2016 Heritage Lottery Award

Foden's have announced that an application to the 'Heritage Lottery Fund' for a 'Heritage and Digital Project' has been accepted with work starting in December '16 with a finished timeline of March '18.

Speaking about the successful bid Mark Wilkinson commented 'We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their recent award. Since our band room fire in April we have been working closely with Carole Crompton (a former Solo Baritone player of the band from 1992-1995) to prepare a bid that will see the digitisation of our historical artefacts, original 78's recordings (outside of copyright) as well as original manuscripts. Foden's will also record two cd's of this previously unrecorded / published music with all the digitised information being housed on a new 'Heritage Website.' On top of this, training will be provided for various members and volunteers in how do deal with historical documents and digitisation.'

Mark continued 'Sadly, despite being Insured for our losses in the band room fire the cost to restore damaged items of historical value are not covered and due to this we set up a 'Just Giving' page in April where all donated monies will go towards the costs of the restoration. The restoration process is now due to start so we would ask people to please consider making a donation towards this fund.'

https://www.justgiving.com/fodens-band

Mark concluded 'Following the fire we wanted to ensure that all our historical artefacts were recorded, preserved and made available for all to see, enjoy and share. We would like to thank Carole Crompton for her work and guidance in submitting the successful bid.'

There are numerous Partners involved in the bid, one of whom is Cheshire Archives. Speaking on behalf of Cheshire Archives Lisa Greenhalgh commented 'We understand the significance of Foden’s heritage to the community of Foden’s enthusiasts, the local community in Sandbach and of course the Band’s history is a significant resource of interest to local, national and international audiences.'

Any further information on the project can be obtained from Mark Wilkinson   marklwilky@hotmail.com

About the Heritage Lottery Fund

From the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife, we use National Lottery players' money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about.

www.hlf.org.uk.