It has been a while since we sent out the last newsletter but in the meantime a lot has been happening around the future of the Rec and the Executive Committee has been very active on a number of fronts. So before many of you disappear on your summer holidays we wanted to bring you up to date on how the future of the Rec is shaping up. For some of you this information may already be familiar, but for many of you it is probably new information.

We are planning to reschedule the General Meeting that was postponed for September. We will let you know as soon a possible about the date and venue for this meeting.

UPDATE ON "LAND SWAP"

Since the idea of a "land swap" as a way to break the deadlock around the future of the Rec was first raised at the RFOTR AGM in January (meeting minutes here) a lot of progress has been made in turning this concept into a reality.As reported in the Bath Chronicle the Charity Commission has indicated that theconcept of a "land swap" is acceptable and has given the Rec Trustees until August 1stto come up with a concrete proposal. One of the options concernsthe “Firs Field” based at Combe Down, and a report from a recent meeting about this can be found here, from one of our members who is a Combe Down resident.

NEW APPOINTMENTS AT BATH RUGBY GIVE MORE FOCUS TO REC DEVELOPMENT

The RFOTR welcomes the new appointments at Bath Rugby with Nick Blofeld becoming Chief Executive and Bob Calleja taking on a new role as Chief Operating Officer. It is great news that Bob Calleja’s role will focus particularly on future development at the Rec, and we wish them both every success in their future roles.

EAST STAND AND "OPERATION SARDINES" APPROVED

Now that the Charity Commission see potential in the idea of land swap ithas granted a further one year temporary licence enabling the erection of a temporary East Stand on the Rec. Additionally B&NES Council have given five years planning permissiontoBath Rugby to reconfigure the seating and terracing and add extra temporary space to the north stand and in the south west corner of the ground. This plan (aka "Operation Sardines") will give Bath Rugby the potential to accommodate more than the current 10,600 limit on spectators for the next season.

BATH RUGBY SUPPORTERS CLUB (BRSC)

The Bath Rugby Supporters Club is on the look out for new blood to join in and contribute to the many events, social evenings and Bath Rugby away trips that take place throughout the season. The membership fee is nominal, and allows members access to a wide range of discounts and activities. If you would like to join, or simply find out more, please visit www.allez-bath.co.uk/index.htm . If you would like more information of becoming a committee member for the BRSC, please follow the “Contacts” on their website.

LIMERICK GETS EURO 10 MILLION BENEFIT FROM NEW STADIUM

Very interesting article here about the new Thomond Park stadium development in April 2009 used by Munster that generated Euro 10.5 million for Limerick City. May be the same could happen for Bath!

THE RFOTR ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK

A reminder that you can "follow" the RFOTR on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rfotr. The RFOTR is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110279775614&ref=ts

CONTACTS

You can contact the Executive Committee via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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