Historical walls toppled by flood
The perimeter walls have reportedly stood for between 30 and 40 years.
The wrath of Mother Nature wrought devastation on one of Newcastle’s historical buildings in December.
As torrential rains caused the Jordan River to break its banks shortly before the close of 2013, the Newcastle Club, established in 1903, was partially submerged in the deluge. Brick perimeter walls, which had stood the test of time for between 30 and 40 years, were toppled over.
The force of the flood was strong enough to wash massive tree trunks down the river and onto the pavement of Scott Street, adjacent to the Newcastle Club. Chairman of the club, Dudley Taggart said the lounge, offices and both entrances were under water.
“There is a lot of damage; I am not certain what this will cost.”
Mr Taggart explained he was in the process of claiming back from an insurance company, and said the fact that there was only one culvert on Scott Street, as well as the sudden volume of the rainwater, exacerbated the situation.
“The water backs up during heavy rain and floods.”
Asked what could be done to lessen the effects of flooding in future, Mr Taggart said another problem was land on the stream side of Scott Street was reclaimed, preventing adequate water dispersal.
