4:27pm Thursday 5th August 2004
By Kate Southern
A BLAZE has ravaged a sports pavilion in Crouch End leaving one of the borough's longest standing cricket clubs homeless.
Hornsey Cricket Club is seeking temporary accommodation after fire destroyed the pavilion close to Tivoli Road, just before 12.30am on Monday.
More than 60 firefighters battled the flames and stayed at the scene until 10am.
The destruction of the pavilion means the club, which also combines tennis and squash facilities, has no changing area and is unable to host social events or hire the building out for private functions to generate funds.
It is also feared precious memorabilia, charting its 129-year history, has been lost in the flames.
Despite the disaster, chairman Chris Waite said the pitch was safe to play on. The club is determined to step up to the crease at this weekend's home match but are racing against the clock to provide its teams and visitors with amenities.
Nearby Calthorpe Club have already offered their assistance.
Mr Waite said: "We are hopeful that very soon we will have temporary facilities. We are coming to the end of the season and hopefully a new pavilion will rise from the ashes."
The cause of the fire was under investigation, but the club fears arsonists could be to blame. It has experienced trouble with gangs of youths hanging around the area, and the pavilion was recently broken into.
Hornsey Cricket Club was established in 1875. The pavilion was built in 1928.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.ealingtimes.co.uk