As it happened: Warrington bombing 20th anniversary

Updated 3:38pm Saturday 16th March 2013 in News

This live event has finished

Latest

  • Public service took place in Bridge Street
  • Politicians and victims' families speak at VIP opening ceremony at Pyramid
  • A minute's silence held at 12.27pm to remember the victims

2:05pm

2:04pm

Ron Riley was one of many on Bridge street trying to help the injured in 1993.

He lay with Bronwen Vickers, who died around a year after the bombing, trying to stem the flow of blood from wounds caused by the explosion.

He said: "I can remember it like it was yesterday. I came running out of the Golden Square when the bomb came off and saw Bronwen.

"I stayed with her until the ambulance came with my hand on her artery. We were trying to make a joke of it.

"I said you've saved me a fiver because I'd normally have had three pints in the pub by now.

"She asked me to make her a rolled up cigarette and I said I can't because my hand is on your leg.'


Mr Riley said the atrocity that day was caused by 'mindless idiots' but he
praised how 20 years on the town has 'come together'.

1:46pm

 

The Rev Stephen Kingsnorth summed up the service.

"I was contented with the way the service went," he said.

"The weather was kind to us and the attendees were very supportive.

"It got the two emotions of pain in commemoration and the joy of celebration balanced."

 

1:43pm

1:43pm

1:26pm

1:23pm Sat 16 Mar 13

smallscousefox says

My heart goes out to both families today.
Their strength and dignity is inspirational.
They are a credit to Warrington.
R.I.P.boys.
Forever young,Never forgotten x

1:17pm

Floral tributes on Bridge Street.

 

1:16pm

 

Floral tributes in Bridge Street

1:12pm

Another picture of the crowds in Bridge Street today.

 

1:04pm

Bridge Street begins to empty but there is more happening back at the Pyramid this afternoon.

 

1:03pm

12:53pm

Ireland minister Mike Penning: "It has been a pleasure to meet the Parrys today.

"This is their day."

12:46pm

There is a shared blessing from the town's religious leaders before the service ends and the stage empties.

12:45pm

A picture of grey skies on Bridge Street as the balloons are released.

 

12:42pm

 

12:40pm

 

12:39pm

Warrington is now known internationally as a place of peace and reconciliation.

12:38pm

The artist who created the River of Life memorial, Stephen Broadbent, says it was intended to 'heal a broken street'.

12:37pm

Colin Parry pays tribute to the parents of Johnathan Ball, Wilf and Marie Ball, and Warrington Borough Council - especially deputy leader Clr Mike Hannon, the late Mike Sanders and John Gartside, who was council leader at the time of the bombings in 1993.

He adds that Wendy had a dream of building a dedicated peace centre.

"This town has made a real and unique difference," he said.

He hopes Tim and Johnathan are looking down now and saying well done Warrington.

There is warm applause. 

 

12:34pm

Colin Parry is now speaking and paid tribute to his handsome boy Tim who died in his arms. 

"The men who planted their devices had to know the victims would be men, women and children out shopping.

"The men who murdered them will never be caught. It did nothing for their cause but did so much for peace."

12:31pm

12:29pm

Lots of emotion and the release of 20 doves to start the minute's silence at 12.27pm.

12:27pm

There is a rainbow of 20 balloons - one for each year since the bombing.

12:25pm

Wendy Parry, mum of bombing victim Tim, releases doves with her six-year-old granddaughter Evie.

Balloons are released by the Ball family.

12:20pm

Those involved in making the River of Life memorial are now doing a reading.

They were children at the time of the IRA attack in 1993, but are now adults.

12:19pm

The Mayor of Lisburn in Northern Ireland says: "This event shows our commitment to peace."

12:19pm

Ireland Minister Mike Penning: "As a father I hope I could have reacted in the same way. 

"Peace is happening in Northern Ireland cos of people like families here. There is work to do but we will get there."

12:16pm

12:16pm

Warrington Borough Council leader Terry O'Neill: "What happened is part of our DNA. It has changed history.

"We took the path of hope and not despair."

12:14pm

Watch manager Graham Davis from Warrington Fire Station is with his crew on
Bridge Street to represent the fire service and crews who dealt with the
devestating aftermath.

