Hundreds of pounds was raised for Burnham-On-Sea’s Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy when popular local rock group The Ginger Hitlas performed a concert at the town’s Ritz Social Club on Friday evening (November 7th).
The academy was set up as a tribute to the 17-year-old Burnham tennis player after he was tragically killed in a road accident a year ago.
The Burnham band were keen to help when asked by Nathan’s dad, Joe Montgomery, and were supported on the stage at Friday’s concert by local musicians Dave Chave, Tim Dean and Paul Straddling.
“Tennis and music were Nathan life so it’s great to see it come together,” Nathan’s mother, Sally, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week. “The Ginger Hitlas have connections with tennis since local guitarist Brian Phillips, who plays at Burnham’s Avenue Tennis Club, also played with Nathan. Band member Dale Matthews also knew Nathan and drummer Richard lived in the same building as Nathan for a while.”
“The band were brilliant and showed loads of energy, great showmanship and an overall excellent performance. The audience loved it and most people were up dancing into the small hours,” added Sally.
The successful event raised £630 for the academy. Meanwhile, a sponsored walk is set to be held on Burnham beach on Sunday November 16th in aid of the academy. It will start at 11am.
The Ginger Hitlas in action at Friday’s event
Two of the Hitlas striking a pose – and a chord – for charity
Burnham tennis coach Jamie Allen with Sally Edwards
Burnham musician Dave Chave takes a drink during a break in the concert
RELATED LINKS:
Burnham tennis player wins tournament in memory of Nathan
New tennis academy launched in player’s memory
Tributes paid to talented young tennis player
Burnham-On-Sea teenager killed in crash horror
