So there will be a double celebration for Yoko tomorrow. Her son, Sean, has booked the mid-town New York hotspot Mr Chow's for a grand bash with 200 of her chums, including Sean's actress girlfriend Bijou. In March, she is reportedly pop-ping up in Liverpool again to officially open Lennon's old family home Mendips as part of the National Trust's campaign to capitalise on the Beatles' memorabilia and history trail. Yoko bought the house at 251 Men-love Avenue, where Aunt Mimi raised the young Lennon, in the same week in March 2001 that she was in town to rename Liverpool Airport John Lennon International Airport. She then donated the semi-detached to the National Trust. Allan Williams, the man who famously let the Beatles slip though his grasp, was last night generous in his recollections of Yoko. "I thought she was very kind. I only met her twice, the first when I was in New York on a promotions tour around 20 years ago. She invited me to the Dakota apartment but it was all very embarrassing," says Williams. As is Japanese custom, he was asked to remove his shoes but it seems he had a hole in his sock and had to sit through a two-hour chat with Yoko with his big toe peeking at her. "She thought it was very amusing," added Allan, who is hoping to meet up with Yoko when he flies to New York with Pete Best early in March for a rock and roll festival. "I just want to welcome Yoko to the 70 Club," cackled Allan who celebrates his own 73rd birthday on Friday. Last night in New York, former impresario Sid Bernstein, who first put the Beatles on at Shea Stadium in 1965, was also friendly. "I last saw her about six months ago although we are almost neighbours across Central Park. "I saw much more of her when John was alive but I do wish her well," said Sid, who was a pal of Lennon's. Meanwhile, Mike McCartney, Sir Paul's younger brother, speaking from his Wirral home yesterday, asked: "Yoko's 70th birthday? Is it? I haven't seen her for millions of years. "I don't know the lady and you'd have to ask our kid for his own views," he added diplomatically. In her usual fashion, Yoko probably doesn't give it a passing thought as she cuts a dash into her 70th year, continuing to defy her lampooners. No doubt John Lennon - the love of her life - would be extremely proud. | 
