Each year family friend and ex-publican John Thompson has a charity fundraising event in memory of the chef, Tony Boardman, who worked for him at his pub, The Glass Barrel, in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester. Tony sadly died shortly after the pub closed in 2008. This year’s fundraiser was in aid of CRY and in the memory of Amy Williams.

The event took place at The Botanical Gardens club, Atherton, on the 1st June 2013 where nearly 200 bikers and rock music aficionados gathered to watch and listen to several local bands, all of whom played for free. Items were donated for an auction and several cash donations were made at the event and afterwards.

The afternoon started off with a set of rock covers from Vera Cruz, who had to be on early as they were off to play another venue later. They were followed by Strangeways who played a set of punk covers from such as The Clash and The Sex Pistols. This was followed by solo artist John Doyle who played a variety of songs from The Police to Richard Thompson. One of the guitarists from Strangeways then swapped over to bass guitar and went on to do another set with Iron Maiden tribute band Blood Brothers. Tom, who had been standing in on drums for Vera Cruise, rejoined his usual band Black Russian Roulette who took to the stage playing a set of rock covers. The evening was closed by Bad Horsie who played a set of 80s and 90s songs, rocked up in their own particular style (‘Waterloo’ played in the style of Metallica!).

The Atherton Botanical Gardens Club provided the room free and also made a donation from the bar takings and selling of food. Amy’s dad Dave provided the sound and lighting equipment whilst mum Julie and sister Nic helped on the door and with ‘roadie-ing’ duties.

The total raised on the night was £1,201.01 plus another £90.00 donated since.