09 - December - 2015
INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... NEWS
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JINGLES
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GIVE PEACE A CHANCE Shoebox donations for homeless
Christmas Jumper Day for Macmillan
Paralympic swimmer aims for Rio
Vigil to mark death of Lennon and to remember message By BETH HUGHES and EMILY CURREN
(Above) MOURNING: Fans gather to pay respects (Left) APPRECIATION: Beatles Appreciation Society members (Top right) STATUE: The new John Lennon Statue Pics © Beth Hughes and Emily Curren
A vigil to commemorate the day of John Lennon’s death, thirty-five years ago, was held yesterday by the Beatles Appreciation Society. Fans of the late superstar gathered at the Cavern Walks Shopping Centre to pay respects to Lennon with prayers for peace and the famous statue was decorated with cards and tributes. 130 candles were also lit to remember the victims of the recent Paris attacks. John James Chambers, founding President of the Beatles Appreciation Society International spoke about how Lennon’s message of peace is still paramount today. “We decided to light 130 candles to represent all the poor people that died. Our hearts go out to them. I believe if John would have lived he would have been a big peace activist. In John’s absence we send a message of love and peace all around
the world.” The scouse superstar was shot in New York City on December 8 outside his home. An American man named Mark Chapman shot him four times in the back and left shoulder. Two police officers called to the scene, rushed Lennon to the hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival. Mr Chambers spoke of the grief-stricken atmosphere around the city during that time: “It was like you had lost a brother or a member of your family. People could not take it and couldn’t understand why it happened. It was one terrible black day.” After thirty five years his messages still resonate with his fans that wish to keep his memory alive. Beatles tribute band, Made in Liverpool, who regularly play in the City, always sing John Lennon’s hit ‘Imagine’ in tribute to the late star. Richie Wynne, a member of the band reminisced about how
he felt after learning of Lennon’s death, 35 years ago: “I have loved the Beatles and their music all my life. “When I heard the news of John’s death it seemed like my world stood still, like a good friend had died. It ended all possibility of a Beatles reunion.” However he is determined to keep the magic of the Beatles’ music alive by being a member of the ‘Made in Liverpool’ tribute band. “The Beatles and John Lennon’s music is very important to us. They are the biggest influence on popular music and their iconic influence on society is immeasurable. John, Paul and George are to us, the greatest song writers in history.” John Lennon and the Beatles are still such a huge part of Liverpool. This week a statue of the four was unveiled at the Pier Head and sculptor Andy Edwards said he hoped his statue would become “a place of ritual” for people to come together.