“Buckingham has looked after me”: Manager of restaurant hit by fire thanks community as it prepares to reopen
The manager of a Buckingham restaurant that was forced to close after a fire at the weekend has thanked the community for their support as it prepares to reopen.
A blaze broke out in a flat above Indian restaurant the Dipalee Lounge on Castle Street at just after 10pm on Sunday October 25.
Bucks Fire and Rescue Service said that two crews from Buckingham, as well as crews from Winslow and West Ashland were called to the scene.
Firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the blaze, which was on the upper floor of the three-storey building.
The restaurant was forced to close following the incident but has now announced it will reopen later today (Wednesday).
In a message sent to this newspaper Gaz, who has managed the restaurant since February 2020, said he was very grateful for all the community’s support during their hour of need.
Gaz said: “To be honest, I never thought we would be able to reopen this quickly.
“The boys have worked day and night, putting their hearts and souls into getting everything back up and running.
“I cannot thank them enough.
“During the pandemic, I remember putting a post on social media saying that nobody in our community should ever have to go to sleep on an empty stomach.
“If anyone was struggling or had no food, they could call us and we would help.
“That post reached so many people. My phone started ringing, messages came flooding in, and I realised just how many people were struggling behind closed doors.
“We did everything we could to help. We provided food, clothing and support to people who needed it. We delivered meals and tried to make sure nobody felt forgotten.
“I never did any of that for publicity, recognition or anything in return. I did it because I believe that if you are in a position to help someone, you should.
““Now, following this fire, I have realised something truly special.
“Since the incident, my personal phone has been flooded with messages and calls.
“Customers, friends, local residents and people from all walks of life have been checking on me, offering their time and asking how they can help.
“Some people have physically helped us get the restaurant ready. Others have offered support, encouragement and kind words.
“I now understand something I have always believed - when you help people from the heart, people will be there for you when you need them most.
“During COVID, I tried my best to look after Buckingham.
“Now, when I have faced a difficult moment, Buckingham has looked after me.
“That feeling is worth more than any amount of money.
“To everyone who has messaged my personal phone, called to check on us, offered help or worked day and night to get us reopened, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“Our family has been part of this community since 1981, and seeing the love Buckingham has shown us reminds me why this place means so much to us.
“Thank you, Buckingham, for reminding me what community truly means. I will never forget what you have done for us.”
The Dipalee Lounge will reopen today (Wednesday) for dine-in, takeaway and delivery services.
Gaz added his promise from the COVID pandemic still applies, and that anyone who was struggling and had nothing to eat should contact the restaurant, by phoning 01280 813151.