Foden's prepare for the European Championships
Mark Wilkinson • April 22, 2025
Preparations are well under way for Foden's as they look to represent England at the European Championships in May courtesy of their British Open victory in 2023.
Speaking ahead of the contest Mark Wilkinson commented 'We are once again looking forward to representing England and are enjoying rehearsing our own choice test piece as well as the set work 'Transitions in Energy' by Fredrick Schjelderu. This work is very demanding both musically and technically and will pose a stern test for all! We are grateful to Darren Lea (band member) who has been busy preparing our itinerary and logistics which has included cancelled flights and having to re book from an alternative airport! Ahead of the contest we will be holding an open rehearsal in Sandbach on the 6th May and will publish details nearer the time.'
Mark continued 'Members have been extremely busy fundraising to cover the huge costs needed. The band will be making a large contribution helped by player payments. We are extremely grateful to those who have made various donations to help and have set up a go fund page to cover the additional costs needed due to the cancelled and re arranged flights!
Any donations would be gratefully appreciated
https://gofund.me/908e0b3d
Looking forward to travelling to Wolverhampton to appear at - Venue: St Regis Academy, Wolverhampton Date: 20th June Start Time: 7:00pm Tickets : via attached flyer We are extremely grateful to the 'Richardson Brothers Foundation' for kindly sponsoring the concert
Sandbach Council are delighted to announce the return of 'Party in the Park' which once again features Foden's The event takes place on the 13 th June - Sandbach Park between 3pm - 8pm (with gates opening at 2pm) Further info - www.sandbach.gov.uk/party-in-the-park/ Event link: https://fb.me/e/599lQOVOZ How to get your tickets (by Monday 8th June) - Tickets are available from the Town Hall office (card payments only), or through the Council website: www.sandbach.gov.uk/event-tickets/ £12.50 adults (16+) £5 children (2-16) Family ticket £30 (2 adults & 2 children) Under 2’s go free (Please note that tickets will not be sold on the gate and must be bought in advance)
The band had an productive couple of days in the recording studio last weekend recording not one, but TWO CDs for release later this year! The recording was undertaken by World of Brass and included a Tuba Concerto with the phenomenal Ross Knight. Thanks to Paul Hindmarsh for coordinating both projects which also sees Foden's return to the studio shortly to complete the project
Foden's have been busy in the recording studio recently, which gave them the opportunity to use some of their fantastic equipment from Adams Percussion
Where to see the band in action! 7/6 - Elgar International Festival of Brass - https://www.eifob.org.uk/ 13/6 - Sandbach Park - https://sandbach.gov.uk/party-in-the-park/ 19/6 - Victoria Hall, Hanley - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens 20/6 - St Regis Academy, Wolverhampton - admin@stregisacademy.org 28/6 - Sandbach School with Foden's Youth and Oslofjord Brass (Pay on the door) 4/7 - @St Mary's Church, Stafford - https://www.ticketsource.com/st.../fodens-band/e-emrkgg 11/7 - Congleton Town Hall (With Matt Ford - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
Foden's are delighted to work alongside theirpartner 'Entrust Music Service Staffordshire' to present 'Brass In Harmony' The concert will take on the 19th June in themagnificent 'Victoria Hall, Hanley' featuring Foden's Band and Audley Brass Rode Hall Silver Band Trentham Brass Band Mereside Brass Penkhull Village Brass Foden's Community Band Thank you to event sponsor 'Joseph Lymer &Son and Horne Brothers Independent Family Funeral Directors Tickets available via https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
Foden’s are saddened to share the passing of former Soprano player and Librarian, Granville Jennings, shortly after his 96th birthday. Granville first joined Foden’s in 1963 remaining with the band for 10 years before joining Royal Doulton and Berisfords. He returned to Foden’s in 1995 as their Librarian, a role he continued in until recently, whilst also playing an active part in the Foden's Community Band. Granville’s dedication, friendship and years of service to the band will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Everyone at Foden’s sends their sincere condolences and best wishes to his daughter Barbara and family at this sad time. Personal Stories - Granville Jennings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xUx3O-FWSk&t=10s Funeral details will be posted when known
Foden's are delighted to return to 'The Glasshouse International Centre for Music' in November for an unforgettable weekend of world-class brass entertainment. The 'Brass in Concert' entertainment contest will take place on the 14th November featuring eleven fantastic bands The order of play was released last week in this order!!! 1-Tertnes Brass 2-Brighouse and Rastrick Band 3-Desford Colliery Band 4-Flowers Band 5-Hepworth Band 6-The cooperation band 7-The GUS Band 8-The Cory Band 9-Aldbourne Band 10-Foden's Band 11-Tredegar Town Tickets go on sale Wednesday 8 July at 1pm via The Glasshouse website https://theglasshouseicm.org/
The Foden's Community Band were delighted to perform at Prestbury Golf Club recently as part of the Lady Captain’s Day Charity Lunch. Lady Captain Heather Cunningham hosted the event in aid of her chosen charity, Cheshire Community Foundation — making it a truly special occasion for everyone involved. The Foden's Community Band continues to grow from strength to strength, set up ten years ago with five members, the band now boast twenty four who rehearse weekly at the Foden's Bandroom!
If you’re aged 10–18, play to around Grade 5 standard or above, love brass banding and want to improve your skills, this is an amazing opportunity to learn from Michael Fowles and Principal players from Foden's - its also free of charge!!!!! Places available for all brass band instruments, including percussion Saturday 23rd May Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School 10:00am – 2:00pm Finishing with a short performance Register now via the Wychavon Festival of Brass website: https://wychavonfestivalofbrass.org/youth/masterclass-2026-entry-form/
