Ringo's front door

This story is found in the September 1970 issue of the Beatles Rule fan club newsletter.


July 20, 1970

We went by bus to Hanstead to Compton Road to see Ringo. Arrived there around 10:15 am.   Went to a couple of other houses asking if Ringo lived there... well we finally did find the house, and went up to the door and knocked.  We heard Jason saying, "Mummy someone is at the door."  Maureen answered  (no makeup, house dress on and very pregnant) and we said could we see Ringo.  She said,  "He's busy."  Glenna then snapped a picture of her and she said, "That's not fair...honestly.  Tch!"  Glenna immediately said I'm sorry, but she still gave Glenna a very nasty look (a sort of look that goes right thru you).  I then asked Maureen if she would accept the photo album I made for her family when I saw them last year when they came to N.Y. on the Queen Elizabeth II.  She said, "Oh" and then closed the door in our faces.   After feeling like two cents, we decided to go into town and get Maureen some flowers and candy to make up for what we did.  We asked one of the gardeners up the road where the nearest town was.  He said it was about half-hour walk.  After about twenty minutes, we realized the road stretched out before us and the half-hour walk was more that one and a half hours.  We went to the candy shop and florist and got Maureen a bunch of pink carnations.  We hitched a ride back and gain got off at Compton Avene. 

Went back to Ringo's and waited.  It was freezing cold!  It was about noon then and we hoped Ringo would come out about an hour and a half later we heard a car door slam and within split seconds we finally saw Ringo.  He was driving.  He smiled a big one at that and waved at us.  I took some pictures and the others took movies.  He really looked great.  as soon as he was gone we went back to the door and handed Maureen the flowers and candy we bought for her.  She gave us such a beautiful smile and we really felt good!  She said, "Oh, you didn't have to..."  We said to her that we wanted to apologize for that morning.  I asked her how she like the photo album.  She said, "I didn't know you took so many that day..."  Jason was at the door with her at the time smiling at us also.



It was about 4:30 pm and we were still waiting for Ringo.  I asked the others if they wanted to peek in the backyard.  Sure enough, there was Zak and Jason helping the workman.  It was cute to see Jason picking up the brick and throwing it and Zak struggling with this big shovel.  For 15 minutes we watched and took movies.  Zak is so shy he turned to look at us and then turned back Jason, on the other hand, is very much like his "Uncle Paul."  He kept waving and smiling at us.  Those two kids are so adorable!  An hour later Ringo and this guy came back in the car and we all got excited trying to wave Ringo to stop.  He waved us away.  We were shocked.  I kept wondering what happened.  The other guy came out and Glenna asked him if Ringo was mad.  He said, "No...he's always like that.  He's a family man and he wants quiet."  A few minutes later we looked back and saw Ringo playing with the kids in the yard.  It was something you read about but never expect to see!

Moving day

Photo taken by one of the girls in this story on July 18, 1970

This story was written by Kris M. and was first published in the Beatles fan newsletter, "Beatles Rule" in the September 1970 issue. 


July 18 (1970) -  Linda, Glenna, Joann and myself decided to go to see George's bungalow just for the heck of it.  We went up Clairmont Lane and got lost two hours looking for Claremont Drive.  We were walking along the road when we spotted George's car (the white mini).  Glenna spotted a sitar and his jacket but we spotted no bungalow.  We turned a corner and found George and Terri coming towards us!  We tried to be calm and got to speak with him for a while.  He was so nice!  He looked good, thinner and his hair is very long now and it was tied back in a ponytail.  He said he'd be starting to record in about two weeks.  He stopped for lots of pictures and movies.  Then he waved goodbye in his car as he drove away.  Then, we went back to his house and saw Mal moving out stuff from his house. We asked him if we could walk around and he said OK adn we walked into some of his rooms -- the bathroom, sitting room and kitchen.  Then Glenna asked Mal if she could have a big black and white poster of George that was in his garage.  Mal said "No."  Then Glenna said, "Why not?"  and Mal said he wanted it and Glenna said, "I'll give you anything for it!"  Mal smiled and said, "Anything?  I've been on the road too long for that sort of thing!"  (he has a dirty mind).  Then we spoke to him about Paul, John and Yoko.  That was a day we'll never forget!

Hey Jude

Tonight I am going to share a story that has been shared on this site before, but this is the first time the author wrote about her experience and it was the one that was written right after it happened.  
This story of Hey Jude was written by Sher Miller and was found in the September 1968 issue of "Father Lennon's Many Children."


Tuesday, September 3 (1968) we had been at Paul's house all day waiting for him to come back from his holiday (he went to get a sunburn).  Finally, about four o'clock he came home all red-cheeked. He didn't stay out too long because he was exhausted from the plane trip.

That evening at EMI, they arrived about seven thirty, first came John and Yoko in a small white van driven by Mal.   not far behind, Ringo came in a large black limousine, chauffeur driven.  He has his mustache again and looks adorable.  Then right behind him was Paul in his white mini.  He stopped and signed autographs.

 After Paul went in Mal came out with forms which some kids were signing.  Finally one of my friends managed to get a sheet.  it was an invitation to take part in an actual Beatles film of "Hey Jude!!!"  We all rushed up to Mal and he said we could all have one.   We got the forms just as George was driving up in his white mini.  Since I had met George just two days before Iw as anxious to talk to him again.  I approached the car and before I had a chance to say anything, he looked up and me and waved.   He had remembered me.   I was in a daze for the rest of the night.  you spend almost five years of your life obsessed with four people who don't even know you exist, and then one day one of them remembers you ... it was so beautiful. 

