Nurse in The Beatles' Penny Lane identified after 40 years A nurse referred to in the lyrics of The Beatles' song Penny Lane has finally been identified after more than 40 years. Since the song was released in 1967 the identity of the "pretty nurse selling poppies from a tray" has remained a mystery. But a schoolfriend of John Lennon's, who has written a book about growing up in Liverpool, claims to have the answer. According to Stan Williams, she is Beth Davidson, who Lennon would have known from childhood. The moment which provided the inspiration came when Miss Davidson was selling poppies on Penny Lane, dressed in a cadet nurse's uniform. Some boys, including Lennon, saw her near Bioletti's barber's shop - also mentioned in the song - and struck up a conversation with her. It is recognised that Paul McCartney wrote most of the Penny Lane lyrics, but Mr Williams, 68, is convinced that Lennon contributed the nurse reference. The song says: "Behi