Warrington remembers 20 years on

WARRINGTON was once again the focus of the world as the town commemorated the 20th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack which claimed the lives of three-year-old Johnathan Ball and 12-year-old Tim Parry.

Hundreds of people gathered in Bridge Street (pictured top) at the scene of the bombing, which claimed the lives of the two young boys and injured 54 other shoppers, including young mother Bronwyn Vickers, who died a year later from her injuries.
Her husband Paul and their two daughters were amongst the many who came to remember that terrible day which changed the lives of many people – and put Warrington in the global spotlight.
Various speakers, including peace campaigner Colin Parry (pictured right), who together with his wife Wendy (left) inspired Warrington’s response to the atrocity through peace and reconciliation, reflected on how much had been achieved over the past two decades – including the town’s unique Peace Centre.
A special display remembering the past twenty years was on show in the town’s Pyramid arts centre, while the town centre commemoration service included performances by the Warrington Male Voice Choir and local school children.
The Mayor of Warrington Cllr Steve Wright, Council leader Terry O’Neill and Deputy Leader Mike Hannon and town centre clergy, all reflected on how Warrington had played such a significant role in the Northern Ireland peace process – a turning point in helping bring about the “Good Friday agreement.”
Former town centre minister Rev Stephen Kingsnorth led proceedings, which included a minutes silence.
A message of support was received from former Prime Minister John Major, who has actively supported the Foundation4Peace charity and is now one of its Patrons.
Twenty balloons and twenty doves were released as symbols of peace – one for each year since the bombing, followed by a minutes silence.