To mark what would have been the 80th birthday of John Lennon on 9th October 2020, the team at Strawberry Field launched a local search for Liverpool’s most inspirational ‘People of Peace’. The awards return for 2021, but this time the search is going international.

The awards were launched on 21st September, on the International Day of Peace – in order to offer a unique way of celebrating the legacy of John Lennon, and encouraging the peace, which John so often spoke about.

Nominations remain open until Tuesday 9th November, with winners being announced in December. The winners will have their photo and part of their story on display at Strawberry Field for one year.

Do you know somebody who has spread a bit of kindness? Or someone who has gone out of their way to help in their community or street? Do they promote peace? If so, this is your chance to nominate them for this annual award.

Captain Louise Brown, Fresh Expression Leader at Strawberry Field says:

“Peace is so needed today, just as it was when John Lennon was alive. Individuals need peace where all around them is fear and anxiety. Many countries need peace because of war and conflict. Our world needs peace today more than ever. The Salvation Army as a Christian Church and Charity seeks to share the love and peace of God through everything it is and does. We value every individual and believe that each person on this earth has an important part to play.”

She continues:

“We asked for nominations from across Liverpool for our very first People of Peace awards in 2020; with a high standard of truly inspiring nominations, it was a tough decision. All nominations were anonymously reviewed by a panel who agreed our five winners!”

Strawberry Field have appointed a panel of judges to select five winners. They are Major Kathy Versfeld, Mission Director of Strawberry Field; Paul Beesley, Blue Badge Tour Guide, Chair of the Association of Liverpool Tour Guides and broadcaster with BBC Radio Merseyside; and Charlie Roberts, childhood friend of John Lennon and The Quarrymen – and author of Just Like Starting Over.

Strawberry Field are seeking nominations from across the world. To nominate your ‘Person of Peace’, visit the Strawberry Field website http://strawberryfieldliverpool.com/peopleofpeaceawards-2020 or ring 0151 252 6130.