Magical reminder of when Beatles shot film in town
It has been half a century since the Fab Four rolled into West Malling on their psychedelic Magical Mystery Tour.
And this week the former airfield was once again the centre of Beatlemania when another bus pulled up, this time full of 30 super fans.
They had taken the long and winding road from Germany to Kings Hill, a journey of more than 450 miles, to visit the set of the famous film on its 50th anniversary.
The commemorative tour was led by Simon Mitchell, who appeared in the film when he was seven, before his family moved abroad in 1977.
The 57-year-old, who now lives in Hanover, claims to have one of the largest collections of Beatles’ memorabilia in the world including a fully liveried Magical Mystery Tour coach, which he believes is the original used in the film.
Sadly it was not in good enough condition to make the journey, as originally planned.
‘I was in the film as an extra, as were so many of the local people’
Mr Mitchell said: “It is the first time I have been back to West Malling since I was a child, so it was even more emotional for me.
“It has changed so much. I have spent 30 years collecting all I can, listening to their music constantly, following tribute bands around Germany.
“I have probably spent the equivalent of a house or two on it.”
As well as visiting the filming locations, the tour group heard from residents swept up in the production.
Among those to share their experiences was 70-year-old Tim Baldock, who sold Ringo Starr a pair of wide-leg trousers and a round-collared shirt from his shop, Baldocks, in West Malling High Street.
He said: “I was in the film as an extra, as were so many local people.
“One thing I remember is that we thought we would never be seen in the crowd so every third step me and my friends would jump.
“In the film you could just see these three heads appear above the rest.
“John [Lennon], when he was selling tickets, was wearing a hat which he nicked off one of the old boys from the town, which was originally from my shop.
“I think it sold for £3,500 at auction recently. We had a good time that summer.” We supply dozens of local traders - Call 01634 843148