstoppers (arr Alan Fernie)
YOUNG SINGERS
a. The Holly and the Ivy (Joshua Sylvester 1861/Trad arr Gardener)
b. Magnificat (Hudson)
c. Winter Wonderland (Bernard arr Hudson)
BAND and CHOIR
7. I Saw Three Ships (Darius Battiwalla)
8. Silent Night (Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber arr Darius Battiwalla)
MICHAEL THOMPSON
a. O For the Wings of a Dove
ALL
9. Hark the Herald Angels Sing (Charles Wesley)
INTERVAL
ALL
1. Hail Smiling Morn
CHILDREN (Medley)
a. Jingle Bells (James S Pierpoint 1857 arr Derek Ashmore)
b. Away in a Manger (Anonymous 1883)
ALL
2. While Shepherds (Tune Ilkley Moor) (Nathum Tate 1652 -1715)
3. Be A Clown (Cole Porter arr Alan Fernie)
4a. Unknown – Solo Euphonium Glyn Williams (10 Dec 1996 ONLY)
5. (Santa) Claus-Trophobin (arr Smith)
CHOIR and ORGAN
a. The Twelve Days of Christmas
ALL
7. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
12 Dec 1996
CONCERT – Halifax Choral Society, Victoria Theatre, Halifax (2 of 2 Concerts)
“Carols and Brass” Sponsored by the Evening Courier.
SAME PROGRAMME AS ABOVE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SOLO
BAND and CHOIR
ALL
2. Joy to the World
CHOIR and ORGAN
a. A Maiden Most Gentle
ALL
3. See Amid the Winter Snow (J Goss and E Caswall 1851)
4. The Spirit of Christmas (P Graham)
5. Largo from Winter, The Four Seasons (Vivaldi arr Snell)
Tenor Horn Solo
YOUNG SINGERS
a. The Holly and the Ivy (Joshua Sylvester 1861/Trad arr Gardener)
b. Magnificat (Hudson)
c. Winter Wonderland (Bernard arr Hudson)
BAND and CHOIR
7. I Saw Three Ships (Darius Battiwalla)
8. Silent Night (Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber arr Darius Battiwalla)
MICHAEL THOMPSON
a. O For the Wings of a Dove
ALL
INTERVAL
ALL
1. Hail Smiling Morn
CHILDREN (Medley)
a. Jingle Bells (James S Pierpoint 1857 arr Derek Ashmore)
b. Away in a Manger (Anonymous 1883)
ALL
2. While Shepherds (Tune Ilkley Moor) (Nathum Tate 1652 -1715)
3. Be A Clown (Cole Porter arr Alan Fernie)
4b. Helter Shelter (W.G. Lemmon)
(12 Dec 1996 ONLY)
5. (Santa) Claus-Trophobin (arr Smith)
CHOIR and ORGAN
a. The Twelve Days of Christmas
ALL
7. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
###################################################################################
CONDUCTOR
Philip McCann /Nicholas J Childs (see 1 July 1997)
BAND MANAGER
Bernie Logan (left his post in 1997)
###################################################################################
18 Feb 1997
CONCERT – Patron‟s Concert at Sandbach School, Sports Hall.
1. Army of the Nile (K.J. Alford)
2. Semiramide (Rossini arr George Hawkins)
3. Oh Happy Day (Eric Leidzen) Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
4. Satin Doll (Duke Ellington arr Alan Fernie)
5. Cracked Ice Rag (arr A Fernie)
Horn Trio - Robert Fulcher, Lesley Howie, Stuart McNulty
6. Lezghinka (Khachaturian arr Snell)
7. Marianne ( ) Flugel Horn Solo Shelly Ball
8. The New World Symphony No 9 (Dvorak arr R.S. Allen)
INTERVAL
1. Capriccio Espanol (Rimski Korsakov arr M Kenyon)
2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (arr A Fernie)
3. Light Walk (arr Barrie Gott)
4. Adagio (Samuel Barper arr W Gordon)
6. One Note Samba (Jobin arr Alan Fernie)
7. Unknown - Xylophone Solo Simone Rebello
8. Finale Swan Lake (Tchaikowsky arr A Duncan)
___________________________________________________________________________________
LESLEY HOWIE Biography. (Lesley Poole Biography)
1997 to 2014.
Lesley started playing the Tenor Horn at School, winning the Scottish Schools Solo Championships in
1994 and 1995 while she was the principal Solo Horn player with the National Youth Brass Band of
Scotland.
In 1995 Lesley went to the Royal Northern collage of Music in Manchester (RNCM) with tutors
including Howard Snell who asked her to join Fodens band. She was also playing with Marple and
Wingates.
Graduating from the RNCM with a BMus (Hons) Lesley went to the Manchester Metropolitan
University where she gained a PGCE.
In 1997 Lesley played as part of the Horn secion of the Britannia Building Society Band but left in
1999 to became the first female Principal Solo Horn player with the Black Dyke Mills Band .
Lesley now works in a Secondary School in Hyde as Head of Music as well as a Professor of Tenor
Horn at the Royal Northern Collage of Music and at Chethams School of Music in Manchester.
In 2011 Lesley became engaged to Richard Poole (Cornet with Fodens).
___________________________________________________________________________________
9 Mar 1997
Test Piece “A Lowry Sketchbook” by Philip Wilby
FIRST
Williams Fairey
SECOND
THIRD
BNFL Leyland
22 Mar 1997
CONCERT – Civic Hall Winsford
Grand Annual Charity Concert
With Crewe Male Voice Choir - Conductor Paul Morris
1. Under the Double Eagle (J.F. Wagner arr G Langford)
2. Ruler of the Spirits (Weber arr P Graham)
3. Unknown –
4. Dance of the Tumblers (Rimsky-Korsakov arr Derek Ashmore)
5. Autumn Leaves (Korsa and J Mercer arr A Catherall)
6. Be a Clown (Cole Porter arr A Fernie)
7. Unknown –
8. Symphony No 9 New World (Dvorak arr R.S. Allen)
a. A Roman War Song – “Rienzi” (Wagner)
b. Stout Hearted Men from The New Moon (Romberg)
c. The Rose (Amanda McBroom) from the film “The Rose”.
d. You‟ll Never Walk alone from Carousel (Rogers and Hammerstein)
e. Gwahoddiad (Welsh Hymn Tune)
INTERVAL
a. Wandering the King‟s Highway (Leslie Coward)
b. Medley from “Les Miserables” (Boubl and Schonberg)
a. At the End of the Day
b. I Dreamed a Dream
c. Castle on a Cloud
d. Do you hear the People Sing?
e. On my own
f. Bring me Home
g. Finale
3. Sweet By and By (L Ballantine)
4. Unknown –
6. Unknown –
Tuba Solo Phil Green
7. Symphony No 2 – The Little Russian (Tchaikovsky arr W Gordon)
5 Apr 1997
CONCERT – Victoria Hall, Bolton
1. Army of the Nile (K.J. Alford)
2. Semiramide (Rossini arr George Hawkins)
3. Unknown – Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
4. Pepetuum Mobile (J Strauss arr Howard Snell)
7. Sweet and Low (J. Barmby arr Howard Snell)
Soloists Morvern Gilchrist, Shelly Ball, Robert Fulcher
and Ken Cant
8. Finale from “New World” Symphony No 9 (Dvorak arr R.S. Allen)
INTERVAL
1. Orpheus in the Underworld (J Offenbach)
2. The Flower Song (Bizet arr Howard Snell)
3.Tarantella - La Danza (Rossini arr G Langford)
5. Black and White Rag (Botsford arr Alan Fernie)
6. Somewhere in Time (John Barry)
7. Helter Skelter (W.G. Lemon)
Xylophone Solo Simone Rebello (Notes have Mark by the Side)
8. Swan Lake (Tchaikovsky arr A Duncan)
ENCORE Not included in the Programme.
I Love Paris
18 Apr 1997
CONCERT – Southport Town Hall.
