Who could have known that the incredible band that we in America saw on the Ed Sullivan show on February 9, 1964, would become such a lifelong passion for so many of us? Recently when my daughter found an old photograph from 1965, it stirred great memories within me. Hope you find the following memory of interest!
This photo of our Cub Scout den group back in 1965 shows us doing a Beatle skit at our old elementary school. We were all around 10 years old, and unfortunately my brilliant idea of doing this skit leaked out to the other den groups.
They all attempted to do the same thing for their Cub Scout project, which completely infuriated me. That is me, to the extreme left of the photo. Our own makeshift Beatle wigs, were not exactly authorized by NEMS as you obviously can see!
We were the only group of kids though, who had the courage to singalong to two Beatles songs, which were being played on a 45-record backstage.
No one left the auditorium, so I guess we did OK!
Bruce Spizer, author of many wonderful Beatle book titles, has a new release out for our enjoyment, calledBeatles For Sale to Help! – beatle.net(August 2025-Official release). I was delighted to hear that part of my story would be included in the fan recollections section of his new Beatles book title. I am honored and delighted to think that long after I have departed Planet Earth, my love and admiration for the Beatles will be preserved forever in a book. (Please note: my recollection cited in the book is an edited version). There are many very interesting fan recollections appearing in the book Beatles For Sale to Help!
Letter From John’s Aunt Mimi
Around the time I performed in this skit, and just a few days after my 10th birthday in 1965, John Lennon’s Aunt Mimi wrote a letter to a fan. She referred to the fact that the Beatles would be travelling soon to make their second film, which would become Help!. I was fortunate enough many years later to acquire this letter for my collection. It is so wonderful to have something like this, showing that famous address, 251 Menlove Avenue, Woolton, Liverpool, written by Mimi herself at the top of the letter.
My fascination with the Beatles continues to this day as I am entering my 70s. What a glorious ride this has been watching the Beatles saga unfold over the years…
Aunt Mimi’s letter to a fan in 1965:
Here is the transcribed note in case you have trouble reading it in the picture above:
251 Menlove Ave
Woolton, Liverpool 25
8 January 65
Dear Helen,
Thanks so much for your letter.
I am so sorry but I can’t even get your books signed. I will not be seeing John for some time, he’s terribly busy, they all have the film in February, I think, and so it would be unwise to send the book to the Fan Club for signatures. Hope you get the Beatles Christmas Greetings record.
Best Wishes,
Mimi Smith
BRUCE SPIZER’S NEW BOOK
This is Bruce Spizer’s brand new book title which contains a multitude of other fan recollections of the Beatles from the 1965 era, Beatles For Sale To Help. Many prominent authors and Beatles scholars give their excellent analysis of the Beatles from that time frame. Bruce Spizer’s books are always well-researched and you can always count on learning new information with each and every one of his titles. Truly, a can’t miss choice, in my personal and humble opinion. Copies can be ordered at:
Bruce Spizer’s description of the new book that appears at his website:
272 pages, 9″ x 9″, Hardbound and Digital
From November 1964 through Summer 1965, the Beatles issued two albums (Beatles For Sale and Help!), three singles (“I Feel Fine,” “Ticket To Ride” and “Help!”) and a movie (Help!) in Great Britain. In the United States, Capitol Records reconfigured the two albums into three: Beatles ’65, Beatles VI and the Help! Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The label also released a two-record documentary album titled The Beatles’ Story and added the singles “Eight Days A Week” and “Yesterday.”
The ninth book in Bruce Spizer’s acclaimed Beatles Album Series, Beatles For Sale to Help! covers these releases from the British, American and Canadian perspectives. The book contains highly detailed chapters on the EMI recording sessions for the albums and singles, and the album covers. And, like the other books in the Beatles Album Series, the book contains chapters on the news, music and films of the era (plus a special chapter on the Beatles and James Bond) to place these records and the Beatles second film in their proper context. And, of course, fan recollections of seeing the film Help! and listening to the great Beatles records issued during the time frame covered by the book. The recordings released during this creative period bridge the first phase of Beatlemania with the group’s more mature sound that would be on full display with the albums Rubber Soul and Revolver.
