IT is hard to believe it was 10 years ago today that I was reporting on the heartbreaking story about local band Viola Beach being killed in a tragic accident while on their first tour abroad.
I had seen the band perform live on bank Park and they were due a homecoming gig at Warrington Parr Hall.
Having seen them, I felt this band had something special to become a big name in the future due to the quality of their music.
While they did achieve their dream of a number one album and hit single, they sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice to achieve it.
Reading the words of drummer Jack Dakin’s Dad, Ian, who spoke publicly about the tragedy for their first time via Warrington Worldwide, made for difficult reading.
Having received words of comfort from Ian myself during difficult times, I found it extremely hard to absorb what he and the other families must have been living through for the past 10 years.
Like he says, the pain never goes and a numbness remains.
Alongside the Warrington bombing, this was one of the toughest news stories I have ever had to report on, but it was a story that needed telling, and the boys’ memory alongside their manager will certainly live on beyond my lifetime.
It was a little disappointing no official event was organised to mark this occasion, but fortunately, a few privately organised activities did take place, including at Golden Square and Priestley College.
Elsewhere, you will see this week’s top 10 best-read stories on our home page, which sadly tend to be the most “shock horror” kind of news, which attracts the attention of most readers.
We sometimes get criticised for reporting on negative news, but sadly, it is what people want to read, and if a business does not cater for what its customers want, it won’t stay in business long.
I personally received a lot of negative comments regarding an unfortunate police incident on Bridgefoot due to concerns over a woman’s safety.
I was told in no uncertain terms that this should not have been reported due to mental health concerns.
Having had plenty of experience regarding mental health and a strong network of mental health “advisers” the general consensus of opinion is that no matter how sad it is, these type of issues need highlighting in the community, not brushing under the carpet.
Mental health is at an all-time low for a variety of reasons, and the fact that people are suffering needs flagging, not hiding.
Finally, the ongoing financial issues at Warrington town hall seem to be coming to a head with the forthcoming budget, with cuts left, right and centre.
While council tax is probably going up by 7.5pc along with councillors’ allowances, our services are going to be reduced and jobs are going to go.
The council was warned for years about risky investments to plug funding shortfalls.
Instead of cutting their cloth accordingly, the council has gambled and sadly failed in a big way – and no one has been found liable and no apology been given.
Tough times are ahead!
To finish on a positive note Warrington Wolves are kicking off the new season in front of a record-breaking sell-out crowd of over 15,000 against St Helens at the Halliwell Jones Stadium tonight.
As the club celebrates 150 years and I celebrate 50 years of following the Wire, we need it to be “Our Year” more than ever to give Warrington something to shout about!
Enjoy your weekend!
