Shul's Beatles recording

New London Synagogue in St John's Wood has a special link to The Beatles. It's the only shul where the Fab Four all attended a service - a memorial to their manager, Brian Epstein, in 1967. Now the link has been furthered by New London members making a CD at the legendary nearby Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded the vast majority of their songs.

Rabbi Jeremy Gordon and cantor Jason Green joined 250 members in a guided tour of the studios, including the pianos on which Paul McCartney played in the recording sessions for Hey Jude and Lady Madonna.

The visit ended with the congregants recording their own version of the Lennon and McCartney classic, With A Little Help From My Friends.

"It was the most exciting thing we have ever done," said New London executive director Jo Velleman. "So many people said, 'this is the best fundraising event I have ever been to'." Participants made a contribution to the synagogue building fund and will receive a copy of the CD.

Long-time New London member and "big Beatles fan" Jonathan Silver said the day had exceeded his expectations. "It was a unique opportunity to raise money for charity and do something which all of us who have walked past those [studio] gates have always wanted to do."