Wolverhampton sports club rises from ashes of arson attack

Twelve weeks ago the clubhouse of Wednesfield Aces, Britain's most successful cycle speedway team, was a burned-out shell, with 50 years of memories, photographs, accolades and achievements reduced to charred wreckage.

The sight moved the club's founder and chief executive Paul Bodley to tears but this week he was wreathed in smiles while looking at the renovated building.

Mr Bodley, who now lives in Telford but started the club in Ashmore Park with a friend as a 14-year-old schoolboy, said: "We felt sorry for ourselves for five minutes after the fire and there was talk of it being the end of Wednesfield Aces.

"Then we rolled up our sleeves and got on with putting things right.

"The response of businesses and individuals in the local community has been overwhelming. I cannot thank them enough. I am also very proud of the way that the members of the club responded. We have always been successful on the track but now our achievements off the track are monumental. It restored your faith in human nature."

Aces communications officer Glyn Rowley added: "The phone has not stopped ringing since day one when a local firm dropped off a skip to help with the clear-up. Businesses have donated £15,000 worth of goods and labour free of charge while individuals have given hours of spare time to assist with the rebuild." Electrical contractors rewired the premises, builders merchants provided timber, wall boards and insulation and Yale installed new locks along with smoke and fire alarms.

Mark Hindley, the 49-year-old boss of Essington-based Hindley Contractors, replastered, installed new flooring and put in fire doors free of charge. Mr Hindley, who grew up in Ashmore Park, said: "I used to lean on the barriers with my mates watching the racing as a kid and the pictures of the burned-out clubhouse brought those memories flooding back.

"They have looked after enough people in the past and here was a chance for me and other people to put a bit back as a thank-you for all they have done in the past and continue to do. It is nice for a local community to pull together like this."

Tony Mullinder, a member of the club for 35 years who acted as project manager on the rebuild, added: "I was surprised by how willing people were to help, especially in the current economic climate. I have not had to demand or barter, all the help has been offered willingly." Irene Dodd, secretary of the Ashmore Park tenants and residents association, said: "The club has been giving kids on this estate something to do and helping to keep them on the straight and narrow for 50 years. There are men whose sons and grandsons have joined them as members of the Aces.

"They have worked wonders for this community over the years and this was our chance to do something in return."

The clubhouse is due to be officially opened by cycling star Jess Varnish during an afternoon event on November 10.

By John Scott