Fire-hit Bellshill Athletic to receive new clubhouse in incredible act of kindness from Bridlington Town

Committee members at fire-hit Bellshill Athletic have been amazed by an incredible act of kindness from Bridlington Town manager Brett Agnew, who hails from Holytown.
Fire damage at Rockburn Park after Easter Sunday blazeFire damage at Rockburn Park after Easter Sunday blaze
Fire damage at Rockburn Park after Easter Sunday blaze

Bellshill’s plight – which saw large swathes of their Rockburn Park premises burned down after the Easter Sunday attack by vandals – was followed online by Agnew’s English outfit who have offered to donate an entire clubhouse package from their Queensgate ground to Bellshill including the bar area, board room, laundry room, toilets and stock room.

Bellshill committee member Gayle Cornes told the Times and Speaker: “Bridlington Town are a godsend, it’s amazing what they’ve done. They don’t know what it means to us.

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“They contacted us to say that they are upgrading their ground so if we could ship the stuff up then we could have it.

Exterior view of Bridlington Town clubhouseExterior view of Bridlington Town clubhouse
Exterior view of Bridlington Town clubhouse

“I actually cried when I spoke to the boy (Brett). We thought it was just a pipe dream and all of a sudden they came forward.”

Gayle said that Lesmahagow-based Gilmour Brothers -have kindly agreed to provide the eight haulage trucks needed to ship the Bridlington gear north as part of a convoy, with plans to assemble it at Rockburn Park by May 20.

“I really appreciate this help,” Gayle said. “I wish I could be at the back of the convoy with flags!

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“The haulage company has said that if our ground is not ready for the new facilities to be installed by May 20, they will store them for us. Then they will bring it up to us, which is fabulous also.”

Plush bar area at Bridlington which will soon be on its way to BellshillPlush bar area at Bridlington which will soon be on its way to Bellshill
Plush bar area at Bridlington which will soon be on its way to Bellshill

Now that the new stadium facilities have been arranged, Bellshill are trying to fund-raise for the upgrade of Rockburn Park, which will cost several thousand pounds and a supporter has set up a GoFundMe page for this which has already been well backed.

The club is also looking for help from builders merchants regarding the construction of foundations, consisting of concrete and breeze blocks upon which the Bridlington equipment can be placed.

The club will also have to find money to pay for an upgrade of its existing changing rooms and shower rooms.

“The support we have already received from businesses has been amazing,” Gayle said. It’s been flabbergasting.”

To pledge to Bellshill, contact Gayle on 07954407765.

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