The clubhouse of Betws Recreation Club which had been built by voluntary labour was destroyed by fire on Monday afternoon. The building made of wood, which stood on the edge of the soccer pitch at Rice Road, Betws was uninsured, and damage is estimated to be over £2,000.
The walls of the building were lined with hardboard, but the floor was concrete.
Inside were sports equipment and a motor mower which had only recently been bought by the club for nearly £200.
The fire was first discovered about 1:45p.m., when the asbestos roof disintegrated with sharp bangs. Several inhabitants in Rice Road, Pentwyn Road and Colonel Road phoned for the fire brigade, but although the Ammanford section of the Joint Counties Fire Brigade arrived without delay, the fire was beyond control, for the building was highly inflammable.
STRONG GUSTS
The flames were fanned by strong gusts of wind, but the firemen were able to prevent the firemen were able to prevent the fire from igniting a nearby hedge.
Committee members were soon on the scene and they were able to drag clear the mower, which was partially damaged.
Fire Prevention Officer C. S. Rogers, Carmarthen, arrived to investigate the cause of the fire. He said that it was possible that the police might be called in to assist the Fire Service in their inquiries.
The building was last used on Saturday, when Betws played Pontardawe, and teas were served at half-time.
Afterwards the electrical supply was cut off as unsafe and no fire was left burning.
No person is known to have been in the building since the game.
Mr. Joe Lewis, who was chairman of the club from its foundation until last July and Mr. W. Lewis, Arfryn, Colonel Road, Betws, estimated that the club had lost approximately £2,000.
Mrs. B. Jones, 47 Betws Road, treasurer of the Ladies Supporters Club, said that about £2 was made every Saturday on the half-time tea and £14 from catering at dances.
“We were going to cater for a dance on Easter Monday. I hope people will come to support our games as we shall need all the money to re-build the club-house,” she said.
SPECIAL MEETING
An emergency meeting at the Betws Recreation Club was held last night to discuss policy, as the club has some ambitious plans for the future and a priority list has to be worked out.
A dance will be held at the Drill Hall. Ammanford, on Easter Monday, when the proceeds will go towards the building fund.