The next day, September 4th, we met at Paul's house and said goodbye to him as he left for Twickenham Studios.  We got there about five o'clock and at first, they made us stand far behind the cameras and far from the stage.  Mal kept assuring us that we wouldn't be back there for the actual taping.  Finally, the let us move up.  Before we knew what was happening, in walked the Beatles.   There was no screaming or anything (it's so casual in England) but you knew everyone there was just dying!  They jumped onto the stage and began to tune up.  Paul is on piano throughout the song and he is just fabulous on it.  Paul had on a red velvet jacket and a pink shirt.  John, a white pullover, dark pants, and white sneakers.  George had on green corduroy pants and a brown ruffled shirt.  Ringo was wearing a light green corduroy suit with a white ruffled shirt.  The director got on the stage with them and told us what our job was.  At the end bit of "Hey Jude" that very long ending, we all rush in and surround The Beatles and sing with them!  We had a rehearsal and when I rushed in, I managed to get right near George.  Paul kept telling us to dance and clap and move around a lot.  We did it over and over about five times and each time the Beatles came back from viewing it and decided to do it again, we all cheered.

In between the actual taping the Beatles improvised.  I personally think those parts were the grooviest of the evening.  It isn't often you hear Paul singing "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley!"  At one point a friend of the boys from Liverpool got on stage with them.  He was completely soused.  He turned to John and said, "Can I ask you a question?"  John nodded and there was complete silence.  Then the jerk said, "Did you love your wife?"  John immediately came back with "Not lately."  (By the way, Yoko was sitting right behind me looking completely bored.)  There was silence again after John answered and Paul saved the day.  He began playing the piano and said to John, "What's was your most embarrassing moment?"  Everyone laughed and all was okay.  Paul is the most wonderful friend anyone could have.

Before we knew it the time was twelve thirty.  We had spent five beautiful hours with them!

Corresponding Report from L.A. (1968)

This report comes from the "FLMC newsletter" September 1968 edition.   I really don't agree with all of the opinions of the writers, but it is an interesting piece to see what the mindset of what fans were during this time in The Beatles career.   This was written by Mar Y. and Fern B.

I want to start this report by confirming the following rumor.  Yes, it's true that John Lennon flew to L.A. to announce his engagement to our roving reporter, Fern.  Now let's get down to business.

As all of you know, John and Cyn are getting a divorce and most everyone is still blaming John.  Well, let it be known that a man that's truly happy and satisfied at home doesn't have to go out looking.   Kind of puts the shoe on the other foot, huh?  We feel that both John and Cyn are to blame, but both deserve happiness.  Let's hope they can find it now.

How's this for timing:  Ringo and Maureen dined at one of Beverly Hills best-known restaurants -- The Luau, a restaurant we pass quite a few times a week and talk about going into, but never do.  Also while in town, Ringo and George visited The Factor -  George on Wednesday and Ringo on Friday.  Both were minus wives.  They also went to the Whiskey -a Go-Go.  Rumor has it that Ringo went to a Tiny Tim concert in Santa Monica (where we live), but the rumor has yet to be confirmed. 

I'm not going to mention that I heard that John and Yoko's latest film shows them making love and also a five-minute kiss.

The two of us and Lucille were lucky enough to meet and talk to that beautiful green-eyed sexy hunk of a man -- The Paul McCartney M.B.E. at the Beverly Hills Hotel bungalow.  He was like everyone says.  He is charming, witty and very understanding.  Paul was leaving for a boat cruise up and down the California coast.  and for those who are interested, Paul is the proud owner of a very hairy belly button!

We hear from Cindi that John has an apartment near Hyde Park.  We wonder how long before fans find out where it is?

Ringo has joined his fellow Beatles and finally signed on as a composer for Apple Corps Ltd. can't wait to hear his first song. 

Magical Mystery Tour showed in New York on August 11.  We wonder how it went off.  When it was shown here, the turn out was fantastic and the response was even better.  (Your mother should know received five standing ovations!)

 John Lennon has sexy teeth.  He also claims to be the world's worst speller.

For all you with curious minds:  Yoko has been married twice before and has a four-year-old daughter.  She claims to have given birth to a grapefruit when she was a teenager and gets kicks out of hurling paint at her critics and ripping her clothes off when she's mad ...usually in public.  Ho Hum.

Well, John and Ringo are getting impatient so this 007 and 007 1/2 singing off for now.  Happy Birthday to our good friend Cindi.  Cheerio -- till next time!

Thia's Story

Thia Cash's stories have been shared here before, but I just find them fascinating.   In November 1970 she shared her story with the "Beatles Rule!" fan club newsletter.   This is the most of her story that I have ever seen before. 



There are 90,000 Americans residents in England, including 18,000 in London.  socially London can be extraordinarily accessible even though an intensely private place.   It is a city which exists behind closed doors, the entire system revolving around friends.   Introductions are terribly important.  There are four Liverpudlians living, working, loving and making beautiful music in London.   Their names are John, Paul, George, and Richard (Ringo).  This was the London of 1967 which I flew off towards on Independence Day (July the 4th) of that year.  At the time I knew not a single Beatle fan, and I definitely did not know a single person in the whole of England.  I was completely alone!

"For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision.  But today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.  Look well, therefore, to this day.  Such is the salutation of the dawn."

Why does a man have two ears and one mouth?  So that he can listen twice as much as he talks.   I think that I must have been given a very special blessing having chosen that particular time to go and see them.  Everything just fell into my lap so to speak, and all The Beatles and their families were in very congenial states of mind.   I'm afraid it would take me much too long to write all the things that happened during those three months I was there, but I can say that Sgt. Pepper Summer and Fall was the happiest and most memorable time of my life, and in a way, it was the high sign and a turning point in the Beatles legend.

Most of the following is fact, some is only my own personal opinion.  I also at times will relate quotes, but generally will refrain from this as it has been over three years since this happened to me, and so much was said that I don't want to state anything I am not precisely sure of.  Unfortunately, I did not have a tape recorder and even if I had I would not have used it as most of what was said was private and not in interview style.  Luckily I did have a camera and came back home with some surprisingly unusual photographs.

