'Lifelong' blues fan's huge collection on sale

An extensive collection of blues memorabilia has been donated by a "lifelong" fan to be sold for charity.

The family of Alan Newman, who died in August aged 75, has donated his compilation to St John's Church in Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.

Mr Newman, who played in several local bands, amassed 500 CDs, DVDs, books and magazines. Some of the items, including an electric guitar, will be auctioned off on 14 December at the church's monthly Blues event.

"He was playing bass until the day before he went into hospital," his wife, Eileen Newman said.

"He had a lifelong love of music, mainly blues, since he was a very young man.

"The Rolling Stones were the thing that kicked it off.

"Every week he would record The Blues Show with Paul Jones from the radio," she told BBC Radio Somerset .

As first reported by Burnham-on-Sea.com, Mr Newman, who lived in Rooksbridge, "developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre" through the decades and played until recently with the Delta River Blues Band.

Before his death, he discussed with his wife, and two sons Tim and Ray, what should happen to his collection.

"In the end it was an easy decision to make once we'd made our minds up," she said.

Reverend Martin Little, vicar of St John's, and organiser of the church's monthly Blues in the Pews nights, said donating the collection was a fitting tribute to Mr Newman.

"This collection represented Alan. It was such a part of who he was and he'd built it up over so many years.

"It's very painful to deal with a loved ones things, especially when they meant so much to them, but it will ensure that the collection goes to where it will be truly appreciated," he added.

Money raised from the auction will be donated to Highbridge's YMCA.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.