Tribute Concert for John Collard (Festival)
1. March Amhen (Kelly)
2. The Silken Ladder Overture (Rossini arr P Parkes)
3. The Queen of Nights Aria (Mozart arr J Golland)
4. Autumn Leaves (Korsa and Johnny Mercer arr A Catherall)
5. Dance of the Tumblers (Rimski Korsakov arr Derek Ashmore)
6. Meiso (John Golland) Tenor Duet Robert Fulcher and Jonathon Webster
7. Be a Clown (Cole Porter arr A Fernie)
8. A Kensington Concerto (E Ball)
INTERVAL
2. Celeste Aida (Verdi arr J Golland)
5. Fantasia Reves d‟Enfants (J Golland)
6. Unknown – Xylophone Solo Simone Rebello
7. Deep Harmony (H Parker arr John Golland)
8. Symphony No 2 – The Little Russian (Tchaikovsky arr W Gordon)
19-20 Apr 1997 CONCERT – Belfast
19 Apr 1997
CONCERT – The Ulster Hall, Belfast
Advertised as the World Famous FODEN‟S BAND although they were now
named the Britannia Building Society Band.
Title “A Brass Celebration” organised by the 1st Old Boys Association Silver Band.
Conductor for Foden‟s Band Philip McCann.
1. The Melody Shop (K.L. King)
2. Ruler of the Spirits (Weber arr Peter Graham)
3. Tba
5. Cracked Ice Rag (arr Alan Fernie)
Soloists Robert Fulcher, Lesley Howie, and Stuart McNulty
6. Lezghinka (Khatchaturian arr Howard Snell)
7. Tba
Flugel Horn Solo Shelly Ball
8. The Year of the Dragon (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL
2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (arr Alan Fernie)
3. Light Walk (B Gott) Big Band Tune
4. Largo Symphony No 9 (Dvorak arr G Langford)
5. Tba
6. Be A Clown (Cole Porter arr Andrew Duncan)
7. Swan lake (Tchaikovsky arr Andrew Duncan)
___________________________________________________________________________________
NAMED FODENS BAND
With the Britannia Building Society removing its funding gradually from the band from 1996 to 2000 it
meant that not all shows were advertised as being with their name. The 19 April 1997 Concert at the
Ulster Hall, Belfast was one of them and in the biography of the band it stated that –
“Until recently, the band was known as the Britannia Building Society band, but following the ending
of this sponsorship partnership, the band will now be known as THE WORLD FAMOUS FODEN‟S
BAND”.
___________________________________________________________________________________
LIST OF PLAYERS from the 19 April 1997 CONCERT – The Ulster Hall, Belfast
BAND MEMBERS
INSTRUMENT
Conductor
Principal Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Solo Cornet
Soprano Cornet
Repiano Cornet
2nd Cornet
2nd Cornet
3rd Cornet
3rd Cornet
Solo Flugel
Solo Tenor Horn
1st Tenor Horn
2nd Tenor Horn
Solo Trombone
2nd Trombone
Bass Trombone
Solo Euphonium
2nd Euphonium
Solo Baritone
2nd Baritone
Solo E Flat Bass
PLAYER
Philip McCann (Musical Director)
Mark Wilkinson
Peter Coulson
Colin Short
Tim Walters
Tracey Redfern
Morvern Gilchrist
Maureen Cameron
Amanda Brader
Nicky Lees
Steve Cooke
Shelly Ball
Robert Fulcher
Leslie Howie
Stuart McNulty
Andrew Berryman
Ann Motherby
Mark Frost
Glyn Williams
Ken Cant (Pre June 1999)
Jonathon Webster
Jeremy Belton
Phil Green (Phillip Green)
2nd E Flat Bass Toby Hobson
B Flat Bass
Dean Morley
B Flat Bass
Brett Wharton
Percussion
Simone Rebello
Percussion
Chris Bastock
Percussion
Alun Hathaway
Percussion
Debbie Pheasant
___________________________________________________________________________________
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE – Andrew Duncan.
According to the Programme for Ulster The Foden‟s Band (Britannia Building Society Band) has a
composer in Residence. ANDREW DUNCAN was an arranger of classical music and studied at the
Napier College, Edinburgh and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. As one of the
leading Tuba players he was since 1984 the principal Tuba player with the Hale Orchestra in
Manchester.
Unlike Andy Scott, Andrew was mainly asked to do arrangements for the Foden Band rather than new
compositions.
___________________________________________________________________________________
ARRANGER IN RESIDENCE – Alan Fernie
Starting as an arranger for the Beatles hit “When I‟m 64” Alan has made many arrangement over the
years and was appointed Arranger in Residence with the band.
Alan did his studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama as well as the National
Centre for Orchestural Studies at Goldsmith‟s College in London.
___________________________________________________________________________________
4 May 1997
CONCERT – St Andrew‟s Hall, Northwich
1. March – Army of the Nile (K.L. Alford)
2. The Silken Ladder Overture (Rossini arr P Parkes)
3. Tba
5. Dance of the Tumblers (Rimski Korsakov arr Derek Ashmore)
7. Sweet and Low (J Barnby arr Howard Snell)
Soloists Morven Gilchrist, Shelly Ball, Robert Fulcher, Ken Cant
8. The Year of the Dragon (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL
2. Largo Al Factotum (G Rossini arr Denis Wright)
3. Resurgam (Eric Ball)
4. Solo Unknown
5. One Note Samba (Jobin arr Alan Fernie)
7. Pictures
ENCORES
Hora Staccato
Somewhere in Time
I Love a Parade
9 May 1997
CONCERT – Huddersfield Town Hall.
With Colne Valley Choir / German Choir
1. Capriccio Espagnol – Excerpts (Rimsky- Korsakov arr M Kenyou)
COLNE VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR
a.
2. I Live a Parade – Medley (arr Alan Fernie)
3. Swing Low Sweet Chariot (arr Alan Fernie)
4. Hora Staccato (Dinicu arr Goff Richards)
Cornet Feature
17 May 1997
25 May 1997
1997
25 May 1997
5. Lezghinka (Khachaturian att Howard Snell)
GERMAN CHOIR
a.
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY BAND and PIANO
6. Scherzo (Litolff)
INTERVAL
GERMAN CHOIR
a.
1. The Old Chalet (Trad arr Howard Snell)
2. One Note Samba (arr Alan Fernie)
3. Helter Skelter (W G Lemon)
4. Swan Lake (Tchaikovsky arr A Duncan)
COLNE VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR
a.
BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY BAND and CHOIR
5. Battle Hymn of the Republic
CONCERT – Leek Arts Festival, Leek
1. Knight of the Road (William Rimmer)
2. The Silken Ladder
3. Unknown
4. Autumn Leaves (Korsa and J Mercer arr A Catherall)
5. Dance of the Tumblers (Rimsky-Korsakov arr D Ashmore)
7. Sweet and Low (J Barnby arr Howard Snell)
Soloists Morven Gilchrist, Shelly Ball,
Robert Fulcher and Ken Cant
8. La Forza Del destino (Verdi arr F Wright)
INTERVAL
1. Capriccio Espagnol – Excerpts (Rimsky- Korsakov arr M Kenyou)
3. Light Walk (B Gott) – Big Band Tune
4. Largo from the New World Symphony No 9 – New World)
(Dvorak arr G Langford)
5. Unknown
Euphonum Solo Glyn Williams
6. Somewhere in Time – Film music (John Barry arr K V Woude)
7. Unknown
8. Pictures at an exhibition (Moussorgsky arr W Gordon)
a. The Hut on Fowl‟s Legs (Baba-Yaga)
b. The Great Gate of Kiev
ENCORE
76 Trombones (Sandy Wilson arr Alan Fernie)
Cambridge.
Test Piece “Jazz” by Philip Wilby.
