Strawberry Fields really ARE Forever! ?This is the story of the place behind The Beatles’ hit — and how it’s doing better than ever!
The true story of Strawberry Field then, now, and forever
‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ is one of the Beatles most successful records. Thought to be set in a fictional place, Strawberry Field was actually a Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool. As a boy, John Lennon was their next-door neighbour. Lennon spent most of his childhood jumping the fence to play with the children and attended the annual garden party, where he sold lemonade bottles for a penny. This is the true story of Strawberry Field then, now, and forever.
Where it all began… Strawberry Field has a special place in Liverpool’s history
Donated to The Salvation Army, this large Victorian house was a home for the city’s most vulnerable children from 1936 until it finally closed its doors in 2005.
It was during its time as a children’s home that John Lennon would play in the grounds and visit the annual summer garden party. And of course, it was the inspiration for the 1967 Beatles’ song, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.
Fifty years since the release of that famous song, the custodians want to open the doors to Strawberry Field once again, and and their plans for the project are threefold…
Firstly, they plan to make Strawberry Field a place that provides sustainable employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. A new hub offering training, skills and valuable work placements will provide real employment prospects. Both the young people and their families will be offered support, time to socialise, develop aspirations, help to break down barriers and achieve their full potential.
Secondly, they want to open the gates to the public for the very first time. So now you, too, can follow in the footsteps of the Beatles and visit the new, authentic exhibition dedicated to the story of the place, the song and Lennon’s early life. Or simply enjoy a new destination with tranquil gardens to visit, enjoy lunch and explore.
Thirdly, Strawberry Field will be a Christian Community of spiritual exploration, retreat and pastoral care. A place where you can take time to rest and refresh yourself from the busyness and demands of life that often robs you of your dreams and aspirations.
Source: StrawberryFieldLiverpool.com
The Strawberry Field ‘Steps to Work’ scheme
The Salvation Army firmly believes in opportunities for all and they are tackling issues within the community by redeveloping Strawberry Field, the former children’s home that inspired John Lennon’s famous song ‘ Strawberry Fields Forever’, into a new training and work placement hub to meet the local need in Liverpool.
The Steps to Work scheme launches in October 2018 and offers young adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities the opportunity to gain skills and work experience, supporting them into employment.
The structured programme comprises classroom-based life skills learning, specialised sector training and work experience giving trainees the chance to develop their employability and prepare to look for paid employment.
Young adults will have the chance to gain certified qualifications through academic partnerships with local colleges. The City of Liverpool College is the first education and learning institution to partner with The Salvation Army Steps to Work programme.
Source: StrawbeFieldLiverpool.com
Vision for the future
The Strawberry Field Exhibition A new exhibition exploring the story of the place, the song and John Lennon’s early life will open at Strawberry Field – on the original site that inspired the famous song.
The café The Strawberry Field café will be a comfortable, stylish spot to relax and recharge, welcoming people from across the world and within the local community.
The gardens at Strawberry Field will be at the heart of the new experience. Visitors will be able to stroll through John Lennon’s childhood playground, explore the trees he climbed and shady glades he rested and dreamed in during the summer.
Across the gardens, young people will be gaining valuable work experience, while working with teams of staff to make sure your visit is a memorable one.
To realise their vision of a revived Strawberry Field they need your support
‘We have already received some generous backing, but we still greatly need donations to open the gates to Strawberry Field. If you’re a fan of the Beatles and John Lennon, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to be part of this incredible legacy. Your donation will bring life back to this place where John spent so many happy times as a child.’ <br /> — StrawberryFieldLiverpool