tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18449641740500552502024-03-14T08:57:22.999+00:00PassionatelyREDIanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-5083914559904364892021-12-31T18:57:00.024+00:002022-01-01T14:18:41.912+00:00Anne<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This Sunday at 9pm on ITV a four part factual drama begins simply called <a href="https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week1/anne" target="_blank">Anne</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Please watch it.</span></b> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will be even though I expect it will be difficult viewing for some us.</span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggHcpXO6pqLkmv-NHggVP3ALUVWbEwb4vRgc3k-xxIDcosM1L0M2R7v3ZtoguBpruLrYpAYn_lmnqy-NsR8m5cq-vb9vAiW1LpCxcgsgfJL6CIm_cdptrj0SfkcBTqXSugfZX7rHQ26qeXfanwzir1xIlJMo4XtfXPMIx6AVt3xQSFIYyvZEiNkxwJ=s850" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggHcpXO6pqLkmv-NHggVP3ALUVWbEwb4vRgc3k-xxIDcosM1L0M2R7v3ZtoguBpruLrYpAYn_lmnqy-NsR8m5cq-vb9vAiW1LpCxcgsgfJL6CIm_cdptrj0SfkcBTqXSugfZX7rHQ26qeXfanwzir1xIlJMo4XtfXPMIx6AVt3xQSFIYyvZEiNkxwJ=s320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Maxine Peake as Anne Williams</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve written before that Anne Williams, the subject of the programme, should not be known to most of us and I’m pretty sure that she’d have preferred it that way. As things transpired, on a bright & cold spring morning in April 1989 her son Kevin, like myself and thousands of others, set off to watch a football match at Hillsborough. Sadly he didn’t come home as he was unlawfully killed that afternoon. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What has followed since that day has been the weight of the establishment rewriting history and the facts versus THE TRUTH which is known to many of us as we were there. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7TrueyFS3Cxqf8YnE3Ewz5habz-5dsfc2TvNYssOeC_p_23ZvX59tCUx2LYy8VwgQrQHlUnfJzejDCZNWm6MxHn0EoOfGYGa8GeIa1KDml1IEL6XVYsqxQK2uKqfev7vS5GWxucdeqCLBfHIQ0gzBFFa_X2IvAngkxWV4R9n-lB5XxIgQ0fAcEpV7=s720" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="720" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7TrueyFS3Cxqf8YnE3Ewz5habz-5dsfc2TvNYssOeC_p_23ZvX59tCUx2LYy8VwgQrQHlUnfJzejDCZNWm6MxHn0EoOfGYGa8GeIa1KDml1IEL6XVYsqxQK2uKqfev7vS5GWxucdeqCLBfHIQ0gzBFFa_X2IvAngkxWV4R9n-lB5XxIgQ0fAcEpV7=s320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My match ticket and wristband</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There have been many people battling for the truth since that day but the stand out campaigner for me was Anne Williams. How she fought to find truth and justice for her son was beyond compare and although rightly holding a torch for her son she never forgot the other victims including those like me who somehow escaped the carnage. Some survivors from the Leppings Lane pens suffered physical injuries while most live with the mental trauma and guilt of being there and somehow surviving the disaster, a disaster that they were wrongfully accused of causing. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNPjCGaKKfwPPbFDNH_lPq3JmZ3s_DjnnflQwUp5WYhyKcQAZnl62bKHPqajf0Itt80JR5vwQI-27umpvTKhrpDatZlyXBZ-GvIJwT8qAAv354a9VM1jRmlrRmqFtK4DDB8k1qz1thhaOv-bSOEyqm6ozhj7QVXZUpe03lP5-YTtWnxpnUb-gdX_Z7=s3264" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNPjCGaKKfwPPbFDNH_lPq3JmZ3s_DjnnflQwUp5WYhyKcQAZnl62bKHPqajf0Itt80JR5vwQI-27umpvTKhrpDatZlyXBZ-GvIJwT8qAAv354a9VM1jRmlrRmqFtK4DDB8k1qz1thhaOv-bSOEyqm6ozhj7QVXZUpe03lP5-YTtWnxpnUb-gdX_Z7=s3264" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1750" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNPjCGaKKfwPPbFDNH_lPq3JmZ3s_DjnnflQwUp5WYhyKcQAZnl62bKHPqajf0Itt80JR5vwQI-27umpvTKhrpDatZlyXBZ-GvIJwT8qAAv354a9VM1jRmlrRmqFtK4DDB8k1qz1thhaOv-bSOEyqm6ozhj7QVXZUpe03lP5-YTtWnxpnUb-gdX_Z7=w189-h311" width="189" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A memorial plaque, commissioned on behalf of Anne by her family, was unveiled in Liverpool’s Central Station as she always wanted to honour the survivors. It reads:-</span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">"This is a tribute to our Hillsborough Survivors to recognize the effort they made to help save others, the suffering they have endured for many years and their courage in supporting the families in the fight for justice. On behalf of the families of lost loved ones, the people of this great city and the late Anne Williams. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Thank you </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You will never be forgotten"</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtl730297d4NXJQe7Hs-ZwAad9Vfd2lFGXCh3gAcWrbB8VazQN_QJIxCAeiYOobwnENRZfQQkaokGpUJ59gIG_LB9ViXf4QF3k1rxWP4zzlSkJKrNInIh3D4XI4TnlJ5x0MCc4HMUf4aoWItCSDv64ir03n5I3DnaFznj9CscaLWcxaDgj0yOJT_P9=s2285" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2285" data-original-width="1937" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtl730297d4NXJQe7Hs-ZwAad9Vfd2lFGXCh3gAcWrbB8VazQN_QJIxCAeiYOobwnENRZfQQkaokGpUJ59gIG_LB9ViXf4QF3k1rxWP4zzlSkJKrNInIh3D4XI4TnlJ5x0MCc4HMUf4aoWItCSDv64ir03n5I3DnaFznj9CscaLWcxaDgj0yOJT_P9=w257-h304" width="257" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a; font-size: 17px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mural by artist Paul Curtis</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Anne Williams was an inspirational woman and it's fitting that the nation should learn about how she fought for justice despite the repeated set backs that would have weakened the resolve of most. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The importance of this piece of work can't be underestimated and this amazing woman and all she stood for should be remembered by us all forever and passed down through the generations to prevent the likes of Hillsborough and its aftermath happening again.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Anne Williams YNWA </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">JUSTICE FOR THE 97</span></p><p></p>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-6896666695651141642021-12-03T14:35:00.000+00:002021-12-03T14:35:20.902+00:00A Beautiful Night - Katherine Priddy at Leaf Liverpool <p style="text-align: justify;">When you’re having a difficult time music can be a wonderful therapy. Last night at Leaf in Liverpool the prescription was for a couple of hours with Katherine Priddy supported by George Boomsma. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">George opened the night and then accompanied Katherine for her set and what a set. Katherine sang a number of songs from her new album The Eternal Rocks Beneath as well as older songs and a brand new as yet unnamed track. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z38Uix7tr0o/Yaon432MkZI/AAAAAAAB_-k/3wwEfWg8UOsWqEYW3MrGxxrVI0dCcliVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4428C0A6-3CE5-4B93-9C60-866207A290E9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z38Uix7tr0o/Yaon432MkZI/AAAAAAAB_-k/3wwEfWg8UOsWqEYW3MrGxxrVI0dCcliVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4428C0A6-3CE5-4B93-9C60-866207A290E9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I’ve been listening to the album since its release back in June and was anticipating a special night. It was better than that as Katherine performed to a packed but intimate house and mesmerised the audience who listened in adoring silence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CSjfBTkffYw" width="320" youtube-src-id="CSjfBTkffYw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wolf </div></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The performance, both vocally and musically, was stunning and will live long in my memory and the background to the writing of the tracks will make listening to the album a different experience in the future. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jim Croce sang a wonderful song called Time in a Bottle and if you could save a gig in a bottle this would be it and it would be a beautiful elixir, good for both the mind and the soul. </p><p>Make sure you listen to Katherine Priddy and if you get the opportunity to get to see her live GO! </p>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-25370650343589817172020-04-10T04:47:00.000+01:002020-04-10T04:47:01.493+01:00In these Strangest of Times: Hillsborough 31 Years On - Always Remembered <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Even in these strangest of times I don't have a need to remind myself to always remember; I can never forget that day.<br />
