THIRTY-THREE years ago today, the history of our town changed forever – as peace triumphed over pure evil following the Warrington bombing, when two bombs planted by the IRA in bins on Bridge Street exploded, claiming the lives of two innocent children.
The blast outside McDonald’s on Bridge Street instantly claimed the life of three-year-old Johanthan Ball, while a few days later, Tim Parry’s life support machine was switched off, and the following year, young mum Bronwen Vickers died as a result of her injuries after losing a leg in the blast. More than 50 shoppers, out in the Spring sunshine, the day before Mother’s Day, were also injured.
Warrington was suddenly global news as the world asked, “Why Warrington?” While those responsible were never caught, one theory was that it was a revenge attack after an attempt to blow up the town’s gas works, two weeks earlier, failed.
After the 30th anniversary event, a decision was made not to have any more formal memorial events.
But today, at 12 noon, some of those impacted by that terrible day will gather at the River of Life memorial on Bridge Street for a moment of reflection.
The Bridge Street memorial
As a young reporter, still in my 20s, I will never forget that day, as I turned up on Bridge Street following calls from various newspapers about bombs going off in Warrington town centre. I had been due to play football and was still in my goalkeeper kit as I ventured into town, abandoning my car on Church Street, with all avenues blocked off.
I eventually found myself all alone on Bridge Street on a Saturday afternoon. There was an eerie silence and crowds in the distance behind police tape.
Slowly the story unfolded – one which would run and run as Warrington responded not with anger, but with peace – a peace which still holds strong ties with the island of Ireland.
Lifelong friendships were formed, and I was eventually given the honour of being a Patron of the pioneering Warrington Peace Centre, created as a living memorial to the two boys and all those impacted by the bombing.
I became friends with my near neighbour, Wilf Ball, now deceased, who had his heart broken by the murder of his three-year-old son Jonathan, and I also befriended Colin and Wendy Parry, who worked tirelessly building bridges offering the hands of peace. Over the years, I saw their surviving children, Dom and Abbie, grow up to become parents themselves.
I made friends with numerous people from Ireland, met Prime Ministers and Royalty, as Warrington responded with dignity to one of the darkest days in its history.
As I stand on Bridge Street today, I will take great pride in how my home town responded to that dark day, while also reflecting on how fragile life can be, as Tim and Jonathan were robbed of their young lives by faceless, cold-blooded killers.
While they say time is a great healer, no one impacted by the fateful day, March 20th, 1993, will ever forget the day peace triumphed over pure evil.
