What Does Hillsborough Mean To Me

It's very hard to put into words what Hillsborough means to me because Hillsborough, to me, is not a place, is not a football ground, it is an event, a disaster.

It was April 15th 1989 and it was an FA Cup semi final between Liverpool & Nottingham Forest.

I was not at the match, I do not live near Liverpool, I don't know anyone, personally, who died or even anyone who knew someone who died. So some will think how can it have affected me all these years.

But … Liverpool the City, Liverpool the Club and Liverpool the Family are all in my heart. It breaks my heart to think of the anguish and heartache my Liverpool family were going through on 15^th April 1989 and have been going through ever since.

It makes me immensely proud when I see how Liverpool the city and Liverpool the Club pulled together to help the bereaved and the traumatised.

Not many a day goes by when the Hillborough tragedy does not come to my mind. I fill up with emotions every time I read or see anything reported about that day. It is such a terrible tragedy that must never happen again. I tried desperately hard to buy tickets to the match but had no luck, or maybe now you could say I had a lot of luck. I know if I had managed to get tickets I could very well have been in amongst the crush or witnessed it first hand, I thank the lord my family did not have to go through the worry, the anguish, the heartache, the not knowing on that day, that so many others did.

The lies that were written after this catastrophe were disgraceful, I find it hard to believe that some human beings are capable of putting money before compassion.

 

NINETYSIX Liverpool fans died that day, they just went to watch a football match.

There must be some justice for the 96 – it has gone on far too long without anyone truly being held responsible for the mess that unfolded. We all know justice won't bring back the 96 souls but it will hopefully bring closure for many people and help them get on with their lives.

My wish is for my Liverpool family to feel peace in their hearts because for the last 23 years we have all been, and still are, very angry.  

After 23 years a petition was signed by over 100,000 people which led to a debate in The Commons regarding the release of all Hillsborough documents.

MP for Liverpool Walton, Steve Rotheram made a dramatic speech for the families of the Hillsborough victims to open the debate.

And the outcome was favourable. The families fighting for justice would finally get to see all of the official documents that have been kept hidden since 1989.

Other Liverpool related blogs :
A Hero From My Childhood

My favourite  football match 

How it all started for me

School Reunion

Well tonight is my long awaited school reunion, hopefully it will be a lot of laughs.

I went to Heathcote Secondary School in Stevenage between 1976 and 1981, I have been back there since leaving for other reunions but this year will be different. This year the school is being closed down.

It doesn't make sense to me why the school is closing, especially since the building itself will be taken over and used by the next closest senior school, Barnwell (who incidentally have also taken over and are using the building of another recently closed down school, Collenswood).

I have a lot of fond memories from my years at this school, mostly to do with sport, but that's me. Running the 100 meters in 13 seconds; Taking part in a netball marathon over a weekend; Trip to Pierce House for a hockey weekend; Being made Netball captain;  Winning the 100 & 200 meters at sports day; Making the athletics squad; Making the badmington team; Making the rounders team and my favourite the hockey team for 5 years.

I loved the 'end of year' assemblies as I used to go up, along with team mates, to collect badges & cups mostly for sporting achievements throughout the year, I loved sports & I still do.

I was also very proud of being voted house captain in my 4th year (today's year 10).

I pretty much got on with everyone when I was at school, that's not to say some didn't rub me up the wrong way, its just they were very few, in fact I can count them on one hand.  I wasn't particularly naughty at school, more cheeky & chatty, I didn't really cause any trouble but hmmm ... I do remember punching one boy on the school field for kicking me to move, and I also remember threatening another boy on our first day - he deserved it and never came near me again, I think he was later expelled.

I loved being at school and on my last day, June 18th 1981 (Paul McCartney's birthday - just thought I'd point that out) I was sad to go, mostly because I knew I'd probably not play hockey again.

I made lots of friends at school and hopefully I'll be seeing some of them tonight.

Salon Treatments - Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage has been practised in India for thousands of years to promote health and well-being. In our increasingly fast pace of life, this safe and effective therapy will leave you feeling calm and cosseted.
  

      

  
      
The aim of Indian head massage is to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders. 
A pressure point massage is used on the scalp, face and ears. Oil or cream is used for the massage, however if the client prefers, the treatment can be performed without any massage medium.
          

          
Traditionally Indian Head Massage is carried out whilst the client is seated, however it can be adapted for the use of a massage couch, which is how I much prefer to carry out the treatment. I have found that having my client sitting in a chair whilst receiving an Indian Head Massage, although still relaxing, is not quite as comfortable & can even lead to a neck ache. For me having my client laying on a couch enables them to achieve total relaxation - which is after-all what we are wanting above anything else.
          

