PACKINGTON ESTATE LORRY VICTIM JANETTE HASTEAD WAS RINGO ´HOUSEKEEPER

Janette Hastead, former housekeeper for Ringo Starr

THE woman knocked down and killed by a lorry at Angel last month is revealed this week as Ringo Starr’s former housekeeper.
Janette Hastead, 70, whose funeral is being held next Friday, February 22, worked for the former Beatles drummer at his home in Highgate where he lived for four years from 1969-1973.
Ms Hastead, nicknamed “Scotch Jenny” died under the wheels of a lorry in Arlington Square close to her home on the Packington estate in January.
A construction lorry driver was arrested for suspected dangerous driving and police are carrying out an investigation into the accident.
Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Ms Hastead came to London in her early 20s and worked in property management and catering.
Her son Mike said: “Her biggest claim to fame was working for Ringo at Round Hall, in Compton Avenue, for four years until he moved in 1973. As a kid I would get presents from Ringo’s children including toys and teddybears.
“She only got the job in the first place because she said she didn’t like the Beatles. As soon as she told them that they said: ‘Right, you’re hired’.”
Later Ms Hastead and her family moved to America where she became the manager of a large housing complex in Ohio.
She lived in Islington for 33 years and her last job was as a barmaid at the Packington Arms. “She was small but she was tough and feisty.”
Mr Hastead added. “She always looked after people on the estate.”
She leaves four grown-up children and four grandchildren.
• Friends and neigh­bours are welcome to attend the service next Friday for Janette at 1.30pm at St James’s Church, Prebend Street, which will be led by Father John Burniston.
She will be cremated in Manor Park.

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