South Yorkshire Times, December 19, 1964.
Vandals Ruin Christmas Joy at Denaby School.
Pupils return to Denaby Primary School on Monday, discovered that their previous weeks work providing Christmas decoration in classrooms and the main all I been in vain.
Mr R.Hall, headmaster of the junior department, told them that between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Vandals broke into the school. Decorations were ripped off the walls, and nativity crib broken into bits, and before leaving they set fire to a covered and a Christmas tree, which were destroyed. The pupils were sent over to the schools heating facilities damaged by flames had been repaired.
Mr Hall told our reporter’s: “Fortunately, some passers-by saw the flames and raised the alarm. The caretaker, Mr Arthur Hough, who with his son, fought the blaze until the fire brigades arrived. If they had not raised the alarm the fire could have spread and caused £100,000 worth of damage.”
Mr Hall said that the flames had reached the ceiling, some 20 feet. When Mr Hall entered the school some furniture in one classroom was also destroyed.
Mr Arthur Hough, caretaker of Rossington Street school, Denaby, surveys some of the damage caused at the school by vandals
Horrible Trick.
“The most distressing thing is that 450 little children who were looking forward to our very important week of Christmas activities have been disappointed. What’s happening here is nothing but a spiteful, horrible and nasty trick. A backcloth which was decorated with Christmas more cheese and scenes from the Bible, representing a weeks work, was torn down and set fire to and put on the Christmas tree,” said Mr Hall.
Miss C.A.Parton, headmistress of the infants department, said: “Because of the damage caused by fire to the premises we have had to call off my departments carol concert for today (Monday). 150 parents and relatives were expected. There will not be another opportunity to hold it before we break up on Friday.
Spoilt Christmas.
“In addition to the Christmas decorations, we’re flower bulbs taken out of plant pots are scattered on the floor. This has spoiled Christmas for the infants, and indeed for all the school. It is nothing but sheer wanton damage.”
Mr Hall said on Monday that Mr John Smith, leader of the Tom Hill youth club, and offered to let the school have the clubs Christmas tree on Tuesday and will be unsure for the concerts, parties and the school dinner.
A group of members of Tom Hill Youth Club spent three hours on Monday, redecorating classrooms and the Main Hall. Mr John Smith, club leaders said: “it seemed to be the natural thing to do. We bought new decorations and eight, nine members ( and my wife) volunteered quite readily – even though it was a popular club night.
Fine Gesture.
“Seeing the damage brought one or two pretty vehement opinions, but put in the matter right as far more good than meeting the person who did it.
The headmaster, Mr Hall praised the club and said: “it was a fine gesture from the boys and girls and exhibited the spirit of Christmas. The club sent as a donation and we have had offers of help locally.”
Mr I.G.B.Howard, Area Youth Officer, said on Tuesday: “Tom Hill’s action indicates that there is little or no truth in the belief that young people are not interested in doing something for the community. When they are given the opportunity they will readily come forward .”