FIRST
Williams Fairey
SECOND
Wingates
THIRD
Sixth
The band was featured in a BBC Best of Brass programme about the All England
Masters. Part of the programme is features on You Tube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&hl=en&gl=IL&v=KDWlc_QnR-I
CONCERT –“Gala Concert”, The Corn Exchange, Cambridge.
MASSED BANDS CONCERT – G-MEX Manchester (5pm)
Organised by Frank Renton (BBC Radio 2 - Listen to the Band)
31 May 1997
CONCERT – Pavilion Theatre Rhyl. (Paragon Concert)
With Huddersfield Choral Society
15 June 1997
RECORDING – Doyen CD Recording.
22 June 1997
27 June 1997
CONCERT – Leeds Summertime Festival, Leeds.
2. Overture The Little Russian (Tchaikovsky)
3. Unknown – Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
4. Satin Doll (Duke Ellington)
5. Adagio from Spartacus (Khachaturian)
6. Russian Sailors Dance (Reinhold Gliere)
7. Largo from Winter – Four Seasons (Vivaldi)
Soloists Shelly Ball, Robert Fulcher and Janet Gilder
8. Paganini Variations (arr P Wilby)
INTERVAL
1. Intrada (R Farr)
2. Espana (Chabrier)
3. Suite Gothique (Boellmann)
Priere a Notre Dame and Toccata
5. America (Bernstein)
7. Carnival Romain (Hector Berlioz)
ENCORE Not included in the Programme.
Farandole from the suite I‟Arlesienne (G Bizet arr Wright)
1997
Band Manager Bernie Logan left his post after trying tirelessly to find a new
sponsor for the band.
1997
After 12 months Phillip McCann hung up his baton with the band as the chemistry
between the band and himself was not working.
1 July 1997
Nicholas J Childs took up the baton left behind by Phillip McCann.
He had started playing with the Tredegar Junior Band becoming one of the best
Euphonium players with encouragement from his “gifted” father John Childs.
He had gained numerous solo awards for his playing and had been with the
Grimethorpe Colliery band. He had worked with Howard Snell with the Britannia
Building Society Band so he was no stranger to the players (Nov 1988 – 1993 Solo
Euphonium).
___________________________________________________________________________________
26 May 1997
NICHOLAS J CHILDS Biography. (Conductor /
Euphonium)
Nicholas John Childs began playing the Euphonium at the age of eight with the Tredegar Junior Choir.
He was taught by his father John Childs and his brother Robert.
During his playing career Nicholas was awarded “Champion Euphonium Player of Great Britain”,
“Welsh National Solo Champion”, “Euphonium Player of the Year 1986” and became the first
Euphonium player to win the “Champion of Champions Award”.
Nicholas played with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and between November 1988 and 1993 he was
the Euphonium soloist and bandmaster with Fodens.
Nicholas and Robert toured round the world as the “Sensational Childs Brothers Duo”.
With academic qualifications including a Fellowship from the London College of Music, an Associate
of the Royal College of Music and a Master of Arts Degree from Salford University in Conducting.
In 1997 Nicholas was appointed conductor of the National Youth Brass Band of Denmark as well as
Fodens Courtois band a position he held until 2002.
Having been with Fodens between 1997 and 2002 Nicholas left to conduct the Yorkshire Building
Society Band.
Nicholas is also the Managing Director of Doyen Recordings Ltd a company specialising in producing
Brass Band CD‟S.
___________________________________________________________________________________
1997
Solo Baritone player Jonathon Webster was also the owner of “Fred Rhodes
Musical Instruments” who were the only UK importers of the French Instrument
manufacturer Antoine Courtois who agreed to sponsor the band while at the same
time allowing them to return to their original name of FODENS.
However when the Britannia Building Society sponsorship ended and the band
wanted to revert to the name Fodens, the owner of the truck company PACCAR,
objected to its use.
Nicholas J Childs approached Allan Littlemore to ask if anything could be done to
resolve this problem. Allan‟s solution was to write to Bill Foden, David Foden and
Edwin Foden, great grandsons of the founder, to ask them if they would allow the
band to be named after the family and as a consequence PACCAR realised they
could raise no objections to this and that seemed to sort out the problem of the name.
___________________________________________________________________________________
COURTOIS History.
Started in 1789 when the Courtois family opened its first workshop in Paris, France. Antoine Coutois
one of the founders son‟s started the present company in 1803.
In 1956 Paul Gaudet the Managing Director decided to de-centralise his company and built a factory in
Amboise in the Loire Valley.
Jonathon Webster the Manging director of Fred Rhodes Ltd organised a contract to become the sole
UK distributer of the instruments. In 1997 Nicholas J Childs (Fodens band) joined the company and
helped to develop the range of instruments.
___________________________________________________________________________________
5 July 1997
13 July 1997
19 July 1997
CONCERT –Regent Hall The Salvation Army, 275 Oxford Street, London
With the Enfield Citadel Band (Salvation Army) Bandmaster James Williams.
Titled “FROM NORTH TO SOUTH 2”.
The Concert was recorded for CD by Egon Records (Royston Rd, Baldock,
Herts SG7 6NW)
BOTH BANDS
1. Hymn Tune Arrangement – Penlan (arr Charles Skinner)
Welcome, Reading and Prayer by Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Parkhouse.
ENFIELD CITIDAL BAND (Salvation Army)
a. March; Salvations Song (William Gordon)
2. Overture; Le Carnival Romain (Hector Berlioz arr Frank Wright)
3. Hejre Kati (arr Howard Snell)
b. Air Varie; Sound out the Proclamation (Eric Ball)
4. America frm West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein)
5. Share My Yoke (Joy Webb and Ivor Bosanko)
Flugel Horn Solo Shelly Bell
c. Variations on Maccabeus (Kevin Norbury)
6. Brillante (Peter Graham)
7. Paganini Variations (Paganini arr Philip Wilby)
INTERVAL
BOTH BANDS
1. Transcription “Procession of the Nobels”
(Rimsky- Korsakov arr James Curnow)
2. Purcell Variations (Kenneth Downie)
3. Gaelic Blessing (Rutter arr John Meredith)
4. Tone Poem – Song of Courage (Eric Ball)
5. March Slave (Tchaikovski arr Richard Philips)
Benediction by Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Parkhouse?
CONCERT – Cholmondley Castle, Wrexham (Afternoon)
1. King Cotton (John Philip Sousa)
20 July 1997
2. Festive Overture (Shostakovich arr Kitson)
3. Hejre Kati (Snell) Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
5. Let‟s Face the Music and Dance (Irving Berlin)
6. Toccata and Fugue (Johann Sebastian Bach)
7. Brillante (Peter Graham) Solo Euphonium Glyn Williams
8. Riverdance (Bill Whelan arr Ray Farr)
9. Largo from Winter – Four Seasons (Vivaldi)
10. Espana (Emmanuel Chabrier arr Longford)
11. March from Pines of Rome (Respighi)
ENCORES Not printed in the Programme.
Folk Festival (Shostakovich)
Entry of the Gladiators (Fucik)
24 July – 2 Aug 1997
TOUR Finland.
Part of the Lieksa Brass Week (18-27 July 1997) and the Johan Willgren Festival.
Conductor Nicholas J Childs
25 July 1997
CONCERT Finland – 12noon (20 Minutes)
1. Let‟s Face the Music and Dance (Berlin arr Goff Richards)
4. Toccata and Fugue (Bach arr Ray Farr)
Extra
Mack and Mabel (Jerry Herman arr Wilkinson)
Midwest March (J J Richards)
Selection from West Side Story (Bernstein)
25 July 1997
CONCERT Finland – Lieksa Brass Week in the Lieksa Church 6pm
1. The Little Russsian (Tchaikovsky)
2. Hejre Kati (ar Snell) Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
3. The Year of the Dragon II and III Movements (Sparke)
4. Espana (Chabrier arr Langford)
5. Winter from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)
6. The Severn Suite (Elgar)
INTERVAL
1. Intrada (Ray Farr)
2. The Barber of Saville (Rossini)
3. Brillante (Graham) Solo Euphonium Glyn Williams
4. The Russian Sailor‟s Dance (Gliere arr Dodd)
5. America from West Side Story (Bernstein)
7. The Old Chalet (arr Snell)
ENCORES (Not in the Programme)
March from the Pines of Rome (Respighi)
Farondole (Bizet)
The Melody Shop (King)
Comedians Gallop (Kabalevsky)
Devil‟s Galop – Dick Barton Theme (Charles Williams)
Shostakovich Gallop (arr Snell)
26 July 1997
CONCERT Finland – Concert Ruunaa 1pm (30 Minutes)
Music chosen from the following.
