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Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry

Remembering the day two young boys went to town and never came home

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By on  Charity, Community, News

PEACE campaigner Colin Parry recalled the fateful day his 12-year-old son Tim went into Warrington town centre to buy a pair of football shorts during an online event to mark the 28th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack.

Due to lockdown, a special zoom event took place on the eve of the 28th anniversary of the Warrington bombing which claimed the lives of 12-year-old Tim and three-year-old Johnathan Ball, also injuring more than 50 shoppers out on Mothering Sunday weekend.



Another victim Bronwen Vickers, who lost her leg in the bomb attack died a year later, was also remembered.
The event was hosted by Terry O’Hara Service Manager, Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation, who said it was hard to believe, that after cancelling last year’s event due to lockdown restrictions, that one year on we were still in lockdown.
Last year the future of the charity’s work was in doubt but thanks to emergency funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation and additional Government funding work had been able to carry on and although there was still an uncertain future ahead, there was “cautious optimism.”
Describing his son as a “mad blue” Colin recalled how Tim had been in town that fateful day.
A few weeks prior to the bombing Tim had been in hospital to have his appendix removed and was told in no uncertain terms not to play any sport.
But he had “conned” his mum that he was going to be a goalkeeper, inspired by his beloved Everton’s keeper at the time, Neville Southwall.
Just before the bombing Tim played in goal for the school team and saved a penalty in the last minute to earn his team a draw. As a result he decided to go into town to buy some goalkeeper’s shorts.
“Time stood still for Tim on March 20th 1993 and while the pain has subsided with time, the sense of loss is just the same,” said Colin.
“Our family life goes on but there will always be a space at our table for Tim.”
Colin also remembered Johnathan Ball’s parents, Wilf and Marie, who are no longer with us.
A prayer and reading was given by Warrington Council of Faiths Afthkar Quayyum, who also recalled a footballing experience on the day of the bombing.
He had been at Anfield watching Liverpool beat Tottenham, but the result soon became irrelevant as news of the bombing appeared on TV screens at the ground.
“My friends had to shake me out of a trance. Time had stood still. My wife and siblings were out in town that day but by the grace of God they were safe – but sadly others weren’t including our beloved sons of Warrington Tim and Johnathan.”
Mayor of Warrington Cllr Maureen Creaghan also reflected on the atrocity.
“I was born and raised in Warrington and am incredibly proud to say Warrington is part of what I am. I will never forget that day and 28 years on it is important for us to reflect and remember. We must never forget but continue with hope.”


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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