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Last year, for the 30th Anniversary, I had decided to make changes to how I remembered the day. I didn't want crowds, I just wanted those closest to me to know that I was safe and not spiralling into an abyss of darkness that had often happened on anniversaries in the past.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">On 14th April </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I placed roses at the memorial in Old Haymarket and on the Anniversary we went to Pennington Flash to start the day in a tranquil place where my mind could reflect and remember the fans who didn't make it that day, despite our best efforts. </span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efCY_OcjEu0/Xo4ejhCLzyI/AAAAAAAAg3w/GPpuTh5ISx4xxIqjzKJDAZsHJg79Hd_0ACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_5103.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efCY_OcjEu0/Xo4ejhCLzyI/AAAAAAAAg3w/GPpuTh5ISx4xxIqjzKJDAZsHJg79Hd_0ACKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_5103.PNG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillsborough Memorial - Old Haymarket</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efCY_OcjEu0/Xo4ejhCLzyI/AAAAAAAAg3w/GPpuTh5ISx4xxIqjzKJDAZsHJg79Hd_0ACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_5103.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Later in the day we visited Hillsborough Oaks, a special place for me. We wondered where the years had gone and thought about fellow survivors, supporters and family members who had passed away during the time since the tragedy.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZjHWD_6i9k/Xo4thAw5wQI/AAAAAAAAg4A/ksxCLv3CgqsJw0tDF1PqhR2gLHAQtCADgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iLOvu6pW0c/Xo4thKu69YI/AAAAAAAAg38/W9zFPA6ka9E6GwmCmRXXkpeCmwwk9yAugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bullfinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iLOvu6pW0c/Xo4thKu69YI/AAAAAAAAg38/W9zFPA6ka9E6GwmCmRXXkpeCmwwk9yAugCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bullfinch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bullfinch at Pennington Flash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZjHWD_6i9k/Xo4thAw5wQI/AAAAAAAAg4A/ksxCLv3CgqsJw0tDF1PqhR2gLHAQtCADgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZjHWD_6i9k/Xo4thAw5wQI/AAAAAAAAg4A/ksxCLv3CgqsJw0tDF1PqhR2gLHAQtCADgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Robin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin at Pennington Flash </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwzHBObMxNw/Xo4thOqVxVI/AAAAAAAAg4E/s7rd3I04QVIWf7WYYkILUHnWVYNABEDqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Hillsborough%2BOaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwzHBObMxNw/Xo4thOqVxVI/AAAAAAAAg4E/s7rd3I04QVIWf7WYYkILUHnWVYNABEDqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Hillsborough%2BOaks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillsborough Oaks</td></tr>
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A <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">sad day had worked out perfectly and my sanity remained intact for once.<span style="color: #000032; font-family: "times new roman";"> ❤️💙</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #000032; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #000032; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">This year was going to be similar. But then this year turned out to be similar to nothing any of us has known.</span></span></span><br />
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I had booked a Bed and Breakfast in Windermere to stay over on the 14th waking up there on the Anniversary to find somewhere quiet and peaceful to have my thoughts and reflections.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVrpuFJbA0c/Xo_bLSqOLxI/AAAAAAAAg6E/l4XY4x54bGEozb5MW8NiH8z55S_ATN4jQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVrpuFJbA0c/Xo_bLSqOLxI/AAAAAAAAg6E/l4XY4x54bGEozb5MW8NiH8z55S_ATN4jQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_0272.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Windermere </td></tr>
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The plan was to then visit the Memorial and Hillsborough Oaks when we returned that evening.<br />
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<b>That of course has all changed now and I'll be here at home with my thoughts. </b><br />
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I have a beautiful rose, "Loving Memory", that will be my focus this year.<br />
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It was bought because a friend of friend wanted to do something for a survivor. The rose is the result of this and is now in the garden as a permanent memorial. I am still truly blown away by that. ❤️<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwzHBObMxNw/Xo4thOqVxVI/AAAAAAAAg4E/s7rd3I04QVIWf7WYYkILUHnWVYNABEDqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Hillsborough%2BOaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>It is planted in a pot surrounded by red tulips that I am hoping will be in bloom on the day - the rose will follow later on.<br />
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In these difficult times I hope that everyone affected by Hillsborough stays safe and can find their own special way to remember our friends this year, the 31st Anniversary of the tragedy. <br />
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One thing is for sure, we will never forget!<br />
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<b>Justice for the 96. Justice for all.</b></div>
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<b>You’ll Never Walk Alone </b></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-88085030183307835442019-04-15T07:14:00.000+01:002019-04-15T07:14:37.858+01:00Thirty Years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thirty years has passed. Thirty years in my life that has seen numerous jobs, two stints at university, we said goodbye to my Dad, had two beautiful daughters to make a total of four beautiful girls in mine and Karen’s life. We’ve had weddings and grandchildren and more ups and downs than the Big One in Blackpool.</div>
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All in all a normal thirty years that many people could write about. Then there’s the but….</div>
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<b>But</b> on the 15th April 1989 I was in pen 3 of the Leppings Lane end at <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Hillsborough. Thirty years ago. Thirty years! Amidst all the normality has been the torment, the questions, the anger, the sadness, the confusion, the optimism, the disappointment, the guilt and the helplessness. It’s usually kept hidden in my head, just like the images I carry with me everyday.</span></div>
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I’m fortunate that I’m surrounded by good and caring people and have made some enduring friendships along the way. So on this day, thirty years on, I’ll remember the 96 who didn’t come home, my thoughts are with their families. I’m also here for the ones who like me made it back, some scarred both physically and mentally from the scene that we escaped.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Justice for the 96 - Justice for ALL</span></b></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-22651916265509178032018-04-14T06:07:00.000+01:002018-04-14T06:07:51.121+01:00Hillsborough 29 Years on - Lost in a Void<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">My “memories” brought to the fore on Facebook at this time of year are filled with Hillsborough as you may expect. I have been on Facebook for 10 years now but my Hillsborough memories are stretching back an unbelievable 29 years. That, as it happens, is half of my lifetime as I’m 58 in a week or so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Many of these memories are like nightmares that repeat randomly, vividly and sometimes unexpectedly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Since the verdicts of the new inquests and the impending trials I feel like I’m in some sort of void, a vacuum. With the 29th Anniversary of the disaster just a day away I really can’t say how I’ll feel tomorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">The exploits of Liverpool FC have provided a welcome distraction this week but my memories of that day have been there in the background dipping in and out of my consciousness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">On Sunday I plan to visit Hillsborough Oaks and then move onto the Memorial in Old Haymarket, St John’s Gardens. I will remember those lost that day and will also be thinking of fellow survivors who like me find this time of year so difficult. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">I’m very grateful for the friendships that have developed over the years and for the support that has come with those friendships. Together we have fought a long battle with some notable successes but ultimately there are no winners here, history dictates that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">29 Years. Never Forgotten. Justice for the 96. Justice for all. </span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-5079527059675111772018-03-04T10:49:00.001+00:002021-04-04T09:12:27.062+01:00Those Two Weeks. A Review. Sort of!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Those two weeks were something that hadn’t crossed my mind. Those two weeks were before this chapter began. I can remember significant things from before those two weeks; weddings, births, deaths, holidays, jobs and going to see Liverpool in the 60s getting into the Anny Road end at “three quarter time” with my dad watching Hunt, St John, Yeats and Peter Thompson flying down wing. Stuff like that.</div>
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But the Saturday that ended those two weeks tore up the script and a new direction was taken. It was darker, moody, but fine on the outside. Mostly.</div>
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I went to the <a href="https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/" target="_blank">Unity Theatre</a> on Thursday evening with my grandson Tom. I’d promised him a pizza in Ma Egerton’s and we took the opportunity to go to watch what turned out to be a wonderful production by Ian Salmon called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCMycBN1k8w" target="_blank">“Those Two Weeks”</a>.</div>
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It was a play based in a 1980s house, set just in the living room, about a family, the Miller’s living a normal life. Normal in the sense of how relationships pan out each and everyday, what can go wrong, how brothers and sisters live together as they’re growing through their formative years; how mum and dad just carry on whilst in the background there are things like a ticking time bomb that occasionally raise their head and an argument explodes. Stuff happens then you get over it and move on. It was a house in Liverpool so there was going to be a Red & Blue element to it and of course there’d be salad! Sunday evening in our house mostly.</div>
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I found the play riveting. I had warned Tom, my grandson, that I may get emotional - I did. I laughed, I was in awe of some excellent performances, I cried. He’s 16 and he he held my hand, he hugged me, he was there for me like my family and friends have been for the last 29 years.</div>
