Our patrons are taking the lead in our ongoing appeal to raise the funds we need to make our vision a reality.
Julia Baird, Honorary President
"I'm privileged to be invited to join this unique project, it's a brilliant idea. Just like The Beatles springing from the stage of the Cavern Club, it's a wonderful idea that The Salvation Army is going to cultivate youngsters in the precious soil of Strawberry Field, for them to be nurtured to reach their full potential, where they will have the chance of work all around Liverpool."
Lady Judy Martin, OBE
"I am delighted to support The Salvation Army in their efforts to build a new training centre for young people with mild to moderate learning disabilities at Strawberry Field. Their plans to provide these young people with vocational training to enable them to find meaningful work in Merseyside is at the heart of the modern Salvation Army's work.
My husband, Beatles producer George Martin, always considered Strawberry Fields Forever as one of his finest recordings of the band; the lyrics reflecting the happy times John Lennon and his friends had whilst playing in the grounds of the children's home as a child.
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 hope you will join me in financially supporting this exciting project as The Salvation Army creates a 'Beacon of Hope' at Strawberry Field."
Mrs Kelley Kupfer, RN, CCRN (retired), San Diego, California, USA
"It is with great privilege and honor that I lend my support to The Salvation Army's flagship project at historic Strawberry Field.
For over two decades I have supported and fiercely advocated for greater public awareness for children, teens, and young adults living with severe to high functioning developmental, cognitive and varied learning disabilities; specifically in the area of advancements in educational accommodations and vocational opportunities.
Secondarily, my passion and patronship in support of the performing, musical, and cultural arts is as long standing. I have long been involved with the American Film Institute (Los Angeles, CA) as a Premiere Circle Patron as well as the Grammy Museum both located in Los Angeles, CA. I am also a Founding Patron of the San Diego International Film Festival, as well as a member of the American Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA).
The Salvation Army's Project at Strawberry Field is one that serendipitously combines both of my highest personal passions in life into one momentous, global offering. An offering, which will provide help and hope for some; and solace, tranquillity and peace for others. All of this while honoring John Lennon's memory, sentiment and words. I am without doubt that John would approve and support this venture."
Dr John R Ashton, CBE
"As a local doctor with vivid memories of playing in Strawberry Field as a child, and a conviction that those with learning disabilities are entitled to a full life, I am passionate about The Salvation Army's vision for this special place. When completed, the magic that inspired John and Paul will continue to inspire a new generation of very special people!"
Lord Mike Storey, CBE
"The song 'Strawberry Fields Forever' was of course inspired by John Lennon's memories of playing in the garden of Strawberry Field – originally The Salvation Army Children's Home. How fitting now that this project will not only provide a world-class visitor centre, but also importantly an educational facility for young disadvantaged people."
Cliff Cooper, Founder and CEO Orange Music Electronic Co
"To be able to support this project is an absolute pleasure. The Salvation Army's dedication to helping others, no matter their background, is truly a gift to our troubled world. They were immensely kind and a great help to my father when he returned from World War 1–after serving four years in France–and I'm proud to join them in this initiative.
I became the major shareholder of Albert Dock's The Beatles Story in 2002, and with the help of my fellow directors and the whole team there, we completely redesigned and doubled its size to make it a world class attraction for Liverpool. My love of The Beatles' music and Liverpool has not waned in all these years, and for Strawberry Field to reopen with a dedicated mission of charitable work and peace would, no doubt, have made John Lennon very happy."
"It's a wonderful idea that The Salvation Army is going to cultivate youngsters in the precious soil of Strawberry Field."