Strawberry Fields Forever....

It was fifty years ago this year, on the 17th February 1967 that Strawberry Fields was released in the UK. As a child I really didn't realise what the song was all about. I did think it was about a big field of strawberries which give me a big bowl of cream I would have had 'nothing to get hung about'  but it wasn't that at all.

John Lennon spent a lot of time during his troubled childhood in the grounds of a home, named Strawberry Field, for vulnerable children between 1936 until it closed in 2005. He would play, climbs trees and dream away  the hours away, for later these experiences would lead to the inspiration for a great Beatles hit..

Now after all these years The Salvation Army have become custodians of the site and have plans to reopen Strawberry Field again. They want to create a place for visitors to come and see the story of John Lennon's life, the song and to create a tranquil place to reflect and relax if needed. I love that idea but what I also love is the fact there are also plans to set up a centre to help people with learning difficulties. The plan is to set up a hub to support people and their families get training, skills and real job opportunities to give them a chance to explore their full potential for their futures. 

This hits a massive personal spot for me. My son has Autism, various learning difficulties and also is a massive Beatles fan so I would love this to be available for people just like my son. It's going to carry on a legacy to John and carry on being a centre for vulnerable people, it will really give people a chance to live independently and give them hope. This is something that I think about a lot for our kids as they now approach adulthood so a project like this brings a welcomed opportunity for understanding and giving our loved ones the best chance they could have. I just wish I was nearer as I couldn't think of a better place for my son to be in. All that support and cushioned in the memory of his idol John Lennon. I even gave him Lennon as his middle name. I do think he would  just sing 'Strawberry Fields Forever' all the time he was there but that would be ok. I do intend to take him for a visit in the future and support this project.

Lady Judy Martin OBE is quoted on the website saying....
“The plans to open Strawberry Field to the public for the first time - so people can see a unique exhibition about the home, how and why the song was written by John, and allow visitors to explore the grounds as John did as a child - is very exciting.”

I think it is very exciting too, you can see the full story and support this project at www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com

There is obviously some financial backing for the project but donations will also be a great help.....you can donate on the website. 

Thanks for reading and I will catch you for tomorrow's Teapot Tuesday but for the time being.....

'let me take you down, cus I'm going to'..............