          
The treatments generally last about 40 minutes.
          

          
The physical benefits of an Indian Head Massage may include the soothing of
muscle pain or tension, the relief from headaches or eye-strain, it can also help conditions like sinusitis, congestion, tinnitus, jaw ache and insomnia. In fact the whole body is revitalised.
          

          
The psychological benefits to Indian Head Massage include alleviating stress, anxiety and depression. The increase of extra oxygen for the brain improves concentration and alertness which in itself encourages a positive attitude of mind & creates a balanced feeling of peace and calm.


Other Holistic Blogs:
Aromatherapy Massage
Holistic Facial
Swedish Massage

Health & Safety

Fantasy's

Yeah, I thought the title might get your attention, but I'm not talking about my fantasy's I'm talking about fantasy novels.

I love reading, I do it every day.  I've read all sorts of books over the years.  When I was a kid I used to borrow from the Library a book called King Midas & the Golden Touch. 

I borrowed it and borrowed it over and over again. I don't know why it just really appealed to me. Maybe it taught me more than I thought at the time.
Other books I liked to read over and over when I was very young was the Ladybird books, the fairytales, the start of my love of fantasy. Snow White and The Seven Dwarves, Snow White and Rose Red, The Goat and the Seven Little Kids, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty, the list goes on.
I did have a particularly favourite book I read, it was a very big book of Nursery Rhymes, believe me I know most of them by heart, I read that book so many times.
As my reading skills progress I gradually started to accumulate books of my own, I moved on to AA Milne and his Winnie The Pooh stories and then on to Enid Blyton, doesn't every little girl. My favourite Enid Blyton stories were her series on The Naughtiest Girl in the school (sounds like a bit of me that never came out) and The Secret Seven.

I think during my teens my reading experiences were taken up with what my English teacher wanted me to read, so I didn't really get to choose my books, they had to be by authors he thought reputable, like Gerald Durrell or George Orwell.

In my late teens and early 20's I often picked up books just because they were set in Liverpool or Ireland, I have an affinity to those 2 places,  London or Cornwall; if the era was set around one of the world wars I would be pulled towards it. I suppose that the history buff in me coming out.
I love historical novels, I've read a lot of Jean Plaidy's books on the Tudors and the Plantagenets, royal history is a big interest for me, especially since discovering my husband is a descendant of Edward I Plantagenet, I learn so much from these novels; I need to learn; I have a need for knowledge.

I have read many books by Noel Barber, reading one of his books , Tanamera is what brought my attention to Singapore, one place I must visit.

However, the books I have had the most enjoyment from have been fantasy novels. The first (adult) fantasy novel I read was Lord of the Rings and what an introduction to the fantasy world that was. Since then I have read virtually all of Tokiens works, The Silmarilian was the hardest to read, its like reading the bible. And I also found The Children of Hurin difficult.

I seem to lose myself in the fantasy world of elves & goblins, orcs & dwarves.

Since my introduction to Tolkien I have read several other fantasy novels, mostly by the authors Robert Jordan, James Barclay, David Eddings & Christopher Paolini.  James Barclay's series about The Chronicals of the Raven, was fantastic and also the follow up series of The Legends of the Raven. After finishing the Legends series I couldn't read another book for quite a while, the final story really moved me in a way no other books have. I am sure its due to the build-up of reading the entire 2 series, becoming involved with the characters and it probably won't affect many people in the same way, but it did something for me.  

The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan I am reading for the 2nd time - 13 books so far, I am awaiting the release of the final book (hence my re-reading the entire series), I love this story and it definitely is inspired by Tolkien & The Fellowship of the rings.

Reading is a release for me, I get so engrossed in a story I find it very difficult to put a book down, which is a bit of a problem sometimes as I feel guilty if I sit and read all day.  

I am a pretty fast reader and if I didn't control myself I would probably get through one or even two books a week, however I have learnt to control myself and I do get up and go to work & I do get up, occasionally, and do the housework (not ironing though - not sure I really know what that is).

I have learn self control over the years but I do love living in a fantasy world.

Tennis

So I have been watching Wimbledon this past week and I suppose its inevitable that it will inspire at least one tennis related blog from me.

I love watching the tennis, routing for the British players. I have hardly ever witnessed a British success, at least not at Wimbledon and yet year after year I keep watching and hoping. Throughout the years I have cheered on the likes of John Lloyd, Tim Henman, even Greg Rusedski (even though he was born in Canada) and now its Andy Murray's turn to try and become Wimbledon Champion.