The author’s signature and wonderful inscription on my copy of the collector’s edition of the book:
Hope you enjoyed this quick trip down memory lane! Would love to hear some of your own stories from that time frame if you would like to share them in the comments section!
A special thanks goes out to Shelley Germeaux and author Bruce Spizerfor their assistance with this post!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK
One Dream Ago
In 1964, The Beatles had their biggest reception ever, with 300 000 people lining the streets of Adelaide to see the band (minus Ringo). Adelaide and South Australia also had other (sometimes surprising) connections to The Beatles, many of which have never been written about before this book. One Dream Ago‘s striking cover artwork was created by Klaus Voormann.
Once again, All You Need Is Hull is the type of Beatles book that I love to acquire for the collection as these type of books help to serve as the wonderful time capsules that they are. Many members of newer generations can not imagine what those times were like and in fact they have their doubts, believing it is just the old timers reveling in nostalgia. The recollections of memories from some of the first generation Beatles fans helps to preserve those precious moments for posterity.
These books are typically harder to find and this enhances their place in the collection. Often, they are privately or independently published, thus limiting their circulation!
All You Need is Hull: The Beatles and Me- by Lynda Hill Ebay description:
All You Need is Hull; The Beatles and Me by Lynda Hill. Stories of Beatlemania in Hull and Personal Encounters with the Beatles.
Published in softback in 2014 Independent Publication
Details of Lynda putting the book together
Synopsis of the book written by NICK BOLDOCK on 2nd of May 2016
Author Lynda Hill tells all…
“In 2012, I was invited as a guest on the “Burnsy” show on BBC Radio Humberside. It was to be a “Beatles day” to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the release of the single Love Me Do.
Although I had told my story of meeting The Beatles on other shows previously, it became apparent that, due to the number of calls coming in from listeners, that I wasn’t the only person in Hull that had a story to tell of a brush with one or more of the Beatles.
In August 2013 I heard a Liverpool man called Dean Johnson being interviewed on BBC Radio Humberside. He was asking for anyone who had a Beatles story to tell to contact him; I did, and after hearing it he said he would like to include it in a new chapter of his book The Beatles And Me.
Remembering the people who I had heard previously, I told him that there were many more stories here in Hull. He suggested that we collaborate on a new book and call it All You Need Is Hull. I set about tracing the people; I interviewed them and wrote down their stories. At this point I should say that I have never written a story before, so I was rather nervous about the whole thing. I had piles of discarded efforts until I eventually felt that I was on the right track. I emailed the stories to Dean and he was happy with them.
In January 2014 Dean was extremely busy with other projects and I was being asked when the book would be published. As he lives in the North West I asked him if he would consider letting me take over the book and continue with it alone here in Hull. He agreed, and I continued interviewing and writing.
I had to then look at publishing and printing. This I found to be expensive, so I found a printer whose finished products looked good, and I set about the layout myself. I searched for images that would match the stories and asked the contributors if I could take photographs of their memorabilia. The Hull Daily Mail and the Hull History Centre were really helpful with my requests and it all seemed to be looking good.
I had it proof read, and by August a friend had set the pages with the images and stories for me. It was ready for printing.
Both myself and the contributors, are delighted that the stories of The Beatles’ visits to Hull at the dawn of Beatlemania, are now in print, and a chapter of the music scene in Hull in the 60s is recorded.”
At the moment, the best way to find this book is to utilize book search services or such corporate sites as Ebay and Abe Books.Difficult to find but worth getting!
All You Need Is Hull
A fantastic book and story about meeting The Beatles!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE BEATLES: WHAT IF?
The Beatles What If? Limited Edition Hardback (UK EUROPE)
How different would the world have been without The Beatles?