1. Midwest March (J J Richards)
27 July 1997
28 July 1997
6. Cornet Callion (Binge)
7. Old Man River (arr French)
8. Sabre Dance (Khatchaturian)
10. Selection from West Side Story (Bernstein)
11. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (John Williams arr Ray Farr)
18. Memory (Lloyd Webber)
CONCERT Finland – (Kartanodidyllia) at Sarkkila Manor
1. The Melody Shop (Kark Lawrence King)
2. Alkusoitto oopperaan Sevillan parturi (Rossini)
3. Csarda-Kohtaus Nro 4 op 32 (Jeno Hubay) Solo Cornet Mark Wilkinson
5. Sapelitanssi balettisarjasta Gajane (Aram Hatshaturjan)
6. Espana (Emmanuel Chabruier arr Langford)
INTERVAL (Valiaika)
1. The Cossak (William Rimmer)
2. Capriccio Espagnol (Rimski-Korsakov)
Movements 1 – 5
4. America – West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein)
5. Swing Low Sweet Chariot (arr Allan Farnie) Bass Trombone Mark Frost
6. Nimrod Enigma Variations (Elgar)
7. Finlandia (Jean Sibelius arr Wright)
Farondole (Bizet)
3 CONCERTS Finland – Wine Festival (1 Hour Each)
2 Shows at the Sports Hall outside Stadium either outside or inside depending
on the weather.
1 show outside City Hall.
All shows are casual in nature for listeners at the Wine Festival.
8. Sabre dance (Khatchaturian)
29 July 1997
30 July 1997
31 July 1997
3 CONCERTS Finland – Wine Festival (1 Hour Each)
(As above 2nd Day at Event)
2 Shows at the Sports Hall outside Stadium either outside or inside depending
on the weather.
1 show outside City hall.
All shows are casual in nature for listeners at the wine festival.
8. Sabre Dance (Khatchaturian)
DAY OFF
CONCERT Finland – Ylieieska
(Valtakannallinen Puhallinmusikkileriri)
1. The Cossak (William Rimmer)
3. Hejre Kati (Snell) Cornet Solo Mark Wilkinson
5. Let‟s Face the Music and Dance (Berlin)
6. Talvi (Vivaldi) Soloists Shelly Ball, Robert Fulcher and Janet Gilder
7. The Year of the Dragon, II and III Movements (Philip Sparke)
INTERVAL
6. The Old Chalet (arr Howard Snell)
7. Rooman Pinjat – Pines of Rome (Respighi)
Farondole (Bizet)
1 Aug 1997
2 Aug 1997
2 Aug 1997
CONCERT Finland – The KVS Institute, Orivesi. 7pm
1. King Cotton (John Philip Sousa)
4. Let‟s Face the Music and Dance (Irving Berlin)
5. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (Hubert Parry)
7. The Severn Suite (Edward Elgar)
INTERVAL
Farondole (Bizet)
CONCERT Finland – Lahti Organ Festival, Lauantai.
Opening Ceremony in Orivesi.
3 to 4 Items to be performed round speeches etc.
4. Toccata and Fugue (Bach)
Farondole (Bizet)
CONCERT Finland – Lahti Organ Festival, Lauhti. 10pm
0. The Cossak (William Rimmer) (Opening on Band list for the event)
1. King Cotton (John Philip Sousa) (In Programme as the first track)
3. Hejre Kati (Snell)
4. Let‟s Face the Music and Dance (Berlin)
6. Toccata and Fugue (Bach)
INTERVAL
Farondole (Bizet)
END OF TOUR
29 Aug 1997
6 Sept 1997
13 Sept 1997
CONCERT – Framlingham Castle, Sussex
1. Fanfare to a Common Man (Coupland)
2. Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa)
4. Cornet Carillon (Binge)
5. Famous British Marches (arr Langford)
6. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple (Bizet)
Duet Glyn Williams and Ken Cant
7. 76 Trombones (Sandy Willson)
8. Winter (Vivaldi) Soloists Shelly Ball, Robert Fulcher and Janet Gilder
INTERVAL
1. Dambusters March (Eric Coates)
2. West Side Story – Selection (Bernstein)
3. Mack and Mabel – Selection (Jerry Herman)
4. Radetzky March (Strauss)
5. Nimrod (Elgar)
COMPETITION – “British Open Championships”, Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
The band were due to make their debut with the new name FODENS (COURTOIS)
BAND at the Open Championship in the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester but
the competition was delayed for four months due to the funeral of Princess Diana
(.b. 1 July 1961 .D. 31 Aug 1997) on the 6 September 1997.
(see 17 January 1998)
CONCERT – Huddersfield Town Hall.
“Brass and Voices”
In Aid of the Huddersfield Royal Informary, Breast Clinic Appeal and
The Huddersfield Asthma Group.
With Gledholt Male Voice Choir.
Compere Canon Roger Royle (BBC Radio 2)
FODENS COURTOIS BAND
3. Hejre Kati (Howard Snell) Solo Cornet Mark Wilkinson
CHOIR
a. A Roman War Song
b. In Nomine Jesu
c. When the Saints Go Marching In
4. America – West Side Story (Bernstein)
CHOIR
d. Viva Tutti
e. My Lord What a Morning
f. Som, Som
g. Nessun Dorma
INTERVAL
2. Brilliante (Peter Graham)
3. March from Pines of Rome (Respighi)
CHOIR
a. Rhythm of Life
b. Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill
c. Two Little Boys
4. Ol‟ Man River (arr French)
5. Helter Skelter (W.G. Lemon)
CHOIR
d. Cossack Ride
e. Cantique de Jean Racine
f. Gwahoddiad
CHOIR AND AUDIENCE
g. Pomp and Circumstance No1 (Elgar)
ENCORES Not printed in the Programme.
Entry of the Gladiators
I Will Follow Him – From Sister Act (Stole / Roma / Plante arr Goff Richards)
1997
The National Lottery gave the band a grant of £73,005 through the Arts Council to
purchase new instruments and to expand its youth involvement enabling the band to
form a Youth Band. Unfortunately the Youth band didn‟t happen.
14 Sept 1997
RECORDING – Doyen CD at Peel Hall Salford.
BRASS EXPLOSION the music of Goff Richards
Obrasso
CD863
1. Exploding Brass
2. Brass Ablaze
3. Hollywood
4. Brass Band Blues
5. I Will Follow Him from Sister Act
(Stole / Roma / Plante arr Goff Richards)
6. Elvis Lives
7. Taylor Made
8. Our Love is here to Stay (George Gershwin arr Goff Richards)
The SAINTS
9. St Petroc
10. St Breward
11. St Menefreda
12. Pendennis
Alternate Listing includes.
10. The Thornbirds Theme
11. Three Saints
12. Pendennis
___________________________________________________________________________________
RECORDING ORDER
1. Hollywood
2. The SAINTS / Three Saints
a. St Petroc
b. St Breward
c. St Menefreda
3. Chaplin (arr Goff Richards) (Not on CD)
4. Maple Leaf Rag (Scott Joplin arr Goff Richards)
5. I Will Follow Him (from Sister Act) (Stole / Roma / Plante arr Richards)
6. The Saints (Tras arr Goff Richards)
7. Elvis Lives
8. Brass Explosion / Exploding Brass
9. Taylor Made
10. Pendennis
11. Brass Ablaze
12. Brass Band Blues
13. Our Love is here to Stay (George Gershwin arr Goff Richards)
14. The Thornbirds Theme
___________________________________________________________________________________
20 Sept 1997
Wedding of Tim Walters (Solo Cornet)
27 Sept 1997
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Uppermill
18 Oct 1997
Test Piece “Legends and Myths on Alderley Edge” by Peter Graham.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
Fodens (Courtois) Band
1997
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE
The band signed Barry Forgie (Conductor of the BBC Big Band) as
“Composer in Residence”.
