A South African woman who was sent to Liverpool to open the gates of an iconic landmark has told the ECHO how she fell in love with the city during a "rare heatwave".
Kathy Versfeld is in her 50s and is mission director at Strawberry Field, the Woolton site that was the subject of The Beatles' hit and a childhood haunt of John Lennon. She came to Liverpool with The Salvation Army to open the site to the public for the first time and has been here ever since.
Our new series, In My Liverpool Home, focuses on what makes Merseyside a great place to live. We've spoken to people from around the world who have moved here, as well as born and bred Scousers who want to shine a spotlight on the region.
READ MORE: Scouse teen wows Paris tourists as she performs with buskers in front of Eiffel Tower
Kathy told the ECHO: "My first day on the job was my first visit to Liverpool. I have been a convert to the city ever since.
"On a warm day (really warm), Liverpool reminds me of the city of my birth, Cape Town, with its breathtaking views across the water, constant stream of pleasure-seekers and pilgrims from across the globe, and larger-than-life locals whose passion and creativity ensure there is never a dull moment here."
Kathy can see why John Lennon thought Strawberry Field was a "very special place". She added: "It has an indefinable ‘something’ that visitors describe in different ways: an overwhelming sense of peace; a warm welcome a bit like a hug; the spirit of John Lennon; a loving, inclusive community.
"I’m biased, of course, but I sense God’s presence and pleasure every time that I am there."
When she's not in Woolton, Kathy's other favourite spot is Liverpool's world famous waterfront "with its ever-changing sights and sounds and smells".
Going forward, Kathy thinks the sky is the limit for the people of Liverpool. She said: "I love that they are feisty as well as friendly – and always lots of fun. They don’t do anything by half-measures.
"The Covid-19 lockdowns and, more recently, Eurovision planning has demonstrated that there is nothing that we can’t do - no mountain too high to climb - if we work together.
"I’d love to see that same sense of collaboration and ‘can do’ attitude across all areas of public life to address the challenges we face around climate change, knife crime, homelessness, mental health and the economy."
Strawberry Field's original Victorian house was gifted to The Salvation Army in 1934 and the site was opened at a children's home two years later. Visitors were welcomed onto the grounds for the first time in September 2019.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
'Fit and healthy' dad given days to live after suffering stomach ache
Woman suffered 15 years of agony before excruciating pain diagnosed
Odds on coldest March ever slashed as Met Office warns of chilly start to month
Labour Party paid for lawyers for councillors involved in parking probe
