Vandalism at Children’s Somme Garden Cloughey

A wreath lies on the beach edge after being thrown away by vandals  

Small wooden crosses scattered by the vandals

Success of wreath-laying ceremony marred by vandal attack 3 days later

On Sunday 9^th November a wreath laying ceremony took place at the Children’s Somme Garden Cloughey. Six representatives of local organisations laid wreaths and numerous small crosses bearing poppies were placed around the garden. On Wednesday morning 12^th November 2008 it was discovered that the garden had been vandalised. Three of the wreaths had been removed and thrown on to the beach or into the adjoining garden, with poppies torn from them. Most of the small wooden crosses were also removed, poppies torn off, and scattered over a wide area. Two spotlights that illuminate the Somme mural had been ripped out and thrown away.

 Ards Mayor Jim Fletcher at the wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday

Community Association Chairman Joe Maclean said: “It is difficult to understand such behaviour, particularly in the light of the media giving emphasis to the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women not only in WW1 and WW2 but subsequent wars and conflicts. Perhaps we should be educating the youth of today to prevent such vandalism. If we had done so, this vandalism may well have been avoided, nevertheless it makes one feel sad, particularly when a great part of the Children’s Somme Garden mural was designed by local children.”

Police informed

Since Wednesday, the wreaths have been recovered, repaired and put back in place.  Many of the small crosses were beyond repair, and have been replaced. The police are investigating the incident.

Do you know who did this?

If anyone has any information or saw anyone around the area of the garden after midnight on Tuesday night (11th Nov) please contact the police on the non-emergency number 0845 600 8000.