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The play made me think, I’m still thinking and that’s why I’m writing this. It’s my way of dealing with my thoughts and it’s good that I can do this. It’s therapeutic.</div>
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I’ve tried to recall what I did in those two weeks. I can’t. But I probably watched it here on Thursday. I had my ticket so no worries there. I must have sorted the transport out with John, the manager of Tommy Hall's in Prescot. I’ll have gone to the match, had pint on the way home from the training I was doing at the time. I’d have been at home and played records, vinyl of course. I probably made some compilations on C90 tapes bought from Woolies. We’d have had salad for tea on the Sunday. I’d have decided what I would be wearing to go to the semi final. I’d have been buzzing.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Those Two Weeks has finished its short run at the Unity Theatre. I hope it is back soon because more people need the experience. It totally blew me away. </span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-83481377242520806302017-06-28T12:06:00.001+01:002017-06-28T12:08:59.918+01:00THEY ALL KNEW #JFT96I'll say no more....<div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ddwiT4Uor0U/WVONsz6jQSI/AAAAAAAALS8/LNPdjXvi9u0VEBzsRzCs9S-ENQyKqT7kACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--185262432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ddwiT4Uor0U/WVONsz6jQSI/AAAAAAAALS8/LNPdjXvi9u0VEBzsRzCs9S-ENQyKqT7kACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--185262432.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#JFT96</div></div>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-13657512923577092422017-06-28T09:32:00.000+01:002017-06-28T09:59:52.737+01:00Journeys End? #JFT96<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Will today be the day that sees justice prevail? Will the anxiety felt by the families of those that died, by those, who like me climbed out of that hell on earth as well as those affected in other ways, be banished forever? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Awaiting the news from Warrington, I am nervous, apprehensive and at a total loss of understanding as to where I am at emotionally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Will I be angry, will I be sad, will I be happy or will I have no apparent emotion at all? Will I want hugs and company, will I want isolation or will I have no idea what I want? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">That scenario is today but it hasn't just been today. That's the emotional rollercoaster ridden every second of everyday because you never know when a trigger will happen, when your mood will swing or where that will take you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">This journey has been a journey of almost half of my life - I was a week shy of my 29th birthday when I went to see the Reds tonk Forest. The journey hasn't all been bleak as friendships have formed that otherwise probably wouldn't. There are also positives to be taken from never giving up, campaigning to get the Truth out there and succeeding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">There are also many people out there who are barely thought about in the emotion of Hillsborough - the families of the survivors. Some people, including myself, have been lucky enough to have the support of a loving family throughout this journey - thank you all. Some however were not so fortunate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Today's announcement, whatever it is, for me will simply be another set of crossroads on the journey. Which road is taken and where it takes us is as yet unknown. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Justice for the 96</span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-55570242747875556702017-04-08T06:13:00.000+01:002017-04-08T06:20:11.405+01:00Not Guilty! and The Guilt That Never Goes Away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Not Guilty! and The Guilt That Never Goes Away </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Get over it." "It's time you moved on." I wish it was that easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">For many years I thought it was just me. Feeling guilty for climbing out of Pen 3, physically unscathed, when all around me there was mayhem, injury and death. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Over time I have met others who survived that hell on 15th April 1989 and I realised it wasn't only me. I've seen my feelings written down more than once, the latest time this very morning, but they were written by others, not by me. People who by a sheer twist of fate found themselves in midst of this carnage caused by the failings of many.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">On 26th April 2016 I sat with my wife in the calm of Hillsborough Oaks and listened as the inquest verdicts were announced. I was relieved and emotional that they'd got it right. Us fans were exonerated. We were not guilty. I wish we didn't have to live with the absurd guilt of survival. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">This month is hard and over the next week it will get harder. If you know someone who like me escaped that hell hole please be there for them in which ever way they need. It will be difficult and different for each of us and we cope in our own way. We have done for 28 years. </span></div>
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Justice for the 96. </div>
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We Never Walked Alone.</div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-33035539673915668952016-10-07T08:14:00.001+01:002016-10-07T08:21:38.717+01:00We Judge a Book by its Cover (UP)<h2><br></h2><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'd like to ask Norman Bettison why he thinks a new book is needed?<b> We know the truth, some us have always known, we were there. </b>We saw the incompetence first hand. We knew the spin started on day one. Go away and and perhaps read the books pictured here. They may help jog your memory. You could save this to your phone - if you have it with you that is. You never seem know that do you? #JFT96</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQssaBU68-8/V_dCf-1LifI/AAAAAAAAAdg/SXvdXEKh-Fk/s640/blogger-image--912350175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQssaBU68-8/V_dCf-1LifI/AAAAAAAAAdg/SXvdXEKh-Fk/s640/blogger-image--912350175.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-11303364535438527212016-05-26T19:04:00.001+01:002016-05-26T21:04:55.245+01:00Hillsborough: An Indelible Change but life goes on....You know it's coming. You know, or hope, that it's "good". You know it'll change your life, a life that has a thousand and one other things happening in it AND most importantly you know that you're lucky to be living it. <div><br></div><div>I tried to close the Hillsborough chapter of my life decades ago. I couldn't. Not only were the lies overflowing but I was here. 95 others who'd done the same as me that day had perished. Another was being kept "alive" until any hope passed and there were 96. Why the fuck was I here!?</div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward 27 years (and a bit). I've lived my life from 28 years of age. 29 a week and a day later. We subsequently had two additional children and three grandchildren who exist because I "survived". </div><div><br></div><div>The family and friends of the 96 missed out on their future experiences with their loved ones and the additions that may have ensued due to the fact that they didn't survive. They were unlawfully killed. </div><div><br></div><div>Now I knew that on 15.04.1989. I was there. In with those who never made it. Shoulder to shoulder. Many others did too. Many others who not only lied but forced others to lie too before suppressing the TRUTH they knew. Their fate awaits them. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not talking about 1989 here. I'm talking about now, this minute. The minute you're reading this which as I write has not yet arrived. </div><div><br></div><div>Exactly a month ago the jury announced their verdict on an inquest that took place over two years into a tragedy that happened 27 years ago. 14 counts to nil it was unlawful killing. (Mentioned earlier but it's worth repeating!) </div><div><br></div><div>I was in the last week of my job, an emotional time by any standards if you cared for the people you worked with, but made massively more emotional by the verdict. I was in bits to be fair. I fist pumped when they finally said that we, the fans that day, were not to blame. At the risk of repeating myself I and others knew this and had for over 27 years. </div><div><br></div><div>Sitting at Hillsborough Oaks when the verdicts were being delivered, supported by my wife Karen, was the right<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> thing to do; the right place to be. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Later that night, I think, I went missing apparently although I somehow arrived home. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Then it was on to the vigil. St George's Hall. Another time filled with emotion and support from friends & family. I guess it was a celebration that finally the world knew the truth and the fans, including those lost, were vindicated. I struggled despite the close attention of Kate, Sofie, Garry & Wilf. </div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile I was tired. In my own way I had fought this fight for nearly half of my life. The families were never alone. Those of us who'd been there and experienced the horrors were with them all the way. </div><div><br></div><div>Onto my last day in my job. All neatly handed over - not. Remember this is now not 27 years ago but I'm hoping that you're getting my drift Hillsborough is my now just as it was then. </div><div><br></div><div> We had a ball in Ma's before I departed for a She Drew The Gun gig. I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">didn't make the end. I was mentally and physically exhausted. I got a taxi home. </span></div><div><br></div><div>It was the weekend and a new start and a new job beckoned. I was starting on the Tuesday, Monday being bank holiday. Rather than a new start a new life appeared. Welcome to the world Ollie. 