'Business as usual' at popular Pendle golf club targeted by firebugs in devastating attack

In true blitz spirit, the local community has shown its support for Marsden Park Golf Club where £100,000 worth of damage was caused after the arson attempt on Monday last week.

After just one day of closure the club in Townhouse Road, Nelson, was back up and running and at the weekend hosted the James Macadam Memorial Trophy competition.

And Neil Reeves, who runs the club with his wife Trudi, has thanked everyone for their support.

He said: "The response and messages of support from people from all over the world has been unbelievable and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart."

"I will try to answer all the messages personally as soon as I can because we really do appreciate the support.

"During lockdown we invested heavily in the club with a new bistro and new professional shop. We have around 20 people who make their livelihoods from the golf club so it's vital we keep going."

Four fire engines were called to the club just after 10pm on April 19th after a patio area and several small vehicles were set alight.

Firefighters used three hose reels, four breathing apparatus, lighting, a thermal imaging camera, a hearth kit and ladders to bring the fire under control and they remained at the scene for several hours.

The club will need a new roof, balcony and new decking area and windows.

In the meantime, Neil and Trudi have set up a marquee outside and are serving food and drinks from a barbecue that was kindly donated by one of the members.

Popular with players from across East Lancashire, the golf club is also well used the community and is seen as a vital asset and facility.

This is all thanks to the sterling efforts of Neil and Trudi who took over the running of the club four years ago from Pendle Borough Council. It was on the brink of closure due to the reduction in government funding to Pendle Council and consequently Pendle Leisure Trust.

A professional golfer for 33 years, Neil played at the Marsden course as teenager and felt he had to step in at the 11th hour to save the club where had so many happy memories.

Neil and Trudi brought the club back to life under the banner of their business Reevolution Golf and the club has thrived since then.

Neil said: "The club is busier than ever, we have 300 members but visitors are welcome to play here.

"It offers so much to the community, it is a real asset and we will not let this fire put us back."