He was on duty for both the gasworks bombing and was on a late shift on
Saturday, March 20, 1993.

He said: "We covered up the street with sheets that night.

"Even then hours afterwards it was still chaotic. Since then the Peace Centre has been built and the bombing had a major impact on the peace process.

"We have good links with the centre and something good has come out of it."

12:13pm

Warrington Mayor Clr Steve Wright is now addressing the crowds.

He says: "We will never forget what happened but that should not deter us from looking to the future."

12:11pm

The Rev Stephen Kingsnorth: "The community has declared itself a family.

"We are thankful for the journey travelled by so many."

12:10pm

John Major, Prime Minister at the time of the IRA attack in Warrington, is overseas so unable to attend today's memorial service.

However he has sent a message apologising for not being there and says his thoughts are with all the people who suffered.

12:07pm

Clr Mike Hannon: "Warrington has done so much. There are so many projects to celebrate.

"We must not forget the path to peace. Today is the start of the next beginning."

12:06pm

12:05pm

Melanie McCoy, aged 55, from Callands, is at the service today.

She said: "We come to Warrington every Saturday but we knew about this event and wanted to come and pay our respects.

"We had just got home from Warrington town centre on the day of the bombing.

"The bombing is what the town is known for now but it isn't a very nice thing to
be known for.

"Every Mother's Day you remember it. But we have played a big role in the peace process.

"I don't think anything would have happened to that unless this had happened."

12:03pm

12:02pm

The service to mark the 20th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack is under way with Warrington Male Voice Choir starting the proceedings.

The song is Across the Bridge of Hope.

12:01pm

12:00pm

More than 500 people now gathered on Bridge Street, with more coming all the time.

 

11:53am

Speaking on Bridge Street, council leader Clr Terry O'Neill says he feels so much pride in the town.

Crowds are continuing to build despite the rain.

11:52am

Members of the public gather in the rain ready for the service at 12pm.

 

11:49am

Fifteen minutes before the main public service starts and it is starting to rain.

The Rev Stephen Kingsnorth will lead the service. 

He says he always gets nervous before speaking at big events, but the sermon he gave 20 years ago was the one he is most proud of.

11:44am

Another of Johnathan Ball's relatives, aunt Pauline Owen, thanked staff at the Pyramid for an exhibition set up to commemorate the events of March 29 1993.

She said: "The exhibition is really good. There are pictures there of Marie (Johnathan's mum). It brings it all back."

11:42am

Kath Van Dusen, aunt of bomb victim Johnathan Ball, tells Guardian reporter Matthew Hobbs: "We are taking part in the procession and will be on the stage in Bridge Street.

"We want to pay our respects to Johnathan, we're here for him. I didn't expect this many people to be here already."

11:39am

11:38am

11:36am

The media talking to council leader Clr Terry O'Neill on Bridge Street

11:30am

 

11:29am

Mayor of Warrington Clr Steve Wright: "It just doesn't seem so long ago but we are moving on.

"We need to step back and reflect and gather our thoughts on that day and think
about those who lost their lives and were hurt on that day.

"There are lots of things to remind us but a lot of positive things have emerged
from that tragedy."

11:27am

11:22am

Warrington Borough Council's leader Clr Terry O'Neill: "The Peace Centre is changing the lives of young people and the lives of the world."

 

Clr Terry O'Neill

11:18am

Barbara Cullinane, representing the Irish Government at the event today, said:
"I think the events in Warrington had a huge impact in Ireland.

"I'm here to represent the Irish people and government.

"There is a huge bond between the community in Warrington and the families and
the Irish people.

"The country was impressed by the dignity shown by the people of the town."

11:13am

The opening ceremony has now finished. Guests will be taken by bus to the next part of the commemoration on Bridge Street, which starts at 12pm.

11:12am

Mike Hall, MP for Warrington South at the time of the bombing in 1993, recalled a 'dark day for the town'.

Speaking at today's opening ceremony, said: "There are lots of reasons for coming here today - it's the 20th anniversary for one of the most tragic events in Warrington's history.

"I was in this building that day. It was absolutely chaotic in the town.

