CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment the roof of Gloucester’s Churchdown Club collapsed amid a devastating fire on June 22.
The fire, which began at around 11am, severely damaged the historic community club, built in 1921 by servicemen after the First World War. Approximately half of the premises on Church Road, including a kitchen, skittle alley, function room, and office, were completely destroyed.
Fire doors between the ruined section and the remainder of the building played a crucial role in preventing the blaze from spreading further.
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Despite a public appeal raising over £12,000 so far, the club faces significant challenges in returning to normal. Committee members anticipate a substantial financial shortfall once the insurer finalises the settlement, potentially leaving the club to find hundreds of thousands of pounds.
In the meantime, the not-for-profit organisation is coping with a sharp decline in income, as facilities like the skittle alley, which previously generated around £300 on five weeknights, remain unusable.
Deputy chairman Patrick McCaffrey, who has shared video and images of the fire’s aftermath, said the full extent of the damage has not been fully appreciated by many in the community.
“It was a scene of devastation. I genuinely don’t believe it’s been made quite apparent,” he said. “We will 100 per cent continue, but whether we have to diversify or can offer as much as before, we don’t know yet.”
Staff hours have been reduced as the club adjusts its operations while awaiting insurance resolution. The club currently lacks heating due to the destruction of its boiler, and bowls and tennis players are using the site without access to outside toilets, which were also lost in the fire.
Groups such as the Brownies and a U3A (University of the Third Age) group have had to find alternative venues.
Mr McCaffrey, who runs his own fire prevention company, inspected and replaced seals on the club’s fire doors shortly before the blaze, a timing he described as fortunate.
“The fire started in the roof. It was horrendous. We had staff and committee members in tears, literally watching it burn. We wondered if we were going to lose everything,” he added.
There have been rumours that recently installed solar panels on the roof might have caused the fire, but the exact cause remains unknown.
An independent forensic fire investigator appointed by the insurance company is expected to conduct a minimum four-day investigation once asbestos removal is complete. Access to the site is not anticipated until October.