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The late Beatles legend John Lennon and John Christopher Morris (late father of Christina Kelly who works a Financial Controller at Hard Days Night Hotel), were school mates at Liverpool’s Quarry Bank High School For Boys. (May 1957). Can you spot them? Circled on the left is the young John Lennon while John Morris is on the right.
‘My Father
Went To
School
With
John Lennon’

Father’s Day was celebrated around the world last month; some more poignantly than others. 

Financial Controller of Hard Days Night Hotel, Ms Christina Kelly lost her father, John Christopher Morris three years ago. But remembers him fondly with a cute anecdote of how he used to go school with the late Beatles legend, John Lennon. This is her story.

My dad went to school with John Lennon, and they hated one another with a passion.   

My father said John Lennon used to tease him by imitating The Goons Show (a BBC radio programme, 1951-1960). He also drew caricatures of my dad that emphasises his large size with a distinctive wart on his nose!  These drawings were discovered about 25-30 years ago and are being displayed at the Beatles Museum.


Here is a close-up of John Lennon (left) and John Morris (right) from the year book.

That’s just one of the many stories that my dad used to tell me about his school days.  

Then I started working here at Hard Days Night Hotel in April this year, and by chance went down to the basement to the Maintenance Office to speak with the Buildings and Facilities Manager Steven Horsfield.

While talking to Steven, I spotted a large year school photo of Quarry Bank High School for Boys in Calderstones, Liverpool from 1957.  Immediately my eyes were drawn to the centre of the picture to my dad.  He had not changed a bit from a teenager through to adult.   

So I mentioned to Steven that my dad knew and went to school with John Lennon.

I lost my dad at the age of 72 over three years ago, so it was a very sad time for me. I wasn't sure what he would have thought of me working in a hotel themed around the Beatles and particularly John Lennon, but finding that picture of him was a sign that he was happy with my career move.

But it doesn’t end here. One day, Steven surprised me with the news that the photo (with the support and permission of General Manager Stephen Fearnley) has been moved to my Accounts office, and placed above my desk. This way, my dad will be with every day while I work.

It was such a thoughtful and heartfelt thing to do. I’m grateful to both Steven and Stephen for allowing the picture to be moved where I can be closer to my dad, and will always be treasured.


Here is Christine Kelly, taken three years ago with her dad before he died at age 72, and her grandmother Ethel Morris.
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