A cherished local institution in Churchdown has issued an urgent appeal for assistance following a major fire that erupted at its premises on Monday morning. The blaze at the well-known Churchdown Club, a sports bar built by servicemen over a century ago, drew a large firefighting response and led to warnings for nearby residents to keep windows and doors shut due to thick smoke.
Shortly before 11:30 a.m. on June 22, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service alerted the public via Twitter/X to a fire on Church Road causing heavy smoke in the area. Six fire engines from multiple stations—including Gloucester North, Cheltenham East, Gloucester South, Stroud, and Tewkesbury—were deployed to tackle the blaze, which was finally declared under control around 2:08 p.m.
During the incident, the Churchdown community centre opened its doors to provide refuge from the smoke and heat. The club later expressed deep gratitude to firefighters and the emergency teams for their swift and effective response.
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Having served as a vital community hub for over 100 years, the club has been a venue where friendships flourished, families celebrated, and local groups convened. The recent fire has deeply saddened the community, inspiring an outpouring of kindness, support, and offers of help from residents, nearby communities, and local businesses.
In a heartfelt statement on its website, the Churchdown Club emphasized the significance of the venue beyond its walls: “This club has been a cornerstone for countless memories and special moments. We are overwhelmed by the generosity and solidarity shown in these difficult times.”
The club has launched an appeal to gather funds necessary for recovery and rebuilding efforts. Donations of any size are welcome and vital to ensuring the club continues to serve its community for generations to come. The club extends sincere thanks to all who have already contributed resources, time, or encouragement.
Together, the community hopes to transform this challenging setback into a renewed future for the historic Churchdown Club.