25 Oct 1997
8 Nov 1997
Jimmy Charles collected some Foden Band Memorabelia from the
“EDWIN FODEN MUSEUM TRUST” at Zan Drive.
Items listed –
1x Large Framed Picture Edwin Foden
1x Large Framed Picture William Foden
1x Large Framed Picture E.R. Foden
1x Medium Framed Picture Edwin Foden
1x Foden Band Colum (Poor Condition)
1x Picture Foden Band On Stage
1x Picture The Queen and Fred Mortimer
1x Tapestry Hilgum, Holland
The items were then put on the walls of the Band-room.
13 Nov 1997
CONCERT – Garforth Community Centre, Garforth
15 Nov 1997
FIRST
JJB Sports Leyland
SECOND
THIRD
Williams Fairey
With a new arrangement by Barry Forgie of Billy May‟s “Chicago” the band came
Second.
23 Nov 1997
CONCERT – King‟s Hall, Stoke on Trent. (13th Annual Concert)
With the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir (Musical Director John Glyn Williams)
(Accompanist Anne Philips)
Advertised as the Fodens Courtois Band formally known as
MC for the evening Bill Humphreys (BBC Radio Stoke)
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Gwahaddiad (Calvary) (arr J Tudor Davies)
b. Hand me down my Silver Trumpet Lord (arr J.G. Williams)
CAMILLA BLAND-ROBERTS (Soprano)
3. Tonight (Bernstein arr Barry Forgie)
4. Be My Love (arr Ray Farr)
29 Nov 1997
11 Dec 1997
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
c. Ar Lan Y Mor (arr J G Williams)
d. Autumn Leaves (E James)
e. Rhythm of Life (Cy Coleman)
FODENS COURTOIS BAND and RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
5. Soldiers Chorus (Gounod)
INTERVAL
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Take me Home (arr J.G. Williams)
b. Softly as I Leave You (arr A Simonds)
c. Standing in the Breach (arr J.G. Williams)
1. Comedians Gallop (Kabelevsky arr Howard Snell)
2. Helter Skelter (W.G. Lemmon)
CAMILLA BLAND-ROBERTS (Soprano)
a. Unknown
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
d. Listen to the Lambs (H Roberton)
e. Morte Criste (Emrys Jones)
f. I‟se a weary of Waiting (arr Doris Anold)
FODENS COURTOIS BAND with RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
5. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Verdi)
6. Pomp and Circumstance No 1 (Sir Edward Elgar)
CONCERT – St George‟s Hall Blackburn
CONCERT – Halifax Choral Society, Victoria Hall, Halifax (1 of 2 Concerts)
FODENS (Courois) BAND and CHOIR
CHOIR AND ORGAN
a. O Holy Night (arr Rutter)
FODENS (Courois) BAND
4. Comedian‟s Galop (Kabelevsky)
CHOIR AND PIANO
b. The Holly and the Ivy (arr Rutter)
YOUNG SINGERS AND AUDIENCE CHOIR
INTERVAL
NOEL CHOIR
a. Tba
AUDIENCE CHOIR
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
CHILDREN FROM AUDIENCE
a. Jingle Bells / Away in a Manger
1. Midnight Sleighride (arr Ray Farr)
3. I Will Follow Him (arr Goff Richards)
CHOIR and ORGAN
b. The Shepherds Farewell
12 Dec 1997
14 Dec 1997
c. Masters in this hall
FODENS (Courois) BAND and Choir with Audience
4. O Come All Ye faithful
CONCERT – Halifax Choral Society, Victoria Hall, Halifax (2 of 2 Concerts)
(Programme as above)
CHOIR AND ORGAN
a. O Holy Night (arr Rutter)
4. Comedian‟s Galop (Kabelevsky)
CHOIR AND PIANO
b. The Holly and the Ivy (arr Rutter)
YOUNG SINGERS AND AUDIENCE CHOIR
INTERVAL
NOEL CHOIR
a. Tba
AUDIENCE CHOIR
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
CHILDREN FROM AUDIENCE
a. Jingle Bells / Away in a Manger
1. Midnight Sleighride (arr Ray Farr)
3. I Will Follow Him (arr Goff Richards)
CHOIR and ORGAN
b. The Shepherds Farewell
c. Masters in this hall
FODENS (Courois) BAND and Choir with Audience
CONCERT – Royton Assembly Rooms, Royton, Oldham 1.30pm
Conductor Stephen Roberts
2. Christmas Festival Overture (Anderson)
3. Charivri (Iveson)
4. Tonight from West Side Story (Bernstein arr Ray Farr)
7. Pop Goes Bach (Bach arr Mark Wilkinson)
INTERVAL
1. Midnight Sleigh Ride (arr Ray Farr)
4. Little Drummer Boy (arr Sparke)
5. Winter Wonderland (arr Sykes)
6. O Come All Ye Faithful (Trad)
7. Christmas Song (arr Sparke)
21 Dec 1997
31 Dec 1997
CONCERT – Civic Hall, Winsford
(Programme as above)
2. Christmas Festival Overture (Anderson)
3. Charivri (Iveson)
4. Tonight from West Side Story (Bernstein arr Ray Farr)
7. Pop Goes Bach (Bach arr Mark Wilkinson)
INTERVAL
1. Midnight Sleigh Ride (arr Ray Farr)
6. O Come All Ye Faithful (Trad)
7. Christmas Song (arr Sparke)
ENCORES
Jingle Bells (arr Ashcroft)
We Wish you a Merry Christmas
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR
ACCOUNTS
INCOME RESOURCES
Sponsorship and Donations
49,465
Concert Fees and Prizes
22,032
Insurance
1,630 (Claim)
TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
Stand Banners
3,594
Band Fees
34,464
Guest Players
5,419
Travelling Expenses and Hotels
12,887
Van Hire
787
Music
1,001
Insurance
1,373
Rent and Rates
7,930
TOTAL
VARIOUS OTHER EXPENCES
TOTAL
TOTAL MONEY TO CARRY FORWARD
###################################################################################
1998
FODENS (COURTOIS) BAND
CONDUCTOR
Nicholas J Childs
###################################################################################
17 Jan 1998
17 Jan 1998
(See above)
17 Jan 1998
(see above)
27 Jan 1998
31 Jan 1998
1998
Feb 1998
24 Feb 1998
COMPETITION – Open Championship – Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
The postponed competition (Due to the funeral of Princes Diana in September 1997)
was the first of two Open Championships in 1998. (see 6 September 1997)
This was the first time in 144 ears that the Open Championships had been held
outside Manchester.
Test Piece “Whitsun Wakes” by Michael Ball.
Written for Fred Proudlove the composers grandfather who lived in Ettley Heath,
half a mile from the band-room, didn‟t help the band as they were Unplaced.
Test Piece “Whitsun Wakes” by Michael Ball.
Conductor for Fodens Nicholas J Childs.
FIRST
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
CWS Glasgow
Ninth
Fodens Courtois
BROADCAST RECORDING – BBC Radio 2 “Listen to the Band”
30 Minute Concert following the British Open Championships 1997.
2. Ol‟ Man River (arr Freeh)
4. Galop (Shostakovich)
7. Encores – If required for BBC
9. I Will Follow Him – Sister Act (Stole / Roma / Plante arr Goff Richards)
MASSED BANDS CONCERT – Stockport Town Hall.