"Rumours came through that a bomb had gone off in Bridge Street. Today brings back very traumatic memories for me, particularly walking around Bridge Street in the aftermath of the bomb. Then the news came through that Johnathan had been killed.

"It was a dark day for this town."

He also parid tribute to the town's reaction to the IRA attack.

"The emergency services did an amazing job that day. Colin and Wendy Parry did an amazing part in the peace process and are one of the reasons there has been an enduring peace.

"The friendships that came out of the bomb is the reason it's important to be here today."

11:06am

The family of Johnathan Ball, who was three when he was killed in the attacks, say his brother will release doves as part of the ceremony later.

 

Johnathan Ball

11:03am

At the opening ceremony for VIP guests at the Pyramid, Colin Parry pays tribute to the 'fantastic work of the Peace Centre'  and adds: "We're here today to celebrate Warrington becoming strong after the tragedy."

He also says the Peace Centre now has 'very strong links' with Ireland following all work done to repair relations after the IRA attack in 1993.

And he said the Parry family has had 'a cross to bear' since Tim's murder.

Tim Parry

 

Colin Parry

10:53am

The VIP opening ceremony has started at the Pyramid.

Doug Hoyle was MP at the time of the IRA bomb attack and was at a meeting at the Parr Hall which John Prescott was speaking at.

He went to Bridge Street and saw the devastation.

"It was a terrible thing and I still don't understand it," he said today.

"But Warrington has come together in a way we can be proud of. And Warrington cannot say enough praise for the Parrys and the Peace Centre."

Wolves chairman Doug Hoyle

10:48am

In the service today from 12pm there will be speeches by Mike Penning, Minister of State for Northern Ireland and the Mayor of Lisburn, as well as a talk from Stephen Broadbent, designer of the river of life memorial.

There will be a balloon release and a dove release, while students from Sankey High School and Barrow Hall Primary School will sing Love Can Build A Bridge. 

Comments(12)

smallscousefox says...
1:23pm Sat 16 Mar 13

My heart goes out to both families today.
Their strength and dignity is inspirational.
They are a credit to Warrington.
R.I.P.boys.
Forever young,Never forgotten x

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Sheila Teasdale says...
7:53pm Sat 16 Mar 13

It was a very emotional service today. My thoughts and prayers are with you all R.I.P. Jonathon and Tim

Report this post »

moleogod says...
8:15pm Sat 16 Mar 13

it's been a long time since i have seen such positivity from the people of Warrington especially considering the occasion. i feel proud
R.I.P. Jonathon & Tim

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dave.thompson@5bp.nhs.uk says...
9:34pm Sat 16 Mar 13

Being part of today's event was a humbling experience, and it was so nice to see so many familiar faces. Well done to everyone involved. Everyone I spoke to could remember exactly where there were and what they were doing on the 20th March twenty years ago. Today our thoughts and prayers are with Colin, Wendy and the families of everyone involved.

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Chevarra says...
8:10am Sun 17 Mar 13

I understand completely the feelings, the anguish and deep hurt of the family of Colin Parry. But as an Irish person, who lived through the conflict, and experienced and witnessed the horrifying experience of our circumstances in Ireland I ask why have the media, not highlighted the same plight of hundreds of families in Ireland who lost a child, murdered buy loyalist death squads, British army and the RUC. How many people know their names? Why has British media so manipulated the people and why were they led to believe that the only child to be killed and the only family bereaved were the Parry's. We had to endure the same experience hundreds of times over every year of our lives since the late 1960s. The tragedy of the Parry family is a testimony to the truth of the misrepresentation of our plight by British media and the British establishment..Our hurt and the terrible injustice we endured ignored, and the plight of one family set up as the only thing that really mattered....

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Budda88 says...
10:18am Sun 17 Mar 13

Chevarra wrote:
I understand completely the feelings, the anguish and deep hurt of the family of Colin Parry. But as an Irish person, who lived through the conflict, and experienced and witnessed the horrifying experience of our circumstances in Ireland I ask why have the media, not highlighted the same plight of hundreds of families in Ireland who lost a child, murdered buy loyalist death squads, British army and the RUC. How many people know their names? Why has British media so manipulated the people and why were they led to believe that the only child to be killed and the only family bereaved were the Parry's. We had to endure the same experience hundreds of times over every year of our lives since the late 1960s. The tragedy of the Parry family is a testimony to the truth of the misrepresentation of our plight by British media and the British establishment..Our hurt and the terrible injustice we endured ignored, and the plight of one family set up as the only thing that really mattered....
Maybe because to the people of Warrington this WAS the only thing that mattered to us? As our local paper the WARRRINGTON guardian has every right to highlight the wrongdoings inflicted on us and the loss that we have all felt for the last 20 years. If you have an issue with the way the media dealt with our remembrance then maybe it should be taken up with the BBC and Sky news.

