ALMOST half a century after The Beatles visited Brisbane, Ringo Starr is about to return to Queensland - and Grandchester residents have extended a special invitation to the megastar.
National Trust volunteers who maintain the historic Grandchester station have invited him to pay a visit, after learning of a local myth that Ringo secretly visited the station in June 1964.
Ringo is a renowned railway enthusiast and legend has it he dropped by Grandchester station - the first station in Queensland - while his bandmates Paul McCartney and George Harrison spent their day off driving sports cars up and down Mt Tamborine.
The Beatles drummer is heading back to Brisbane on February 11 to perform with his All-Star Band and now trust volunteers have emailed the pop icon asking him to visit Grandchester.
"While he is touring Down Under, would he like to visit this beautiful, historic station (either as Ringo or incognito) at any time on any day?" the email reads.
"We would be delighted to host a visit and give him a tour."
Cathy Gillam, from the Grandchester Model Live Steam Train Association, said her Gillam ancestors did not recall the visit.
"Rolly's been here since 1936 and he doesn't remember it," she said.
"If he did visit it must've been very quiet."
Frank Klein, who was the Grandchester station master in the 1960s, said he had heard the rumours.
"It's a popular myth," Mr Klein said. "There was a guy at the last station open day who said it happened but I think part of the confusion was that there was a Laidley porter nicknamed Ringo, so that doesn't help things.
"It would be great if it were true and I hope anyone who does know gets in touch."
A GRAND STARR
- Ringo was the first narrator of Thomas & Friends from 1984-1986.
- The QT reported in July 1964 that George Harrison and Paul McCartney visited Mt Tamborine, but nothing was written of Ringo's plans.
- Grandchester station opened in 1865, making it Queensland's first railway station.
That Hippie Penny Lane
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