The brass band world lost a major administrative figure in the form of Allan Littlemore, who died recently. Though not a musician, Allan played a huge role in banding in the North West of England, enjoying proud associations with Foden’s and Leyland bands. Band historian and close friend, Tim Mutum, reflects on the life of one of the most prominent administrators in banding, including comments from the man himself.

 

Allan Littlemore was actively involved in brass banding from 1975, when David Foden, the retiring managing director of Fodens Motor Works of Sandbach, Cheshire popped into his office, where he was then head of personnel, and asked if he would mind taking on the additional role of band manager. He didn't have to ask twice. It was the start of a remarkable period in Allan's life and from then on, he devoted himself to two of the finest brass bands in the world, Fodens Motor Works and Leyland.

I knew Allan for more than 35 years and we were firm friends, often talking on the telephone and constantly emailing each other about one aspect or another of brass banding. It was a great privilege to stay with him and his lovely wife, Janet, at their home in Sandbach and to tour the important “banding sites” of this small Cheshire town, which was home to one of Britain’s major truck manufacturing companies for 150 years and which is still the base for its famous musical offshoot, the Foden’s Band.

 

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