Saturday 22 August 2020

Unique Mike McCartney photographs go on display at Strawberry Field, Liverpool

 

Strawberry Field Liverpool is excited to announce the opening of Mike McCartney’s photographic journey of the Strawberry Field redevelopment, ahead of his book launch later this year.  

 

Known professionally as Mike McGear, Mike is an outstanding performing artist and rock photographer who was a member of the groups The Scaffold and Grimms.   

 

Mike was persuaded by Lady Judy Martin to chronicle the redevelopment of Strawberry Field. This is his story: 

 

"I was asked by the Salvation Army...well mainly by Lady Judy Martin OBE actually (or Jude as I affectionately call her) to record the demolition of the old Strawberry Field homes and the rebuild of a brand new facility on the same site. At first I was reticent, as it was my brother's group that made the Strawberry Field song famous...not my Scaffold comedy group, but when I discovered the amazing work that the Sally Army (as I affectionately call them) quietly get on with, I agreed to undertake the 2 to 3 year task! The trouble was how do you make the bashing down of old houses and the building of a new bricks & mortar one interesting to the public?! Well...here's a start ! with this mini-exhibition of images to whet your appetite...hope you(s) enjoy! and hope u enjoy the Cafe, and the  Shop...AND the gorge gardens with the original Red Gates! ps if you see a lone Scouser roaming round the grounds in a mask...it's not the Lone Ranger, or Donald Trump...it's ME! Don't 4get to say hello!” said Mike *McGear McCartney BEM  

 

Kathleen Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field said:  

 

“We are blessed to have the support of such wonderful people as Lady Martin and Mike McCartney. I know our visitors will be delighted to see Mike’s photographs. We can’t wait for the full collection to be made available in his planned book.” 

 

A special exhibition featuring some of Mike’s photographs will go on display in the Strawberry Field centre, alongside the visitor exhibition. The exhibition covers the interwoven stories of the Salvation Army, the children’s home, John Lennon’s childhood and the writing of Strawberry Fields Forever. The addition of the Mike McCartney photographs will offer a unique opportunity to visitors, with a never before seen insight into the redevelopment of the current site. Mike’s book, filled with an inspiring collection of images, will go on sale later this year. 

 

As a special offer to celebrate the re-opening, Strawberry Field’s visitor experience is priced at £7.00 per person until the end of September and under 16’s accompanied by an adult go free. NHS workers and a guest can also visit free of charge. Visitors will be guided around the stunning interactive exhibition where “Nothing is Real” using interactive media guides. The tour continues into the magical gardens where John played as a child, allowing visitors the opportunity to explore, unwind and dream in the place, which inspired one of the 20th century’s greatest songwriters.  

 

All funds generated by the visitor experience go towards funding a Steps to Work programme for young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment. 

 

To ensure safety during this time of Covid-19, visits to Strawberry Field must be booked in advance on www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com

Friday 21 August 2020

It's in the post! Issue 74 Arriving Soon!

The August 2020 BBFC Magazine Issue 74 is has been posted to subscribers.

We promise it will help to keep you entertained while you are stuck at home social distancing! If is crammed with good reading to keep you entertained.

Remember that membership in the British Beatles Fan Club makes a wonderful gift that keeps on giving all year long with four quarterly issues of the magazine included in membership. Click here for membership details.

Non-members can order a copy of the magazine from our website here.


                                                                      Issue 74 (August 2020) includes:


  • The Beatles A Day In The Life
  • Tribute to Astrid Kirchherr
  • Media Watch
  • Beatles Not For Sale
  • The Beatles Live at the BBC - a fan favourite
  • The Beatles and their Apple Artists
  • John Lennon and Bermuda
  • Songs They Gave Away
  • There Are Places I Remember
  • Wonderwall music & movie
  • Try Some, Buy Some-New Releases
  • When was the last time you played that
  • Fab Four on DVD
  • Paperback Writer
  • Ringo - Early 1970
  • Beatle Boots
  • Offers and Discounts
  • As I Write This Letter
  • Great Photo of the Month

Monday 10 August 2020

The Beatles in Bedfordshire

 Neil Turner wrote "I've been reading several Beatles bios and came across McCartney's visit to the village of Harrold in June 1968, where he debuts Hey Jude to a dentist and his family.

I made a short film which tells the story and retraces the journey to and through the village."



Arriving Soon - Issue 74

Coming soon - the August 2020 BBFC Magazine Issue 74 is at the printers and will be posted soon to subscribers.

We promise once it reaches you, it will help to keep you entertained while you are stuck at home social distancing! If is crammed with good reading to keep you entertained.

Remember that membership in the British Beatles Fan Club makes a wonderful gift that keeps on giving all year long with four quarterly issues of the magazine included in membership. Click here for membership details.

Non-members can order a copy of the magazine from our website here.


                                                                      Issue 74 (August 2020) includes:


  • The Beatles A Day In The Life
  • Tribute to Astrid Kirchherr
  • Media Watch
  • Beatles Not For Sale
  • The Beatles Live at the BBC - a fan favourite
  • The Beatles and their Apple Artists
  • John Lennon and Bermuda
  • Songs They Gave Away
  • There Are Places I Remember
  • Wonderwall music & movie
  • Try Some, Buy Some-New Releases
  • When was the last time you played that
  • Fab Four on DVD
  • Paperback Writer
  • Ringo - Early 1970
  • Beatle Boots
  • Offers and Discounts
  • As I Write This Letter
  • Great Photo of the Month