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Electrical fault started Penarth clubhouse fire

Monday, 1 December 2025 at 22:53

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

A fire which gutted a clubhouse in Penarth was caused by an electrical fault, it's been confirmed.

The Penarth Athletic Club building on Lavernock Road suffered significant damage in the early hours of Monday morning.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said three crews were called out to tackle the blaze, which took nearly three hours to extinguish.

The cause of the fire was confirmed on Monday afternoon following an investigation.

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding appeal to help rebuild the clubhouse and replace lost equipment has reached its £10,000 target in the 36 hours since the fire.

Alison Jones, who began the fundraiser, said: "Penarth Athletic Club has always been so much more than the place where we play rugby, cricket and hockey — it’s the heart of our community, a home for generations, and a shared space filled with stories, pride and belonging."

Messages of support have also continued to pour in from other sports clubs across the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales.

Penarth Athletic Club is home to the town's cricket and hockey clubs, as well as Penarth RFC, who are due to play Lampeter Town at home in the Division One on Saturday.

Penarth fly-half Rhys Morgan, who is also a committee member, told Bro Radio: "There's so many clubs that have reached out but clubs who we would say are sort of rivals on the field - one of the first was Llanharan - and I noticed this with a really, really positive message of support."

"It does show that sport is absolutely important and the winning side and playing on the field. But actually, it is so much more than that - that rugby community, that sense of community."

Penarth Athletic Club said on Monday it was developing a recovery plan to minimise disruption for the various clubs and the "many loyal supporters and visitors who rely on the facilities."

Penarth Men's Hockey Club said it was "absolutely devastated...about the loss of our shared clubhouse."

A spokesperson added: "For generations, we’ve had the privilege of sharing this vital hub with our friends in the rugby club, the cricket club, and the ladies hockey club."

"Past and present Hockey members join our friends in expressing deep gratitude to the South Wales Fire Service for their swift response and for ensuring that no one was hurt. While we are relieved for everyone’s safety, we are heartbroken to mourn the loss of so much shared history."

"To the rugby club especially: we know how much effort you’ve put into creating and maintaining the Athletic Club, and we understand the scale of what you’ve lost in the fire."

"We are truly sorry. Please rest assured that we stand ready to support you in rebuilding and restoring this amazing clubhouse."

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