'FORMER BATH RUGBY PLAYERS FEAR FOR FUTURE OF THE REC'
A group of former Bath sportsmen, including two former rugby internationals, have voiced serious concern over the plans published by the Charity Commission which could give Bath Rugby the use of most of the Rec to the detriment of other sports. Especially and surprisingly with companies registered in Bermuda and Switzerland**.
Although these decisions will be the responsibility of the new trustees it is patently clear that Bath Rugby wants to extend its footprint and any suggestions of other sports being possible is thoroughly misleading.
We think there should be open, transparent and publicly advertised appointments for ALL trustees starting with the chairperson.
We also think that with the onset of third generation pitches which are already in situ at Maidenhead RFC (which we have visited) and Saracens RFC that there is a solution which could include soccer on the Rec.
The former players also have grave misgivings over the legal position regarding the Rec; the role of the Charity Commission and the appointment of the new Trustees.
David Dolman, David Gay, Joe Downey, Ken Loach, David Taylor & Derek Wyatt
ends
Note 1: Notes to Editors
We are sports lovers who have lived, played or supported sport for most of our adult lives in Bath - with one exception.
We came together in the autumn of 2011 to examine the published plans for the Recreation Ground. We met Don Foster MP. We corresponded with the local party leaders of Bath & North Somerset Council. We sent in a carefully argued response to the Charity Commission and met them (though only for 30 minutes) in April, 2013.
Note 2: The Trustees and the Bath Rugby Ltd
** The Trustees will grant the head lease to "Arena 1865 Ltd" - a UK company, with two Swiss resident directors. The sole shareholder in Arena is Platinum Holdings Ltd - "a company incorporated and resident in the Bahamas, controlled by Craig family interests". Arena will grant a sub-lease to Bath Rugby Ltd – a UK company.