HAVING seen some of the fantastic work being carried out by the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace it gave me no pleasure earlier this week reporting that this unique charity, set up in the wake of the Warrington Bombing, is facing the prospect of a 95 per cent cut in government funding.
While many organisations and businesses have had to go through some belt tightening due to “austerity” a 95 per cut could prove fatal to this unique charity which now helps victims of terror as well as promoting peace and anti-hate messages to young people.
Founded by Colin and Wendy Parry, the Peace Foundation, based at the unique Peace Centre, now faces an uncertain future.
The Home Office appear to have fudged the issue somewhat by claiming the cuts are not so severe, highlighting some funding channels – but this is money that has already been allocated – it does nothing to help secure the future of this charity which reaches out way beyond Warrington, helping with victims throughout the country and across the world.
I would urge all those in positions of influence to make your voices heard and send a clear message to the Government that prevention is better than cure – and the peace centre has been working hard educating young people not to take the path of division and terrorism.
The world will be a darker place if we lose this living memorial to the two boys who had their young lives taken away from them by an extreme act of terror on the streets of Warrington on March 20, 1993.
On that dark day, Warrington responded with dignity and led the way showing there is a better way to deal with acts of terror through peace and reconciliation.
I urge the Home Office to think twice about implementing these funding cuts and help find a way to keep the lights shining at this beacon of hope in our great town.
Colin & Wendy Parry
