I am writing to express my concern that the wonderful opportunityto give Bath a unique and very special sports arena will be missedif the objectors to the proposals by Bath Rugby are successful.
Since moving to Bath 25 years ago I have seen how much the rugbygames at The Rec have given to Bath in the promotion of the city tothe wider world and an increase in trade and community cohesion.
These are precious commodities not only now but for the long-term vitality of the city.
We must not let this great opportunity go for the sake of thosewho wish to remain 'in aspic' and can't see we need to build andrenew the city in all its elements - generation after generation.
We have a world-beating museum of antiquity in the refreshed andupdated Roman Baths, the SouthGate scheme has given us the shoppingfacilities we need to be a full retail destination and the Holburneextension has added the vitally-needed accommodation for fine art.
And now, let us hope, we can have The Rec for all sports andcommunity open air events.
Bath must take every opportunity to make this a great place notonly to visit but to live in and this requires excellent facilitiesfor all aspects of community life and for all ages. That is what TheRec. development will help deliver in bucket loads.
JOHN WEBSTER Hosecombe Grove Bath I have watched from afar asthe debate about the future use of the Recreation Ground hasgathered pace, momentum and now ferocity as the various partiesplant their respective posts in the sand to proclaim theirpositions. While I never resided permanently within the cityboundaries, I grew up in the environs of the seven hills andattended King Edward's School during the 1970s. I am a passionateBathonian and preach the virtues of the city wherever I travel.
I am also an ex-rugby player and supporter of the Bath club andfrequented The Rec for many years, especially during the halcyondays of the mid to late 1980s.
It seems to me that many of the arguments regarding the future ofrugby on The Rec are missing a fundamental point about the widercommunity and the part every element of community activitycontributes to the greater good.
Our city thrives on the success of all of its constituent parts,whether that be the arts, tourism, commerce or indeed sport. Sincethose halcyon days, rugby has become a profession and for any clubto prosper at the highest level, revenue needs to be maximised. BathRugby simply need to develop these foundations for their commercialsuccess and for them to be able to continue to contribute to thewider portfolio of community activity. The city would be the poorerif Bath Rugby were forced, for commercial reasons, to leave theirhistorical home - the very heartbeat of the city would be affectedby such a loss and this impact would lessen the overall appeal ofour community. Here, in New Zealand, sport is a significant focus ofthe wider community and is at the heart of every family'sdevelopment and wellbeing. Those communities that boast strongsporting activity are among the very best.
To be the very best community is what Bath and its people shouldcontinue to aim for. I would urge the decision makers to allowdevelopment of The Rec in line with the needs of Bath Rugby - butput controls in place that ensure the development is designed insuch a way that it compliments the environs and the wonderful spaceof The Rec.
Whatever happens - do not drive Bath Rugby away. The city's heartmay just stop beating.
KEVIN NEWTON North Shore City New Zealand The present propagandawar being waged those that term themselves The Real Friends of theRec and Bath rugby club against the residents of Bath is notpleasant - and getting worse.
Both are making claims that can not be substantiated and theformat of the recent consultation was biased to say the least. Dothey believe that the residents of Bath are gullible? If so it isabout time to disabuse them of this idea. This can be done by: 1)Reading the very clear description of the legal situation regardingownership of The Recreation Ground and the covenants on the BathHeritage Watchdog site. I have suggested to the editor, Mr Hollidaythat he print the article in full for those who do not have theinternet to even the propaganda playing field.
2) Considering the idea of a subscription appeal such as the oneused to build Guildford Cathedral and repairing piers such asClevedon. This would give everyone a vested interest as well as aworthwhile community project to get involved with at a cost they canafford.
3) Accepting the fact that the Lambridge rugby ground is theactual home of Bath Rugby. Due to the prevalent flooding problem thepowers that be suggested that the club shared the facilities of TheRec. All went well until money, ambition and promotion toprofessional from amateur status occurred. Understandably no-onewants to accept this unpalatable fact as the loss of status is toogreat and the loss from reduced sponsorship and takings maybe evengreater.
It is this fact that this whole war is based upon not the joy ofwatching rugby whilst being able to see the abbey. If you arelooking at the latter you are plainly not looking at the game. QED.
GRENVILLE GORE LANGTON Lower Weston Bath I just wanted to saythat the new proposal for The Rec development would be great for thecity. I think Bath rugby club have done all it can to accommodateall the people of Bath.
I am a season ticket holder and have enjoyed many days down atThe Rec and have many, many friends who also follow the 'Black andBlues'. I travel to nearly all the away games of Bath Rugby and havebeen told by lots of away supporters how they enjoy coming to Bath.
Its not just the supporters who come to Bath but their friendsand families who spend lots of money on shopping and accommodation.Lots of these supporters say how lucky we are to have The Rec (butdo complain about the facilities there). The new development willencourage many more people to visit our fantastic city.
ERIC NOBLE Keynsham How can some people not want The Recdeveloped to allow a better stadium to be built for the benefit ofBath and the rugby club? The presence of the club in it's currentlocation brings 10,000 to 12,000 people into the city 15 times ayear outside of the main tourist season.
Most of these people also support pubs, shops and restaurants inthe city that would struggle without their custom.
Keeping rugby at the Rec makes sense for economic and not justsentimental reasons.
MATT ASHLEY Clarendon Road, Bristol
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