HILLSBOROUGH still has only one meaning for most people in the
UK: the disaster in the football stadium. It is still in the news,
as well as in people's memories, and there are calls for yet
another inquiry into what happened, and who was responsible.
A sculpture, Band of Life, commissioned by the Mayor of
Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has found a place in the
Chapter House of Liverpool Cathedral, and will remain there until
September. The sculpture represents the bond between the families,
friends, and fans who were brought together in love for those who
died. The circular band is the link between them. The Mayor
commissioned it in co-operation with the Hillsborough Family
Support Group, and it is the work of sculptor Julian Taylor.
"It is fitting that the Band of Life will be in our
Chapter House over the summer," the Dean, the Very Revd Dr Peter
Wilcox, says. "The Cathedral played an important part as a place of
peace and justice when the [Hillsborough Independent] Panel's
report was published. The Chapter House played an important part in
helping families reflect and try to begin to come to terms with the
enormity of what they heard on that day.
"I hope and pray that those who come to see the Band of
Light will find, in the same way, that they are helped along
the road to healing and peace."
The sculpture will be installed in time for the performance of
Michael Nyman's musical tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough
disaster, which will be performed four times during August and
September.