School bus vandalised

As the school year was coming to an end, all at Brownlow were launching a major fund-raising effort to replace the minibus.

Brownlow High School had frequently been in the firing line for Craigavon’s vandals. The youths even ransacked the school’s office.

That was one of three attacks on the school, the worst of which was the attack on the school minibus.

The fire also caused damage to the roof of the school, but this was only of a minor nature.

The destruction of the bus, however, was the worst single blow and everyone at Brownlow High was affected as it played an important role in many aspects of school life - sporting events, educational visits and residential outings.

But Brownlow headmaster, Frank Loan, was greatly encouraged by the response from the pupils who were putting their heads together with teachers to come up with ideas.

“The bus was very widely used and it will be badly missed,” said Mr Loan. “The children have taken it very much to heart.”

The school was trying to organise a big fund-raising drive which would have amassed enough cash to replace the minibus wrecked by the vandals.

Indeed there were many messages of support and offers to help the school by groups and individuals, including the Phoenix Centre and the organisers of Brownlow Festival.