On another note, the way the service was handled was beautiful and admirable yesterday. To see so many townspeople standing together and remembering was something for every townsperson to be proud of.

Rest in Peace Tim and Jonathon, forever young

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ninearches says...
11:05am Sun 17 Mar 13

Chevarra, i think the important issue is that Warrington was completely irrelevant to the IRA "cause" , it wasn't a high power political target & the outrage highlighted just another cowardly attack on a soft target. Most people hoped the troubles were at an end but unless Ulster can end the thought process that fuelled the demonstrations over what flag is flown from a town hall then God help Northern Ireland .

RIP Jonathan & Tim & all the other victims of a needless conflict !

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Chevarra says...
11:37am Sun 17 Mar 13

Let me reiterate my point. I and almost every person with a heart could not be appalled by what happened to the these two young children. I understand how the family and the people of Warrington felt and feel. Your newspaper has every right to highlight and report how the people of Warrington feel and what they have done to. That would be a duty and what would be expected. Nevertheless BBC, Sky and others have reported this as well and provided enormous publicity around this which they never did to one family who suffered so grievously through violence and injustice in Ireland. Everyone in Ireland and Britain will have heard of the Parry's but how many people in Britain can name one individual or family in Ireland, who suffered horrific violence, injustice and bereavement. My issue is with the politicized British media that failed to address this, supporting the British political establishment and created the impression that the only people who mattered and suffered were British people but over decades and often on a daily basis, Irish people, families and children were unimportant and to remain anonymous,whilst conflict and violence were to be a constant in their lives. I find it amazing how such publicity was focused on on the tragedy of one English family and yet the plight of thousands in Ireland looked upon by the British establishment and it's media as ... well not that important because it was happening in our country and regarded as 'normal' and not not in theirs.

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moleogod says...
1:22pm Sun 17 Mar 13

north west tonight did to a small segment but hats about it

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gerrumonside says...
3:30pm Tue 19 Mar 13

Chevvara..

why do you repeatedly go on about the Parrys...and the tradgedy of ONE English Family..........

Jonathan Ball was three years old when he was sat on the bin inside which a coward (who's name I do not know either to balance your story) placed a bomb, and detonated it, blowing Jonathan across the street.

Two English Families, Two English Boys.
If your going to slag off the amount of publicity a story gets then at least read the story and get the facts right.

The Parry's are in the media spotlight because of the GOOD work they do in the name of the PEACE PROCESS they have shown tremendous courage and dignity and have actually built something positive from their loss, with the peace centre and plenty of other anglo-irish peace initiatives.
To say that they are in the media because of some English superior viewpoint well thats exactly the kind of mentatlity that fuels the stupid conflict in the first place.......

One further point Jonathan Ball's parents died heartbroken and not in the blaze of publicity you think the british press should wrongly have afforded them. how does that fit in your anti English retoric?

Crikey God help us when Baronness Newlove is next in the news. I await your "lots have people have died in street fights whats the difference here"......viewpoint
..

some people carry on doing Good things despite having had something terrible done to them........just live with that instead of living with hate.......

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Sankey says...
8:56am Thu 21 Mar 13

Less is said about Jonathan ball. I often look into his face he would have been a good looking man I often wonder what life would have had for him. But it was snuffed out when he was not much more than a baby. Tim parry was on the brink of starting his adult life and being a teenager again this was taken away from him. But by whom and for what and why ? Totally and utterly senseless and whoever did this act must be void of any humanity at all I cannot imagine what is in the mind of such a person. I also presume this person is living today.

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grey_man says...
6:52pm Thu 21 Mar 13

Chevarra

This isn't the time and place is it?

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