BetterBath Forum meeting, 21 October 2009
Future of the Recreation Ground, Bath

Dear Supporter,

The next meeting of the Forum will discuss the future of the Recreation Ground in Bath. It will be in St Michael’s Church, Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ at 18.00 for 18.30 on Wednesday, 21 October.

Important discussions are taking place about the future of the Rec. Most people in Bath take an interest in what happens there, but few really understand the implications for the different uses of this land. The aim of this meeting is to shed some light on what is happening, and give people a chance to have their say. The issue is much wider than the future of rugby on the Rec, though that is obviously one of the subjects that people will want to discuss. Key people will introduce the main issues, but the bulk of the time will be taken up by general discussion between attendees.

The discussion will take place under three main headings. The first section will focus on the opportunities and constraints for future use of the Rec. Cllr Chris Watt, chairman of the Recreation Ground Trust, will explain the legal objects of the Trust, and make clear how the Trust sees the future, and what can and cannot be done on this land.

The second section will consider whether a masterplan is needed for future uses, so that the maximum benefits can be delivered for the people of Bath. Peter Downey, chairman of the Real Friends of the Rec, will introduce this section.

The third section will consider the contribution Bath Rugby can make to the future of the Rec. Bob Calleja, chief operating officer at Bath Rugby, will give a brief introduction.

The meeting will be chaired by Gerald Chown, chairman of the Macaulay/Prospect Residents Association, and former chairman of the RUH NHS Trust.

The aim of the BetterBath Forum is to promote public discussion of important local subjects in Bath. It is a non-political initiative which does not lobby for any particular point of view. Full details of the Forum and its previous meetings are available on the website: www.betterbath.org.uk

Doors will open at 18.00, when supporters can buy coffee and tea or a soft drink. The meeting will start promptly at 18.30, and should run till about 20.15. There will then be a chance to buy a glass of wine and continue the discussion informally.

Please let us know if there are any specific points you wish to raise, so that we can ensure that the agenda covers them.

Best wishes,

Jane and Henry Brown