9lb 7oz not 9 6 as I'd predicted! </div><div><br></div><div>My first day at work lasted about 3 minutes. Happy, tired, emotional you name it. I was it! Fortunately I'd found colleagues as nice as those I'd left behind and certainly an individual who had 'got' me from the interview and understood. </div><div><br></div><div>Moving on. At the weekend we had the 5k for the 96 which followed the magnificent achievement of some very special people in running from Hillsborough to Anfield. The second run for the 96 was more emotion, time to reflect and enjoy many friendships that would not have happened had 'Hillsborough' not happened. It's a massive indelible part of my everyday life and it always will be. But life doesn't revolve around it, it's just there. I need people to get that. </div><div><br></div><div>You <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">never know when the moment will come that will change your life. You </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">never know when the moment will come that will change your day. For better or for worse. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This morning at 8:20 I got a text. It simply said "hugs". </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-3510002275738231952016-05-02T01:44:00.001+01:002016-05-02T01:48:35.904+01:00Hillsborough 27 Years Truth & Justice. Still there are disbelievers.....<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Somehow, like when these two photographs were taken, I'm suppressing my emotions. No crying - being strong. This was my 29th birthday. St George's day 1989. 8 days earlier I'd climbed out of the Leppings Lane terrace and helped as many others as I could. I'd seen things that are unimaginable. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0IaHnUzKAk/Vyai52HRENI/AAAAAAAAAdM/-s8qmAMxHEE/s640/blogger-image-890824403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0IaHnUzKAk/Vyai52HRENI/AAAAAAAAAdM/-s8qmAMxHEE/s640/blogger-image-890824403.jpg"></font></a><font color="#000000"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OLmtcqu-jvQ/Vyai5H8FCwI/AAAAAAAAAdI/6aAYN8HWbvg/s640/blogger-image--1058488885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></font></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></u></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My mum & dad were so relieved that I came home as were Karen, Kate, Michelle and my brother Garry but 27 years on, even after the results of the inquest, there are still people spouting shit and trying to lay blame on us survivors and the 96 who perished. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'd ask them to look beyond the smiles in these photographs and look into my eyes. There's so much hidden behind those blackened eyes (not through injury I hasten to add) but trying to come to terms with that day. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Taylor Report got it right. The Hillsborough Documentary, 20 years ago, got it right. The recently concluded inquests and those amazing jurors who gave service for two years got it right. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The South Yorkshire Police got it badly wrong that day. Sheffield Wednesday had been getting it wrong for years totally disregarding the safety of fans - this disaster could have happened years earlier and on more than one occasion. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The FA even after LFC's brilliant club secretary Peter Robinson had warned them that they were making a mistake got it wrong. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then the media, who were present on the day and witnessed what actually happened, got it wrong in varying degrees. Fuelled by lies being concocted whilst I was still trying to help fellow supporters out of the crush they published those lies. Most famously The Scum but I can also remember a column by some old fart in the Daily Mail lambasting the Liverpool fans for causing the disaster. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then of course we come to Thatcher and the establishment. They thought they'd gotten it very right. They thought they were bigger and stronger than the city I was born in. They thought that they could walk all over the families by covering up the truth, hiding away the evidence and trying to turn the nation on THAT city that wouldn't let it go. Piss off and grieve and move on. How wrong could they get it. How wrong are some still getting it? </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The City of Liverpool - we got it right. Truth and Justice for the 96 IS RIGHT. That me and my fellow supporters were victims of gross incompetence and then evil lies IS RIGHT. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">JUSTICE FOR ALL YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-89424177921352752792016-04-22T12:08:00.000+01:002016-04-22T12:09:48.144+01:00Dignity and Self Respect - Justice for the 96<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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<br />
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-47666846100252450282016-04-14T06:33:00.001+01:002016-04-14T08:47:21.096+01:00Hillsborough 27 years - An Audience of Souls Awaiting Justice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">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. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">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...</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b>Ferry Across the Mersey</b> (Still in its Woolworth carrier bag - unplayed - too soon, too raw)<b>, Fields of Anfield Road, He ain't Heavy, (Scouser's) Never Buy The Sun, Liar, Liar, 96th Son </b>and<b> The Angel</b></i> make up a part of that list. </span></div>
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At the time of the disaster a song totally unconnected but one that I cannot separate from the other is <i><b>Eternal Flame</b> </i>by The Bangles which just happened to be the UK number one single for three weeks in April 1989. </div>
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More recently, sitting listening to music I was listening to Emily Smith, a Scottish folk singer and her song <i><b>Audience of Souls</b></i> 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...</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>"</b><b style="font-style: italic;">Audience of souls I’ll sit here before you<br />And I’ll sing to you a song<br />Sing to you a song<br /><br />Absent of words, I’ll learn from the birds<br />And I’ll sing to you a song<br />Sing to you a song<br /><br />Lend to me your ear for I know you have the time<br />And I’ll tell you some news<br />Tell you some news<br /><br />Been away too long your friends have moved on<br />So I’ll tell you some news<br />Tell you some news...."</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">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. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <i>St George's Hall 12th September 2012 "Truth day"</i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">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. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>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.</b></span></div>
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There is an audience of souls awaiting some news and the only news that they need is that of <b>JUSTICE. </b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You can listen to Audience of Souls by Emily Smith here: - <a href="http://youtu.be/ttzox7mqkOg">http://youtu.be/ttzox7mqkOg</a> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Audience of souls I’ll sit here before you</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I’ll sing to you a song</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sing to you a song</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Absent of words, I’ll learn from the birds</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I’ll sing to you a song</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sing to you a song</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lend to me your ear for I know you have the time</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I’ll tell you some news</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tell you some news</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Been away too long your friends have moved on</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So I’ll tell you some news</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tell you some news</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You can’t shake my hand or look me in the eye</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But you’re glad that I came</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Glad that I came</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You can’t see my face or my name place</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But you’re glad that I came</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Glad that I came</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So glad that I came</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You’re glad that I came</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Warmth from the sun it colours my skin</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Means nothing to you</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nothing to you</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You’re sheltered from pain, touched only by the rain</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Means nothing to you</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nothing to you</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Offerings we leave, what are they worth?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do they mean much to you?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mean much to you?