REAL FRIENDS OF THE REC AGM

Wednesday 27^th January 2010

MINUTES

Executive Committee Present:

President - David Medlock

Chairman - Peter Downey

Deputy Chairman and Membership - Richard Wright

Secretary - Trudy Healey

IT - Ian Wilson

 1. Welcome

• David Medlock chaired the meeting and warmly welcomed everyone including the two guest speakers - Nick Blofeld (NB) - CEO Bath Rugby plc and Chris Watt (CW) - Chair Bath Rec Trustees and requested a minutes' silence in memory of Penny Brunton, Chair of the BRSC who had given so much of her time to the Rec cause.

2. Apologies

• There were a number of apologies sent including Peter Fowler, David Fielden, Tom Sutton, Peter Gagg, Darius Mehta, Richard Moore, Giles White

3. Treasurer Report

• In the absence of the Treasurer, Peter Downey (P)D read out the accounts which were available for all to see (attached to these Minutes)

4. Election of Officers

• All the officers were standing with the exception of Scott Beasley. This was proposed by the Chairman and unanimously agreed by members present.

5. Election of Auditors

• Moore Stephens were appointed as the ongoing Auditors following a proposal by Peter Downey, seconded by Richard Wright.

6. Chairman's Report

• PD thanked all those present and the whole committee for their work throughout the year.
• PD explained that the RFOTR was created following the frustration at the status quo and lack of movement on any Rec development and to counteract the Friends of the Rec pressure group. This continued the hard work commenced by Penny Brunton and continued right up to her death.
• PD praised CW and the Rec Trust for their continued energy and directness in finding a solution to the impasse with the proposal of a Land Swap to counter the detriments perceived by the Charities Commission.
• PD confirmed a Plan A (major redevelopment of the Rec) and Plan B (development elsewhere), but welcomed the fact that the club actively wishes to remain in the City with the enormous benefits the city derives.
• The RFOTR have commissioned Jonathan Crossley, a 5^th year Architect student at Bath University, to challenge the height issue, the main obstacle to getting the extra income streams the plc requires. Several other students will be mentored by 3 Architect practices in the city with a brief for the Rec should Premiership Rugby move away,
• A new pitch has been dropped into the Rec for use by Somerset Cricket Club with a Lords Taverners (12/7/10) and 20/20 match scheduled for 2010 (subject to final agreement between parties involved, Bath Rugby, Somerset CC and the Rec Trust)
• In addition, amateur sports will be played on the Rec, supported by Somerset CC Development including a major school's tournament (20/6/10) and a variety of ladies' tournaments and finals.

7. Remarks from Nick Blofeld (CEO Bath Rugby plc)

• Although only officially on board for 4½ months NB has had close working relations with Bob Calleja (former CEO) the council and CW for about a year. He stated there were lots of challenges and the club had "lofty ambitions" and want to stay in the heart of the city.
• He confirmed that Western Riverside (WR) is being looked at, as the club needs other revenue streams within a modern stadium. It needs to be used year round, and the club needs to be both pragmatic and realistic about the future.
• He has looked at the Bath stadium options proposed over the last 10 years and states that planning has always been the major obstacle. His aims were for a new stadium to be up and running in time for the club's 150 year Anniversary and the 2010 World Cup, with the intention of hosting a World Cup game.

8. Remarks from Chris Watt (Chairman of the Rec Trustees)

• CW announced 2 significant developments - A Boules/Petanque club want to establish a base on the Rec. This would allow for a model relationship to be established from scratch i.e. with the lease terms delivering the charitable purposes of the Rec. The cricket is also an interesting and exciting opportunity and he confirmed that basic terms have been agreed with all parties regarding the professional cricket (income for the Trust) and amateur Schools and Ladies' cricket.
• He confirmed a newly found rigor in the Rugby club appraising its options, and was genuinely appreciative of their efforts to come to a conclusion. He appreciated that the Club had to be viable to remain a viable tenant!
• CW confirmed that a 20,000 configuration could be accommodated on the Rec, but not necessarily including conference facilities and a hotel that would enable other income streams as required by Bath Rugby.
• If GP rugby leaves the Rec, they still have a robust Lease for another 60 years. CW confirmed that there had been "immensely productive and useful discussions towards Plan B and other activities." Plan A is the favoured option for the Trust, and this will be included in discussions with the Charities Commission, although plan B will also be presented.

9. Q & A Session

• Steve Eades - BRSC Acting Chairman. Asked where the speakers felt the club would end up. NB said that it's a question of head over heart and there was no 1 solution. Tough, rational and pragmatic decisions have to be made and they have struggled with the Rec to get the right size, height etc for restaurants, bars, player facilities etc. He confirmed that the Club is hoping to put in a Planning Application by the 3^rd quarter to enable a new facility to be in place for 2015. CW wanted the club to get a move on with their decision making so that the Trust too could plan ahead. The transition proposals also needed to be in hand. He confirmed that the Council was appreciative of the importance of retaining the Club and any potential move, and has a team in place at the highest level to help deliver a positive outcome. PD reiterated the importance of the height issue and that an iconic structure was needed. He believed that a facility could be created on the Rec that would enable other incomestreams
• Mary Picton - How limiting are the PRL criteria? NB confirmed that they are reasonable punitive - for instance, all stands should be covered for next season! But, the club has regularly sold out and has the 2^nd/3^rd highest attendance in the Premiership.
• Mike Noakes - If the club were relegated, would the Rec in its current state allow them to return to the Premiership? NB - Yes.
• Bea Salter - Had the club considered including a Concert Hall in their plans, and if not, why not? Both CW and NB confirmed that concerts could be held either on the Rec or at a new facility, but that this would be an outside venue with temporary infrastructure and not a purpose built Hall. Cost would be the main obstacle.
• Claire Wynne-Hughes - Will the council be pragmatic and helpful to the Club in view of the problems with James Dyson's recent application? CW - Planning "killed" the Dyson project officially, although there were other reasons too. He confirmed that the council recognizes that Bath Rugby had to stay in the city, but it won't be simple. There will be lots of objections and a public enquiry. Bath Rugby's commitment will be matched by the Council that has key personnel now in place to make a difference and speed up the process.
• John Calvert-Jones - Are all necessary finances in place, and will there still be sufficient funds to invest in the players? NB - Not all in place yet, as it will be a joint venture. He has meetings within the coming weeks, when he will know more, hence the time delay. There will be funds for the players as the club intends to spend up to the salary cap.
• Ashley Baker - A recent application for a 200-bedroom hotel in Green Park had been turned down. Is the club aware of the City's Accommodation Policy and its recommendations? CW - This and 2 other applications were rejected, as they would have used up the strategic accommodation needs for the city up to 2026! NB - The problem could be solved with a reallocation of certain hotel sites in the city.
• Peter Roebuck - Can we assume that Bath Rugby will be in the City in 2015, subject to planning? NB - Yes. CW - Significant resources are needed to retain the Club in the City.
• Simon Calvert-Jones - Is there any possibility of Bath City playing on the Rec? CW - as a professional sport the club could only play on a commercial basis. If plan B should occur, there would be no bar as to what professional sport could be played.

9. AOB

• Steve Eades (BRSC) thanked the committee for their acknowledgement and Silence for Penny Brunton
• PD thanked the Golf Club for their hospitality and continued support, and the Committee were thanked from the floor, for their commitment and work over the last year.

Meeting ended at 8.30pm.

Addendum

Darius Mehta has resigned as Treasurer.

Accounts and Examination Report are posted on the RFOTR website