Allchurches Trust boost fundraising campaign for iconic Strawberry Field site in Liverpool


23rd May, 2018

Strawberry Field, the iconic site immortalised in The Beatles hit ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, is set for a major redevelopment which will see it open its famous red gates to the public for the first time, in summer 2019.

The site is wholly owned by Church and charity, The Salvation Army, who earlier this year unveiled exciting plans to revive the site, treasured by John Lennon as he grew up a stone’s throw away in Woolton, Liverpool. The vision for the project includes a centre for young people with learning disabilities; a new, authentic exhibition on the place, the song and John Lennon’s early life around Strawberry Field; and the development of a haven for spiritual exploration.

Allchurches Trust is providing a £115,000 grant towards the redevelopment of Strawberry Field. 

Major Drew McCombe, Divisional Leader for The Salvation Army, North West said: “The Salvation Army’s research found that in the Merseyside area, just 16% of people aged 18+ with learning disabilities are known to providers of support services such as charities and local authorities, and just 7% are in paid employment – the Strawberry Field project will address that issue. We are extremely grateful to Allchurches for their generous donation, this has given a great boost to our fundraising efforts, and we are a step closer to opening the gates now.”

Allchurches Trust is one of the biggest grant-giving charities in the UK. Last year, it gave £15.6 million to churches, charities and communities. Its funds come from its ownership of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group. You can find out more about the Allchurches Trust and read our beneficiary stories, including a Strawberry Fields case study, at www.allchurches.co.uk.

Paul Playford, Allchurches Trust Grants Officer said: “We are so proud to support The Salvation Army with this inspiring project. We believe that the Strawberry Field renovation will have a significant impact on transforming the lives of young people in an area where this additional support is so badly needed. It will open doors to the world of work and volunteering, boosting skills and confidence, as well as enhancing community interaction.”

If you are interested in supporting this exciting project or purchasing exclusive merchandise please visit the online store.

“The plan 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.”

Lady Judy Martin OBE