Several years ago, when I was still on Facebook, through networking and the many connections you establish through having common interests, I learned of a new Beatles magazine/ fanzine that seemed to have an unusual theme – The Teatles (The Beatles and Tea).
Being very curious, I decided to investigate and purchased a sample issue and was extremely delighted with the results. So much so, that I decided to purchase all of the back issues and all of the new ones when they were issued. One of the obsessions of collecting is, if I start collecting a magazine with a numerical sequence, I want to make sure I can collect all of the issues to have a complete set. I was fortunate enough to have been able to do so with this fine magazine.
The Teatles
The Teatles always featured articles that were of interest to me. Featuring a variety of skilled writers, editor and publisher Huw Spink, a Welshman, who has chosen to reside in Liverpool, retains what seems to be a common quality for Liverpool residents, a great sense of humor (or humour) as the originators of the English language would spell the word.
The concept of tying in the Beatles with tea was intriguing as obviously both are forever linked with English cultural heritage and then I remembered a funny segment from the Rutles which sarcastically references the importance of tea in the Rutles history…
See the Wiki link to the Rutles and Tea below:
Tea | The Rutles Wiki | Fandom
When I asked Huw if he would be interested in having a blog post about his excellent magazine he seemed to be delighted with the prospect, so I asked him a few basic questions to get things started:
Q: Why the tea theme coalescing with the subject of the Beatles?
A: “An accident really. I really love both tea and Beatles. Once I began noticing how much the Beatles loved tea I realised that I could combine two of my great passions!“
Q. What prompted you to start your own Beatles fanzine/magazine? Motivations-Reasons
A: “Initially just as an antidote to boredom. But I didn’t realise that it would become such a lovely and fun thing to do. As hobbies go, its been a really good one!”
Q. What have been a few of your favorite pieces/articles appearing in the magazine thus far? Why are they special to you?
A: “Oh gee…where to start! Kate Gietkowski wrote beautifully about being a Polish Beatles fan. Rob Power had a Beatle/tea family connection! Mark Raven wrote beautifully about a personal connection with Beatles and tea. Rose wrote candidly about anxiety and George. Teresa Brader, Mark O’Callaghan and Jamie Osborne came back time and time again with beautiful, insightful pieces. But the one piece that stands out? Ruby Smith. Issue 5. Heartbreaking.”
Q. What has been the most satisfying aspect for you in doing the magazine? Conversely, what is the biggest hassle? For example, postage costs around the world?
A: “The greatest joy has been the sense of community and collaboration. Feeling a part of something is lovely, but being part of something so creative, open and welcoming is just the loveliest.
The worst part – yeah. Charging more for postage than for the zine. Ah well. What can you do?”
Q. Please give the contact information you would prefer if people have questions etc”
A: teatlemania@outlook.com or find theteatles on instagram
Q. What’s in store for the future?
A: “The Teatles Books ended at issue 20. I started back with the (slightly) different TEATLES. Issue 4 will be out later this year.”
Please note: I have also gotten the three issues of the new Teatles magazine and they are just as interesting and enjoyable as the original 20 issues. There is actually significantly more content in the new format.
Huw was interviewed a while back in an excellent piece posted by The Daily Beatle about his wonderful magazine. This piece displayed a photo of Patti Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife holding a copy of The Teatles magazine and also acknowledges that the official John Lennon webpage enjoys this delightful magazine.
The Daily Beatle Huw Spink Interview
The Teatles phenomenon – an interview – The Daily Beatle (webgrafikk.com)
Contact Name – Editor and Publisher of the “The Teatles”: Huw Spink
Contact information regarding The Teatles Magazine teatlemania@outlook.com or find theteatles on instagram
Here are photos of all 20 issues of Huw’s original Teatles magazine. The photos of the actual magazines shown here were taken by the editor himself, Huw Spink! The actual photos of the Beatles were taken by numerous other photographers. Set to a similar format to the original Beatles Monthlies, these magazines are a delight to have in my collection!
Special kudos are extended to Huw for having such an extensive collection of photos of the Beatles enjoying their tea, their cohorts, also enjoying the beverage, and their companion teacups!
Issue #1
Issue #2
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
Issue #6
Issue #7
Issue #8
Issue #9
Issue #10
Issue #11
Issue #12
Issue #13
Issue #14
Issue #15
Issue #16
Issue #17
Issue #18
Issue #19
Issue #20
This post is respectfully dedicated to all of the teetotalers in the WORLD!!!
What is your favourite Beatles fanzine?
Buzz
The Beatles
Books about The Beatles as a group
This longtime Beatles fan, artist & designer *loves* these covers! The best Beatles fanzine covers I’ve seen! I’ll be collecting these as of now – do you know who was the designer?
Ginger-I suggest you write to Huw Spink whose email is provided in the post. Best Wishes!
The photo of Brian Epstein listening to the radiogram is my favourite!
I agree! I’ve never heard of this magazine and my favorite that I’ve collected since the fall of 1980 (began in ‘78 I believe) is Beatlefan magazine, published by Bill King. (I was able to purchase a book containing the first 2 years of issues that I’d missed!)
Great article! I too love this fanzine and was lucky enough to secure all editions.