The real Strawberry Field, as referenced in the Beatles’ iconic 1967 hit ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, actually refers to a Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool that ended up being demolished in the 1970’s. With a view to the site being open to the public for the first time since it was demolished, bricks from the actual building itself are now being sold in a special edition limited to 2,500 package for Beatles fans to own a piece of the band’s history, while simultaneously raising funds for a new support hub and visitor experience to be built at the original location of Strawberry Field.
The initiative aims to create a new training and work placement hub for young people with learning disabilities and provide them with a place where they can develop skills, gain work experience, grow in confidence and achieve. It will also allow visitors to the centre to learn about the history of the Salvation Army, the original children’s home that once stood there, and the part it played in John Lennon’s life and that of his band. Many people are in whole-hearted support of the venture, especially Julia Baird, Lennon’s half-sister, who feels that it will bring hope to young adults with learning disabilities and simultaneously allow fans to connect with the band’s past.
For more information on the project, visit the official website here. To snap up a piece of Beatles history for yourself, you can purchase one of the iconic bricks here.
Image via The Beatles Story.