Sandbach’s Heritage – July 2026

By Stewart Green

Foden’s Ltd celebrated its 100th Anniversary on the 7 July 1956 with a Gala Day at their Sports Ground. The day started with a procession led by Foden’s Band followed by various trucks, floats and events throughout the day including sports followed at the end of the day with a concert and firework display. The Foden Motor Works Band led a procession from the Foden Works to the Foden Sports Ground at the top of Welles Street and Green Street, Sandbach. Some of the men at the Foden Motor Works formed “The Beard Club” which vowed to grow a beard until after the event to give that authentic look to their costumes. President of the society Mr J Hollingshead (Drawing Office) was joined by Mr D.V. Lloyd (Engine department), Mr S Harrison (Buying department), Mr N Hollinghshead (Buying department) and Harry Bayley took part in the group.

The event was very much a family orientated occasion and included a children’s corner with a Hobby Horse, Donkey rides, a miniature railway with a model locomotive and train, Durham’s Royal Punch and Judy show, Yoxani Clowns and the Sensational Lesters with their trapeze act.

A large marquee had Joe Marsh with a comedy juggling act and Clifford Hough with magic show.

The compere for the show was Fred Yoxall a local entertainer who also performed under the name Yoxani and his performing Animals and Birds with Mr Arthur Bailey. Fred went on to become a full time magician as Fred Van Buren and his son Andrew became Andrew Van Buren performing all over the world. In 2015 they started the Philip Astley Project to promote and celebrate the founder of the modern Circus and open a museum in his name. George Frederick Yoxall (Fred) died on the 6 March 2024 aged 91.

The procession included 110 different vehicles and displays from horse drawn vehicles, steam traction engines, bicycles, a Crusader Tank loaned by the Royal Armoured corps Museum and carried on Messrs Adamsons 30 Ton trailer towed by the Foden “GOLIATH” breakdown crane. Also featured were new vehicles, dancers, brass bands and the Foden Centenary Queen and maid of honour.

At 2.30pm the men’s potted sports events started followed at 4.30pm with the ladies sports, at 5.10pm a tug of war took place just before William Foden conducted the official opening ceremony at 5.30pm.

The evening was set aside for concerts with the first at 7pm by Foden’s Band conducted by Harry Mortimer.

It also included Scott Joynt (Bass Singer of the BBC), Robbie and Platt (Laughter Makers) and fifteen other acts.

A second concert in a different hall was full of classical music by soloists mainly from Fodens Band including Walter Illingworth and Ted Gray.

The celebration ended at 10.45pm with a firework display.

You can watch on YouTube, search ‘Fodens 7 July 1956’