Dignity and Self Respect - Justice for the 96

It's been 27 years. 27 long years in which the families of those who died at Hillsborough have carried themselves with the utmost dignity and self respect. They have fought long and hard, had highs but mostly lows. Still, with dignity and self respect, they carried on their fight.

So with the verdict from the inquests into the deaths of their loved ones imminent can I plead with everyone to act with dignity and show self respect at this time for them.

It seems that some people think that the inquests are a sideshow - nothing could be further from the truth. The majority of people understand this and offer support and encouragement to the families but others it seems are being insensitive to say the least.

Please be mindful that this really is a stressful, sensitive and very personal time for the families and whilst we won't let them walk alone we give them the space they need.   #JFT96 #YNWA

Hillsborough 27 years - An Audience of Souls Awaiting Justice

Those of you who know me will know that music features prominently in my daily life.  Sometimes a song that I've heard many times may assume a special meaning to me in relation to an event, a time, a place or a person. 

There are a few that connect with me in relation to Hillsborough some because they were produced to support the fight for justice or or some simply to remember...

Ferry Across the Mersey (Still in its Woolworth carrier bag - unplayed - too soon, too raw), Fields of Anfield Road, He ain't Heavy, (Scouser's) Never Buy The Sun, Liar, Liar, 96th Son and The Angel make up a part of that list. 

At the time of the disaster a song totally unconnected but one that I cannot separate from the other is Eternal Flame by The Bangles which just happened to be the UK number one single for three weeks in April 1989.  

More recently, sitting listening to music I was listening to Emily Smith, a Scottish folk singer and her song Audience of Souls came on. I've listened to this song many times but this morning thinking about the inquests nearing their conclusion the words had a new meaning and brought tears to my eyes...

"Audience of souls I’ll sit here before you
And I’ll sing to you a song
Sing to you a song

Absent of words, I’ll learn from the birds
And I’ll sing to you a song
Sing to you a song

Lend to me your ear for I know you have the time
And I’ll tell you some news
Tell you some news

Been away too long your friends have moved on
So I’ll tell you some news
Tell you some news...."

At the time of writing the jury are still deliberating. On 15 April 2016 we will have been waiting 27 years for "some news" but the news is coming.  Let's hope they get it right for the 96, for their families and friends, for the survivors and so that in the future the "establishment" think twice before attempting to hoodwink a nation.  

     St George's Hall 12th September 2012 "Truth day"

They almost succeeded this time but forgot who they were dealing with. The City of Liverpool, its people and their friends from all corners of world are an immovable force. We never forget. 

April the 15th 1989 was a sunny day. A day that should have been filled with joy for all who attended that football match. That it wasn't was not due to the fans. I know, I was there. It was however an accident waiting to happen and if that's the case then people are culpable. I'll leave that there.

There is an audience of souls awaiting some news and the only news that they need is that of JUSTICE. 

You can listen to Audience of Souls by Emily Smith here: - http://youtu.be/ttzox7mqkOg 

Audience of souls I’ll sit here before you
And I’ll sing to you a song
Sing to you a song

Absent of words, I’ll learn from the birds
And I’ll sing to you a song
Sing to you a song

Lend to me your ear for I know you have the time
And I’ll tell you some news
Tell you some news

Been away too long your friends have moved on
So I’ll tell you some news
Tell you some news

You can’t shake my hand or look me in the eye
But you’re glad that I came
Glad that I came

You can’t see my face or my name place
But you’re glad that I came
Glad that I came
So glad that I came
You’re glad that I came

Warmth from the sun it colours my skin
Means nothing to you
Nothing to you

You’re sheltered from pain, touched only by the rain
Means nothing to you
Nothing to you

Offerings we leave, what are they worth?
Do they mean much to you?
Mean much to you?

The comfort that it gives to the heart of a friend
Does it mean much to you?
Mean much to you?

From wisdom that you’ve gained
What advice would you give me?
And what would you change?
What would you change?

If you had your life again would you live it the same?
Tell me what would you change?
What would you change?
If you had your life again
Would you live it the same?
Tell me what would remain?
And what would you change?

Audience of souls I’ll sit here before you
And I’ll sing to you a song
Sing to you a song

#JFT96

On the 15th April 1989 I was 28 years old, coming up to 29. I'm now 55 approaching 56. 

Twenty seven years is too long to live with guilt, albeit a guilt that I and thousands of other survivors shouldn't have been burdened with for 27 days never mind 27 years.  Yet we were the lucky ones - we came home.

Today we should be moving on toward a verdict that mirrors the events of that fateful day, a correct verdict, a TRUTHFUL VERDICT. 

My thoughts at this time are firstly with the 96 fellow supporters who, like me, simply went to watch a football match but never came home. Then of course it's the families and friends of those lost that day, many of whom have become friends over the years. 

We must remember however that some of those there who survived the day had their lives affected in such a massive way that they are no longer with us.  Family members and the family life of survivors have been affected by how their loved ones, who witnessed the events of the day, have changed as a result. 

Let's not forget that the jurors have had two years of their lives affected by this landmark case and I'm certain it won't have been easy for them. Hopefully they can work together to arrive at the correct conclusion. 

#JFT96