SO WHAT'S THE LATEST......?

The April deadline approaches for the Trustees of the Rec to resubmit their current or new proposals to enable the Rec to be redeveloped with a more modern arena. Meetings have taken place between Bath Rugby, the local MP Don Foster, the City Council and Bath Rugby Club Trustees. More information regarding The Trustees of the Rec will be made available at their next public meeting on 24th March 2009. Please remember, that these are open meetings and all are welcome.

We sincerely hope that through the various meetings that have taken place over the past few weeks, sufficient has been done between the relevant parties to enable Bath Rugby to obtain their requested 2 year extension for the East Stand, so that, in spite of the current economic climate, planning for the future of the Rec can get under way!

RFOTR WEBSITE RE-LAUNCHED!

Our website has been re-launched with (we hope!) much improved layout and easier to navigate. Go to http://www.realfriendsoftherec.co.uk to take a look and try it out.

20/20 CRICKET ON THE REC!

It’s begun - more varied sport on the Rec! We have received the attached which proposes a wonderful day out on the Rec in early May – 20/20 cricket. This is part of the Somerset CCC Cricket Festival, which has run since 1897 and has, until recent times, operated as a 5-day festival. The 20/20 match will take place on Sunday 3rd May 2009 and be the precursor to this year’s main event – the Bath Spar Match on Bank Holiday Monday between Somerset and Middlesex. Please do all you can to support these events – we want to encourage all sports for all people, and in particular the return of a longer summer Cricket festival. For tickets and information go to http://www.bathfestivals.org.uk or http://www.somersetcricketclub.co.uk. You can download a great poster for the 20/20 match here.

The RFOTR can confirm that they have introduced the City Council to organizers of both Aussie Rules and Gaelic football, and it is hoped that games may be arranged during the Summer months to showcase how these can be introduced as popular and innovative sports for the Rec.

SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLICANS OF BATH

We have this week received a letter and a large number of signatures from Bath publicans (see the list here), in support of the RFOTR and their efforts to retain Bath Rugby on the Rec. You can read the full letter here:

"Some criticism has been laid at the doors of Bath pubs for their apparent low level of vocal support for Bath rugby to remain at the Rec.  With many feeling that pubs are relying heavily on other groups to put their side of the case.

Many pubs in Bath benefit from the rugby and the shadow of Bath leaving the ground hangs over many businesses and indeed some would struggle without the regular boost to business that rugby gives.

We, the publicans of Bath, wish to stand up and be counted and want to add our voices to that of other groups in particular The Real Friends of the Rec and the Bath Supporters Club.  Rugby is vital to our businesses.  A recent survey was carried out looking at the contribution home rugby brings to the independent pubs of Bath.  On average these pubs estimate that 15 to 20% of their turnover in a year is accounted for by home rugby matches.  Even those outside the immediate catchment area of the Rec benefit from the general increased trade in the city.  Importantly more trade means more staff and again the survey suggests that more than 1,500 additional man days are needed to cope with increased trade.

This sounds like pubs have a bonus with rugby but the sad fact is that without it many would struggle at best jobs would be lost and at worst several pubs could go, but almost as importantly the city would lose an extremely important part of its character.

It is understood that given the current difficult economic conditions Bath Rugby now wish to postpone full redevelopment of the land and instead are asking for an extension of planning permission for the temporary stand.  We would ask that common sense prevails and that the long-term goal of a sustainable facility on the Rec is able to be pursued.

Yours sincerely,

The Independent landlords of Bath"

We would urge more publicans, restaurateurs, shops and other businesses to join our Association, and to add their voice and/or letters to the press and Charity Commission in support of retaining Bath Rugby at the Rec.

You must not be the silent majority in favour  - your letters count!

TREASURER

On behalf of the Association, we would like to send our very best wishes to Darius Mehta, our Treasurer, who has this week undergone surgery in Bristol. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to his continued and valued contribution to the RFOTR.

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