</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The comfort that it gives to the heart of a friend</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Does it mean much to you?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mean much to you?</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">From wisdom that you’ve gained</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What advice would you give me?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And what would you change?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What would you change?</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you had your life again would you live it the same?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tell me what would you change?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What would you change?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you had your life again</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Would you live it the same?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tell me what would remain?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And what would you change?</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Audience of souls I’ll sit here before you</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I’ll sing to you a song</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sing to you a song</span></div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-84971949220089336942016-04-06T13:47:00.001+01:002016-04-06T13:47:50.231+01:00#JFT96On the 15th April 1989 I was 28 years old, coming up to 29. I'm now 55 approaching 56. <div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>Today we should be moving on toward a verdict that mirrors the events of that fateful day, a correct verdict, a <b>TRUTHFUL VERDICT. </b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HqOh-Y80amQ/VwUFdIX_lUI/AAAAAAAAAcA/L6ypolzwb8g/s640/blogger-image-1703481037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HqOh-Y80amQ/VwUFdIX_lUI/AAAAAAAAAcA/L6ypolzwb8g/s640/blogger-image-1703481037.jpg"></a></div><br></b></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>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 <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">how their loved ones, who witnessed the events of the day, have changed as a result. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">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. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>#JFT96</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IMvV3C6KCB8/VwUFcB8h98I/AAAAAAAAAb8/RGZi_9Mjipo/s640/blogger-image--1207780716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IMvV3C6KCB8/VwUFcB8h98I/AAAAAAAAAb8/RGZi_9Mjipo/s640/blogger-image--1207780716.jpg"></a></div>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-38283381080608714482015-04-22T06:27:00.000+01:002015-04-22T06:46:07.928+01:00Hillsborough - Upbeat?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429558358109_2331" style="font-size: 14pt;">We began last week with the sad internet <a href="https://www.facebook.com/petiton96problems?fref=ts" target="_blank">troll</a> trying to belittle us. We fought it and we rose above it. We paid our respects at the Memorial Service on Wednesday and the emotions overwhelmed some. A group of intrepid heroes inspired and humbled us by running from Hillsborough to Anfield over two days. Then on Sunday it gelled as our community, its football clubs and many others, joined the inaugural <a href="http://www.btrliverpool.com/#!run-for-the-96-5k/c1em3" target="_blank">Run For The 96 5k</a> in Stanley Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Where to start? Well this time last year a group of us had just got home from a walk from Hillsborough to Anfield, </span><a href="http://passionatelylfc.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/we-never-walked-alone-hillsborough-25th.html" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">We Never Walked Alone</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. It was an experience that will live long in my memory, a great experience,</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> I am so glad that I was part of it. Then, like at the weekend, LFC had great expectations only to see them slip away.</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429558358109_2336" style="font-size: 14pt;">More importantly the inquests began and in that time the families have, through their heartfelt pen portraits, put a name, a face, and a real person in place of the number that before then their loved ones had been known. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">They have listened to evidence and heard reluctant admissions from people who should have had some balls many years ago. It's been a tough year for the families and those who were there on the day and still feel the guilt of survival. The inquests are underway again and it's important that we all take care of what we say and post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>What I will say is that everyone involved has my 100% support and that will never waiver.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">I attended the memorial service at Anfield which as usual was emotional and I was pleased to have Sofie, my daughter, at my side again supporting me. It was also nice to be accompanied by other great friends that day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">Other friends attended the memorial in Old Haymarket to pay their respects whilst others paid their respects in other cities both here and all over the world or by simply pulling over in their car or stepping outside of work at 3:06 to reflect. Many of course also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/833461640033812/" target="_blank">Wore Red the 96</a> to show their support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">It doesn't matter where or how anyone pays their respects. It's that we still do 26 years down the line and we always will as the younger generation like Sofie, not born in 1989, know the significance of what happened that day and will never forget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Moving on to last weekend when the <a href="http://hillsborough-anfieldrun.com/" target="_blank">Hillsborough - Anfield Run</a> team got back to Anfield after their two day run, which as I said at the time I felt humbled as I welcomed them back to Anfield after their amazing effort. Well done to each of you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Then it was Sunday and the </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">inaugural </span><a href="http://www.btrliverpool.com/#!run-for-the-96-5k/c1em3" style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;" target="_blank">Run For The 96 5k</a><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;"> in Stanley Park. I'm not a runner but I love walking and I decided to be a little different in my approach to the 5k. This would after all be the one and only time I would run a 5k, wouldn't it!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">My plan was to walk from home to the run, I had walked to Anfield from home before and the route I took was exactly 9.6 miles - a total coincidence! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">So on Sunday morning I set off at 7am aiming to get to Stanley Park 9:15 and the start of the 5k. It was great to have some company on the walk as Andy stepped up his training for the Rock n Roll Marathon by walking there with me and jogging back home! Cheers mate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">The walk was enjoyable and we arrived in Stanley Park bang on time! Straight away despite the vast crowd there were friendly faces and hugs a plenty. I then found Kenny, Carolyn and the girls waiting patiently on the start line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">My plan was start with a little jog and then walk the 5k but as I set off, in my walking boots, I had a Forrest Gump moment and I was off! Young Sarah accompanied me around the course and somehow had the breath to tell me stories from start to finish! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">There was something happening in those few hours on Sunday morning. Here I was at a Hillsborough event feeling upbeat, happy even. I have heard and read much in the few days since. I certainly wasn't the only one who felt this, it seems everyone there felt the same! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">Well done to Dom Williams and the team for thinking up and seeing through this wonderful event to its successful conclusion. Well done also Dom for getting through it on your crutches, I hope that you recover from the injury quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">As for this being my last 5k I think not. I'll be back every year that I am able, inspired by everyone who took part and this special moment....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photograph: P. Tichen Photography</span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-35011734570497927482015-04-16T23:36:00.001+01:002015-04-16T23:41:51.743+01:00The Hillsborough Memorial - Remembering the 96 #JFT96 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.liverpoolsculptures.com/site/the-hillsborough-monument-memorial/" target="_blank">The Hillsborough Memorial in Old Haymarket Liverpool</a> marks the 26th Anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster. Floral tributes placed at the memorial which was commissioned by the Hillsborough Justice Campaign <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HJCOfficial" target="_blank">(HJC)</a> and created by local sculptor Tom Murphy show that 26 years on 96 fans who never came home are always remembered. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ian_wildknight/sets/72157651514509907/" target="_blank">More photographs on Flickr</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ian_wildknight/sets/72157651514509907/" target="_blank">Hillsborough Memorial, Old Haymarket, Liverpool</a></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0Saint John's Gardens, Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside L1, UK53.409180106506369 -2.98233747482299853.40858860650637 -2.9835979748229979 53.409771606506368 -2.9810769748229982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-65562546477037539952015-04-11T06:58:00.000+01:002015-04-11T06:58:57.083+01:00Is time a healer? The Hillsborough Disaster 26 Years On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's not something that can ever be erased from my mind and nor should it. This week marks 26 years since fate allowed me to escape the hell of Leppings Lane whilst dealing a fatal blow to 96 fellow fans.<br />
