Down Grange fire: Thousands raised to help hockey club

Basingstoke Hockey Club has raised more than £3,800 to replace equipment and goalkeeper kit lost in a fire at the Maidenwell Sports Pavilion in Down Grange last Monday, September 1.

As previously reported, around 60 firefighters from across Hampshire battled the blaze, which was first reported at 5am, with the stop message coming in at 9am.

All hockey and athletics equipment which was stored in the tunnel at the clubhouse was destroyed.

Thousands raised to help hockey club after fire (Image: Newsquest)

A fundraiser was set up by vice chair of Basingstoke Hockey Club, Claire Brockbank, to help restore important kit and equipment ahead of the new season. Readers can donate by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/replacing-equipment-hockey-gk-kit-lost-in-a-fire

Claire said: "The club house is temporarily closed while structural surveys are carried out and we can assess the full extent of the incident

"The initial impact is that we have lost all the equipment stored in that sea, from event table and chairs, marquee, the club goalkeeper kit that we use to support our goal keepers to ensure that the position is accessible for anyone who wants to play, goalkeeper kit is notoriously expensive, our Men's 2XI goalkeeper lost his personal kit too.

"We use the spare kit to kit out new players or to swap out leg pads or kickers as the juniors grow.

"Our first priority is to replace the kit that has been lost, followed by other equipment then tables and chairs - any help or support is gratefully received."

At the time of writing, £3,890 has been raised, with a target of £4,500.

A spokesperson for Basingstoke Hockey Club said: "We are honestly overwhelmed.

"Since the fire at our clubhouse last week, the generosity from across the hockey family has been nothing short of incredible.

"Offers of goalkeeper kit, donations to our GoFundMe, and messages of support have poured in. We cannot thank you enough for the kindness and solidarity you’ve shown us.

"We’ve had so many offers of kit that, truthfully, we now have more than enough. Over the coming week, we’ll work out exactly what we have and what we need, and we’ll be in touch with those who’ve kindly pledged.

"Please don’t be offended if you don’t hear from us straight away - we are beyond grateful for every offer.

"If you do have spare goalkeeper kit, we’d love you to think about your local club.

"Goalkeeping equipment is expensive, and it can be a major barrier for players wanting to take up the position. If your club can hold spare kit, it could make a huge difference in giving someone the chance to play.

"Clubhouse assessments are still ongoing, but we’re hopeful of being back in action on a pitch soon – Members should look out for announcements in Spond for their temporary session times/days over the coming days.

"From the bottom of our hearts - thank you. You’ve reminded us once again what makes the hockey family so special."

The Gazette has contacted Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for an update on the investigation.