Paperback writer uncovers local link in Beatles novel research
Who remembers the Beatles?
Okay, let’s be more specific. Who remembers going to see the Beatles in Brighton in July, 1964? Maidstone author and music aficionado Ian Snowball is just about to publish his 20th book, called A Hard Day’s Month.
The novel follows the adventures of two teenage Fab Four fans, Sandra and Cynthia, as they spend a month following the band around Britain in an attempt to get them to sign their Hard Day’s Night LPs.
Mr Snowball, who has written about the Who, the Jam and Dexy’s Midnight Runners among many others, thoroughly researched his topic. Among the intriguing facts he turned up was that a coach-load of fans turned up at the Brighton concert in a bus marked “Yalding Village Hall Beatles Trip”.
He said: “I’d love to hear from anyone who was on that trip. Who knows, perhaps I can use their story in a future book?”
A Hard Day’s Month, published by Newhaven Publishing, will be launched on Friday at the Vinyl Bar in Hanway Street, off Tottenham Court Road, London. ISBN: 978-1-910705-71-1.
The front cover features a 1960s-style picture of Sandra and Cynthia, but don’t be fooled. The photo was taken by Maidstone resident Becki Morgan in the tennis courts at Penenden Heath and features Katie Town, who goes to Maidstone Girls Grammar School and Niamh Francis Smith, a former pupil at Maplesden Noakes School who now volunteers for the PDSA.
If you were on the Yalding coach trip contact Mr Snowball at snowy_442@yahoo.co.uk
If you have any other Beatles stories call reporter Alan Smith on 01622 695666.