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At this time of year my emotions, my guilt, the images and all that goes with that day are at their peak. They are always there, lurking in the back of my subconscious awaiting the slightest trigger to force them to the surface and change what may have been being a fantastic day into one that I can't wait to end.<br />
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This last week has been a tough one. Starting with someone trying to tout Hillsborough Memorial tickets, how dare he!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wss6E9pNNLM/VSizq8a2pyI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/uCyKHDdVdaI/s1600/ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wss6E9pNNLM/VSizq8a2pyI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/uCyKHDdVdaI/s1600/ticket.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hillsborough Memorial Tickets are FREE!</div>
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This was followed swiftly by the vile, disgusting Facebook pages appearing over the week. I'll not name them, I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of the publicity they clearly crave. The person(s) behind the pages and those that follow them are the lowest of the low. I believe in karma but I hope that the police catch up with them too and that they are suitably punished.<br />
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Early Thursday morning I had had enough. I am generally a strong person but knowing the effect the pages were having on me I was concerned at what the vile content would do to the families of those who didn't come home and I felt emotionally drained. I had to do something so I took to Twitter to ask for help from the media to find the scum behind the pages.<br />
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Radio City contacted me for which I am grateful (Thank you BBC for your interest!) and I reluctantly agreed to give a short interview. I decided to do this as I really want those behind the pages named, shamed and brought to book. My interview was aired, although I haven't heard it, and I hope that I got the right message across so that people can understand the damage these people do.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cblockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22%20lang=%22en%22%3E%3Cp%3ENEWS%20At%201pm%20a%20survivor%20of%20the%20Hillsborough%20disaster%20says%20he%20is%20devastated%20after%20another%20facebook%20page%20mocking%20the%20tragedy%20appeared%20online%3C/p%3E%E2%80%94%20Radio%20City%2096.7%20(@RadioCity967)%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://twitter.com/RadioCity967/status/586135883440594944%22%3EApril%209,%202015%3C/a%3E%3C/blockquote%3E%20%3Cscript%20async%20src=%22//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js%22%20charset=%22utf-8%22%3E%3C/script%3E" target="_blank"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
NEWS At 1pm a survivor of the Hillsborough disaster says he is devastated after another facebook page mocking the tragedy appeared online<br />
— Radio City 96.7 (@RadioCity967) <a href="https://twitter.com/RadioCity967/status/586135883440594944">April 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></a><br />
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At this time of year, and with the inquests continuing, there are enough things keeping Hillsborough and its horror in the forefront of our minds without these faceless morons hiding behind a screen pushing vile abusive words and images and mocking the dead.<br />
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I am lucky to have supportive family and friends around me who understand how a little thing can push me down, even after 26 years, and they can help pick me back up by simply being there, giving me space, listening (although I rarely speak of it) and time. I'm sure that some people are not so lucky.<br />
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The sands of time are passing and perhaps closure of some description will come. The memories however will linger and 96 Angels will never be forgotten.<br />
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-75777196158701263082014-04-23T13:09:00.000+01:002014-04-23T17:45:39.176+01:00We Never Walked Alone – Hillsborough 25th Anniversary Walk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: large;">My personal thought’s on a wonderful,
emotional and collaborative journey.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">So there I was minding my
own business on 24 June 2013 when a post appeared on Facebook, a plan for a
walk to mark the 25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster was
born. The post was asking for those interested in taking part in walking the 96
miles to respond by simply posting a comment “96”. I knew that I was probably one of those that
the post was specifically aimed at (knowing who posted it) and I took a deep
breath and moved on to another page…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">Running away from thoughts
of that day in 1989 is something I’d become quite good at, although in recent
years, probably the last 5, I have spoken more about it than in the previous
20. <a href="http://passionatelylfc.blogspot.co.uk/2010_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">(Still Hurting After All These Years)</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">The person who posted the
invitation is a tenacious lady and I knew that this wouldn’t easily go away.
Still, if I didn’t respond, I’d maybe get away with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">Walking 96 miles didn’t
faze me; I love walking and do it for fun regularly. I had formed a small informal group of
friends Wildknight Walks and we would get together for a walk and have some
great banter. I also walk when I need
solitude and time to gather my thoughts and this can be any time of day or
night. So the timeframe and potential lack of sleep didn’t faze me either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">Barriers did exist
however. I’d never returned to
Hillsborough since 1989. Why would I want to with the memories I had stored
from there from 15 April 1989? I had
spoken and written about the day but this was quite controlled, if I went back
there would my guard drop, would the emotions run away with me and lay me bare?
I was scared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">I wasn’t expecting the
reminder, like a prod in the ribs, to come so soon after the initial post. Then
on the 25th June 2013 there was a post suggesting that another Ian and I were
being a bit quiet “What say you chaps?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">This wasn’t going to go
away anytime soon. I pondered, I argued in my head and just less than an hour
later I posted “96 all the way!” A
journey had begun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">Being someone who regularly
walks I realised that the commitment needed to achieve a 96 mile walk over a
short period of time and with little sleep would need some training so I
offered those taking part the chance to join in with Wildknight Walks as an
opportunity to get some walks in and get fitter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">It was from this point that
the walk took on a new dynamic as I met new friends for the first time and we
walked. We literally walked through a
storm on the Fylde coast as we were battered by the wind and the rain, we took
the wrong turn on the Wirral but we walked on and we saw a golden sky while taking
a break midway through a 30 miler to watch our outstanding team beat Manchester
United 3 – 0 at their place! We were ready.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">On the Tuesday preceding
the walk there was the 25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Memorial Service at
Anfield. This year I felt it was
“easier”, on a different level emotionally than in previous years, perhaps
because the new inquests are underway?
Mentioning this to my daughter when leaving the memorial she said “It’s
now less of a fight and more of an achievement.” I can go with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">The days leading up to the
18<sup>th</sup> April, when I and many others would depart for Hillsborough to
begin our pilgrimage to bring back home 96 souls, were hard for me. I was still
filled with a nervous apprehension about going back. But the day came…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">I was made up when Kim and
John, fellow walkers, contacted me on the Thursday and offered me a lift to
Anfield. Public transport on a Good Friday evening was potentially going to be
a nightmare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">So there we were. It was
shortly before 9pm on Friday 18<sup>th</sup> April and we were waiting for the
coach to take us to <st1:place w:st="on">Sheffield</st1:place>, albeit taking a
shorter route than that that we’d be walking on our return. I don’t think that
I was the only one with butterflies in my stomach at that time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtJmUcBm27A/U1efsS8qXGI/AAAAAAAAAWM/7i8V4jpywaA/s1600/start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtJmUcBm27A/U1efsS8qXGI/AAAAAAAAAWM/7i8V4jpywaA/s1600/start.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Debi McMillan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">The walkers that were
taking part were made up of family members and their friends, survivors and
those who simply wanted to show support.
