25th June 2002

Coaching Day

A team of tutors from Fodens comprising Mark Wilkinson, Morvern Gilchrist, Martin Armstrong, Mark Landon, Helen Tyler, Glyn Williams and Toby Hobson recently spent a days coaching upon the invitation of the North West Brass Band Association. Masterclasses, sectional and full band rehearsals were given by the team to 90 players from various bands who are members of the North West Association. Speaking about the day the co-ordinator, Mark Wilkinson, stated "this is the 3rd time we have been invited to give a workshop by the association which was a huge success and enjoyable event for all those concerned". Arrangements are already in hand to hold another coaching day next year.

26th May 2002

The Foden Masters

Fodens conducted by Russell Gray are the new Cambridge All England Masters for 2002 with Williams Fairey 2nd and Travelsphere Holidays third.

Full results were as follows:

Pos.	Draw	Band	Conductor	Points
				E. Crees	D. Read	J. Scott	Average
1	11	Fodens	Russell Gray	2	1	1	4
2	16	Williams Fairey	Frank Renton	1	2	2	5
3	7	Travelsphere Holidays	Brian Grant	3	4	4	11
4	1	Sellers International	Philip McCann	6	6	5	17
5	15	Flowers	Philip Harper	7	5	6	18
6	18	YBS	David King	8	9	3	20
7	10	Leyland	James Gourlay	4	15	8	27
8	3	Brighouse & Rastrick	Peter Bassano	14	7	9	30
9	17	Aveley & Newham	Nigel Taken	5	10	16	31
10	8	Ransome	Peter Parkes	9	8	15	32
11	9	Besses o' th' Barn	Lynda Nicholson	13	3	19	35
12	13	Rothwell Temperance	David Roberts	17	12	7	36
13	20	Ever Ready	Ray Farr	10	14	14	38
14	14	JAG Mount Charles	Bryan Hurdley	12	19	10	41
15	6	S W T Woodfalls	David Hirst	11	11	20	42
16	2	DUT Yorkshire Imperial	David Evans	18	13	11	42
17	12	Thoresby Colliery	Stan Lippeat	15	16	12	43
18	5	Hepworth	Mark Bentham	16	18	13	47
19	4	Rolls Royce (Coventry)	David Lea	20	17	17	54
20	19	Fishburn	Graham O'Connor	19	20	18	57

4barsrest soloist: Morgan Griffiths, Faireys
Test Piece: Atlantic by Philip Wilby
Adjudicator: David Read, Eric Crees & James Scott

24th May 2002

Whit Friday

Fodens recently had their most successful outing to date at the recent Whit Friday March Contests. Fodens competed in a total of 10 marches in the Tameside area winning 5 contests, gaining 2 seconds and 1 third as well as 3 cornet, 1 euphonium, 1 horn and 1 trombone prize. Fodens were subsequently crowned the Tameside area champions due to receiving the best overall marks of the bands who competed on the Tameside circuit and carried off a total of £4700 in prize money.

15th May 2002

New Signing

Fodens are pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Ball on 1st horn. Alan brings a wealth of experience to the band and joins from British Telecom where he has been playing solo horn. Prior to joining BT Alan was the 1st horn player for a number of years with Black Dyke. Janet Gilder moves to 2nd horn with Andrew Howard Smith moving to an administration position within the band

7th May 2002

Syd Garratt MBE

It is with regret that we report the passing of Syd Garratt aged 89. Syd joined Fodens in November 1940 on Cornet. He then changed to Flugel Horn in 1957. In 1982 after a total of 42 years continuous service Syd retired from Fodens. The same year he was awarded with the honour of The British Empire Medal by Her Majesty The Queen for his services to the brass band movement. Also in that year he was one of three ex Fodens players to be invited to appear in the TV celebrations of Harry Mortimer's 80th birthday. The other two being Des Thomas and Ted Swindles. He leaves a wife Joan, three sons, Michael, Rex and Derek, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

10th March 2002

North West Area Championship 2002 - Results

Fodens conducted by Russell Gray take the North West Area Championship more...

25th February 2002

12th February 2002

Bandsman of the Year 2001!

Colin Short was awarded "Bandsman of the Year" during the Patrons Concert held at Sandbach School on 12th February this year. Colin, pictured on the left receiving the trophy from Tim Walters, is currently the band's Chairman. This is the second time Colin has gained this award having previously received it for the year 1995.

If you would like to know more about the band and its activities why not become a member of our "Patrons Association" ?

Previous recipients of this award are: - 1989 Martyn Booth, 1990 James Charles, 1991 John M French, 1992 Kirsten Thomas, 1993 Steve Cooke, 1994 Robert Fulcher, 1995 Colin Short, 1996 Peter Coulson, 1997 Jonathon Webster, 1998 Mark Wilkinson, 1999 Tim Walters, 2000 Andrew Howard-Smith, 2001 Colin Short.

11th February 2002

The Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Northern Ireland

Fodens entertain in Armagh, Northern Ireland last weekend. more

2nd February 2002

Russell Gray Appointed New M.D.

Russell Gray has consolidated the success he enjoyed in 2001 with the Ransome Band by becoming the new Musical Director of Fodens. Russell will be taking the band to the North West Area and the All England Masters Championships with Bramwell Tovey still being involved with the band for the British Open and the Nationals.

29th January 2002

New Signings

Laurence Barton, formerly with Fodens and Faireys but left banding to concentrate on work, returns on BBb Bass. Tim Bateman joins on Bass Trombone from Freckleton, Mark Waltho joins on 3rd cornet from City of Coventry and Helen Tyler joins on Solo Baritone from Black Dyke. Commenting on the new signs Mark Wilkinson stated, "we are extremely pleased to secured some excellent signings who have been appointed after auditioning numerous players for each vacant position which has been caused by changes in personal circumstances including work commitments and moving away from the area".