With BT Band
MASSED BANDS CONCERT– Winsford Civic Hall
With Roberts Bakery Band (Conductor Colin Cranson)
The Stud Green Industrial Estate (Band-room Location) passed to Flowcrete Systems
Ltd a flooring specialist who had already been tenants of the site. Led by chairman
Ms Dawn Gibbins MBE the company kept the band under its wing to support it.
(Programme taken from an undated list in the bandroom)
2. Accursed Huntsman (Franck)
3. Charivari (arr Iveson)
4. Trumpet Blues and Cantabile (Harry James)
5. America from west Side Story (Bernstein)
6. Rhapsody for Trombone (Gordon Langford)
7. Deep Harmony (Trad)
INTERVAL
1. Toccata (Widor)
6. The Old Chalet (Swiss Trad)
7. Tea for Two (Vincent Yeomans arr Howard Snell)
8. Entry of the Gods into Valhalla (Richard Wagner)
ENCORE
I Will Follow Him from Sister Act (Stole / Roma / Plante arr Goff Richards)
A Special General Meeting was called to confirm a new Constitution.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONSTITUTION
THE FODEN (Courtois) BAND
CONSTITUTION
1.
a. The Band shall be called the FODEN (Courtois) BAND.
b. The term „Band Member‟ where used in this constitution, shall mean – All registered
playing members, plus any non-playing members to the elected committee.
2.
The Objects of the band are to evaluate the public in the musical arts and in particular the art
of brass band playing and to further the development of public appreciation and taste in the said art by
the performance of concerts and other activities.
3.
The Band shall be managed by a committee of eight members. The committee shall be elected
at the Annual General Meeting in each year, and subject to termination of office by resignation or
otherwise shall remain in office until their successors are elected at the Annual General Meeting next
following their election.
The Committee shall have powers to fill in any vacancy that may occur. The retiring members of the
committee shall be eligible for re-election.
4.
Any Band Member desiring to withdraw from the Band must give notice in writing to the
Secretary at least 28 days beforehand.
5.
The Band Members shall have the powers for good and sufficient reason to expel any member
who shall offend against the rules of The Band and whose conduct shall in opinion of the majority of
the Band Members render the member unfit for membership of the Band.
Before any such member is expelled the Secretary shall give him 7 days written notice to attend a
Meeting of the Band Members and shall inform him of the compaints made against him. No Band
Member shall be expelled without first having the opportunity of appealing before the Band Members
and answering compaints made against him nor unless at least two-thirds of the Band Members present
vote in favour of his expulsion.
6.
“Alteration to this Constitution shall receive the assent of two-thirds of the Band Members
present and voting at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting.
A Resolution for the alteration of the Constitution must be reveived by the Secretary of the Band at
least 21 days before the Meeting at which the Resolution is to be brought forward.
At least 14 days notice of such a Meeting must be given by the Secretary to Membership and must
include notice of the alteration proposed. Provided that no alteration shall be made to Clause 2
(objects), Clause 17 (dissolution) or this clause, shall take affect until the approval in writing of the
Charity Commissioners or any other authority having charitable jurisdiction shall have been obtained;
and no alteration shall be made which would have the effect of causing the Band to cease to be a
charity in Law”.
7.
The Committee shall have the poweres to make rules for regulating the conduct and affairs of
the band, providing the same are not inconsistent with these rules. Such by-laws shall be posted in
some conspicuous part of the Band premises and shall be binding on all members.
8.
An Annual General Meeting of the Band premises shall be held in every year to transact the
following business:
a. To receive and if approved, to adopt a statement of the Band‟s accounts to the end of the
proceeding year.
b. To appoint the Officers and other members of the Committee.
c. To appoint and Auditor or Auditors.
d. To deal with any special matter with the Committee desires to bring before the Band
Members and receive suggestions from the Band Members for consideration by the Committee.
Notice convening the General Meeting shall be posted in the Band premises not less than 7 days before
the Meeting and shall specify the matters to be delt with.
9.
A Special General Meeting may be convened at any time by the Committee and shall be
convened within 21 days from the receipt of a requisition in writing, signed by not less than two
members specifying the object for the Meeting dealing with any special matter which the members
requiring the Meeting may desire to place before the members of the Band. Notice convening a Special
General Meeting shall be posted in the Band premises not less than 7 days before the Meeting and shall
specify the matters to be delt with.
10.
At Committee Meetings five shall form a quorum. At General Meetings twenty-one shall form
a quorum.
11.
At Committee Meetings and General Meeting the Elected Chairman will preside. In the
absence of the elected Chairman, a committee member will be elected to preside as a temporary
Chairman.
In either situation, the Chairman shall have a casting or additional vote in the event of an equality of
votes.
12.
The Musical Director of the Band shall be decided by a majority of the Band and the Musical
Director shall have responsibility for all decisions of a musical nature and for the appointment and
dismissal of players which he feels shall be for the benefit of Band, in a musical context, after
consultation with the Band Committee.
13.
TRUSTEES
a. The number of Trustees shall be not fewer than five nor more than six.
b. The Trustees shall hold office until death, resignation, or removal from office by a
Resolution of the members of the Band.
c. The Trustees shall be indemnified against risk and expense out of the Band property.
d. There shall be vested in the Trustees all the property of the Band other than cash which will
be in the control of the Treasurer under the direction of the Committee, and an Inventory of the
property of the Band shall be prepared and updated to the satisfaction of the Trustees at each Annual
General Meeting.
e. The Trustees may deal with the property so vested in them by way of sale, mortgage charge,
lease or otherwise as so ever directed by the Committee.
Such directions shall be given by resolution passed by a majority of those present at a duly convened
Meeting of the Band Members. A Certificate purporting to be signed by the Secretary for the time
being of the Committee shall in favour of the persons be conclusive evidence that a direction
complying in all respects with the above provisions of this rule was duly given to the Trustees.
f. The Trustees shall be responsible for;1. Obtaining and ensuring adherence to all legal advice on behalf of the Band,
including this Constitution.
2. Overseeing the Annual Statemet of Assets and Liabilities, and Statement of
Income and Expenditure, which is to be presented to the Trusteesfor approval before presentation to the
Annual General Meeting.
3. Attending at least two Committee Meetings per year, and shall attend the annual
General Meeting or be represented by one of their Members.
14.
ACCOUNTS OF INCOME AND PROPERTY
a. The financial year of the Band shall end on 31day of December in every year to which day
the accountant shall be balanced and drawn.
b. As soon as is practicable after the end of the financial year there shall be prepared a
statement of the assets and liability of the Band at the end of the financial year and a statement of
income and expenditure during that year, which Statement shall be audited by an auditor no less than
28 days before the Annual General Meeting.
c. The copies of the Auditor‟s Statement of Accounts shall be presented to the Trustees for
approval and available to every Band Member at the Annual General Meeting and a copy shall be
forwarded to the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales.
The Auditor shall be an professional accountant and shall not be a member of the Band. He shall be
appointed by each Annual General Meeting and shall hold office until the following Annual General
Meeting.
d. All monies received by the Band shall be paid into an account in the name of the Band at
Bankers appointed by the Committee and cheques and other instruments drawn on and directions to the
Bankers shall be signed by not less than two officers.
e. No action involving expenditure in name or on behalf of the band shall be taken and no
undertaking which will commit the Band to expenditure or other liability shall be made without the
prior authority of the Resolution of the Committee.
15.
The Band Committee shall hold a Meeting at least once each month.
16.
No non playing member of the committee shall receive remuneration from the Band funds, but
they shall be entitled to the repayment of reasonable out of pocket expenses.
17. The Band may be dissolved by a Resolution passed by a two-third majority of those present and
voting at a Special General Meeting convened for the purpose of which 21 days notice shall be given to
the Band Members. Such Resolution may give instructions for the disposal of any assets held by or in
the name of the Band, provided that if any property remains after the satisfaction of all debts and
liabilities such property shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Band but shall be
given or transferred to such other charitable institutions having objects similar to some or all of the
objects of the Band as the Band may determine and if and in so far as effect cannot be given to the
provision then to some other charitable purpose.