Oh, and of course HJ Jimmy our Scottie dog mascot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9tfM19F6-c/U1egWnUqwwI/AAAAAAAAAWU/A5oOW7uJrM0/s1600/1426365_10151982059478699_1329486445_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9tfM19F6-c/U1egWnUqwwI/AAAAAAAAAWU/A5oOW7uJrM0/s1600/1426365_10151982059478699_1329486445_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;"> I already knew some of those taking part some
from before the planning of the walk and some, as mentioned, through the
training walks. Soon we were getting to know new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">With the characters taking
part there was bound to be banter and laughter on the journey to <st1:place w:st="on">Sheffield</st1:place>. I dipped in and out of the banter as the
journey progressed and we neared <st1:place w:st="on">Sheffield</st1:place>. I was getting messages of support all the
way, in fact they’d begun much earlier in the week and they were very welcome.
It was good that people could understand the difficulty of the journey I was
making.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">We arrived at <st1:place w:st="on">Sheffield</st1:place>, I was back at Hillsborough. I had a dry
throat; I had the same the last time I was there. The memorial was filled with
flowers and other personal items left in memory of the 96. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quietly, I took it all in;
I knew that there were plans to read out the names of the 96. I felt that I wouldn’t be able to do it but
having been handed a card with six names on: Thomas Howard aged 39, Thomas
Anthony Howard aged 14, Eric George Hughes aged 42, Alan Johnston aged 29 (My
age on the 23 April 1989), Christine Anne Jones aged 27 and Gary Philip Jones
aged 18 years </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided that I should.
Just six of the 96 who I went with to a football match who would not
return home to their families and their friends, a tragic and an avoidable
waste of life.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiNWSiTh80Y/U1eiTUkMN1I/AAAAAAAAAWg/kf9x5usKrk8/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiNWSiTh80Y/U1eiTUkMN1I/AAAAAAAAAWg/kf9x5usKrk8/s1600/group.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bq9YkWfZHRY/U1eiTZ_Uo3I/AAAAAAAAAWk/Itkw2ZA904I/s1600/pensive.jpg" height="150" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photos Reshma Minaz Karmali</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">We got into position and we
each read our card. It was a poignant and emotional time. Then Brian “Nasher”
Nash read his poem specially written for the walk; “Why do I cry?” An emotive piece of writing that says so much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WNWA25years/posts/247353215462952">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WNWA25years">We Never Walked Alone - 25th Anniversary of Hillsborough</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">The route for the walk
would take in Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium (Nearly There!), Boundary
Park Oldham, The Ethiad Stadium Manchester, Gigg Lane Bury, The Reebok Stadium
Bolton, The DW Stadium Wigan, Goodison Park and finally Anfield.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">After the ceremony we set
off on our way with 96 souls in our hearts to take them home to where they
belonged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">I wanted to get away from
Hillsborough as quickly as I could, I walked on and I never looked back. I walked briefly with Paul and Brian before
losing them as I stopped to remove some layers. I spent the next few hours in
wonderful darkness and solitude when I was able to process my thoughts and
reflect on what had happened earlier at the stadium and look further back to
1989. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">I’m still unsure as to
whether revisiting will make a difference to how I feel but I feel I’ve got
over a hurdle and other aspects of the walk definitely have given me a
different focus although I’m finding it difficult to articulate exactly what. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">The darkness and solitude I
experienced on this leg of the walk was only really possible because of the
support vehicles and more importantly the people within them keeping a check on
my wellbeing. So my thanks go out to Andy, Ian, Mark, Eric and Steve and
photographer Liz at this point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">After a few hours walking
with my own thoughts I felt it time to let the group catch me for some company
and comradeship and I walked into <st1:place w:st="on">Huddersfield</st1:place>
with friends to a welcoming breakfast provided by <a href="http://www.scoffoutside.com/" target="_blank">Scoff Outside Catering </a>who looked
after us brilliantly and kept us fuelled up throughout the journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">At this point it became
apparent that a crepe bandage is no match for a real fan belt and we lost the
coach which was replaced by a smaller and less comfortable bus for the rest of
the journey. It was an inconvenience that because of the spirit and
togetherness of the walkers we literally took it in our stride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">As the miles mounted up so
too did the niggles of blisters and leg and back injuries. Andy and Ian had
been doing sterling work on the hoof but on arrival at <st1:place w:st="on">Oldham</st1:place>
the physio’s, Roger and Richie were able, it seemed, to rebuild people. I can
vouch for the patching up of my blistered feet working a treat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">I’m sure the others who
took part may well agree that as time moved on and tiredness set in many of the
stages merged in the mind at least. I
know that I enjoyed every mile I walked, even through the pain, because there
was always good banter and encouragement when it was needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">My best memories are of the
walks from Dowry reservoir to Oldham and that Magnum, the walk from Oldham to
The Ethiad and that Borini goal celebration at a junction in Manchester and then
the final assault down the East Lancashire Road with horns blasting and people
applauding the efforts of us all on the way to Goodison and ultimately to
Anfield.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">Other magic moments for me were
my friend Anita turning up at Wigan to give me some much needed encouragement
and a Mars Bar and Gow and Joel being at the same venue to walk a stage
having got up at some daft hour to drive there. Well in you three!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukmjfa3oEQc/U1ejAIuyMxI/AAAAAAAAAW8/vV_ENsA2jDE/s1600/10171753_10152346632187390_3710373020518938539_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukmjfa3oEQc/U1ejAIuyMxI/AAAAAAAAAW8/vV_ENsA2jDE/s1600/10171753_10152346632187390_3710373020518938539_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">Also lots of families and
friends were reunited along the way from the Showcase to Goodison and what a
special feeling that is and I’d like to thank everyone who was able to be there
for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">When we arrived at the
Eternal Flame at Anfield the symbolism of bringing the 96 back home was
completed as the walkers passed a named red rose to a child who then placed the
rose in a vase which eventually formed an impressive 96 rose display.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DjnMFHXnkA/U1emTDEZWhI/AAAAAAAAAXM/R1f-MlPJrjA/s1600/_DSC1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DjnMFHXnkA/U1emTDEZWhI/AAAAAAAAAXM/R1f-MlPJrjA/s1600/_DSC1082.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">I haven’t mentioned all of
the walkers here but can I thank you all for making this journey such a special
one for me. New friendships have and
will develop from this amazing journey and others have undoubtedly
strengthened. I look forward to seeing you all again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHimGN8K2Dg/U1erDratnPI/AAAAAAAAAXc/WmyTkViLVMY/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHimGN8K2Dg/U1erDratnPI/AAAAAAAAAXc/WmyTkViLVMY/s1600/final.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;">There are two people (and a
mascot) who of course deserve special mention as none of this would have
happened without all of your hard work Steve Kelly and Cherie Brewster so thank
you. And thank you Cherie for the prod in the ribs on the 25 June 2013.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Erb4qxj0hlo/U1erNeRJNeI/AAAAAAAAAXk/2ghLYFfbbrQ/s1600/_DSC0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Erb4qxj0hlo/U1erNeRJNeI/AAAAAAAAAXk/2ghLYFfbbrQ/s1600/_DSC0703.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We never walked alone and
now 96 souls are home. Thank you all YNWA.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-83124420991799055162014-03-30T20:37:00.003+01:002014-04-01T19:18:48.628+01:00Justice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tomorrow, 31 March 2014, just a fortnight short of 25 years since I accidently became a "survivor" new inquests begin into 96 lives wasted, tragically lost.<br />
