After Tony had told me the previous night of the unvieling of Johns' statue at the Airport, I called Nee and told her I was driving up.
After calling the organiser of the event, and arranging my Press Pass, I drove to the Airport.
Having parked in the designated area, I took my equipment with me and signed in, got my Press Pack, and saw the exhibition of Johns' work in the Airport concourse. I asked if Johnatan Poole was around, and was pleased to meet him again, and was touched that he remembered the interview he gave to me well over 1 year ago. Johnathan introduced me to a lady who works for Yoko at 'BAG ONE' and we discussed various things, including the little known fact that Yoko answers every letter she receives. We also discussed the posting of pics on the internet, and I agreed not to post any of Yoko without permission.
Making my exit, I got up the stairs and arrived in time to set up my camcorder between the BBC on my left, and Granada TV on my right. Before us was the statue, draped in a large white sheet. I managed to grab a cuppa and some pastries and passed the time chatting to the film crews.
The still photographers were in front of us and I WAS worried that my view would be obscured, but all was well.
The lift doors eventually opened and, on time, out stepped Yoko escorted by Cherie Blair, wife of our Prime Minister.
As an Airport official gave a lengthy speech, I concentrated of recording Yoko, and eventually she and Mrs. Blair pulled the sheet to expose the 7 foot high cast bronze statue of John...to a tremendous applause.
Cherie Blair then gave a speech, and everyone was posing for the cameras.
Children from Dovedale School were brought on, and posed with the special guests, then Yoko gave a small speech.
As Yoko was giving a brief interview, I got a little closer to her, and was able to call her over and give her one of my cards.
I thanked her for sending me a Christmas card after I wrote to her, and she gave me a smile...I THINK she said 'thank you'...but it was noisy.
After the guests had gone, I packed up and made my way the the reception, where a splendid buffet was available...with Champagne!
I was chatting to the Head Mistress of Dovedale School, when Nee called and told me that she, Stan and Sandra would be in the 'LIVERPOOL' pub.
After taking a few more pics of the sculptor of the statue,
I made my way to the others, running from the car park to the pub (too much exercise!).
Bursting in...Sandra gave me a great 'welcome' hug, and then Stan and Nee did too...great friends all!
I eventually got my camcorder working and was able to show Stan and Sandra some of what I recorded before they had to depart.
I walked Nee back to work, and decided to accept her invitation to join her and her friends later for drinks and a meal.
I walked around Liverpool, arranging deals for you all in August (more later) and I met some Americans, and some French girls, all of whom were Beatle fans. (more later)!
Eventually I met Nee from work, and with her friends we piled into my car and parked again close to 'THE GRAPES'.
Eventually there were 8 of us drinking and talking, laughing and having a great time...despite my bath in Guiness!!!!
A quartet of Hungarians came in, playing Beatle songs on guitars, Chest accordian and tambourine. Good fun.
Then off to an Italian restaurant, for some good grub and more laughs...I wish I'd had my camera, but had left it in the car.
At about 9.30, and despite Nee's kind offer, I decided it was time to drive home and arrived a little after 11 pm, to find I had a guest for the night.
After briefly chatting to Dawn, Uli and Mike, I crashed out.
Please return to this, as there ARE pics I'll be posting...and I'm SURE to have added some script too!
MANY THANKS 
to Nee, and the gang for helping to make a special day even better...
