Strawberry Fields - forever!

The original building at Strawberry Fields.

A year ago today, I visited Strawberry Fields, Woolton, Liverpool, in order to visit John Lennons’ ‘Imagine’ piano (you’ll find the post, if needed). I’d never visited before, despite numerous attempts - instantly, I felt an affinity with the gardens.

As a child, John Lennon would trespass in the sprawling gardens of the orphanage by climbing over Aunt Mimi’s garden wall, despite her threats of him being ‘hung’, if caught! For much of Lennon’s life, it was a Salvation Army orphanage for little girls, but I believe he felt a connection and a sense of belonging. The orphanage was a glorious Victorian building which has long gone but I can imagine the grandeur of the property and the dreams cast within a young boy's mind. I can’t imagine what some children go through. Childhood is complicated by 'the adults' - which is not easy to say. Hence, my own visit to Strawberry Fields. 

​Nowadays, the gardens are much smaller due to property developers buying large portions but still, I’d like to think the towering trees near the current building remember the young boy scampering around for hours, exploring and playing within his imaginary world. I can’t deny a strange sense of peace enveloped me, so part of me will always remain in the beautiful gardens of Strawberry Fields.

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