As the city prepares to mark what would have been the 80th birthday of John Lennon in October, the team at Strawberry Field are launching a local search for Liverpool’s most inspirational ‘People of Peace’. The awards are launched today – 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.

Do you know somebody who has been promoting or enabling peace in their community? Do they display particular personal characteristics, which make them a Person of Peace? Does peace seem to follow this person around? If so, now is your chance to nominate them for this inaugural award.

Strawberry Field are seeking nominations from across Liverpool. All nominees must be resident in the city.

To enter your ‘Person of Peace’, visit the Strawberry Field website http://strawberryfieldliverpool.com/peopleofpeaceawards-2020 or ring 0151 252 6130.

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

“We felt that particularly during this time of pandemic, it would be wonderful to celebrate individuals. We have seen how during these months of Covid-19 and isolation, it has been so important to find new ways to connect with people, and many people have begun to find real value in the simple things in life. We celebrate the stories of hope across Liverpool where we have heard about neighbours reaching out to their neighbours in all sort of practical ways, whether it’s helping with shopping, or organising a street quiz, or picking up the telephone, all of these things have helped to foster peace in a time of crisis.

She continues:

“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 today 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.”

The awards launch today (Monday 21st September) and nominations remain open until Monday 2nd 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.

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; Charlie Roberts, childhood friend of John Lennon and The Quarrymen – and author of Just Like Starting Over; and Lady Anne Dodd, philanthropist and champion of charitable causes across the city.