Charity appoints new chief executive

WARRINGTON based charity, the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace has appointed a new Chief Executive as the 20th anniversary of the IRA bombing, which claimed the lives of two young boys, approaches in March next year.
Nick Taylor, 49, (pictured left) who has extensive experience working in the public, private and charitable sectors, takes up his role as the Foundation continues to expand nationally and internationally.
He says 2013 is a critical time for the Foundation as it marks twenty years since the atrocity that caused the deaths of Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, (pictured right) and injured a further 56 people.
Commenting on his appointment Nick said: “It is an amazing privilege to be asked to lead this organisation at such a poignant moment and to be able to set a new ambition for the charity.
“Our work is now national and international and is making a real difference to the lives of people who are victims or affected by terrorism and violence.
“We are also working in many communities across the country to prevent violent conflict helping people explore their differences and resolve conflict through communication.”
Nick believes that 2013 will be a year that Warrington should not only commemorate the bombing but should also recognise the ‘pivotal’ role the town continues to play in promoting peace and its example acting in a spirit of reconciliation.
He added: “Warrington is a town with a great history but the events of 1993 are remembered for the tragic consequences, at the same time the community acted with resilience, compassion and enterprise and is leading the way in promoting peace and conflict resolution.
“My role involves building on that past but looking to the future working closely with the council and the community to expand our vital services.”
The worldwide condemnation follwoing the Birdge Street bombing on March 20 1993, brought about a peace movement supported by the local council and the creation of a group of like-minded organisations and individuals who came together in a spirit of reconciliation and enterprise.
Colin and Wendy Parry, the parents of Tim, are now well known campaigners for peace and having gained a deep understanding of the causes of conflict shared a vision to create a lasting memorial to the boys.
In 2000, as a result of their campaigning, the Peace Centre was opened in Great Sankey and the charity they created became a leading national peace foundation.
The development of the Peace Centre was supported by many local people and businesses including United Utilities who invested in the building project and seconded Nick to work with the Parry’s charitable trust to help them realise their dream.
Nick later became a charity trustee but having set up his own business left to follow other interests. His return at this time comes as the charity is gaining national and international recognition for its work and now plans to grow further.
The New Year will start with the Foundation welcoming three new employees and a full workload of programmes as well as announcements of a number of key events to help commemorate the twentieth anniversary.
To find out more about the work of the Foundation log onto www.foundation4peace.org and the Peace Centre www.thepeacecentre.org.uk – in 2013 the Foundation is welcoming offers of support and encouraging local people to volunteer their time. If anybody can help then contact [email protected]