TODAY, Wednesday, March 20th marks the 31st anniversary of the Warrington bombing, the day the IRA planted two deadly explosive devices in litter bins in the town centre.
As they went off, they claimed the life of three-year-old Johnathan Ball and a few days later 12-year-old Tim Parry, while injuring more than 50 other innocent victims out shopping the day before Mother’s Day.
Young mum Brownwen Vickers, later went on to lose her life due to the injuries inflicted.
While families lives were changed forever – Warrington as town captured the hearts of the nation and beyond, responding with peace and reconciliation, thanks to Peace Campaigners Colin and Wendy Parry, along with support from other victims and Warrington Borough Council.
It made headline news around the world and was seen by many as a major turning point in the peace process with the Good Friday agreement.
Now 31 years on, there will be no public event to mark the occasion, although there will be a special invitation event providing a day of reflection and celebration of the Foundation’s dedication to reconciliation.
Taking place at the Warrington Peace Centre, the event has been supported by the Irish Government’s Department for Foreign Affairs and will provide an insight to the impactful work with young people, communities and survivors.
It will showcase the strides made in fostering understanding and building connections within and between our communities.
Colin and Wendy Parry pictured reflecting on 30 years since the Warrington bombing
Picture John Hopkins
Speaking ahead of the event peace campaigner Colin Parry said: “Every year since the IRA bombing in Warrington, Wendy and I have commemorated the day we lost Tim as a family, though certain years have led to a town remembrance event and therefore, have been on a much larger scale, such as on the 1st, 10th, 25th and 30th anniversaries.
“2024 is likely to be the last year that our Foundation will be the owner of the Peace Centre, as discussions continue towards the sale of the Peace Centre to the Town Council, although the Foundation will continue to run its operations from the Peace Centre
“And so, on March 20 we will mark the 31st Anniversary with an event for young people from schools in Warrington and Liverpool that we have worked with over many years.”