I arrived in London at Heathrow Airport on an early sunny morning in July, and went by bus and then taxi to the YMCA near Great Russell Square where I was to spend only a week until I could acquire my own bedsitter.  It was there I met several really super people from Scotland and Ireland, whom I went about with for the first two weeks.   I was able to take in most of the London sights with them during the day, and in the evenings we doubled up for the nightlife.  I fell in love with London but had begun to feel that I would never really even come across The Beatles.  Maybe they were only a dream, and maybe it was true what they had said about me at home -- that I was indeed quite mad!

On the 14th day of my stay (I was now living near Baker Street on Nottingham Place), my friends left to go home and Iw as again alone.  It was terrible really.  I had not the foggiest notion as to where any of the Beatles lived, except that Paul was up in a place called St. Johns Wood, which on the map looked like a gigantic place to have to comb through.   I did not even know what street he was on, though I knew I must have read the name and remembered it subconsciously.



During my three months (July, August, and September), John, Cyn, and Julian were together at Kenwood.  Little things John did and said when he was with Cyn (and I wasn't the only one to notice this) made me feel that something and was the matter between them.  Later when they separated, I was very sad at first, because I had like Cynthia very much, she was a very kind, shy, patient person.  with Yoko he has however seemed to have the freedom and outlet he needed before I think he was very restrained.  I don't know what the future holds but now that Cyn and Roberto have married.  I do hope that all continues to go well between John and Yoko.

The first time I ever met John was that day in Kenwood.  Three hours before the whole lot of them were due to leave for Athens, Greece.  I have to admit thinking back, that John was the only one I was really scared of, and it was ridiculous because sometimes I think (even though he is not the one I have the deepest feelings for), that he's the biggest softy of the four.  Certainly, he's the most gullible believe it or not.  Some newspaper people I know, just would not believe that John is quite naive about a lot of things.  He'll always be that way too.  An example is the "Two Virgins" cover.  He honestly didn't believe or realize that it could cause such a stupid mess of newsprint.

John at the time was barefoot, wearing bright purple trousers, and a black and white t-shirt decorated with necklaces.   He was sitting quite comfortably in a lazy lotus position, hugging a pillow in his favorite chair.  His hair was a bit short and fluffy with long sideburns and of course, he was wearing his famous gold-rimmed glasses.  He was a bit stern looking and quiet as he watched the going on.   I remember being very proud of myself when I made him smile like a little kid when I told him he was "beautiful."  He had a fake tattoo flower bracelet around his wrist and a flower on the top of his foot.  I have a feeling one of "The Fool" had painted in on for him.  Two of them were there then; Seemone and Marijka (Dutch husband and wife team).  They were and still are fantastic fools.  Someone is the "Rainbow Man." 

George and Ritchie were both there too, and Julian (running about in his underwear and tagging after his Dad).  Cynthia had gone over to Maureen's for a bit to keep her company (It was only a month or so before Jason was to be born).  I 'll tell you about the others in detail later, as I'll try to take on Beatle at a time for discussion. 

George and Thia at Kenwood

George Harrison -- now there's a great name for a beautiful person.  The first time we were introduced, he jumped over a table in one leaping bond to shake my hand.   He also grinned quite broadly showing his fantastic smile.  Either his parents taught him well in manners (as he was extremely polite and friendly) or he'd been smoking a little of John's special brand of cigarettes.  I think at the time it was a mixture of both.

George is a very sincere, dedicated person.  1967 was far from the beginning of his interest in India and religion.  He'd been studying for quite some time, even in school.  I remember Judy and I giving him some books of Ravi Shankar and he just could not put them down.  The greatest discussion I ever had was with him and Pattie at Kinfaun Wall Bungalow in Esher the day after they returned from San Francisco, California.

Ringo's chauffeur had offered to drive us from Sunny Heights to Kinfauns.  I was with my two French friends.  One being Josette Barnato, an 18-year-old Parisian who looked extraordinarily like a Boyd girl.  Both George and Pattie took a special liking to her.  The chauffer frequently drove all the Beatles and their families.  He definitely liked Paul the best.  He spoke of him as being very polite.  He was upset that Ringo had not spoken to him at all during the drive back.  He had been to an interview about Maureen expecting the baby and I imagine he was thinking on it.

As the driver left, we walked down the long gravel drive towards the gate.  It all seemed very strange and I was not at all prepared for what was going to happen.  I just pray that everyone can experience just once in their lives the sudden dreamlike peace and serenity I experienced.  It was almost Holy!

Pattie' orange mini-cooper was in the drive, plastered on it were the yellow and black signs advertising "Monterey Pop Festival."  Flowers were abundant and roses covered the little arbor leading to the door.  On the line at the side near the greenhouse were five pairs of George's jockey shorts!

This is my guess of what photo goes with this story.   Colorful shirt, rectangles on pants, necklace, talking to him in the yard and with a girl that looks like a Boyd sister.   All matches!

I went up to the door to ring the bell as the others wouldn't.  It really didn't help to see a printed note near the bell warning of certain death to the one who pressed it.  I was written in a type of prose.   Also, there were signs with baby's photo on it saying "Safe as Milk."  I knocked first.  There was no answer, but the television was on.  Finally, I rang...still nothing.   We looked around, snapping pictures and then went back to the gate, determined to wait.  Jennie and Paula Boyd pulled up in the driveway.  Jennie smiled at us and waved saying, "you can try the door again now."   For some reason, we decided just to wait at the gate.  The weather was getting cloudy and we had been there about an hour.  We were just about to leave when all of a sudden we saw a lean long-haired figure come from around the back of the house.  It was dressed in a screamingly wild combo of colors with rectangle designed trousers and bare feet.  The figure casually walked across the grass pretending to be inspecting his Cyprus trees near the wall.  "My God," I said to Josette, and I'm certain my eyes must have widened to twice their size.  "It's George!"  Josette wheeled around in extasy, spreading out her arms wide for him.  "France, France, I am from France.  I am a French girl!"  George grinned that grin of his and kept walking toward her, then stopped about six feet away hands on hips and said, "And I am a British boy."  "But you are GEORGE HARRISON!"  Everyone including George had a laugh.  From then on it was easy talking to him.

