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  Life and times of the Beatles

  20th January 2026

  What a lovely afternoon we spent listening to Paul Lillee giving his fantastic talk on the Beatles, including songs and his amazing artwork (see pictures)

  Here is some of his presentation, he talked about the early years and how the band was formed with a few who joined the original early band the Quarrymen with Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best who left the band before the fab four were settled when Ringo Starr joined after Paul, John and George.

  Paul talked about the early songs and then conquering the USA and the famous concert at Shea stadium, the tour marred slightly with John's comment about being more famous than Jesus which was slightly taken out of context.

  After finishing with touring and live concerts they concentrated on studio work with their manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin (aka the fifth Beatle), one early song showing their progression was Yesterday. George was a little frustrated as most recordings were Lennon-McCartney compositions so George didn't get a look in for quite a while.

  In their final couple of years they had various turmoils with Brian sadly committing suicide (eventually replaced by Alan Klein) and the infighting with Linda Eastman and Yoko Ono over managers and musical direction.

  One of the last songs was the beautiful Hey Jude (originally Hey Julian) written by Paul for John's son with Cynthia

  

  

  

  

  

  

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  Christmas party 2025

  15th December 2025
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Great day at the Dukeries u3a Christmas party @Ollerton Jubilee Hall.. Well done and thank-you to the events team for organising today and The Banjoleers for the wonderful Sing Along entertainment. May we all wish you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

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  Edwinstowe Fair 2025

  27th November 2025
  

  

  The free draw attracted 11 entries. Mike drew the winner this afternoon and the lucky new member is lady called Ivy.  The remaining 10 had showed an interest and will be invited to join so we might get 11 new members.
  

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