29/11/2006 - BEATLES MEMORABILIA GETS BACK TO WHERE IT ONCE BELONGED,  THANKS TO NOTTS HOTEL’S NEW OWNERS

THE new owners of one of Nottinghamshire’s best-known hotels, graced by The Beatles at the height of their fame, have stepped in to bring back much sought-after memorabilia of the Fab Four to its rightful home, it was revealed today (Thursday November 29).

More than four decades since Paul, John, Ringo and George stopped off for dinner and signed a menu card for one star-struck waitress, the Clumber Park Hotel won the bidding at an auction of prized rock and roll collectibles in London.

“As soon as we learned that the autographed menu was coming under the hammer, we were determined to make every effort to return it to its original home,” said new co-owner of the three-star, 48-bedroom hotel, Derek Macdonald.

“We are thrilled to have been successful, as there were many Beatles collectors bidding against us.  There were a lot of nerves and it was a long day – you could have described it as A Hard Day’s Night – but we are delighted with the result.

“The building has had a fascinating life and, through its magnificent location, has played host many famous guests - but none so iconic as The Beatles.

“Although four decades have passed since their visit, it is still a big talking point among our guests – and a big part of our history. The building has many stories to tell but this is by far the most interesting.”

The hotel is to put the prized possession on show so guests can see the piece of history for themselves.  It is set to be unveiled on Friday (December 1) – 43 years to the day since the group made their famous visit.

Other events are being planned to commemorate the homecoming of the menu card, including a Beatles’ night hosted in the hotel’s Tavern Bar which, with a quick sign-writing change, will become the Cavern Bar for the evening.

And the hotel is keen to track down the young waitress who served The Beatles their dinner back on that cold December Sunday in 1963, so she can join in the unveiling of the menu – and give an insight into what it was like coming face-to-face with the most famous music band in history.

The Beatles stopped at the former Normanton Inn – now known as the Clumber Park Hotel – while travelling from Sunderland to a gig in Leicester, on the UK leg of their three-year world tour.