Meeting documents

RICHARD WRIGHT

My name is Richard Wright. I am Deputy Chairman and Membership Secretary of the Real Friends of the Rec. Peter has already explained the aims of the Real Friends of the Rec, and these can be viewed on our website, as can our constitution and our officers.

My purpose is also to put on record a key question.

Firstly, I would like to quote Andrew Brownsword, the custodian of Bath Rugby who was quoted in the Bath Chronicle, on 11 January 2007 as saying:

"if you ask me how crucial is it for Bath that the club stays on The Rec, then I would say absolutely, 100 per cent crucial. We will not dominate The Rec and will certainly encourage other sports and entertainment. We will be seeking partners if given the green light by the trustees to open The Rec for greater use. Take a look at our prospectus. It shows that we are asking to increase our share of the whole footprint from 28 per cent to 29.5 per cent in exchange for replacing a number of eyesores with a new, high-quality arena, with a playing surface that is suitable for a wider range of sports than currently, with a much improved spectator experience, better and wider access, and without precluding any of the activities that currently take place."

On the assumption that this is still a true reflection of Mr Brownsword's position, is it not reasonable, given a/ the present financial circumstances, and b/ the protracted decision-making procedures that have caused two further years of delays and frustrations since that statement was published, that a two year extension for the East stand be granted?

As everyone recognises, there can be no development of the Recreation Ground without Bath Rugby. Equally, there can be no true Bath Rugby club without the Recreation Ground.

But, the Real Friends of the Rec exists because we also recognise that 100% commitment to remaining at the Rec requires all parties to be absolutely open to the reality of the situation that we face.

The detriments and the benefits must be balanced. Whatever the logic, whatever the aspirations, whatever the will, whatever the size of the majority in favour of developing a modern arena on the Recreation Ground.....the Charities Commission is legally obliged to ensure the best outcome according to the objects of the charitable body that oversees the Rec. The balancing of detriments and benefits must be addressed on the Charities Commission terms.

The Real Friends of the Rec has already brokered, negotiated and explored opportunities to add to the weight of the benefits. We would like to feel absolutely confident that Bath Rugby plc has similarly done everything it possibly can to reduce the detriments, and also that the Charities Commission recognises the very real change in world, economic circumstances that has occurred in the last two years, and the need for a degree of pragmatism in order to achieve the outcome that all parties know is right.

Thank you for your time today.