Ceremony marks 15 years since Warrington bombing

A SIMPLE flower-laying ceremony has marked 15 years since the IRA bombing in Warrington.

Jonathan Ball, 3, and Tim Parry, 12, were killed and 56 people were injured when the IRA detonated two bombs in the Cheshire town’s shopping centre.

Survivors joined the boys’ relatives, civic dignitaries and community leaders to lay white lilies next to a plaque close to the spot where the bombs were planted in a litter bin.

The Reverend Stephen Kingsnorth, a Methodist minister and leader of Warrington Churches Together, led a moment of reflection saying: “We remember those who died, those who were bereaved and those who, by working together, brought great hope out of devastation.”

Among the 60 or so people attending the ceremony was Tim’s older brother Dominic, 29, and his six-month-old daughter Olivia.

Mr Parry, who was 14 when his brother was killed, said: “We think about Tim every day, we think about what kind of boy he was and what kind of man he would have become.

“I’ve brought Olivia... because I want her to know about her uncle and what has been achieved in his name.”

Following the bombing, the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Foundation was established. Its Peace Centre has worked with 18,000 young people and adults to tackle issues of prejudice, discrimination and violence.

Mr Parry, who was also accompanied by his partner Hayley Savage, his mother Wendy and father Colin added: “This is a sad day for my family but it is also a day of exceptional pride for me.

“Pride in my brother, my parents and those at the foundation who have all made a contribution to building a better world.”

Colin Parry said: “The memories of how they [Tim and Jonathan] were give us the impetus to create a wonderful charity in their names which is unrivalled around the world and has helped so many people.”

The explosions, which took place just after midday, shattered the packed Golden Square shopping centre in Bridge Street as many people were out buying Mother’s Day gifts.

The town’s MP, Helen Jones, said: “We also pay tribute to the people of Warrington because they were very clear about what they wanted to come out of the devastation, and that was peace and reconciliation.”