12:20pm Saturday 20th March 2010
By Hannah Al-Taraboulsy
THE Peace Centre is marking its 10th anniversary with a series of events, including a talk by the Secretary of State for Justice.
Jack Straw MP will give a speech to the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, which celebrates its 15th anniversarry later this year, at the £3 million Old Hall centre – the centre was built following fundraising by the foundation – tonight (Thursday).
Under the heading Using Power Properly Mr Straw will talk about his experiences of the law, both in international negotiations as foreign secretary and in establishing a legal framework in communities which support people who wish to live peacefully.
The foundation, which is expert in the field of peace and recognising victims of politically-motivated violence worldwide, works with young people and adults in the UK and Europe.
Its programme started after Warrington town centre was struck by an IRA bomb on March 20, 1993, and provides ways to help victims move forward with their lives.
The foundation was formed two years after the blast and the Peace Centre arrived in March 2000, coinciding with the seventh anniversary of the tragedy, which killed youngsters Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball.
Its Survivors for Peace programme now works with victims, survivors and veterans from the Northern Ireland Troubles, 9/11, 7/7 and military campaigns such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Achievements include the creation of a multi-agency group, which includes many of the main responders in major incidents and training for local authority emergency response teams. It also provides workshops so people can share their experiences and support.
Over the years, the foundation’s work has evolved and there are now five programmes for young people aged five to 18 examining issues such as prejudice, stereotyping and racism.
Tim’s mum and founder of the foundation, Wendy Parry, said: “Tim and Johnathan have been our inspiration.
“The Peace Centre plays a big part in the foundation’s work and visitors and participants can work and stay in a safe and secure environment.
“We are proud of what we have achieved in the boys’ names.”
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