Birkenhead YMCA “Beatles stage” to be auctioned to support Wirral Wilfred Owen museum

Aug 10 2011 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

AN AUCTION of parts of a stage where the Beatles performed in Wirral will help support a new museum dedicated to one of the borough’s most famous residents.

The unique charity auction of pieces of the original stage from the demolished former Birkenhead YMCA, will be signed, authenticated and donated by the present YMCA.

It coincides with the chance to view artist Pete Frame's original legendary Rock Family Trees posters.

The Wilfred Owen Story and Gallery will be presenting the Evolution of the Beatles (1957-70) series, along with all the Merseyside bands that followed in the Fab Four's wake in The Cavern Kids profile.

It is the first time they have been exhibited before in Wirral and signed by Pete Frame himself, as a gesture of appreciation to Wilfred Owen and others that gave their lives for the freedom of culture we all enjoy today.

Dean Johnson, museum founder, said: “Wilfred Owen's old school was a few yards from the YMCA in Whetstone Lane and Wilfred entered his first ever poem in a competition run by the YMCA and it was published, so we have tangible links with them within the town.

“When the old YMCA was demolished they auctioned of pieces of the famous stage that the Beatles had performed on, now only five remain and they have donated them to the Wilfred Owen Story to raise funds for our continuation.”

He added: “It was a very small stage so its very likely that all the Beatles touched – and sweated on – every part of it.”

The auction is on Tuesday, August 16. Doors open at 3pm. Ticket details are at www.wilfredowenstory.com or call 0753 937 1925.