I first heard the Beatles' much anticipated first single, Love Me Do, on the day it was released, October 5 1962, on my way home from school in a booth at McKenzies' record shop in Birkenhead. 

Sadly, I was unable to buy a copy, not having the necessary 6/8d (33p in decimal currency). 

So I feel that have have finally redeemed my failure of 61 years ago by buying a copy of their final release from HMV in Winchester on the day it came out last week. 

In addition to the new wistful John Lennon song, the record has Love Me Do on the reverse side. The price was £14.99, 45 times that of 1962. 

But no matter, at least I can now say I was there Now and Then.

Stephen Percy,
Easton,
Winchester

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