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'This is the phoenix rising from the flames': Dudley community centre wrecked by fire holds fundraising family fun day

The team who run a Black Country community centre that was wrecked in an alleged arson attack rallied to put on a hit family fundraiser fun day - with a little help from their friends.

By Daniel Walton
Published

The weather may have been dull, but community spirit was shining at a fundraising event organised by the team behind the Fens Pool Community Centre following a devastating fire at the centre in Pensnett, Dudley.

The fire, which broke out at the single-storey building off Tennyson Street, Pensnett, on August 19, almost completely destroyed the centre's roof and caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage, with the fire service later saying investigators believe the blaze was started deliberately.

The community fun day was visited by members of the West Midlands Fire Service, as well as Dudley MP Sonia Kumar
The community fun day was visited by members of the West Midlands Fire Service, as well as Dudley MP Sonia Kumar. Photo: Steve Leath

Sadly, the blaze also took place the night before an organised funfair, with Fens Pool Community Centre staff saying they were 'heartbroken' for all those who were excited for the event.

Luckily the event was rearranged to Wednesday this week (August 27), and held at the Brockmoor Community Centre on Pensnett Road. The Brockmoor team lent their centre for the funfair event to go ahead, and have pledged to help raise money for repairs to the fire-damaged Fens Pool centre.

The clean-up operation at Fens Pool Community Centre. Photo: Tim Sturgess
The fire left a hole in the building's roof. Pictured surveying the damage are vice chair Tracey Bowen and chair Rebecca Spittle. Photo: Tim Sturgess

Hundreds of families turned out for the rearranged family fun day, with entertainment between 12pm and 6pm.

Talking at the event, Fens Pool Community Centre chair Rebecca Spittle said: "It was horrible, we had organised this fun day event for the kids at the Fens Pool location originally. 

"We were expecting 250 children that day, and because of the fire, we just couldn't do it. We really didn't want to let the kids down. It was heartbreaking."

The fundraising funfair day included fair rides, which were donated for free by Thomas Jones Funfairs, as well as plenty of food and drinks donated by Grab en Go.

Children could go on one of the many funfair rides that were donated by Thomas Jones Funfairs
Children could go on one of the many funfair rides that were donated by Thomas Jones Funfairs. Photo: Steve Leath

Ms Spittle added: "Today has been great, what's amazing is that there are plenty of new faces that we haven't seen before. We have had all of our regulars, and lots of families we have never met before. 

"It's heartwarming to see everyone supporting us like this. This is what it's about, the community coming together. We couldn't thank them and the Brockmoor team enough."

Among the visitors to the event were also Dudley Council's Councillor Steve Edwards, as well as Labour MP Sonia Kumar, and West Midlands Fire Service's Tipton watch commander, Chris Green.

The rain didn't stop the smiles. Pictured is Taylor Robins, 11, on the bunjee run
The rain didn't stop the smiles. Pictured is Taylor Robins, 11. Photo: Steve Leath

Speaking at the event, Mr Green, who was among the first on the scene of the blaze just over a week earlier, said: "When we got to the fire, it was already well alight. It was pretty upsetting for the firefighters to see because this is a local community centre that we knew.

"I actually came down with my son the following day and helped clean up. But this event today, this is the silver lining on a bad situation; it's the community coming together, it's nice to see."

Councillor Edwards thanked the community for their support of the Fens Pool Community Centre team, and said it was amazing to see so many smiling faces. 

Among the visitors were Harry Green, 12, and his Firefighter Dad, Chris Green. Chris was among the first at the fire, and his son Harry wanted to help fundraise for the building's repairs
Among the visitors were Harry Green, 12, and his Firefighter dad, Chris Green. Chris was among the first at the fire, and his son Harry wanted to help raise funds for the building's repairs. Photo: Steve Leath

He said: "This is really showing the best of the community. The team at Brockmoor instantly offered a space so that we could make sure the kids still have their fun day, have something to eat, and somewhere to play. 

"Despite the rain, it's a beautiful day. There are so many smiling faces. This is the phoenix rising from the flames, this is the community sticking together and saying 'we are going to support our community centres'."

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar said: "The Fens Pool Community Fun Day was absolutely fantastic, and it was heartening to see so many people coming together after the recent arson attack at Fens Pool.

"While it was deeply upsetting to see such a mindless act take place in our community, the way residents, volunteers, and local groups have pulled together has been truly inspiring.

"A special thank you must go to Brockmoor for so generously hosting the fun day on their own site, ensuring the event could still go ahead. It was a powerful reminder that our community spirit is far stronger than any act of vandalism."  

Visitors and supporters at the fun day. Photo: Steve Leath
Visitors and supporters at the fun day. Photo: Steve Leath

Following the blaze, a GoFundMe page was set up by the Fens Pool team, with more than £3,400 already donated to help ease the costs of repairs to the local community centre.

To donate or learn more, visit the fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/reconstruction-of-fenspool-cc.