Dialogue and Unity Renewing the mission of Strawberry Field

By Ultan Russell, Diocesan ecumenical officer

and spiritual elements. Its visitor exhibition explores the site’s history and the magnificent contribution of the Salvation Army to British society. It is a place too of spiritual exploration, retreat and pastoral care, a place where you can take time to rest and refresh yourself.

Major Kathy Versfeld is the mission director and her husband, Major Allister Versfeld, is the development officer as well as serving as the Salvation Army’s ecumenical officer for the area.

New bandstand opening

It was in 1934 that the Salvation Army received the gift of Strawberry Field – a Victorian house in leafy grounds off Beaconsfield Road in south Liverpool. Two years later it was opened as a children’s home for girls, later taking boys as well. From then on, for nearly 70 years, it gave some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable children a refuge – a safe, calm and spiritual home.

It was in these grounds that a young John Lennon, who grew up around the corner on Menlove Avenue, came to play. Those days inspired his work in the Beatles with Strawberry Field – written in the singular – immortalised in the song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ in which Lennon explored those more innocent days of escape which contrasted with the later complexities of a life lived in the public gaze.

Much like the Cavern Club and Penny Lane, Strawberry Field is a jewel in Liverpool’s Beatles crown. Yet despite the hundreds of thousands of tourists that come to the city each year, this piece of local history was never previously open to the public. Since the Salvation Army took the step of renovating the site, however, the famous red gates have opened at last – and it is not only Beatles fans feeling the benefits.

With a creative approach to social care and inclusion, Strawberry Field is perpetuating its legacy of support through a new training hub for young people aged 18-25 with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment. Its ‘Steps to Work’ programme combines education and work placements, including opportunities on site in both the shop, selling a range of Beatles memorabilia, and the Imagine More Café. There is an initiative to grow fruit and vegetables and to source local items wherever possible, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.

All in all, the Strawberry Field site weaves together educational, cultural, heritage

In September, Strawberry Field will celebrate the official opening of its new bandstand with a thanksgiving and dedication service. The bandstand is in the shape of a Salvation Army drum and is a gift from Cliff Cooper, an honorary patron of Strawberry Field and CEO of the Orange Amps music company. Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, territorial leaders for the Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, are due to officiate at the service.

Any Pic readers yet to see Strawberry Field should pay a visit. They will find a new exhibition dedicated to the story of the place, the song and John Lennon’s early life, along with the café and tranquil gardens. There are also opportunities to volunteer. To learn more, call 0151 252 6130 or visit www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com.