He told us all about his and Pattie's trip to San Francisco.  He really loved California and was surprised but impressed when I told him I was born there.  He was wearing the all seeing eye around his neck and I couldn't help but stare at it.  This got us into a discussion on India and religion.  Before that, however, I remember commenting on the great wall and asking him if it was true that Clive of India built it.  "I'm sure he had some help from his friends,"  George replied, and I know I turned pink, but he laughed.

After speaking about California, Josette asked him why he did not go to Paris more often.  He said they all tried to get around to different places, but it took up so much time.  He wanted to go through, and a few months later, he and Pattie, John and Cynthia showed up in Paris to visit Ravi.  Pattie and George were very pleased to find Josette there as well.

Josette wanted to know if he spoke any French.  "Just a little," he replied.  "Say something," she dared him.  "Say something..." he repeated thinking, "Well..." and he went off into a French sentence, like a little boy reciting his lessons for a teacher.  Josette nodded when he finished and everyone giggled.  I asked him what he had said and he really laughed.  "Can I have some milk this morning.  That is really all I know."

When we were talking about meditation, which he could talk forever on, I asked him, as someone who is greatly interested in that type of philosophy, what books he would recommend me to read as a beginner.  The first thing that came to his head was "Autobiography of a Yogi" and I shall forever be indebted to him for recommending this to me as it completely changed my life, and since that time I have thought of George only in the most appreciative way.

We all were dying to meet Pattie, and Josette asked him outright, "Could we see Pattie Boyd?"  At the time her English translations and accent were delightfully full of mistakes.  "Pattie Boyd...Pattie Boyd..Pattie BOYD."  George raised his eyebrow and smiled repeating Pattie's maiden name.  "Well, we'll see if Pattie BOYD will come out.  Just a minute."  He left us and went into the house.  After about three or four minutes he returned grinning, and behind him, about four feet was Pattie with long flowering blonde hair and a bright orange dress (a mini) with a gold buckle and also bare feet.  She signed autographs smiling all the while.  She was so very nice and shy as well.  We told her we had seen one of her commercials recently for "Dop" shampoo, where she was washing her hair under a car-wash.   Her orange mini was also featured.  She seemed very pleased, and when we asked her where she had gotten her dress she said, 'India."

All in all, we had talked to Geroge alone for about 20 minutes, and I forgot time after Pattie and he were there together.  It all seemed too beautiful and happy to leave.  I could kick myself for not having enough film to at least have snapped them together.  I told  George this and said kiddingly, "You wouldn't happen to have any film around?"  "Just 35mm," he replied and looked sorry.  "Well, that'll do if I can have the camera that goes with it."  He laughed.  He was also laughing then.  I just hope he'll always be happy (he and Pattie) as when I saw them that day.  My love to them both.

Report From London (1968)

Tonight's story comes from the September 1968 issue of  "Father Lennon's Many Children" fan club newsletter.  This newsletter was renamed "Beatles Rule!"  not long after this issue.   

Photo just for reference. 

Report from London
By Sher Miller

I'm writing this column in my hotel room in London.  It's been one of the most hectic and exciting weeks I've ever spent!  This is my tenth day here and so much has happened.   Last Sunday, my second day in London, I went to Paul's house with two friends.  We stood around for about two hours then suddenly a familiar face appeared at the gate.   Mr. McCartney M.B.E. was in a very groovy mood that day.  He came out and chatted with us for about 20 minutes.  I gave him some American Indian peace beads.  He was holding his adorable little Yorkshire puppy named Eddie.  there were about 20 girls around so it wasn't a very personal meeting, but it was the first time I had ever been so close to Paul and actually talked to him.  For the next few days, I saw him frequently, but it was usually when he was in his car.

Just yesterday I had the most beautiful day of my life.  I met George and it was in the right way too, not with 20 other people there.  It was four of us and George and that's pretty groovy.  We went to his house at about 3p this past Sunday, September 1st.   His home is unbelievable.  I have pictures of everything because it was a day that has to be remembered.  My friend Margaret rang his bell and Pattie answered.   I caught my breath for a second because a picture had suddenly come alive to me.  Margaret asked if we could see George.   Pattie said, "Just a minute."   I looked down to put my film cartridge in when George appeared at the door.  We all said, "Hi" (George quite shyly and us quite nervously).  From then on everything was beautiful.  George is the easiest person in the world to talk to.  After we were talking for a while George asked me if I was on holiday.   I said yes, and he asked me if  I was having a good time.  He's so darn nice.   He really took an interest in us.  At one point we all took a picture with him and as I posed with him and he chatted about the inconsistent weather.  Did you ever picture in your wildest dreams that a Beatles would talk casually about the weather, or as George did, start raving about an unusual umbrella?  My see-through umbrella caught his eye and hew as so excited about it that he called Pattie over to see it!  We were all so taken with George.

Earlier in the day, we met Julian Lennon.   We had gone to John's house thinking he might be there.  the gate was open and there were two cars in the garage.   Margaret ran the bell and a woman answered.   With her was a little boy.   As he stepped forward, we all stared.  Then Marg said, "Is that Julian?"  The woman said it was.  Fellow Beatles people, he is the most gorgeous little boy I've ever seen.  He's got a long fringe with big brown eyes.  He's tallish and slim and he wore a striped polo shirt with little red trunks.  We got a picture of him and my friend gave him a chocolate bar.  Just like all children, he had to be prompted to say "thank you."  As we left, we heard him yell, "Mommy!"  Obviously, John gave the home to Cyn instead of selling it.

