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Mother’s Day

In memory of Anne Williams, an inspirational Liverpool mum and Hillsborough activist

by Peter Bull

Suitable for Key Stage 3/4

Aims

To celebrate Mothering Sunday with a tribute to a brave woman from Liverpool – Anne Williams (6 February 1951 – 18 April 2013).

Preparation and materials

Assembly

  1. As the students enter, play the clip of ‘He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother’.

  2. Say that at this time of the year, if we visit the supermarket, newsagent or florist, we are reminded that soon there will be a special day

    – to be grateful
    – to show we value our mothers
    – to say thank you.

    This weekend, we celebrate Mothering Sunday. It is a time to focus on our mums and all the people who care for us. 

  3.  Today, I want to think about what Bill Kenwright, Chairman of Everton Football Club, said about Liverpool mums at Anfield – yes, Anfield – home of Liverpool FC.

    (Play the clip of Bill Kenwright here, if you decide to use it.)

    He was there, talking at the Hillsborough Memorial Service, in 2013. This is an annual event to remember the 96 Liverpool fans that died in a disaster at Hillsborough football ground on 15 April 1989. This year is the 25th anniversary of the disaster. 

    For 25 years, a group of Liverpool women has fought for justice for those who lost their lives. These women – mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters – have all played an important part in the campaign to find out the truth about what actually happened at Hillsborough on that day.

  4. These are examples of women who are

    – special 
    – caring
    – kind 
    – loyal 
    – the person who will go the extra mile to look after us.

    Mother’s Day/Mothering Sunday is celebrated on Sunday, 30 March this year. On this day, we should make our mums feel special and important; after all, they have cared for us since the day we were born, and even before that.

    Let’s think about one mum in particular: Anne Williams – an inspirational mother who spoke out for justice.

    (If there is time, play the YouTube clip of Anne Williams’s story.)

  5. Anne Williams 

    – was determined to find out the truth about the blameless fans who were blamed
    – did not believe the verdict that said her son had died accidently
    – would not give up
    – was tireless
    – never gave up hope.

Time for reflection

This year, on the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, we think about mums like Anne Williams.
We also think about our mums and those who care for us.
We think about the 96 people who died at Hillsborough.
We think about the campaign for justice.
We are grateful for all those who stand up for us, when we cannot stand up for ourselves.

Prayer
For those we love,
thank you, Lord.
For those who love us,
thank you, Lord.
For times when we feel peaceful,
thank you, Lord.
For times when we feel content,
thank you, Lord.
For times of refreshment and hope,
thank you, Lord. 

Music

‘He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother’ by The Justice Collective

Publication date: March 2014   (Vol.16 No.3)    Published by SPCK, London, UK.
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