The Burning Down Of The Football Club

7th December 2008
This morning the Football Club was burnt down by 2 teenagers that live in the vicinity. What makes them do things like this?

The clubhouse at the height of the blaze
A suspected arson attack on a village football clubhouse has destroyed the valued facility - and it has also robbed a community of treasured documents, one of which has a connection with a former player who died in a tragic skiing accident.

The weekend blaze at Gimingham football club destroyed the building almost completely and has left the remaining walls in a dangerous state. The building housed a bar, pool table, toilets and home and away changing rooms.

But it is the loss of historical documentation which will have the greatest effect, said club chairman Robert Grand.

One of the many items burned was a photograph of the Gimingham team shortly after winning the prized Primary Cup in 1995.

At the time, the win was dedicated to 20-year-old Paul Gentle by his twin brother Keith. Paul had died just days before the Primary Cup final against Terrington St Clement. A star player at Gimingham, he had been seriously injured in a skiing accident in February 1995 and died the next month, having never recovered.

“Everyone is very upset about the loss of the clubhouse,” said Mr Grand.

“Most of the village gathered on Sunday morning to watch what was happening.

“But on top of losing the clubhouse, all of our history is gone, minutes of meetings, photographs, the lot.

“The main thing people will be upset about, though, is the picture of the winning Primary Cup side in the same season that Paul Gentle died.

“At the end of the cup final, Paul's twin brother Keith dedicated the win to his brother, it was a very special moment for everyone.”

Mr Grand said he had been in contact with insurers and the FA since the fire.

The insurance situation was not yet fully clear, he said, and there were concerns that the building was underinsured.

The immediate circumstances have seen the next home game against nearby Mundesley changed to an away fixture. And in the medium term it was hoped to bring in some portable buildings for changing and storage, plus footballs and other vital kit.

Gimingham had beaten Erpingham 11-2 just hours before the fire. Gimingham has two teams, one playing in the first division of the North East Norfolk Football League and another in the third division.

Two teenagers have been arrested following the fire, which took hold at around 6am on Sunday morning, as reported in yesterday's EDP. A 14-year-old and a 16-year-old from the North Walsham area have been arrested, police confirmed.

Who is to blame? the Parents for not disciplining their children or the Human Rights Activists who allow this to happen? as they take away the right to smack some sense into teenagers that become yobs by lack of discipline?

I feel both are to blame and it will only get worse as time goes by.

I feel for the Football Team and I feel for the Village, it was the only enjoyment some got out of the village.

Fund raising has now begun to get this great club rebuilt for our fantastic teams to be able to play in their own village once more.

Wow. I was part of that team that won the cup. What a great shame. I know it was a long time ago but I just read what happened. Did the clubhouse get re built?

No Sorry to say Darren it hasn't yet, fund raising is still going on.

Thats a shame. How much has been raised and how much is needed? Plus does is Eric still involved with the team?

Do you know Maggie Thurston? She would be the best person to talk to as she is one of them helping the football team. I think June 19th Saturday is when the Village is holding there Summer Fete on the playing field, some of the proceeds will be going to the Football club. If you want Maggies phone number PM me.