Next stop was Ringo's.  If you have the impression that Ringo's house is "just down the hill" from John's, forget it!   It's a very long way down and around.  A woman with a baby opened the door.  It was Maureen's mother and Jason.   Jason Starkey is now one year old.   We hadn't seen him since he was born.  He's lovely, blonde and blue eyes, he looks much like Zak. 

Paul was in Morocco until Tuesday getting a tan we were told by his housekeeper, Rosie.

We got tickets to Top of the Pops show tomorrow night starring -- The Beatles!  Mal gave them to us as a gift from Apple. 

By the way, Neil got married on Friday!   Well, I'm already planning a trip for next year!  Cheerio! 

Beatles bits

Every night I just pick up another "Beatles Rule!" Fan club newsletter from the stack and see what fan stories I discover.    Here is what I found tonight in the March 1970 issue. 

Beatle Bits
By Alex Millen

While I was in London I couldn't help but spend most of my time at Apple and Cavendish Avenue.  The first thing I noticed about Apple was that on the basement window was written in felt-tip pen, "Beatles rule!!  December 29, 1969."   So naturally, I would like to know who did this.   It had me guessing ever since!   Outside of Apple were about 20 fans so I joined them.   After a while, through John's office window, we caught a glimpse of him talking on the phone.  Resplendent in his new haircut, he kept smiling at us as Yoko walked around the room apparently looking for something.  But soon they were gone.   We waited for years but they didn't come out.  so, selfishly putting my stomach first, I went to lunch.   When I came back I walked into the Reception Hall and the mess just hit me!  They were redecorating and I couldn't get moving for stepladders, cover sheets, brushes, etc.  When I finally battered my way to the desk and asked if John was in.  "Yeah, but no, you can't see him!"  I asked if I could have some handouts.  "No, they're all locked away because we are redecorating."  Blah Blah Blah! 



So I gave up Apple and decided that our man McCartney deserved a visit.   As I turned into Cavendish Avenue I was pleasantly surprised to see about 25 fans (January 31) sat on the wall opposite his house.  I recognized some girls who were at Apple and we stood around talking.  I  hadn't been there five minutes when one of the windows at Number 7 shot open and who else but Mrs. Paul McCartney appeared and shouted, no, screamed..."Go away won't you?  He's my Paul now, not your Paul.  Go away!"  We all stood around in amazement, then a few less lady-like ones in the bunch gave few comments, not unlike those heard last summer.   But our patience was rewarded, for about an hour later, the curtains parted and Paul peered through the window, smiled, waved and disappeared.   There wasn't even time to lift camera to eye but it satisfied most of the girls.   I later read in the musical papers it was around that time Paul was working on some new songs.   Apple released a statement in February that Paul is to issue a solo LP of his own compositions in mid-March or early April.     It will be shortly after the release of the Get Back album in Britain. 

The two sides of George Harrison

I am pretty sure that I have shared these stories before, but I never realized that they happened on the exact same day.   I figured I would share them as I found them in the August 1969 issue of the "Beatles Rule" fan club newsletter.  This story takes place on Sunday, August 3, 1969 

Geroge  at 4pm at Kinfauns by Sue B.


One of our German friends was sitting outside.  He said the chauffeur told him, George wouldn't but up until 4, so I went and talked to Terry Doran.   Then a girl and her brother drove up with something to give George.  Terry brought it in.   A few minutes later George came out, said "hello" to the girl, then he looked at me, smiled and said, "and what are you doing here?"  I said, "Oh, I'm just lurking about."  Then the  German came running up with a camera and autograph book.  George talked to him in German.  I asked him if I could take a picture, he said "sure."  I asked if he had been recording by himself on Friday night.  He said he was re-mixing tapes for their new album.   He said, "Make sure you tell all your friends about it."  I asked if Pattie was home and he said she was in Paris modeling for the fall collection (however she was in the car with George later that evening). 

I was so hot and thirsty that I asked him for a glass of water.  He said, "Sure, come on in."  We walked up the lawn and I  asked who painted the outside of the house.  He said he and a friend did it.  He went over to the refrigerator and asked me what I wanted:  apple cider, orange juice, milk, water, etc.  I really didn't expect all that so I said I'll take anything as long as it is wet.   So he took out a can of orange soda.  I thought he would have an electric can opener,  but instead, he took off the whole top of the can with a regular one.  Why not punch a hole in it?  It was really funny.  There he is struggling with this can and I'm just standing there next to him like I'd known him for years.  He poured the soda into one of the tallest glasses I've ever seen.  I never drank so much in my life!   You know, I thought I'd be scared silly, but I felt perfectly natural in there.  I couldn't believe he was so human and nice and natural.



George at 7pm at Kinfauns by Barb F.

It was about 7:00 in the evening when we arrived at George's house.  We talked to Terry Doran, who seemed to be minding the house while George was out.  We started to leave but decided to go back up to the door and ask Terry if we could stay and wait for George to come home.  Just as we were going up the driveway, we heard George's car coming up from behind us.  So I stopped, and so did George.  I wasn't quite prepared for what happened, I mean I didn't expect him to do a song and dance because we were coming up his driveway but to yell at us right off the bat was a little uncalled for.  Anyway, I was quite upset.

Random stories

More stories from the November/December 1969 issue of "Beatles Rule" fan club newsletter.   These are short, so I am going to put them all in one post. 


I met Paul!
By Rita

Photo from March 1969

I met Paul 10 times!!  I can hardly believe it myself.  He was here in March with Linda and Heather.  We found out and went down to Linda's apartment on March 18 (1969).  After waiting for eight hours we MET him!!  I was able to kiss him.  After that, we went home.  The next morning he left for the Bahamas for a brief honeymoon.  They returned the following week.  And once again we went down to the apartment on Lexington Avenue.  But this time, we decided we weren't leaving -- not until he did!  So we stayed for three days!  It was well worth it.  I got his autograph on my favorite picture of him.  You'll never guess which one.  The Fool on the Hill picture I got from Beatles Rule!  I have it framed.  It's so beautiful.   On Sunday, March 30, he came home at midnight -- drunk!   Linda had to hold him up!  It was a riot!  He was singing "Hey Jude" all off-key and staggering all over.  all the time he was friendly to us.  And when he left on Monday the 31st, it was so sad.  He said he loves us all.  We cried so much. 