This book explores the many times The Beatles story could have turned out so differently. What if it didn’t happen the way it did?
BEATLES FESTFELIXSTOWE SPA PAVILION TO HOST EAST ANGLIA’S FIRST EVER THREE DAY BEATLES FEST EVENT
Beatles Fest Felixstowe
LAUNCH DAY LATEST
WHEN IS IT?
This Fabulous event, the first of its kind in the Anglia Region, is to be held on the weekend of June 20th – 22nd 2025, and what an event it promises to be!!
The lasting influence and legacy of The Beatles shows no signs of dimming, in fact it continues to grow, with new issues of their brilliant catalogue, that will forever it seems burn bright and inspire.
WHERE IS IT?
The Felixstowe Spa Pavilion Theatre – Situated right on the coastline, this 88 year old Art Deco building is nationally famous and well established in entertainment history is the venue for this innovative event designed to celebrate both the 1960’s and The Beatles. Along with the fab four, the 1960’s still remains the most popular decade for art and music the world over.
By bringing the two together – Felixstowe is primed to explode into a joyous celebration of the Fab Four and this most brilliant decade.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?FRIDAY NIGHT
THE KORGIS
It all begins on Friday Night (20th June) with a performance from the 70s and 80’s Supergroup The Korgis. Led by frontmen James Warren and Al Steele, the group will perform a stunning package of their well known hits , including ‘If I Had You’, ‘I Just Can’t Help It’, ‘If It’s Alright With You Baby’, and ‘Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime’. The group members themselves are also linked with many other bands including Tears for Fears, and will perform some of their songs as well as a special section paying homage to The FAB 4 as well!- What a way to start things off!!!
WHAT IS HAPPENING? SATURDAY
INSIDE NUMBER 3
Saturday unveils a great line up with a great ‘Inside no3’ presentation to include an audio and visual presentation of many of the products from Apple Records, the legendary Label, that at its time became the centre of musical influence. Artists such as Badfinger, Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, Hot Chocolate, The Plastic Ono Band, and others including Billy Preston, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Splinter, all contributed to the success story. – This will be presented along with a video wall and some artefacts.
THE APPLEJACKS
There will be a video wall of Beatle Hits in the early afternoon along with a presentation by author Andrew Phillips on the meetings and working together of Decca Group, The Applejacks and The Beatles, this will prove to be very illuminating!!
THE QUARRYMEN
The Quarrymen
The evening promises a real slice of history with a Q and A session and a performance from The Quarrymenand Friends. Two of the original Quarrymen band are to be found here with assistance from others in performing the original songs that they played along with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, which laid the foundations to become The Beatles – What a treat to behold and experience!!
WHAT IS HAPPENING – SUNDAY
JOEY MOLLAND AND GARY VON SCYOC
Sunday sees more with a special presentation of solo Beatles hits from 1970 and beyond with the presentation of some interviews by solo Apple artists including the late Joey Molland from Badfinger and Gary Van Scyoc from Elephants Memory, who played and recorded with John Lennon in the early 1970’s.
NICKY HORNE
The afternoon sees Ex- Capital Radio DJ and Presenter Nicky Horne explain and play his interviews that he obtained with John Lennon and George Harrison in the early 70’s, and with a Q and A session to boot!!
THE UPBEAT BEATLES
The evening then sees a very special tribute concert performance by The Upbeat Beatles, taking us through those fabulous hits that you can sing and dance to and bring those memories of those great times back again. – What a great weekend and time to relive and feel those wonderful years, that still holds so much magic for the entire world !!
There will also be trade stands and licensed replica Beatles musical instruments and much more memorabilia on display. There are also some FREE EVENTS being organised around the fee paying ones in order to keep attendees occupied and in order to jam pack the weekends events!
WHERE CAN I GET MY TICKETS?
