Last month, vandals mindlessly damaged cow sculptures which were designed and decorated by local school children as part of a CAN Peace III project. Whilst the sculptures were ruined, the vandals were unable to damage the positive cross-community relationships which were built between the children as a result of the project. Now the children are invited to come together again to help repair the cows at the first of the local ‘hospitals’ which will be established at the Abbeycentre later this month.

In July, the community was outraged as the cow sculptures at Lilian Bland Community Park in Glengormley and Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare were destroyed, breaking the hearts of the local school children who invested hours of time into the sculptures. Despite this tragedy, the youngsters can now take on the role of ‘Dr Moolittle’ in order to operate on the cows and have them back to full health. The Abbeycentre has kindly agreed to offer space for a ‘cow hospital’ and whilst the children from Ashgrove and Glengormley Integrated primary schools who worked on ‘Miss Glen’ are encouraged to come help fix her, other children will also be welcome.

‘Clare’ who was unfortunately left naked when vandals stole her patchwork blanket will also receive treatment from the Dr Moolittle gang at workshops which will be taking place over the next few weeks. Children from Tir Na Nog and Ballyclare primary schools who were devastated when their cow was destroyed will be able to come along and help Clare restore her modesty by making a new patchwork blanket.

Alison Keenan, Peace III Programme Co-Ordinator says ‘It’s fantastic that the cows are being repaired and the children who helped to create them are being involved in the operation. The kids were devastated when their cows were destroyed by vandals and now they have the chance to work together to restore the cows to their former glory. The CAN PEACE III project was created to bring young people together through art and focuses on cross-community and shared space themes so it’s great that the relationships which have been built among the children will be further strengthened through working together to repair the unfortunate cows.’

Whilst the cows were sad to be injured, they are sure to be mOOved by the kindness of the children who come to mend them! Whilst those from the participating primary schools are being encouraged to contribute to the repairs, other youngsters who wish to help are also welcome. The first workshop to repair ‘Miss Glen’ will be taking place at the Abbeycentre but details will follow on the venue for Clare’s ‘operation’.