More Memories
By Jamie

Seven weeks in England makes one realize a number of things:  It's too easy to get in the habit of seeing The Beatles every day and too hard to face reality when the dream ends.

I can't linger on the thought for long because it blows my mind.  Remember all the hours of waiting, waiting...just to spend the minute or two in his presence.  Paul.  But each few minutes strengthens the realisation that all the waiting is worth the freezing hands, numb feet, silent tears, cop dodging, and other miserable circumstance.  worth so much more dear friends.

I can't give all the details of my trip, but I will try to choose a couple of incidents that will be of interest to you.

One day precious Paul, wife Linda and dog Martha came out for a walk.  Paul was in a good mood, smiled and said hello.  then a girl named Pat and I followed them (we were on the opposite side of the street) for about three blocks.  At a busy intersection Martha was determined that she was gonna run out into the traffic, so Paul put his legs on either side of her, held onto the collar, and nearly sat on her!  It was ever so sweet.

Another day Paul and Linda got home after being out in their green mini.  Someone had thrown a girl's purse into Paul's yard and she told him about it as he got out to open the gate.  After getting the facts straight (who threw it?  "Where did he throw it?") He went in and we could hear him kicking around in the leaves.  "No--can't find anything here..." he finally shouted from the other side of the wall.

I saw all four, by the way.  Also Yoko, Maureen, Zak, Jason, Pattie, Heather, Mr & Mrs. Graves (Ringo's mom and stepdad), Neil and Mal, Freda Kelly, Krishna Temple, Mary Hopkin, Jackie Lomax, and many others.

Well--with that I'll leave you.  sorry that I'm so Paul biased.  Take that back--I'm not sorry at all!  He's a beautiful man.

Looking Back

I am digging through these "Beatles Rule" fan club newsletter and finding some great stories.   The print on these newsletters is often smeared and hard to read, so I feel like by putting them on MTBFR, I am breathing new life into these stories.

This story was written by Mary Ann L. and is from the November/December 1969 issue.  

Not sure if these photos go directly with the story, but they are from the same time-period

On the night of March 27th (1969) we got to meet Paul as he was returning from his in-laws.  There were only a few of us there as he and Linda came back to her apartment.    Paul was wearing his long midi coat and Linda, her perpetual trench coat.  Paul was a bit tipsy and red-eyed.  My girlfriend, Carol, handed Paul some pictures of Mary Hopkin.  He looked at them and handed them back to her, but Carol wanted him to keep them.  Paul said, "what do you want from me...a sacrilege?"  Carol said "yes" and Paul started laughing and going "o.k., o.k., I'll give you a sacrilege."  With that, he stuck the pixs in his pocket.  Linda started complaining about the flashes, although there weren't that many, but Linda got annoyed.  She started saying, "No more, no more,"  and told Paul to make us stop.   Paul took her arm and placed it around his stomach and Linda had her head buried in his shoulder.   We started patting her and telling her not to worry -- everything was o.k.   Standing there and seeing a thing like that really made your heart break.  while Paul was talking with someone Carold said to Linda (low so that Paul wouldn't hear), "Thank you so much for making him happy."  But Paul heard it and turned and let out a bit, "ahh!"  After they got into the elevator, Paul turned and waved to us all.


On March 28 (Friday) there were only a few of us there again.  Linda came out about 10 o'clock by herself.  She had on her trench coat, a lavender blouse, a blue sweater, a red skirt and camel knee-socks.  while we were talking to her, we asked her what it was like being married to Paul.   She said that now that's she's married she has to do the dirty-work like going to the store and calling the dentist (Laster she went across the street to a phone booth, where she probably called him).  She showed us her ring.  It's a plain gold band -- and a couple sizes too big.  Carol said she better watch it, or she will lose it.  Linda said if she lost it she could get another one.   She was looking at some of our pictures of Paul, and when she came to the ones of Paul and John in New York in May 1968, she remarked that she was there then and she did the same when she saw the ones of Paul in L.A. in June of 1968.  She told us the fans in London were absolutely impossible.  Carol and I asked her about a crystal vase we had brought as a wedding gift for them and had left with Linda's mother.  She said they had gotten it and it was upstairs and they liked it and thanks.   Then she left. 



Awhile afterward the doorman came out to tell us that Paul and Heather were upstairs watching T.V.  Paul had Heather on his lap and had his shoes off and feet up.   Awhile later as we looked up we saw Paul and Heather hanging out the window.  About half hour after Linda came back all three of them came out.  Paul looked beautiful wearing a dark suit and a brownish shirt.   We have him a bottle of wine, an Easter basket for Heather.  Paul went back to ask the doorman to watch them.  Linda was holding a turtle tank with two of Heather's turtles in it.  Heather told us (in her new London accent) that she had to give them away because she was moving to London.  Paul stood beside her the whole time.  Alfie (who loves George) kept asking Paul how he was (after being busted), and Paul kept saying he would be all right, but he didn't know anything else because he hadn't been in London for a while.  then he said that all he did know was about Eisenhower dying (He had died a little while before).  With that, they went up the block to get a cab.  Paul held Heather's hand and skipped to the corner with her.