Is this going to be his year?

The last time a British tennis player won a singles final at Wimbledon was in 1977, Virginia Wade in Silver Jubilee year.  Could omens suggest an Andy Murray win in 2012,  Diamond Jubilee year?

Well, we'll have to wait and see but Rafa Nadal, the no.2 seed was knocked out in the early rounds, making a slightly easier route to the final for Murray. He's playing well and breezed into the quarter-finals with a 7-5 6-2 6-3 victory over Marin Cilin in their rain-hit encounter over two days. Next up is David Ferrer.

The only rule that bugs me in tennis is the "let" rule. I really don't see the need for it. If, during the serve, the ball hits the net and doesn't land in the serve box, then its a fault, but if it does lands in the serve box why can't the game just continue.

*********ROUTING FOR YOU ANDY MURRAY - COME ON DO IT FOR US BRITS!!*********


Update:

04/07/12 Andy Murray produced a superb fightback to beat David Ferrer in the quarter final to reach his fourth successive Wimbledon semi-final. 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in three hours and 52 minutes.

Next up is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday.

06/07/12 Andy Murray became the first British man (since Bunny Austin in 1938) in 74 years to reach the Wimbledon singles final with an amazing four-set victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

  
He overwhelmed Tsonga 6-3 6-4 3-6 7-5 in 2 hours 47 minutes on Centre Court. He now faces the 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in Sunday's final.

08/07/12

Unfortunately Andy Murray lost the final 3 sets to 1. But have to say there is no shame losing to Roger Federrer.

Very proud of Murray.

Car Insurance

My renewal is due on 15th July and so I have been trawling the comparison sites and direct with some companies for insurance quotes, for myself with my two 18 year olds. 

Its absolutely incredible how much companies charge for young drivers, my car is not worth as much as the yearly premium.

Last year I added my son to my policy when he passed his test, I was seeing quotes mostly around the £4000 mark and some as high as £10000 and that's with full no claims discount, however I actually found one for £1500 which was with Coverbox. I went with this quote, however there were restrictions, I had to have a tracker fitted to the car and, because the policy included a driver under the age of 25 there was a driving restriction. The restriction, applied to all drivers, was basically no driving the car on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays & Bank Holidays between the hours of 11pm & 5am. I didn't see this as a problem, in fact it meant my son wasn't driving my car when pubs chucked out. 

In April my daughter passed her test so I added her to my policy also.

So there I have it, my renewal is now due and I want cheaper car insurance.

Coverbox have still given a reasonable renewal quote (still damn expensive) still far cheaper than most companies at £1632 but I'd rather not have the driving restriction this year, as my son now works in the next town and needs a way to get home after 11pm on some work days.

Three days I have spent sitting at my computer trying to find alternatives. Finally on 30th June I decided to try Direct Line. Amazingly their quote came out at £1340 (roughly) that would be £117 per month.  I tried adding my elder son, Michael, to the policy also and it reduced the price by £10 (it all adds up). I was happier but still wanted to get a sub £1000 quote. On 1st July I decided to see what the quote with Direct Line would be without my 18 year old son, Aron, as he may be going off to Uni in September and therefore will not be using the car as much, if at all. The quote dropped by £310. I was staggered & assumed removing him had made the difference. So I added him again but the quote stayed at the lower price. I was slightly confused thinking I had done something wrong. Originally I had myself down with additional drivers as Aron, Rosie & Michael. All that had changed was the order I had them listed, now it was Rosie, Michael & Aron. I rearranged them again to Michael, Rosie Aron, the quote went up again but not to £1330. 

I put the list back to Rosie, Michael then Aron and back down it went to £1012.

My only assumption as to why the quote has reduced is because I have put Rosie (a lower risk female) first and Aron, the young male driver last, which insurance companies say are the higher risk, actually 10 times more likely to be involved in an accident.  I may be wrong in my assumption but ...

... I will have to make the most of this cheaper insurance based on gender as from Christmas 2012 the EU Court has ruled it is to stop without the British Parliament having the chance to fight the ruling.

I will be trawling the comparison sights again today with my revised order of named drivers to see if I can get that sub £1000 quote.

How it all started for me

Just indulge me for a few minutes, I have to write a blog every now and then about my passion.

When I was young my dad supported Leeds United and I didn't really know much about football, except helping him pick his draws for the football pools each week and then taking down the scores, for him on Saturday afternoons.

Then one Saturday in May 1974 there was a special game to be played, it was the FA cup final and my dad said “who do you want to win, pick a team?” I knew nothing about either team, Liverpool or Newcastle. Hmmmm … which one would I choose? You all know the answer … the team I went for that day is the team I have stayed with ever since.

