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Litherland Town Hall

On the way back to the city centre we stopped by Penny Lane and other related sights.  We ended up back at the Cavern Club where everyone returned to their hotels to prepare for the Birthday celebrations at Litherland Town Hall the same evening.

Litherland Town Hall is the venue where the Beatles first played when they returned to England from Germany.  They were billed as "The Beatles direct from Germany" and everyone thought they were German!  This was also the place where "beatlemania" was born.  The Hall practically looks the same as it did back then.

Just before the doors opened a 1960s fire engine complete with firemen in 1960s uniforms arrived and parked up outside the Hall.  This brought authenticity to the event and was arranged by Jackie.  It looked great parked there and everyone loved it.

At 7.30 p.m. the people began to arrive and it was obvious that everybody was in a party mood, it was a wonderful balmy evening and just the right temperature for a boogie!  Lots of the people looked as though they were regulars at Litherland Town Hall when it was a popular venue in the 1960s - this was evidenced by the many people who were jiving all night.  Jiving is just
amazing to watch when it's being done properly!

Special guest began to arrive and were greeted by huge smiles.  It was lovely to see Len Garry and Colin Hanton with their wives, Harry Prytherch from the Remo Four who played many times at the Hall, with his wife Doris, Pete Brennan and colleague Pat from Beatles Ireland, John Halliday, custodian of Forthlin Road and many others.

First band up were The Richmonds who were just amazing.  They played great songs of the late 50s mingled with 60s songs.  A very tight and together set ideal for this famous venue.

The Richmonds

Next up were The Eleanor Rigby Acoustic Experience fronted by Tina McBain.  Tina was accompanied by a stringed quartet and opened with Eleanor Rigby.  I wondered how this interpretation of Beatles music would be received, but as the song came to an end they were greeted by huge cheers and much applause.  A resounding success I think!

Following the ERE was Liverpool Convention favourite Lawrence Gilmour.  Lawrence, as usual, sang his heart out and had everyone on the dance floor within minutes of coming on stage.  He ran through unusual songs like Mull of Kintyre and Little Willow.

Lawrence "Macca" Gilmour

Suddenly it all became too much and Golden Slumbers took over!!  Amy Titmus and daughter Corrine

By this time the crowds were swelling, mostly onto the dance floor, and some people were even dancing on the tables - a good old Liverpool tradition for those who are having a great time!!!  There were a lot of Americans in the audience and I wondered how this tradition would go down with them - they started taking photographs so I guess they were impressed!!!  Everyone was singing along and shouting for more so on came another Convention favourite, Banned on the Run fronted by the very popular Bob Barty.  If you've never seen BOTR then go seek out if they are playing near you and pop along and see them.  They are simply amazing and a good rocking band.

Left : Banned on the Run - Right: Singer Bob Barty

A couple of songs before the end Jackie and I went out into the audience passing out streamers and party poppers to everybody.  As 12 midnight struck Bob Barty announced "Hey everyone it's Paul McCartney's birthday" and everyone threw their streamers and popped their poppers - it was wonderful and Paul would have been proud of us!

Jackie and I were totally exhausted by the end of the evening as we'd both been on our feet since early morning.  Jackie tells me later that we were both walking around with huge smiles on our faces all night because the whole evening was a resounding success and we think we did Macca proud in the city of his birth.

Some of the crowd having a fabulous time - shouting for more!!!

I must also add that Eddie "The Walrus" Porter was our gofer for the evening and he worked very hard helping the bands on and off stage and generally looking after everyone.  Thanks Eddie.

Eddie "The Walrus" Porter dancing the night away with Jackie!

Thanks also go to Dave Jameson from Mersey Cats who compered the evening for us and kept everyone on track by ensuring nobody overran their time on stage.

Thanks also to Adlib who provided the PA rig , The Beatle Shop who provided the raffle prizes, Sayers who made us a birthday cake in the shape of a guitar, and to Alison Mayne who made all the birthday posters and decorated the Hall before everyone arrived - it's hard work blowing up 100s of balloons!  But most of all thanks to everyone for supporting us, buying the tickets and turning up on the night - you were great, and you were great, etc. al a Macca!

If  I've missed anyone out I apologise in advance - it's not intentional, but most of all I thank Jackie for being a great partner in crime, oopps I mean in business, and to Jane who looked after the office while Jackie worked on this event, we all worked hard together to ensure this evening went well and we know it was appreciated by everyone who was there - I'd work with you anytime Jackie - see you next year at you know where!!!!

Paul has never allowed Linda's name to be used in this way before and by joining us in celebration you supported this
wonderful place that bears Linda's name.  
It will be a lasting and fitting memorial to a wonderful lady who left us all too soon.

All you need is love...........................

Last updated 18 June 2000

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