24.02.98
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Band list of venues puts the competition at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool)
Test Piece “Montage” by Peter Graham
Conductor for Fodens Nicholas J Childs
FIRST
Fodens Courtois
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
JJB Sports Leyland
Pic and Feature Page 56, 20 Mar Sandbach Chronicle.
21 Mar 1998
CONCERT – Barrow in Furness
28 Mar 1998
With Crewe Male Voice Choir
18-19 Apr 1998 TOUR – Possible tour of Southern England in Band diary 1 Sept 1997.
25 April 1998
CONCERT – Enfield Citadel, Winsford Civic Hall or Wrexham.
1. Jubilee Overture
2. Autumn Leaves
Trombone Solo
3. James Cook
4. Pavane
5. Praise
6. Amazing Grace
7. Herold‟s Victory
8. Procession of the Nobles
9. Kingdon Triumphant
10. Dance of the Comedians
11. Red Shield
24 May 1998
Cambridge.
Test Piece “Dances and Arias” by Edward Gregson.
Conductor for Fodens Nicholas J Childs.
FIRST
SECOND
Williams Fairey
THIRD
JJB Sports Leyland
Sixth
24 May 1998
CONCERT – 10th Anniversary “Gala Concert”, The Corn Exchange,
Cambridge.
Fodens played at the start of the Second half
Compere Antony Askew
8 Mar 1998
(BBC Local Radio / Producer Listen to the Band -Pre 1990)
STOCKPORT SCHOOLS BAND (Conductor Colin Duxbury)
1. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Strauss arr Lever)
3. Light as Air (Richards)
4. Georgia on my Mind (Carmichael arr Alan Morrison)
Cornet Solo Jonathon Baker
5. In a Percial Market (Ketelbey)
6. Backdraft (Hans Rimmer arr Stowell)
WINGATES BAND (Conductor Norman Law)
1. Festmusik de Stadt Wien (Strauss arr Banks)
2. Murder on the Orient Express (Richard Rodney Bennett arr Snell)
3. Someone to Watch Over me (Gershwin arr Alan Fernie)
4. Capriccio (Newton)
Yamaha Tuba Soloist James Gourlay
5. It‟s a Lovely Day Tomorrow (Irving Berlin arr Snell)
6. Finale to a Royal Hunt of the Sun –from Evocations (Ellerby)
INTERVAL
FODENS COURTOIS BAND (Conductor Nicholas J Childs)
1. The Corsair (Hector Berlioz arr Brand)
2. Brillante (Graham) Solo Euphonium Glyn Williams
3. Tonight from West Side Story (Bernstein arr Forgie)
4. Concerto for Tuba and Brass Band (Philip Sparke)
Yamaha Tuba Soloist James Gourlay
5. I Will Follow Him (arr Richards)
7. Entry of the Gods into Valhalla (Wagner arr Snell)
28 May 1998
CONCERT – St Avertin
2. Charivari (Iveson)
Cornet Feature Mark Wilkinson, Richard Marshall, Colin Short
4. America from West Side Story (L Bernstein)
7. Tonight from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein arr Barry Forgie)
INTERVAL
1. The Waltonian (J.J. Richards)
2. Mack and Madel (Jerry Herman arr Wilkinson)
4. 76 Trombones (Sandy Wilson)
5. The Shores of the Mighty Pacific (Clarke)
Cornet Solo Richard Marshall
6. I will follow him from Sister Act
7. Pines of Rome – March of the Appian Way (Respighi)
ENCORE
Can Can (Offenbach)
30-31 May 1998 TOUR AND COMPETITION – France
“French Open and Gala Concert”
The band attended the French “National Championships” flying the Courtois flag
in its native country and home town of Amboise.
COMPETITION the band came first along with Solo Euphoniumist Glyn Williams.
30 May 1998
31 May 1998
6 June 1998
Iwan Fox (Cornet / Soprano Cornet) was booked as a stand in for Tracey Redfern
incase she didn‟t make the boat.
COMPETITION – French Open “March Contest”.
Ravenswood (William Rimmer)
OUTSIDE CONCERT 20 Minutes not part of the contest.
3. The Lazy Trumpeter (Siebert)
Cornet Solo Colin Short
6. Can Can (J Offenbach)
THEATRE CONCERT Part of the competition.
2. Dances and Arias (Edward Gregson)
5. Entry of the Gods into Valhalla (Wagner)
CONCERT – French Open Gala Concert (30 or 31 May)
2. The Debutante (Clarke)
4. America from West Side Story (L Bernstein)
6. Lezghinka (arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
2. The Shores of the Mighty Pacific (Clarke)
3. The Old Chalet (Swiss Traditional)
ENCORE
Toccata in D Minor (Bach arr Ray Farr)
CONCERT – “Brass and Voices” at Dudley Town Hall, Birmingham.
With Shifnal Male Voice Choir (Conductor Michael Davy)
FODENS (COURTOIS) BAND and SHIFNAL MALE VOICE CHOIR
1. Lianfair (R Williams)
SHIFNAL MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Morte Christe (Emrys Jones)
b. All in the April Evening (H.S. Robertson)
c. Rhythm of Life (Cy Coleman)
5. Speed your Journey (Verdi)
JUNE 1998
18 July 1998
AUG 1998
22 Aug 1998
6 Sept 1998
(Sun)
10 Sept 1998
13 Sept 1998
6. Lezginka (arr Howard Snell)
INTERVAL
2. Music from Mack and Mabel (arr Mark Wilkinson)
3. Rhapsody for Trombone (Gorson Langford)
SHIFNAL MALE VOICE CHOIR
a. Softly as I Leave You (Alfred De Vita)
b. The Hippopotamus Song (Flanders and Swan)
c. You‟ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel (Richard Rodgers)
4. Gwahoddiad (Lewis Hartsborough)
7. March – Pines of Rome (Respighi arr Howard Snell)
POSSIBLE OVERSEAS TOUR in Band Diary 1 Sept 1997.
CONCERT – Cholmondley Castle, Nr Wrexham 5pm
POSSIBLE “Rhinegau Festival, Germany”, in Band diary 1 Sept 1997.
CONCERT – Truro Cathedral Concert
“Champion Brass „98” (Phil Beck Entertainments Presents)
With The Bodmin Town Band and Organist Philip Favey.
1. Crown Imperial (Walton)
2. Festive Overture (Shostokovich)
4. Cornet Carillon (R Binge)
6. Arioso (arr Snell)
7. Suite Gothique 3rd and 4th Movement (Boelleman arr Ball)
INTERVAL
1. Bandstand – From the Lowry Sketchbook (Wilby)
2. The Little Russian (Tchaikovsky)
3. Rondo from Horn Concerto (Strauss)
4. Pavane and Kings Hunting Jig (arr Howarth)
5. The Old Chalet (Swiss Trad)
Test Piece “Diversions on a Brass Theme” by George Lloyd
FIRST
Williams Fairey
SECOND
THIRD
A meeting at the Post House, Mill Street, Congleton Took place between the
Trustees of the Fodens Courtois Band.
Money from a Lottery Grant was still available for the purchase of instruments
to the sum of £10,903
COMPETITION – Harry Ramsdens 70th Jubilee contest in Leeds.
FIRST
Fodens (Courtois) Brass Band
SECOND
Rothwell (Leeds) (Conductor Simon Wood)
THIRD
Sellers International (Conductor Alan Morrison)
26 Sept 1998
28 Sept 1998
5 Oct 1998
9 Oct 1998
17 Oct 1998
CONCERT – Stroud Festival
Guest Conductor Peter Graham.
1. National Anthem
3. Festive Overture (Shostakovich)
7. Shine as the Light (Peter Graham)
INTERVAL
2. Selection from Cry of the Celts (arr Peter Graham)
4. Be a Clown – From Singing in the Rain (Cole Porter)
5. Lezghinka (arr Howard Snell)
7. I Will Follow Him - from Sister Act
ENCORE
EDWIN FODEN the Band‟s Honorary Vice President DIED on this date.
