Offers of assistance and help have flooded in, as Mr Cummings has dealt with the aftermath of clean up, organising assessors and insurance and reorganising functions booked at the club.

In the midst of the heart break and facing a complete rebuild of the club itself – which alone will be several million dollars - the major impression with him at the moment is one of thank you and hope.

He has had to face staff with the difficult news about their future employment, organise the destruction of thousands of dollars worth of fire damaged stock and strip the club bare of any liquor, gaming facilities, cigarettes and other items of value to secure and lock down the gutted premises.

In particular, he has had to watch the destruction of several major renovations projects he has personally managed during the past years.

“Thank you to all who have helped us,” Mr Cummings said this week, contemplating the work ahead.

“In particular, the Canowindra Bowling Club, who have not only taken on many functions, but are even taking on our Honourary membership.

“I am in the process of drafting letters to all our current members notifying them their Honourary Services Club membership will now apply to the Bowling Club too, which is a very generous gesture.”

Others he specifically wanted to thank include Tony Warn at the Canowindra Hotel, who has taken on the Punters Club, local police officers Janine Coghlan and Matt Owen and local firefighters.

The Club’s even received handfuls of cards from community members expressing their sorrow over the news.

“Thank you to those people who have sent in cards, to all in the community for all their efforts to help us.”

Mr Cummings and his crew are now focusing on the massive task ahead and estimate it will be seven to ten months before the club is operating again.

The original premises will be demolished and completely rebuilt.