Pictures Paul Jackson
VIDEO: THE two youngsters who died following the IRA bomb attack on Warrington 25 years ago today, Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball – did not die in vain.
These were the words of Tim’s father Colin Parry as he recalled the tragedy which changed the lines of many when two bombs exploded on Bridge Street, killing the two boys and injuring more than 50 shoppers.
A special service of remembrance, attended by HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was led by former Borough Minister Revd. Stephen Kingsnorth, with music from pupils from Great Sankey High School and Barrowhall Primary School and Warrington Male Voice Choir.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to pay their respects as Warrington again showed the world how to respond to atrocity with dignity.
Addressing the crowds Mr Parry said: “This is a poignant day for the families of those killed and injured and reflect with pride on how as a town and victims responded with dignity.
“Wendy and I were determined that Tim did not die in vain. Looking back at how events unfolded I can tell you neither Tim or Johnathan died in vain.”
The memorial service was Led by Freeman of the Borough, The Rev Stephen Kingsnorth M.A., until recently Warrington Borough Minister, a town centre clergyman 25 years ago.
The Warrington Male Voice Choir sang ‘Across the Bridge of Hope.’
There were reflections from children of 25 years ago: Tim Parry’s friend Gareth Boldsworth and Ruth Picucci, whose handprint is moulded in the River of Life
Words were also said by Tim Parry’s nieces, Isla and Evie, accompanied by Olivia and Arthur and Hannah Evans, daughter of Bronwen, a victim of the tragedy who died a year after the bombing, accompanied by her sister Harriet Vickers
Reflections were led by The Rev Ian Elliott & Canon Christopher Cunningham, town centre clergy in Warrington, 25 years ago:
Following a minutes silence Sankey High School and Barrow Hall Primary School sang John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’
Faith leaders then lead a blessing…
The Chair of the Council of Faiths, Afthkar Quayyum;
The Free Church Moderator’s Representative, The Rev David Easton;
Of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop of the Liverpool Archdiocese,
The Rt Rev Thomas Williams; Of the Anglican Church, the Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev Richard Blackburn:
A Final Song was then performed by the Male Voice and Schools’ choirs: “Something inside so strong’
Following the service on Bridge Street HRH the Princess Royal, visited Warrington Peace Centre, where she met peace campaigners Colin and Wendy Parry and other victims and their families.
Former deputy leader of the council Cllr Mike Hannon and Rev Kingsnorth were both made Honorary Patrons following the event in recognition of their great work towards peace and reconciliation.
Princess Anne with Rev Stephen Kingsnorth
Youngsters from Great Sankey High School and Barrowhall Primary School and members of Warrington male Voice Choir who performed at the event
Floral tributes are laid at a temporary memorial while ongoing works take place at the former Boots building on Bridge Street
14:00 the @peacecentre is pleased to announce that we are asking Cllr. Mike Hannon to become an hon patron of our Foundation in recognition of his amazing contribution to #peace pic.twitter.com/VDAFSvQWHU
— Peace Foundation (@peacecentre) March 20, 2018
14:15 the @peacecentre is pleased to announce that we are asking the Revd. Stephen Kingsnorth to become an hon patron of our Foundation in recognition of his amazing contribution to #peace pic.twitter.com/9zMPotawPR
— Nick Taylor (@Nick4P) March 20, 2018
To the families of Tim, Johnathan and Bronwen our thoughts are with you – to all those injured or affected by the Warrington bombing we think of you – and to all those affected by terrorism #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/HdWwX7P5FO
— Wendy Parry (@WendyParry4P) March 20, 2018
Peace Centre provides living legacy to Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball
3 Comments
a very moving day, good to see the town turned out to remember, we will never forget.thanks Gary for posting this.
Well it was a very emotional and sad day in many ways it was an honour to be there and to have played a small part in helping Warrington show the world had to respond with peace and reconciliation in the face of terrorism. #WeStandTogether
Total respect to Colin and Wendy and all those who have worked so hard to keep the memory of the boys alive and to ensure they did not die in vain.
Thanks for your coverage and work Gary….both now and over the years on what was a shocking event, for which as I understand no body has been brought to account. It is difficult to believe how quickly those 25 years have gone….and for those of us of a certain age rather worrying. It is very sad to say that in those 25 years, the world has become a more dangerous place….with more bad people doing more bad things. Yet, I remain optimistic, upbeat and very confident that our younger generations will create a better world…….I am very impressed by so many of the young people whom I meet.