Keep Bath Rugby On The Rec - Update

By Glen Leat
September 6 2005

Stir Crazy, Coochie Coo and myself met with Bob Calleja this afternoon to discuss the recent ERE activities to counter the "Anti-Bath Rugby on the Rec" campaign. Bob expressed his thanks to everyone who took the trouble to write to the Bath Chronicle in support of keeping Bath Rugby at the Rec.

Bob's view is this type of activity will make those who have an influence on this topic sit up and take notice. We know that The "Friends of the Rec" are very good at making their views known so we have to ensure our counter arguments are loud and clear and placed before the decision makers.

Bob emphasised that we are still at the very early stages of establishing what the club and we, the supporters, want: a suitable, affordable stadium that is sympathetic to its surroundings and therefore must keep up our campaign over a longer period of time.

My take on the discussion with Bob is that we have a tough time ahead of us if we want to keep our club on The Rec and therefore we need a concerted effort by as many people as possible if we are to make progress. We cannot afford to be complacent and just assume everything will be alright.

To get things going I am setting up an online petition in support of Bath Rugby staying on The Rec and will launch it shortly. We should encourage as many people as possible to sign this petition so the Charity Commission can see the proposal is well supported. If you are not a letter writer but still want to help you can do so by getting your friends and family to sign up.

Something else those of you who live in BANES can do is write to your local councillor asking whether they are prepared to support the proposal of keeping Bath Rugby on The Rec and whether they will specifically support this cause at the next local election. If they get enough letters they are sure to be concerned that this topic could impact on the election result. You can find out who your local councillor is by clicking here.

Bob Calleja is keen to keep us all informed of the latest position on this issue and will regularly be giving updates on the Club Site. I have reproduced below the latest update Bob posted a couple of weeks ago to act as a reminder on the current situation.

THE REC DEVELOPMENT – AN UPDATE

There are still too many misinterpretations, misconceptions and subjective, biased, views expressed on the Rec. Many of these comments are repeated on a regular drip-feed basis, particularly in the letter-pages of the local paper, presumably to influence the decision makers or to spark controversy. Repeating a point of view that is honestly believed to be accurate does not necessarily make it factual or true.

We need to discuss and clarify the sensitive issues pertaining to the Rec in an objective manner.

Facts:

• The whole of the Rec is still in receivership under the auspices of the Charity Commission.
• Three Trustees to manage the Recreation Ground have been recently endorsed by the Charity Commission. The Trustees are members of the Council’s executive.
• Bath Rugby will continue to try and discuss a practical way forward with the Trustees.
• We have a robust lease for another 65 years to play on part of the Rec.
• The recent two year tenancy agreement agreed with the Charity Commission was for an extension to the current temporary East Stand. We will apply to extend this lease this year.
• Bath Rugby would like to explore the feasibility of developing a horse-shoe shaped arena that would replace the current West Stand and Clubhouse.
• We are in the process of submitting outline plans for public reaction. There are a number of options to consider but doing nothing is not one of them.
• We must improve our facilities and increase our capacity to meet set criteria and satisfy the demands and needs of our supporters.
• Full public consultation would take place ensuring that the design of any building interim or permanent would enhance the environment.
• The officially recognised Pulteney Street Residents Association recently voted 2 to 1 in favour of Bath Rugby staying at the Rec.
• The Trustees will need to give clear direction on any issue affecting the Rec and are considering conducting an Executive Review when finance allows.
• We are not a highly profitable business but need to be financially viable to sustain top flight rugby in the city.
• Bath Rugby serves the recreational needs of thousands of local people.
• We also serve the community in numerous charitable, educational and commercial concerns.
• Our door is always open and the genuine offer to discuss any issue with anyone still stands.

Bob Calleja - Chief Executive