A community has been left shocked after a bowling club was devastated by fire. At around 7.30am on Wednesday morning, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service announced they were dealing with a fire in the Maes Y Graig area of Gilfach near Bargoed.
Local residents were warned to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke as they dealt with the incident. People who live near Gilfach Bowling Centre, which is located on the Bowls Pavillion in the area, reported waking up to "black smoke everywhere", while others described the blaze as a "shame".
Pilot John Bulpin was flying above the incident this morning. He said he saw the plume of smoke and followed the fire, which he captured in an image.
Kristian Crocker is a volunteer at the site. He said that the whole village was "shook" by the news. In a post on Facebook on Wednesday morning, he wrote: "This morning around 7am, our second home Gilfach Bowling Club started to burn down. The memories, photos, top class facilities - all gone in an hour.
"We're all still getting our heads around what has happened but we will rebuild and come back stronger". In response, many have shared their thoughts and support following the incident. A crowdfunding page has also been launched in order to raise money to rebuild the club.
The crowdfund page wrote: "In the early hours of Wednesday 1st June, Gilfach Bargoed’s clubhouse was destroyed by a fire which means they will now need to rebuild where possible. The club has lost countless memories, trophies as well as members personal possessions such as bowls, bags etc.
"It is now time that the Welsh bowls community does what it does best and rally around to help get this club back on their feet. Please donate what you can!"
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