Senseless blaze destroys clubhouse and contents

Newbury Bulls Football Club is determined to not let the senseless fire at their clubhouse destroy their season and it was game on last weekend.

Newbury Bulls Football Club clubhouse fire - (L-R) Newbury Bulls president Shane James, Andrew Smail, Shaun Bourke and Raj Datt Bottom (L-R) Emma Bradbury, Jordan Smail Hull and James Smaill-Hull

Newbury Bulls Football Club is determined to not let the senseless fire at their clubhouse destroy their season and it was game on last weekend.

The Stanhope Gardens- based football club had their canteen completely destroyed, a defibrillator burnt, plus thousands of dollars worth of equipment and uniforms destroyed, according to club president Shane James.

“I got the call at 12.50am on Sunday to say the clubhouse had been broken into and set on fire and I did not understand the full extent of the damage until I was able to see it for myself,” Mr James said.

“The only things left recognisable in the canteen are the two melted down coffee machines, everything else is gone.”

Newbury Bulls Soccer clubhouse at Stanhope Gardens was destroyed by fire on Sunday, July 9 and police have charged three men for this senseless act of vandalism.

He said the insurance and Blacktown Council building assessor came out on Monday afternoon. “It is looking like we may have to pull it down and rebuild the clubhouse,” Mr James said

However, for Kellyville Ridge Cricket Club, which also use the clubhouse for storage of equipment and uniforms, it is another story.

Cricket club president Rod Yendle said it is terrible as they now have to scrounge around to get gear and equipment for their 250 kids before the September season launch.

“We are the biggest cricket club in Blacktown with 11 junior sides, five senior sides and the Milo program we run from here,” Mr Yendle said.

What was left of the canteen at Newbury Bulls Soccer clubhouse atfter it was set alight a fortnight ago.

Community support is already coming to the fore with Stanhope Village Coles manager Alex Dingemans providing canteen and barbecue supplies and adjoining football clubs offering their help and support to get the Bulls back on its feet.

Police have charged three men with offences following the fire.