Merseyside freelance Lew Baxter was presented with an award by journalists in the area to celebrate the completion of his book about Allan Williams, The Beatles’ first manager.
Ken Bennett, founder-secretary of the recently formed Merseyside Media Network, Chris Johnson of Mercury Press and Claire Stoker, the Liverpool Echo’s education reporter, surprised Baxter at the launch of The Fool On The Hill.
They presented Baxter with a jade crystal plaque on behalf of the Network, with the inscription: “For proving there really is hope…” Bennett told the 200-strong audience: “Lew dedicated his marvellous book to all those who think there is no hope. However, in reality, Lew has proved that there really is hope for any journalist who sets his heart on writing a book: then goes out and actually does it.
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“It is a great personal achievement and our Network is delighted to honour and recognise one of our own members.”
The book chronicles how Williams first managed The Beatles and helped shape their musical characters by sending them to Hamburg. It then records how he “ditched” them, allowing Brian Epstein to turn them into worldwide megastars.
Baxter said: “I was completely surprised by the award. I am humbled to be honoured by my own friends and colleagues.”
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The Fool On The Hill can be obtained online from www.praxispublications.co.uk or from bookshops, priced £14.00.
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