In these Strangest of Times: Hillsborough 31 Years On - Always Remembered

Even in these strangest of times I don't have a need to remind myself to always remember; I can never forget that day.

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.

On 14th April 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. 

Hillsborough Memorial - Old Haymarket

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.

Bullfinch at Pennington Flash

Robin at Pennington Flash 

Hillsborough Oaks

A sad day had worked out perfectly and my sanity remained intact for once.  ❤️💙

This year was going to be similar. But then this year turned out to be similar to nothing any of us has known.

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.

Lake Windermere 

Lake Windermere from Orrest Head

The plan was to then visit the Memorial and Hillsborough Oaks when we returned that evening.

That of course has all changed now and I'll be here at home with my thoughts.

I have a beautiful rose, "Loving Memory", that will be my focus this year.

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. ❤️

Loving Memory 

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.

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. 

One thing is for sure, we will never forget!

Justice for the 96.  Justice for all.

You’ll Never Walk Alone 

Hillsborough

Hillsborough

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: www.ipcc.gov.uk/investigations/hillsborough

Pensions or The Truth?

Christopher Chope MP shows his true Tory colours by objecting to the Hillsborough debate due to be held next Monday in the House of Commons. It appears that 3 hours, in his opinion, is far too long for a debate that could ultimately lead to the truth finally emerging about the diabolical mismanagement by the authorities that led to 96 people losing their lives in a tragedy that was so easily avoidable. Instead he prefers to debate the crucial business of MPs pensions because of course this is more important than exposing the lies and deceit of Thatcher's Government, a Government incidentally that he was a part of. I wonder if his son, daughter, sibling, father or mother attended a sporting event only to die - because that, put simply, is what happened - would he be of the same opinion? It will be interesting to see if our "democratically" elected House decide to #DebateHillsborough or follow Chope and debate their pensions. #JFT96

April 15th 1989 - (A Poem by Mick Stuart)

Justice for the 96