Hillsborough Memorials
Photographs by Patrick  Trollope

ON Sunday, 14 April 2013, 2 permanent memorials to the 96 people who lost their lives were unveiled as part of the 24th Anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. The first was the dedication of 1780s long case clock from National Museums Liverpool's collections that was installed on Friday, at the Old Haymarket, Liverpool. At the private, invitation-only, ceremony at the Liverpool Town Hall, saw this clock was stopped, forever, at 3.06pm, the time of the Hillsborough Disaster. It now forms a permanent memorial at Town Hall, marking the time at which the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was abandoned. The ceremony included prayers and the lighting of a candle and concluded with 'Abide With Me', sung by Danielle Louise Thomas. The second dedication of a permanent Hillsborough memorial took place on Old Haymarket, opposite the World Museum, St John's Gardens and the Mersey Tunnel. This was a public event that attracted both Everton and Liverpool fans, who joined the families of those who died and dignitaries to officially commemorate the tragedy with a 7 foot bronze structure that features the words:- "Hillsborough Disaster, we will remember them." along with the names of all 96 Liverpool FC supporters who died on the Leppings Lane terraces. The monument was created by local sculptor Tom Murphy, and commissioned by The Hillsborough Justice Campaign, who have tirelessly fought for the truth. It was oddly poignant that a touch of light rain fell at the very end of the ceremony and sun edged though at the same time. But this monument is will quite possibly become one of the most compelling focal points in the future.

One of the group said:- "It is fantastic to see, 24 years on, such support for our course and this tribute to Hillsborough victims has been made possible because of the support and donations given to the Hillsborough Justice Campaign from across the world. We are truly pleased to have been able to have formally donated this monument to the City in such a way. Liverpool and its people will never forget this tragedy."

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said:- "We will never forget those who lost their lives at Hillsborough, or the impact the disaster has had on their bereaved families. The anger, pain and sorrow they have felt for the past 24 years is shared by everyone in Liverpool, and by thousands of others across Merseyside, across the country and around the world. That's why it's important the City has these permanent memorials, as a symbol of our solidarity and support for the families of the 96 and as a permanent reminder of the long and difficult fight for truth and justice. They will also serve as a powerful symbol of what has been a momentous year for the City, with the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report. It is to the credit of families that they have never given up on their quest to find out what happened on that dreadful day, and have continued to act with dignity and bravery. Following the publication of the report – which revealed the disastrous failings of the public authorities on the day, and the conspiracy to shift the blame onto fans – it is more important than ever that we continue to support them to ensure they get the justice they deserve."

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Sharon Sullivan, said:- "This will be an emotional day for Liverpool which will see our City establishing a lasting tribute to those who died at Hillsborough. These memorials will serve as a reminder of the events of that terrible day, and ensure no one ever forgets the sadness and suffering it has caused in the years since. I speak on behalf of the City in saying to the families of the 96 that we stand united behind them, that we commend their bravery and that we will continue to support them in their fight for justice."

PAGE 1 OF 6