The Bellville Netball Club, one of the oldest in the country, needs help to get back on its feet after a fire at the beginning of last year left its clubhouse in ruins.
The club lost all its gear and records and had to borrow from other clubs to get its season started.
Sponsors, such as LP Support and Valley Pharmacy, came to the club’s aid at the time.
According to club member Mary Phillips, the clubhouse has been rebuilt and there has been a further donation from LP Support for the 2018 season.
“The shell of the clubhouse has been rebuilt but the contents lost in the fire, now need to be replaced and funds have been exhausted.
“The committee have begun a membership and fund-raising drive to purchase tables, chairs, a stove, a microwave and fridge and other essential equipment,” she said.
* After re-admission in the 1990s, Bellville Netball Club not only provided the first president of Netball South Africa in Doreen Liston but also the first captain of the Proteas, Debbie Hamman.
Other prominent former players who have played in Bellville courts include Proteas Irene Van Dyk, Estelle Kruger, Rese Hugo, Patrys Basson, Johrina Basson and Bennita Van Zyl.
The Bellville Netball Courts facility doubled as the headquarters of WP Netball and was used as the venue for league matches, so the effects of the fire were far reaching.
* If you’d like to get involved as a player, coach or referee or as an old member or if you have something to donate or sponsor, contact Lientjie Laubscher at 073 539 1519 or Mary Phillips at 078 090 7293.