Born on the 7 June 1938 a Memorial Service was held at the Parish Church
of St Mary, Acton on Monday the 5th October 1998.
EDWIN S FODEN as he was known was the 2nd son of Ted Foden and became
executive director of Foden‟s (Motor works) in 1971.
MEMORIAL SERVICE for Edwin Foden at Acton (See 28 Sept 1998)
CONCERT – Wellington College
2. Force of Destiny (Verdi)
5. There‟s No Business Like Show Business (Irving Berlin arr Richards)
6. Rondo from the Horn Concerto (Strauss)
Trombone Solo Robert Fulcher
7. America (Bernstein)
INTERVAL
1. Olympic Fanfare (Williams)
2. Mack and Madel (Jerry Herman arr Wilkinson)
4. Be a Clown – Singing in the Rain (Cole Porter)
5. Tonight (Bernstein arr Forgie)
6. Autumn Leaves (Korsa and Johnny Mercer arr Geldard)
7. Bern Patrol (arr Howarth)
ENCORE
Test Piece “Between the Moon and Mexico” by Philip Sparke.
Conductor Nicholas J Childs.
RESULTS
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Williams Fairey
24 Oct 1998
1 Nov 1998
FOURTH
CONCERT - Morley Town Hall
2. Force of Destiny (G Verdi)
5. There‟s No Business like Show Business
(Irving Berlin arr Goff Richards)
Trombone Solo Robert Fulcher
7. America (Leonard Bernstein)
INTERVAL
1. Olympic Fanfare (Williams arr Peter Graham)
2. Mack and Mabel (arr Mark Wilkinson)
3. Our Love is Here to Stay (George Gershwin arr Goff Richards)
4. Singing in the Rain (Nacio Brown arr Fernie)
5. Autumn Leaves (Prevert and Kosma arr Geldard)
6. Tonight (Leonard Bernstein arr Forgie)
ENCORE
I Will Follow Him - from Sister Act
CONCERT – The Royal, Hanley (Theatre Royal) (14th Annual Concert)
With the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir (Musical Director John Glyn Williams)
(Accompanist Anne Philips)
Advertised as the Fodens Courtois Band formally known as
MC for the evening Bill Humphreys (BBC Radio Stoke)
2. The Force of Destiny (G Verdi)
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
a.Tui egoe (I Need Thee Every Hour) (arr J Tudor Davies)
b. Bandits Chorus (Ernani) (G Verdi)
c. Hand me Down my Silver Trumpet Lord (arr J.G. Williams)
3. There‟s No Business Like Show Business (Irving Berlin arr Richards)
4. Nessum Dorma (Puccini arr Howard Snell)
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
d. Laredo (R Hunter)
e. Take me Hone (arr J.G. Williams)
f. Rhythm of Life (Cy Coleman)
FODENS COURTOIS BAND and CHORUS
5. Soldiers Chorus
INTERVAL
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
a. Judgement Day (Trad)
b. By Babylons Wave (Gounid)
1. Devils Galop (Charles Williams)
6 Nov 1998
10 Nov 1998
(Tuesday)
RHOS ORPHEUS CHOIR
c. Morte Criste (E Jones)
d. Amen (arr J Daniel)
e. Nirvana (arr B Davies)
4. 1812 Overture (Tchaikosvky)
FODENS COURTOIS BAND and CHOIR
5. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (G Verdi)
“Last Night of the Proms Concert”.
5. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple (Bizet)
Euphonium Duet Glyn Williams and Ken Cant
7. Famous British Marches (arr Langford)
9. Battle of Trafalgar (Albert Elms arr Darwin)
Narrator Alan Jenkins
INTERVAL
1. Dambusters March (Eric Coates)
2. Mack and Mabel (Jerry Herman arr Mark Wilkinson)
3. Radetzky March (Strauss)
4. Jupiter from the Planet Suite (G Holst)
PATRONS CONCERT – Sandbach
5. There‟s No Business like Show Business
(Irving Berlin arr Goff Richards)
6. Autumn Leaves (Korsa and Johnny Mercer arr Geldard)
7. Singing in the Rain (Nacio Brown arr Fernie)
INTERVAL
1. The Devils Galop – Dick Barton Theme (Charles Williams)
2. The Goldcrest March (James Anderson)
3. Estrellia (Ponce)
4. Chicago (Billy May arr Forgie)
5. Xylomania (Peter Graham)
6. Battle of Trafalgar (Albert Elms arr Darwin)
Narrator Alan Jenkins ?
ENCORE
I Will Follow Him - from Sister Act
FIRST
SECOND
JJB Sports Leyland
THIRD
5 -6 Dec 1998
TOUR – Switzerland (Weinfelden)
At the Konzertsaal des Theater und Konzerthauses Solingen.
DIE WUPPERHOFER Chor vom Bergischen Land
CHOIR AND BAND
1. Conquest of Paradise (Die Eroberung des Paradieses) (Vangellis)
CHOIR a. Rhythm of Life (Coleman)
BAND 2. Waltonian March (J.J. Richards)
CHOIR b. Alexanders Ragtime (Berlin)
BAND 3. Tonight (Bernstein)
4. Just a Song at Twilight (Trad England)
CHOIR c. Swanee River (Forster)
d. Waltzing Matilda (Cowan)
e. Myfanwy (Joseph Parry)
BAND 5. The Old Chalet (Trad arr Schweiz)
CHOIR f. Die Wopperschlieper (Rademacher)
g. Wo Die Ruhmreichen Berge (Siefener)
BAND 6. When the Saints (Trad)
CHOIR h. Lob den Herrn Der Welt (Trumpet Voluntary) (Clark)
INTERVAL (Pause)
BAND 1. Fanfare Und Festmusik von Johann Strauss
2. Autumn Leaves (Korsa and Johnny Mercer arr May)
CHOIR a. Abednlied Zu Gott (Abide with Me) (Monk / Desch)
b. The Lords Prayer (Vater unnser) (Malotte)
BAND 3. Polonaise Aus Weihnachtsabendlieder Suite (Rimsky Korssakoff)
CHOIR c. Weihnachten Im Lied (arr Lohberg)
BAND 4. Vorspiel 3 Akt Lohengrin (Wagner)
5. Nimrod – Enigma Variationen
CHOIR d. Weihnachtscglocken (Schwarz)
e. Heilige Nacht (Christ)
BAND AND CHOIR
6. Jerusalem (Adams)
12 Dec 1998
CONCERT – Wrekin College
Conductor Peter Graham
2. Festive Overture (Shostakovich)
3. Away in a Manger (arr Peter Graham)
6. Angels on High (Stephen Bulla)
8. Diversions on a Bass Theme (George Lloyd)
INTERVAL
1. The Wonder of Christmas (Peter Graham)
3. Shine as a Light (Peter Graham)
5. Breakout (Ronan Hardman)
Tuba Solo Dean Morley
7. March from Pines of Rome (Resipghi)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Nov 1998
PETER GRAHAM Conductor (1998 only)
Born in Scotland in 1958 he started his music lessons on the Piano which he learnt from his mother.
His brass association came from playing the cornet with the local Salvation Army Band where his
father was bandmaster.
After graduating from Edinburgh University, where he studied composition under Edward Harper, he
became a peripatetic teacher of brass instruments. Peter then joined the Salvation Army as a full time
music editor working in New York and then the International Music Editorial Department in London.
During his time in London he became bandmaster of the Regent Hall Band.
In 1991 he embarked on a postgraduate course in composition at Goldsmith‟s Collage under the
guidance of Edward Gregson and was appointed to the staff of Salford University directing the Bands
Musicianship Course.
Over the years Peter has composed a number of compositions, many of which have been played by
Fodens band.
__________________________________________

foden‟s band a history #01. 1900 the history of fodens band

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