<br />
I was there. I survived. I also survived on Wednesday when we beat Sunderland.<br />
<br />
I hate being called a survivor. I hate being lucky that I climbed out. To be honest I don't go to a football match expecting heroics from the survivors - you wouldn't would you?<br />
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<br />
I hope that everything works out and no new obstacles are placed in the way of the families. My thoughts and prayers are with you. #JFT96<br />
<br />
Also 25 years ago we lost the league title to the final kick of a football match, Michael Thomas scoring, and I didn't give a shit.<br />
<br />
The point of this post is to ask you all to be careful in what you post and to say that I am believing that Steven Gerrard will be lifting the trophy in 6 games time and dedicating it to the 96. YNWA</div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-71850801669548590512013-12-18T04:13:00.000+00:002013-12-18T04:13:59.432+00:00LFC - England's Most Successful Club<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/151404-infographic-england-s-greatest-club" mce_href="http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/151404-infographic-england-s-greatest-club" target="_blank"><img alt="History of Liverpool Football Club Trophies" border="0" height="4346px" mce_src="http://assets2.lfcimages.com/uploads/1852__0668__trophy_infographic.jpg" src="http://assets2.lfcimages.com/uploads/1852__0668__trophy_infographic.jpg" title="History of Liverpool Football Club Trophies" width="515px" /></a><br />
[Designed by <a href="http://www.reflectdigital.co.uk/" mce_href="http://www.reflectdigital.co.uk/" target="_blank">Reflect Digital</a> on behalf of <a href="http://www.afordawards.co.uk/trophies/sports-trophies/football-trophies.aspx" mce_href="http://www.afordawards.co.uk/trophies/sports-trophies/football-trophies.aspx" target="_blank">Aford Awards Football Trophies</a>]</div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-53607088506769559232013-11-21T23:36:00.000+00:002013-11-21T23:38:11.539+00:00Hillsborough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/investigations/hillsborough#sthash.OsotLt06.cmfs">Hillsborough</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The Independent Police Complaints Commission is calling for witnesses who were at Hillsborough and gave their accounts to police to come forward as part of its investigation into the aftermath of the disaster. If you gave an account to West Midlands Police, the IPCC would like to hear from you. - See more at: <span id="goog_1693789709"></span><span id="goog_1693789710"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span><a href="http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/investigations/hillsborough#sthash.AbhURQbJ.dpuf" target="_blank">www.ipcc.gov.uk/investigations/hillsborough</a></div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-60978456586454341222013-04-14T23:00:00.002+01:002013-04-14T23:00:08.575+01:00MacKenzie's Lies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nACGj6KxRYw" target="_blank">MacKenzie's Lies - Hillsborough Poem</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nACGj6KxRYw" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ExmR3zz5VA/UWsmVsMyT-I/AAAAAAAAASc/tP4g2AzVVm4/s320/the-sun-hillsborough-headline.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nACGj6KxRYw" target="_blank">The Fucking Lies!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nACGj6KxRYw" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNhK-CiQPgM/UWsmVhPVY_I/AAAAAAAAASg/B8Clb60fBc0/s320/hjc+001.JPG" width="268" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nACGj6KxRYw" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXyqlbEVwyg/UWsmVa-NAMI/AAAAAAAAASk/9PuB3fkVub4/s320/don't+buy+the+sun.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-57080734273700081512013-04-14T19:45:00.002+01:002013-04-14T19:45:30.776+01:00Hillsborough 24 Years On - Now for JUSTICE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cFPgdnhjcM/UWr4dRKCZ5I/AAAAAAAAASM/7EhelWpfAYc/s1600/Hillsboro+ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cFPgdnhjcM/UWr4dRKCZ5I/AAAAAAAAASM/7EhelWpfAYc/s320/Hillsboro+ticket.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My <b>USED</b> ticket from the day</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
It's hard to believe that 24 years ago I was looking forward to going to Hillsborough to watch a game of football, the banter with friends & hopeful of the usual celebration at the end of the game. What happened instead on 15 April 1989 changed my life forever, affected so many others and prematurely ended the lives of 96 fellow fans who had travelled to Hillsborough with the same expectation as me. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">What happened on the day and what has followed over the years is now, at last, public knowledge and accepted by most if not by all. What we need now is swift criminal action taken against those culpable and finally</span><div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 17px;">JUSTICE FOR THE 96</span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1844964174050055250.post-45323954123674513682012-11-21T21:21:00.003+00:002012-11-21T21:37:53.245+00:00Rafa: I Believed...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When Rafa came to LFC, pre Twitter days for me, and perhaps even for Twitter, my mantra was "Believe!" <br />
<br />
I always did believe, and I got that he was fighting the demons from within the club when things started to go a little pear-shaped! (Not Spanish waiter shaped)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWZ6zjiJvfw/UK1B4gWCsBI/AAAAAAAAARQ/PahnQGVyNQU/s1600/rafalfc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWZ6zjiJvfw/UK1B4gWCsBI/AAAAAAAAARQ/PahnQGVyNQU/s1600/rafalfc.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Rafa was a successful Liverpool manager and not just because of 2005. He stood up to the cowboys who were destroying our club, to Ferguson and to the FA. He was his own man.<br />
<br />
He was a successful Liverpool Manager because he reorganised the Academy and we are reaping the rewards for what he did then right now as we have youth coming through with the kwality to "make it" for the first time for many years.<br />
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He was a successful Liverpool Manager because he took our city to his heart and has made it his home. (Yes he lives on the Wirral but that was where the milkman lived!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFbl0aJTpT4/UK1CQtor1dI/AAAAAAAAARY/xhGURfvhkuc/s1600/rafa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFbl0aJTpT4/UK1CQtor1dI/AAAAAAAAARY/xhGURfvhkuc/s1600/rafa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
He was a successful Liverpool Manager because HE believed in justice for the 96. He's backed that with donations (easy given his earnings you may say - but he didn't have to) but more to the point he backed it with real and personal support to the families.<br />
<br />
Rafa was a successful Liverpool Manager at probably the most difficult time in our history. My hero Bill Shankly brought us up from division 2 and built us from nothing into the force that let Bob Paisley & co take us to the pinnacle of club football. Shanks did that with the full backing of a board as committed as him to making LFC the best. Rafa's reign was at a time when the board were committed to draining the life blood out of our great club.<br />
<br />
Rafa always did his best for our club. He may have made mistakes, he sold Xavi Alonso after the midfielder had a season playing top class football. (The season before his football was not top class to say the least - and that was when the sale was planned.)<br />
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Not every Liverpool fan feels as I do toward Rafa, many do, many don't. It's a game of opinions. Some of you wanted Martin O'Neill - see what I mean?<br />
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Rafa's now managing Chelsea, I wish him well. I hope he smacks Manc arses every time they meet.<br />
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I think for now though my belief has shifted, it has to. My belief is now with Brendan Rodgers and a squad that needs additions but is looking good for the future thanks partly to Rafa.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubKe8XQlA6c/UK1CxoZQYlI/AAAAAAAAARg/LcSrS-Ye8VA/s1600/rodgersunveiled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubKe8XQlA6c/UK1CxoZQYlI/AAAAAAAAARg/LcSrS-Ye8VA/s320/rodgersunveiled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So good luck Rafa us Reds will be keeping a watchful eye on you but we will concentrate on <b>OUR</b> team.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>We are LFC </b>and no one knows that more than the current Chelsea manager.</div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032209978337360365noreply@blogger.com0