Bingo club gutted by arson attack

A group of elderly bingo pals are appealing for help finding a new place to meet after their building was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Published

A group of elderly bingo pals are appealing for help finding a new place to meet after their building was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The Good Companions clubhouse in Johnson Road, Short Heath, was burned down in the early hours of February 4.

It was originally donated by Short Heath businesses more than 60 years ago to serve the elderly community as a means of socialising.

The club is now operating out of the back room of Willenhall pub Poets Corner in Keats Road, lent free of charge by landlord Pommy Kang as a stop gap.

Secretary of the Good Companions club, Connie Kyte, aged 83, told of how the group were devastated by the loss of their building.

She said: "We all cried. I had a phone call that the fire engine was there and I thought it must be a small fire, but when we saw it, it was very upsetting."

The 46-strong club lost all its bingo equipment in the fire. Anyone who would like to donate new equipment or a room can call Mavis Chew on 01922 407140.