IRA bombings – 20-years on

A SPECIAL, civic commemorative event is planned in Warrington to mark next year’s 20th anniversary of the IRA bombing of the town.
The borough council and the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation are working together on the event.
A civic commemorative event will be held in Bridge Street on Saturday March 16 from 11.30 am and this will be followed by a community reflection event at the Foundation’s Peace Centre in the afternoon.
Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Mike Hannon, said: “As part of the planning for this special event, the council and The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace are working together with people and organisations who were affected at the time in 1993 and who have played a part in helping Warrington to move forward during the past 20 years.
“There were 56 people injured on the day of the bombing and many more people affected. We would like to hear from them, including those who may have moved home or out of the area, so that we can invite them to the Bridge Street Commemoration and to the community reflection event at the Peace Centre.”
Leader of the council, Cllr Terry O’Neill said: “It is important to us that everyone in the town has the opportunity to come together in commemoration on Bridge Street or at the Peace Centre.
“It means a lot to us to reach out to residents and those directly affected to invite them to join us. If you know family or friends who have moved away over the years, do let them know about the event. We will never forget what happened but we must also come together to celebrate how we as community have remained united and moved forward together. “
The Foundation’s chief executive, Nick Taylor said: “The Peace Centre is a living memorial to Tim and Johnathan and a positive legacy for Warrington following the bombing. We would like to invite people who were affected by the bombing to come together to reflect not only on the events of that day, but also how it has shaped our lives in the years following.
“The legacy of the bombing has extended to reach out to help others, such as people affected by the London bombings in 2005 and people affected by other conflicts and wars, and this will also be an opportunity for the people of Warrington to find out about the remarkable work that happens at the Peace Centre and beyond.”
Any of the 56 residents injured on the day who would like to attend the events should send their contact details to [email protected] or by post to Communications, 2013 Commemorative Event, Warrington Town Hall, Sankey Street, WA1 1UH.
Pictured: Tragic victims of the IRA bombing, Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball.