LOOKING BACK: New book highlights Wirral's many links to The Beatles

Mike Haskins, who lives in Moreton, has produced the illustrated guide which reveals why Liverpool and its surroundings was crucial to their musical success.

Following in their footsteps around the city, the book explores the places that influenced The Beatles’ musical direction and eventual stardom, including many in Wirral.

Mike Haskins (Image: Mike Haskins)

“Wirral is very important in Beatles history,” said Mike, who has published over 50 books, including the bestselling joke book, Man Walks Into A Bar.

“I remember years ago, I was walking with a friend in Barnston and he pointed across the fields at this tiny building that was the Barnston Women’s Institute and he said ‘The Beatles played there.’

“It was just this tiny place and it gave me the idea of taking pictures of all these weird places that The Beatles played - sadly lots of them are now Tesco Metros or a branch of Pets At Home!”

Mike, who has worked as a comedy scriptwriter for many years, also points out that Paul McCartney even lived in Wallasey for a short time as a young boy when his family moved to 92 Broadway Avenue. He later moved his father to a house he bought in Heswall, affectionately known as Rembrandt, situated in Baskervyle Road.

Batsford Book (Image: Batsford Book)

“There’s so many places, from the obvious ones like St Peter’s Church in Woolton where Paul and John met and Eleanor Rigby’s grave, to places like the dairy in Wavertree which was owned by John’s uncle,” added Mike.

“The one I really like in Wirral is Bella Pizza in Wallasey Village - it’s the site of a famous photograph of the band as it used to be Albert Marrion’s studio. It was one of the first things Brian Epstein organised for them in December 1961.”

n The Beatles’ Liverpool by Mike Haskins is out now, published by Pitkin. Mike will be signing copies at the Floral Pavilion’s book fair on Saturday, September 10 from 11am to 4pm.