All events can be visited separately with a ticket or an ALL SHOWS WEEKEND PASS can be obtained offering a discount value deal, for only £126.40. To book this special offer call 0800 107 5291 and Hotel Bookings can also be made on this number. There are some free events as well within the weekend. So BEATLESFEST 2025 is the place to be for this unique weekend. You’ll have a brilliant break with great music and opportunities to explore the wonderful town of Felixstowe, – Go on, you know won’t regret It!!
PRESS QUOTE: RAY ANDERSON SAID “This first of its kind event in East Anglia is quite unique. It traces everything from the very start when John met Paul in the 1950’s with The Quarrymen and beyond to the Apple days and to when the band disbanded. People are booking from all over the world for this event. It’ll be BEATLES wall-to-wall and an event not to be missed!”
For further quotes and details PLEASE check out the BEATLESFEST website: www.beatlesfest.co.uk
As stated numerous times on this blog, it is often the independent Beatles book publications that hold the most fascination for me as a collector. They are issued in much lower quantities, are more difficult to find and purchase, and often they have pictures and/or stories that are not available in the mass market books. I love these three titles written by author, Ray O’Brien. The first two were independent publications and the third book was published by Bluecoat Press. If you are interested in looking for these titles for your collection, they can often be found either on Ebay or at Abe Books!
Independently published by Ray O’Brien
Publication Year-2001
There are Places I’ll Remember The Beatles Early Venues in and Around Merseyside
Early Beatles Venues
AND VOLUME 2 – There are Places I’ll Remember Volume 2 The Beatles Early Venues – Ray O’Brien
published by Ray O’Brien in 2003
Volume 2 Early Beatles Venues
Bluecoat Press consolidated the independent publications into a 2005 release shown below:
There are Places I’ll Remember The Beatles Early Venues in and Around Merseyside
published by The Bluecoat Press in 2005:
There Are Places I’ll Remember
Great books from Ray O’Brien!
Buzz
Our Featured Book of the Week
The Beatles What If? Limited Edition Hardback (UK EUROPE)
How different would the world have been without The Beatles?
This book explores the many times The Beatles story could have turned out so differently. What if it didn’t happen the way it did?
As stated numerous times on this blog, one of my favorite items to collect are the more obscure Beatles-related books, like this one about The Beatles in New Zealand..
This one published in 2015 features a previously unpublished interview with John Lennon done in New Zealand, in 1964. Tony Taylor conducted the interview. The Amazon description is provided below for your convenience. I bought this title a few years ago on Amazon and was thoroughly happy that I was able to add it to the collection. Though small in the number of pages, it represents yet another piece to the jigsaw puzzle that makes up part of the Beatles story!
Publisher : Earl of Seacliff Art Workshop (28 April 2015)
John Lennon in Conversation: An interview with Professor Tony Taylor Paperback – 28 April 2015
by Michael O’leary (Author), Tony Taylor (Author)
Amazon UK description of the bookand link to order it if you so desire:
A unique interview with John Lennon which was recorded when The Beatles were in New Zealand in 1964. It was recorded by Psychology Professor Dr Tony Taylor who was at the time doing a study into Beatlemania. It gives a remarkable insight into Lennon’s thoughts regarding fame, music and life generally at a time when the group was still new to all the world-wide adulation they were receiving. I have included an attachment of both the covers and the text for you to enjoy and to quote from if you think it will help the posting for your blog.
I think this is something of a coup for a New Zealand publisher as it must be one of the last unpublished interviews with John Lennon and it has been an honour to work with Dr Taylor on the project. You will note that my poem ‘The Flipside of the Ballad of John and Yoko’ appears at the end of the book as an antidote to the effects of fame.
The book is small in size but it is also relatively inexpensive. Being an academic, the interview is superior to most Beatles-related interviews from that time period!
BUZZ
OUR FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Beatles What If? Limited Edition Hardback (UK EUROPE)
How different would the world have been without The Beatles?
This book explores the many times The Beatles story could have turned out so differently. What if it didn’t happen the way it did?
