Strawberry Field

A fun, interactive exhibition on John Lennon, the Beatles, and the place that inspired the iconic song, Strawberry Fields Forever. There is the piano on which Imagine was composed and a striking mural of John himself, complete with a digital replica of a Mellotron (famously used by the Beatles on this track) that I was able to get my manual wheelchair under and play to my heart's content on. I didn't cause anybody else discomfort while playing because they give you headphones. This was the quirkiest part of the exhibition for me. The lush gardens surrounding the Strawberry Fields centre provide a lovely setting to daydream in that John thought of as a magical place when he was a kid. I think he'd appreciate it if he visited today – the beautifully landscaped gardens are a perfect place to daydream in and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ramps are everywhere in the centre and make access to the garden easy for PWD with power or manual wheelchairs. There's also a nice café with drinks and snacks that offers employment training to PWD. Other treasures include lyrics to discover around the gardens and the opportunity to see the original handwritten lyrics of the song that gives this place its raison d'être. A very spacious Changing Places facility with long handled taps, grab rails, a handheld shower, and a red cord. If you are using the bathroom by yourself and happen to slip or fall, this is very important. There is also a large changing bench which can be moved up and down, as well as a ceiling hoist. The hoist sling was unable to be found when I visited, and I mentioned this to staff who assured me they will look into what has happened to it. I have suggested a few improvements to the space, including a shower chair and slide sheet. Staff were lovely and very receptive to my feedback, and I'm sure they will act upon it. They went out of their way to be nice to me, thanked me for my feedback and even gave me a nice present as a thank you for the feedback I gave them. Ginette and Sue are very keen to hear visitor feedback so they can provide disabled people with a much needed five-star shower and bathroom experience as well as a unique way to celebrate the legacy of the Beatles and John Lennon.

When we arrived I was able to use the changing place. Then we went round the interactive exhibition. I don’t like wearing headphones so missed out a bit on that. We went round the garden too and saw the actual gates.

This is a new venture by the Salvation Army and is part training facility and part exhibition covering the story of the song written by John Lennon Strawberry fields for ever. The exhibition is interactive and takes you through the story around the song and John Lennon who used to climb over the wall to play football. The exhibition looks at the children's home that was on the site and you will see pictures of the home as well. There is also a garden area with very long ramps that make it easy to go round the garden in one area you will find the original Red Gates in a spot as near to there original location as can be due to redevelopment in the area. The interactive part continues in the garden and also has music written by John Lennon etc. The venue also has a café that is employing people with a range of disabilities to give them training and support. Of course there is also a shop as you would expect with these type of exhibitions . This venue only opened around 8 weeks ago however I am sure it will be come very popular by the time Spring Summer 2020 comes along