From that moment on I started watching Football Focus on Saturday mornings, then Grandstand throughout the afternoon and Match of the Day on a Saturday night. 

My sister bought a Liverpool keyring, it was like a book and when opened there was a long piece of paper folded back and forth with pictures of all the Liverpool players, if I can remember they were:  Ray Clemence, Phil Thompson, Peter Thompson, Ian Callaghan, Emlyn Hughes, Kevin Keegan, Tommy Smith, Alec Lyndsay, John Toshack, Brian Hall, Peter Cormack and more.

I studied those faces until I knew them.

The more I watched Liverpool play the more I admired Emlyn Hughes – he was my favourite for a while and I always had a soft spot for him. RIP Emlyn.

In the 1975/76 season Liverpool won the 1^st Division and the Uefa Cup, I was still young but knew then that I had made a wise choice opting for Liverpool in the '74 cup final. This year was the start of the glory years for me, I was spoilt throughout my childhood with Liverpool triumph after Liverpool triumph.

In the 1976/77 season I kept a scrapbook on Liverpool, it turned out to be a good season to document them. Liverpool were going for the treble, with the League title under their belts, for the 2^nd year running, they were to take on Man Utd in the FA cup Final. Alas the treble was not to be.

I was so gutted when they didn't win the FA cup I wrote in my scrapbook “Never mind Emlyn you'll win the European cup” and 7 days later that's exactly what they did.

Fan...bloody...tastic

I was ecstatic - what a night, what a buzz. The Champions of Europe and The Champion of England, what a season!

Then the news came that Kevin Keegan was off to SV Hamburg, I was amazed, how could anyone want to leave this club? I should have known not to despair, Paisley wouldn't let us down, better was to come. This is where my favouritism change …

In August 1977 for £440,000 Kenny Dalglish signed for Liverpool – wow.

By now I couldn't get enough of Liverpool, my mum despaired with me. One day she decided to have a spending spree through her catalogue, my 3 sisters chose some lovely outfits. I chose a Liverpool sports bag, scarf, pennant, hat and a Liverpool towel, at first she wouldn't buy them but then decided she wasn't being fair. If I loved Liverpool more than new clothes then she wasn't going to penalise me - so she bought them - I still have them, don't think my sisters still have their clothes. :)

I started buying “Shoot” magazine every week, my bedroom walls were soon covered in pictures of King Kenny (along side Paul McCartney). I learnt all I could about Kenny, I even sent him birthday cards on his birthday.

I was just in senior school by this time and my English teacher wanted the class to prepare speeches, mine had to be on Kenny Dalglish, I knew everything there was to know about him, my hero. I remember my teacher raising his eyes to heaven when I stood out the front of my class and said “My speech is on the life of Kenny Dalglish” - I think he wanted something less self-indulgent and more palatable, pfft what did he expect from me, the life of William Shakespear? (A few years later for my final exam I wrote and performed a speech on the “West African Slave Trade” – I think my teacher finally approved).

At the end of Kenny's 1^st season Liverpool were in the European cup final for the 2^nd time against Bruges. I sat watching the match on tv, with my Liverpool hat and scarf on. As the match moved on I was getting more and more desperate for the loo, but I couldn't go, I might have missed something. Finally it happened - Kenny scored – woooo hooooo. What a relief, in more ways than one (I finally had time to run to the lav).

Previous to the match I had wound some mates up at school. I told them I had a ticket to the final at Wembley. On the Monday morning at school, I asked them if they'd seen me on tv, of course they hadn't, I wasn't there. I said I had been near the steps the players go up to collect the trophy and that I gave Kenny a hat as he walked up the steps to collect his winners medal. They believed me .... I have admitted to them now that I wasn't actually there (but only recently) ha ha!  - But if only ...

There are so many good memories I have from my younger days, too many to list out, and like I said I know Liverpool fans from that era were spoilt for glory, but, god! Do we want it back! I don't just want it for me but for all the younger fans out there as well, they need to feel the way I felt all those years ago. We all had a reminder in 2005 & 2006, it was good, I was on a high for quite a while after lose two matches. After both those cup finals my husband should have been scraping me off the ceiling, I was leaping up and down so much.

I hope those glory days are on the way back, I'd best get my heart checked out just in case because I am sure there are probably going to be some heart stopping moments. Liverpool always manage to bring me to the edge, they bring out the best in me ... and the worst!!

Other Liverpool related blogs :
A Hero From My Childhood

What does Hillsborough mean to me?

My favourite football match