Hundred year old golf club closes as administrators are called in

A golf club in Lancashire which has a 100-year-old history has gone into administration.

Fishwick Hall Golf Club in Preston unexpectedly closed last week and this week it emerged that administrators have been called in.

The club, where 11 people worked, unexpectedly closed on Friday and removal vans were spotted at the private members club.

Today it was revealed that directors of the club along with a specifically appointed development committee had called in the administrators.

The directors had spent the last couple of weeks exploring a number of options.

The aim was to develop and improve the site to encourage new members and the general condition of the course.

Some members had invested a “considerable amount of personal funds” to allow the continued trading of the club while the various options were being explored.

However, despite their best efforts further funding could not be found.

Mark Colman and Megan Singleton of Leonard Curtis were appointed as joint administrators on 22 November 2018.

The administrators issued a joint statement.

It said: “During the last few years, membership numbers have unfortunately declined which has ultimately resulted in severe cashflow problems and the inability for the club to continue to trade despite the tremendous efforts of both the directors and the members.

“The club has therefore ceased to trade with immediate effect.”

Former general manager Victoria Bellamy said: “We can confirm that Administrators have been appointed at Fishwick Hall Golf Club and the business ceased trading with immediate effect.

“This is an extremely upsetting time for everyone involved with the club as well as the vast majority of the local community.

“The members, some of whom have been a part of the club for decades and the staff who now find themselves in the awful position of being out of work just weeks before Christmas are devastated to be witnessing our long standing club with 106 years of history closing its doors.

“We thank you all for your continued support throughout the years and wish you all the very best for the future .”