March 31st (Monday) Paul, Linda and Heather came out about nine to leave for the airport.  Linda seemed to be in a good mood.  She was probably glad to be leaving.  We had our own marathon race chasing their limo to the airport but lost it after a while.  We went straight to BOAC when we got there -- but no Paul.  After looking around for a while I went to the TWA building by myself.  The first thing I saw when I walked in the door was that man in his long coat.  I died.   I was petrified by myself and wanted to turn back and get the others, but I'd probably miss him by that time.  No one in the building realized who it was and no one bothered him.  Paul was in a great mood, whistling and humming all the time.  A small TWA bus came up to them to drive them to the plane.  As they were getting in it I asked Paul if he would mind if I took a pic.  SHe said, "Sure!  Take a picture of us on the TWA bus."  So I did and I thanked him, then I got up all my courage and asked Paul if I could kiss him goodbye.   he said, "Yes, please."  Die.   I really started to shake and Paul told me to stop shaking!  Paul, Linda, and Heather all waved as they left.

Places I remember...In my life

This story was written by "Becki" for the November-December 1969 issue of 'Beatles Rule!" fan club newsletter.


There are places I remember --- In my Life
Written by Becki
July 21 and 22, 1969


There are at least six Cavendish Avenues, roads, streets, and squares in London.  and I've been to them all.  I finally went up to a lovely meter maid and said, "Where can I find Paul McCartney, please?"  Well, not in so many words.   Anyway, I'm off.  I took a taxi to St. John's Wood, using my own map to help the cabby find Number 7.   Paul must have been expecting me because the gates of McCartney's was standing open.   (Actually, there were workmen there trying to refinish his wall posts.  they were usually covered with cute little obscenities about Paul and Linda). 

I sat down on the curb and decided to sit there until the end of time if I had to.  The two workmen were very nice.  I even offered to help them scrub the wall, and I got a brush and went to work.  Then, a taxi drove up and stopped in front of the house.  I looked inside and recognized Mike.  "You're Mike McGear!" (he must have been excited by me yelling in his ear).  "Yes, that's right," he said.  "You're Paul's brother!"   "Yes."  "Can I take your pictures?!?!"  "Yes, but you better hurry.  I've got to get out before Linda gets back."     I finally got his picture then he went in and left the front door open.  One of the workmen said it would be a miracle if the picture turned out the way I was shaking.  I was still a little nervous when the big dumb-dumb Martha sticks her nose out the door and decides to investigate me.  I was standing outside the gate and she came straight to me.  The Rosie (Paul's latest housekeeper) came out screaming, 'Martha!  Martha!"  The workmen brought her back.  A few minutes later Mike came out and was headed towards EMI.  I took another picture of him as he said "Goodbye luv." 

I waited another half hour, then a blue mini drove up.   Peter Brown got out and helped Linda out of the back seat.  Then Peter left and Linda came walking up screaming, "Either go down to EMI or Apple and don't hang around the house anymore!!!"  I was standing there with my mouth open.  "Can I take your picture?"  "No!  Blah blah blah blah" (all the way to the house).  But I took one anyway.  The young workman remarked, "What a crab."  Anyway, he was beginning to put the first coat of cement on the posts.  He told me to engrave my name into the wet cement and my name would remain forever on Paul's wall.  I got BEC, then quick, Linda was coming out screaming at a poor guy who had brought the laundry in.  so, I told her straight, I'd come all the way from the States just to see Paul and her and that ain't easy when you are 16 years old and poor.   I just wanted to give Paul some paintings.  Linda wanted to see them and when she looked at them, she said they were great.   I had my scrapbook of their wedding and all my pics of them.  We looked at it together and every time she turned a page she'd say it was really nice and she'd like to have it.   She was holding one of the kittens and I was petting it.  We talked about the situation with all the kids.  I told her I understood how it must be hard to face some of them every day.  Anyway, she told me to go to EMI every day if I wanted to see Paul because they were recording there.  I said I'd do a sketch of her and give it to her next time I saw her.  I asked her to sign my scrapbook and she was shocked.  I think I was one of the only kids to show her any kindness that summer.  She told me I should write to her too, at least try.   Then she showed me how to get to EMI from there.

I was all excited about talking with her, but everyone at EMI just shrugged and said, "Oh her."  Fern and Mar were nice to me though.   I think they understood I was just a stupid kid all engrossed with the idea of meeting Paul's wife.  I don't' know...Linda may not always be the greatest in the world, but I'll stick up for her.  I can dig her.  But to get back, I had just missed Paul and I was heartbroken.  Mar told me not to worry.  Paul would be back tomorrow.   And so he was....

Thanks to Linda, I had found out The Beatles were recording at EMI.  So the next day (July 22), I set out to complete my dream.  I bought Paul six red carnations and I had some incense for John and Yoko.   I took a taxi to Paul's house and walked to EMI from there.  There was no one outside the gate because it was very early.  It was about 11:30 a.m.  So I walked down Abbey Road until I came to a small pub.  I went in and had some Coco-cola.  I had my camera equipment, my scrapbooks and everything else.  I was so nervous, I kept dropping things all over.  After I attempted to gulp down my Coke, I went back to EMI.  There were two boys standing outside the gates and one was inside talking to an official.  I went up to the sweetest looking on (named Alex) and told him I thought we all must be here for the same reason, to see The Beatles.  The other two boys were named Pat and Ian.  So were waited.  Fern and Mar came and I was glad to see familiar faces.  I have never been so nervous in my life.  I can't remember the exact time because I didn't look at my watch, but I saw it.  The green mini was about half a block away!!  I saw Paul and Mike.  It was like one big mass of people running inside the gates just to get a glimpse of Paul.  Paul got out of the car and I ran up to him just as he got out.  I was so nervous.  It's like experience a moving shock if that makes any sense.  I thrust the flowers and incense into his chest.  He looked at me with his "Hey Jude" eyes for what seemed a century (actual time was a few seconds) and said, "Thank you."  Well, Christ you know it ain't easy!  I slowly melted into the ground as if he had just told me he loved me.  Before I knew it, he was walking away.  So me, like a dummy, thought 'you better get a picture.  This is your only chance."So I took one and got three-fourths of his back.  I followed, walking next to him all the way up to the top of the steps and down the hallway after him.  But Fat Malcolm Evans (and I use that term lightly), grabbed me.  So I stood there desperately pushing, beating and tearing to pieces Good Ol' Mal.   All this time Paul was walking down the hall, very nonchalantly reading and clutching my carnations.  He came to the middle of the hallway, stopped, made a quick pivot around and came back!  Here I am standing there and Paul McCartney is walking straight towards me.  I stopped struggling with Mal but he kept a good grip on me.  Paul was standing in front of us talking to Mal. I was so turned on I don't even know what they were talking about.  I glared at him with loving eyes and while he was talking he'd glance at me every so often.  He was so beautiful.  I couldn't say a word the whole time.  I found enough strength to lift my arm for another picture.  Before he left, he held the flowers up in the air to show me he still had them, turned around and was gone.  Big Mal helped me down the steps and when I got to Alex I practically tore him to pieces in all my ecstasy.  Paul Mccartney:  I wish you love. I hope someday you will forgive us for just being fans.  You are what you eat. 

