1936 National Champions at Crystal Palace

On the 26th September 1936 Foden's became the National Champions at Crystal Palace

Test Piece was Kenilworth by Arthur Bliss

Adjudicators Waler Reynolds and Herbert Bennett

1st) Foden's Motor Works (drawn 18th)

2nd) Black Dyke Mills (drawn 19th)

3rd) Friary Guilford (drawn 15th)

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. 

A rather subdued evening concert by the Massed Band was recorded for 78 which included “Homeland Melodies” (Arr John Henry Iles) and was conducted by the arranger.