FIRE ENGULFS COBURG GRANDSTAND

Built in 1925 the year Coburg entered the VFA, the old grandstand was known for its elegance and beauty. Unfortunately that counted for little when someone found their way into the ground on Saturday 6 March around 4 am and lit a fire in the eastern wing.

The fire brigade did a remarkable bringing the fire under control and saving our collection of priceless photos that included the 1940 team with Bob Pratt and Lance Collins.

 

This photo of the 1926 premiership team was taken just below where the 2004 fire was lit. Without the courage and foresight of the fire brigade it would have disappeared forever.

 

Vice president Dean Mighell discusses the fire with fellow unionists.

 

The truck that saved the day.

 

 

The black spot on the roof shows how close the fire came to engulfing the bar where all the photos were housed.

 

 

A view from the west. Fortunately the new social club was untouched.

 

True to form Dave Starbuck's spirit helped stop the flames as they marched westward. The late Dave Starbuck played 217 games with Coburg and was a generous benefactor.

POSTCRIPT

The Coburg FC met with Moreland Council to discuss a new social club. Our present social club is inadequate for a club playing in the VFL. With a new social club and improved facilities - better toilets etc - the ground will be in a position to host VFL finals.

The Coburg ground is the only fully terraced ground in the VFL and is now superior to Windy Hill, which has been significantly down graded. It's time for the Council to embrace the ground and all it offers to the people of Moreland.

WHERE WILL WE PLAY?

Facilities have been sufficiently retored to allow Coburg to play at the city Oval Coburg.