Paul at Cavendish 1967

Story was written by Tia Cash for the "Beatles Rule" fan club newsletter January 1971

 

Jane and Paul had been and were living together in St. Johns Wood the entire time I was in London.  She was on a sort of vacation until the Fall.  She had been back from her tour of the States for only a short time when I arrived.  She had been away some five months.  A long time.  According to the Biography she admitted that things were quite different.  Paul had discovered LSD and there were strange people going in and out of the house constantly.  I personally never saw that many strange people though I admit I wasn't around every day.   The only weird incident was the one night John came rather drunk.  Another was when "Mama Asher" (as Jane's mother was called), nearly drove down Paul's gave with her Mini Cooper.  She was quite a terror.

Paul's house as a regular United Nations Social Center and the people standing around the front gate would pass the time rescuing Jesus the kitten who always scampered under the gate.  Thisby had three kittens altogether--Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.  Then there was dear Martha.  Somehow I think Paul was using Martha as a child substitute and I wrote that in a letter home even before Francie S. ever came to the same conclusion.

Paul's house was homey.  In the front was the old garage with a battered shell of a car containing no engine.  The Astin Martin was always parked nearby, and then there was the famous lamp-post.  As one enters there is a beautiful spiral stairway done in white and hold.  The kitchen is down t the left (Paul has a beautiful silver tea set and at parties, he carried it himself into the main room.)  The door key was then left under the window ledge, but that had to be stopped as several people broke in to steal things (yes, it was even happening then!)

Downstairs alone he had at least five television sets.  Most not working properly.  things were rarely neat in that house as there were so many items to sort through.   The Fool had also done some work for Paul:  one of his guitars, a small mural of a forest, rainbow, and birds painted on one wall and even then there was a photo painting of a green apple hung up, across it were words in Dutch.  Also, don't think that George is the only one of the four to own a sitar. Paul had one too.

Upstairs looking at the house from the outside; the first window starting from the left on the second floor in the bathroom and the next two are Paul's bedroom.  Inside the room beneath these two windows was a large, long dresser of beautiful pine wood.  The bed then was king sized with a royal blue spread.  The rug was dark blue wall tow all and the closet was gigantic.



Going back into the hallway and past the Mahogany rail, you find the guest room.  Smaller than the other, and at the time it was done in purple and black.  The two bathrooms:  one in blue and white and the other in a deep red and white had sunken bath and shower.

The room at the top was a workroom and a recreation room, at the time, there was a piano in it, and Brian had casual meetings there.  I think it's a nursery now for Mary.  The backyard was small compared to the other Beatle homes, with a patio (it was then only slightly overrun with weeds) and the Alice in Wonderland statues were a present from Michael, who I met only once.  He had just quit a job for some studio and was occupying himself with a pack of Tarot cards.  He's quite funny and I like the Scaffold records a lot.  I think they deserve much more airspace.

In August during the building of the famous Dome in Paul's backyard, he said that the original concept was that it be a place where no words were to be spoken; a place to be a peace.   It didn't really work out exactly like that, unfortunately.  He left to visit Liverpool for two weeks, and to get away from the noise of the builders.  Afterward, he mentioned that he had hit 140 mph going up.

Paul is beautiful. His eyes are truly the windows to his soul.  The most diplomatic and charming person I've ever met.  It's easy for him to cover his true feelings.  Still, if you look well you can see the truth in his eyes.  I could listen to him talk for hours and does he ever love to talk!  The thing about him is that he's truly interested in finding out at least a little about everything and everyone.  He adapts to things quickly, and you can't help but constantly smile when he's around, even feeling the butterflies in your stomach.  The first time he ever really looked at me, he really looked at me!  He was walking and in mid-stride must have noticed from the corner of his eye, me standing there like I was almost suspended in animation.  He didn't look at anyone else though there were five or six of the English girls behind and around him, and previously it seemed he had been thinking about someone quite seriously.  He was alone. He took me in with one long glance, and I'll remember the sensation I felt then all my life.  It was like every cell in my body was being charged with electricity.  Then his eyes fixed o mine and locked there for what seemed like an eternity of vibrations thought it could have been seconds.  Then I smiled because I felt my head would burst and he smiled.  I still have the feeling that for that instant in time he was reading my mind.  I must have turned at least slightly pink although Judy said I actually turned a shade paler.

The saddest I ever saw him was the night he drove back home with Jane and a friend from Bangor, Wales after Brian had been found dead.  Both Paul and Jane's eyes were red from crying.  I do believe that he and Paul were close.

After India and Jane, he went through some very trying times and several girls.  The three noteworthy ones were Peggy Lipton (who had met in '64), Francie Schwartz and Linda Eastman See (now McCartney).  I have never met Linda personally although I have written to her and received a very appreciated and nice letter sent as thanks from Paul through Freda in Liverpool.  I can only say that I know Paul loves his whole family very much, no matter what some people may say or what had gone before.