A memorial event is
being held to remember those who were killed and injured in the IRA
bombing of Warrington town centre 15 years ago.
Johnathan
Ball and Tim Parry died as a result of the blast
Tim Parry, 12, and Johnathan Ball, three, died and 56 people
were hurt in the explosions on 20 March 1993.
Town leaders, representatives of local organisations and the
community will pay tribute to the victims.
Flowers are being laid at the site, in what has been called a
celebration of peace by Warrington Borough Council.
When the bombs went off in Bridge Street, the area was packed
with shoppers, many looking for Mother's Day gifts.
Johnathan had been in the town with his babysitter to buy a
card for his mother.
 |
Quite why they chose this town was
beyond comprehension - I didn't know then and I still don't know now
|
Tim, an avid Everton fan, had been shopping for football
shorts when he caught the full force of the blast. He died in hospital
five days later.
In the aftermath of the bombing, the 12-year-old's father
Colin set up a charity, the Foundation for Peace, which runs
educational programs.
Known locally as the Peace Centre, it has also acted as a
support service for people bereaved, injured or traumatized in trouble
directly linked to Northern Ireland.
Mr Parry said: "There was absolutely no reason why a town such
as Warrington should be hit by the IRA.
"Quite why they chose this town was beyond comprehension. I
didn't know then and I still don't know now."
Despite being forced to deal with the tragedy of losing his
son, Mr Parry said the bombing had a "significant" impact on the peace
process in Northern Ireland.
"I think it was that event in Warrington that compelled the
Irish government to sit down with the English government in a way they
had never considered before," said Mr Parry.
"That's when change began to happen and all of that, in my
opinion, was changed by Tim's and Johnathan's deaths."
Rev Steven Kingsnorth, of the Warrington Borough Ministry,
said the town had worked hard to turn the tragedy into something
positive.
"We made a mark in saying we will not let death and evil have
the last word and I think that legacy remains," said Mr Kingsnorth.
"There are still people in the community who look back sadly
at the day but still remember the good things that came out of it."
The service on Thursday is being seen as a chance to reflect
and give thanks to those in Warrington involved in helping to rebuild
the town.
Council leader Ian Marks said: "Warrington is united in its
thoughts and prayers as we reflect on the events of 15 years ago and
pay tribute to those who lost their lives and were deeply affected."
