News reports located on this page = 2.

**Strawberry Field launches a local search for Liverpool's most inspirational 'People of Peace' in inaugural awards**

TO mark what would have been the 80th birthday of John Lennon on 9 October 2020, the team at Strawberry Field launched a local search for Liverpool's most inspirational:- 'People of Peace.' The awards were launched, on 21 September 2020, 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.

Nominations remain open until Monday, 2 November 2020, with winners being announced in December 2020. The winners will have their photo and part of their story on display at Strawberry Field for 1 year. Do you know somebody who has spread a bit of kindness? Or someone who has gone out of their way to help in their community or street? Do they promote peace? If so, 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 or ring:- 01512526130.

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 Covid19 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. 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."

Strawberry Field have appointed a panel of judges to select 5 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.

MP welcomes the announcement Southport Football Club and other National League clubs will get a ₤10 million funding

SOUTHPORT'S Conservative MP Damien Moore, has said that he is pleased to see that the emergency support will ensure that 66 clubs in the 5th and 6 tiers of English football can continue to play behind closed doors after the return of fans was paused due to rising Covid19 rates. The Sandgrounders were looking forward to allowing a limited number of socially distanced fans back into the Pure Stadium this month, but the move was reversed days before the start of the season due to rising infection rates.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has now announced that National League football clubs including Southport FC will receive ₤10 million funding as part of a unique partnership with The National Lottery. Alongside the support for clubs, National Lottery players will also get a range of benefits; including:- free tickets once stadia are safe to reopen, grassroots football opportunities, and VIP experiences, at Wembley Stadium. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport assured the National League that emergency financial support would be forthcoming so that it was able to start the season earlier this month. All 66 clubs are playing football this season as a result.

Southport FC are currently 9th in the National League North, with a win and a draw from the 1st 2 games in their unbeaten start to the season. Southport secured their 1st Vanarama National League North victory of the season on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Chorley.

Early in 2020, Damien Moore gave his support to the:- 'Let Fans In campaign,' which was calling for supporters to be allowed back into stadia in a socially distanced way. That was during the Summer, when Coronavirus cases were relatively low, but unfortunately figures have since risen, leading to a number of new Covid safety restrictions. Damien Moore said:- "I am delighted to see that funding has now been secured to ensure that Southport FC and other clubs in the National league can continue to play the current season without fans. Southport Football Club plays a vital role in the fabric of our community and ensuring their survival through the Covid19 pandemic was an important thing to do. A huge amount of work is taking place in the background to be able to allow supporters back into the Pure Stadium and other grounds in a safe and secure manner, when the right conditions allow."

The ₤10 million emergency support package, which will reach clubs quickly via the Football Association (FA), is in recognition of the important role National League clubs play in their local areas; being a source of pride to their Towns, giving children opportunities to get active, and being at the heart of their communities. Many clubs and their supporters have also been very active in their areas throughout the pandemic, rallying round to help the elderly and isolated, and raising money for front line charities. Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, said:- "I know from a brilliant club in my area that National League football clubs are the beating heart of their communities and too precious to lose. This ₤10 million fund will provide a bridge to help clubs survive this immediate crisis whilst we work together on the safe return of fans. I'm very grateful to National Lottery players for getting help to these community clubs so quickly."

Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said:- "The National Lottery has been making a huge difference to communities across the country for the past 26 years, so we're delighted to be working with the National League and FA to protect these essential clubs and help them to continue the vital work they carry out in their local communities. Millions of National Lottery players love football, so our partnership will also see them receive a range of great benefits. It's our way of saying thank you to our players, who make a difference every time they buy a ticket."

Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said:- "This financial support is crucial as these clubs are the heartbeat of their communities and it would be a travesty if they were not able to survive. "We have worked hard with the National League, Government and The National Lottery to make this happen and would like to thank everyone involved. The return of fans to stadiums remains a priority for us and we will continue to work with the Government and stakeholders across the game to reintroduce spectators in a safe way as soon as possible. Funding will be distributed to each of the 66 National League clubs to help cover their lost gate revenue from the delay to fans being permitted to return, that was originally scheduled for 1 October. The decision was taken to pause this relaxation of the rules, on 22 September 2020, in order to stem rising Coronavirus infection rates across the country. Work continues to ensure fans can return to sporting events as soon as the public health picture allows. This includes the Sports Technology Innovation Group (STIG) made up of medical experts including Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam, sports authorities, and representatives from the tech sector; which is looking at innovative solutions to enable the return of spectators without the need for a Coronavirus vaccine. The STIG will make recommendations to the Government."