Belper Town director Guy Wimhurst speaks of the incredible clean up operation after Storm Babet floods their stadium this weekend.
The Nailersβ ground found itself underwater again, with previous storms having seen the Northern Premier League East Division leaders’ pitch completely submerged, as was the clubhouse and changing rooms also left severely damaged and requiring extensive repair work.
Storm Barbet hit on Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning, with their fixture against Newton Aycliffe unsurprisingly getting called off.
3rd time in 5 years! Absolutely devastated π’ pic.twitter.com/FLzsjeuOBk
β Ian woodward (@ian_woodward1) October 21, 2023
β ππ²πΉπ½π²πΏ π§πΌππ» | π£πͺπͺπ₯ (@BelperTownFC) October 21, 2023
β Ian woodward (@ian_woodward1) October 21, 2023
So before they could get to work clearing the mess, they needed to wait for the water to subside. 24 hours later and the transformation is quite something.
Interviewer Chris: Wow. I’m joined now by Belper Town director Guy Wimhurst, just to say a few words about the fantastic effort that’s gone on today. It’s been a really busy morning. You must be so proud to see so many people turn up.
GW: Incredible. I don’t know what to say, because this time yesterday we were thigh deep in river sludge and in the space of a couple, two and a half hours, we’ve got all the carpets up, we’ve got cleaning done, we’re in good state of recovery. There’s jet washing, there’s toilet cleaning, which you’ve just called me away from being done as well. So everything is well underway. To recovery. I can’t thank the local people enough, the fans, the community spirit that’s been shown to get us back on its feet. Incredible. So, just under three weeks to go until the next home match.
Interviewer Chris: Obviously, still a lot more work to be done. What’s the message to anyone out there who might be thinking about popping down at some point during that time?
GW: Yeah, a great question, Chris. I mean, if anyone has got any spare time, they can give up, obviously, there’s people here now in front and behind me. If anybody else over the next couple of weeks can come down and do any more cleaning. I guess the drying out is what we’re going to have to be waiting for five or six weeks before that’s probably done. And then it’ll be painting and repairing, so it’ll be a little bit Threadbear for a few weeks, but we’ll be back on our feet in no time at all. And with the help of the local people, we’ll certainly get there quicker. So, yeah, just get in touch through the club and just come down anytime you can.”
Belper Town Director Guy Wimhurst spoke to us, as the cleanup operation gathers pace at the Raygar Stadium. pic.twitter.com/3qd9au9UFM
β ππ²πΉπ½π²πΏ π§πΌππ» | π£πͺπͺπ₯ (@BelperTownFC) October 22, 2023
Huge thank you to everyone who turned up this morning to help with the clean up, it means so much to the club to see your support, a long way to go but we have made a start, our thoughts are also with so many people & businesses that have been effected by the floods! @Brownsbm pic.twitter.com/A7aMjy44QH
β Ian woodward (@ian_woodward1) October 22, 2023
This is how fans reacted as the Belper Town director speaks of the incredible clean up operation after Storm Babet floods their stadium…
@jwehirst: Amazing, never in doubt! If I was at home I would have definitely got down. See you all at Brighouse next week ππ€
@BelperBakes: Many hands make light work. It was a brilliant turnout and oddly we had a few giggles along the way π
@MikeWard2911: It’s all part the experience, follow the team, make friends, mop the floors, sweep the paths π Great atmosphere down there today, everyone mucking in doing what they could. Up the Nailers ππ€
@derbytrim: Happy to help out πͺ£π§Ήπͺ Many hands made it easy ,brilliant to see The Manager’s, players and board members all getting dirty too, shows how much the club means to those connected with it π
@ClickerJohn: This is Belper Town Football Club. One for all. All for one. It’ll take more than a few puddles to keep this Club down.
Asa Dingle: If you need new flooring anywhere I will gladly help out!!
@DerbyshireFA: The power of community, the power of football, the power of Derbyshire πͺ Just yesterday, @BelperTownFCβs Raygar Stadium was underwater. Today, with the help of amazing volunteers, the Nailers have made their first steps to recovery, and are inviting anyone who can volunteer to help ππ€
@IanColl75: Sorry to see these devastating photographs all the best from everyone associated with Gresley Rovers
@Trokey_: Always happy to help, great to see so many down there. Back stronger πͺπ‘β«οΈ
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