The Salvation Army will restore a site John Lennon frequented.
Written by John Lennon, the song Strawberry Fields Forever was inspired by the real life Strawberry Fields. Owned by the Salvation Army, Lennon took frequent trips to the site as a young boy.
The Salvation Army established the children’s home in 1936. As Lennon lost his father, and later on his mother, he felt close to the orphaned boys there. He told Playboy in 1980,
“Strawberry Fields is a real place. After I stopped living at Penny Lane, I moved in with my auntie who lived in the suburbs in a nice semi-detached place with a small garden and doctors and lawyers and that ilk living around. Not the poor slummy kind of image that was projected in all the Beatles stories. In the class system, it was about half a class higher than Paul, George and Ringo, who lived in government-subsidized housing.”
In fact, prior to his death, Lennon donated money to Strawberry Fields. Now, on the dawn of the song’s 50th anniversary, the Salvation Army launched a new vision for Strawberry Field’s redevelopment. The organization will weave together educational, cultural, heritage, and spiritual exploration. The site’s revival will include a training and work placements hub for young people with learning disabilities.
It will also include an authentic exhibition on the plane, the song, and how John Lennon spent his early life near there. The organization will also develop a “haven for spiritual exploration.”
Major Drew McCombe, Divisional Leader for The Salvation Army, North West, said,
“Strawberry Field is special in the hearts of many people in Liverpool, the UK and across the world. Many people have supported the children’s home, and we at the Salvation Army are aiming to redevelop the site to do them justice. That includes those that have formed a connection with the iconic Beatles song.”
McCombe promised to inspire people to “become involved in the project in any way they can.” Moreover, the organization aims to create a “pivotal place in the lives of young people.” It also wants the site to become a must-see destination for Lennon and Beatles fans worldwide.
The organization also launched a dedicated website today to coincide with the announcement. Titled Forever Strawberry Field, Lennon and Beatles fans can check out the vision and donate towards the project.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said,
“I’m expressing my wholehearted support of The Salvation Army’s plans to redevelop their children’s home at Strawberry Field. Their plans for a totally unique project, to provide vocational training for young people with mild to moderate learning disabilities, are to be commended.”
Peter Hooton, The Beatles Legacy Group Chair said,
“I can think of no better way Strawberry Field could be re-developed in such an innovative way, which gives hope and job opportunities to vulnerable young people, whilst making a valuable and worthwhile contribution to The Beatles Legacy in Liverpool.”
Fans can also find out how to volunteer and help the site’s revival on the website.
Too bad the salvation army has a problem with helping any individual that isn’t christian.
Too bad you are making unfound criticism. check out TSA mission statement : “to alleviate human suffering”
I agree , 100 Percent correct . Imagine no religion …… WNala
I feel this article is very sweet! I am music lover myself who writes and sings. With music, can make a difference! Music is definitely a form of expression for me! Music is who I am. I feel this article brings hope because this shows that someone can face loss or not be rich and still make their dreams come true! The fact that helping out humanity is so great and a blessing. It is really nice to give especially from having experience working with organizations and churches to help out people and community with a range of needs and stories. Thankyou for sharing!
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