BATHRUGBYSUPPORTERS’CLUBMINUTESOFTHEANNUALGENERAL

MEETINGHELDINTHERICOHSUITE,THERECREATIONGROUNDON29MAY2019

AT1930

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Present:Committee:KevinLawrence(Chairman)EricaVeiver(Treasurer)AnneKirkham(MembershipSecretary)ChristineKnight(CommitteeMember)IanRooney(CommitteeMember)ChristineWebb(CommitteeMember)MikeCarr(CommitteeMember)NicolaCurtis(CommitteeMember)PatLawrence(CommitteeMember)Members:SueAndrewJeanBaileyJohnBaileyDavidByrneMaureenByrneFredClaytonJohnCrouchJocelynDunningPhilDunningMikeElliott

CraigFentonJimGuymerTerriGuymerAlanHaywardCliveHoskinCliveJohnstonHonorKingChrisKnightPeterLeggeSheilaLegge

CarolineMahoneyMichaelMahoneyColinMasterSallyMastersKateMcCulloughSteveMoorePeterPhillipsMikePhillipsTheresaPowellPhilPowell

RaymondPrestonDavidRawlingsAndrewReadTerryWagstaffKeithWhiteClareWhiteDawnWoodlandDougWrigglesworth

(38)Inattendance:TarquinMcDonald(ChiefExecutive,BathRugby)WelcomeKevinLawrence(Chairman)welcomedthememberspresentSpeaker

TarquinbeganbythankingtheAGMfortheopportunitytospeaktotheBRSCmembers.HemadespecialmentionoftheexcellentworkingrelationshipwiththeBRSCCommitteeandthankedthemforbeingsosupportivetotheClub.

Hisfocuswouldbebasedaround2areas;RugbyandanupdateontheStadiumforBathproject.Hefirstlywantedtoextendbestwishesto,TomDunn,ElliottStooke,

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BenoObanoandTomElliswhohadbeenselectedfortheEnglandSquadtofacetheBarbariansatTwickenhamon2June19.

TarquincommentedthattheClubwasdelightedtofinishtheseasonwithaqualifyingplacefornextseason’sEuropeanChampion’sCup.Particularlypleasingwastheplayerledfightbackstoachievebonuspointwinsinthefinaltwogamesoftheseasonbutheacknowledgedthattheyhadnotbeenwantingtobefightingfor6thplace.HestatedtheirambitiontobeadominantforceinEuropeanRugbyandliftingtrophieswasundiminished.Heexplainedthattheintentwastogrowtheteamfromhomegrownplayers,interspersedwithworldclasstalentandfortheplayerstohaveapassioninwearingtheshirt.HecommentedthattherehadbeenalotoftalkaboutSaintsandGloucesterthisseasonbutthatthegulfbetweenSaracensandExeterandtherestofthePremiershipwasevidentandthattheyhadachievedsuchsuccessbybeinggreaterthanthesumofalltheirparts.Heexplainedthatinbothbusinessandrugbyseismicchangewithinerodestheessencethatbringseverythingtogether.HeexplainedthattheClubhadexperiencedthisandthattheywereintentonconstructingasystemforusthatdeliverssustainedsuccess.

TheattributesrequiredhavebeenidentifiedandStuartHooperistherightchoiceforBathRugby.HewasidentifiedasapotentialleaderwhilestillplayingandwhenTabaiMatsonleftthedecisionwasmadetofocusondevelopinghispotential.Inmanagementtheorytermsaperson’sattributesfallinto3areas;It–thetask,longtermplans;I–howIshowup,valuesIhold;We–howIinterrelatewithpeople,howpeopleinteract,behaviourwhenthingsgowrong.Theseattributesarequitedifficulttoassessandaremagnifiedinthehighpressureworldofsport,oncameraandhowyoureacttopressureandstress.Inalloftheseareas,Stuartshowsupincrediblywell.TheviewofhimhasbeentestedwithothernotablepeopleintherugbyworldandwithaleadershipexpertwhoconsidersStuartoneofthemostexceptionalleadershehasencountered.Theplayersbelieveinhim,hehashugeintegrity,isopentochallengeandchangeandisanexcellentstrategicleader.PeoplehaveaskedifaHeadCoachisneededinordertosupportStuart,butTarquinconsideredthistobeslightlythewrongquestionandpreferredwhatattributesdoweneedinoursystems?HeacknowledgedthattherehadbeenquestionsabouttheonenessofourgameandexplainedthattheywerenotfororagainstaHeadCoach;ifwedodecidetoappointoneitwillbetherightpersonwiththerightattributesandeitherinternalorexternal.

TarquinoutlinedhowtheClubareputtingtogethertherequisitesystemsandsupportbasedaroundCulture;SportsScienceandCoaching.KatieWarrinerisnowonboardandhasassistedthePlayerstodevelopasetofvaluesandhasalsoaddressedthefundamentalaspectabouthowpeople‘showup’basedaroundfourkeyaspects;howweplay;howwetrain;whoweareandhowwedevelop.ThishasnowbeencascadedacrossallthebusinessareasofBathRugby.

Threefulldaysofcoachesmeetingshavebeenheldandagamemodelhasbeendeveloped,usingcommonlanguagetotalkabouthowweplayandtrain.ThismodelhasbeenusedreallysuccessfullybytheAcademy.

Ourrecentrecruitmenthasbeenalignedwiththisgamemodeltodevelopagamecomprising:

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Anuncompromisingforwardpack–bigplayerswhoarecapableofprovidingaplatformforattack

Attack–performedattempo,withmultiplelayersandmoreaggressivelinespeed.HecommentedthatRuaridhMcConnochiehadbeenunbelievablethisseason.

Heexplainedthatweneededtoincreasegameunderstanding,whytheplayersaredoingwhatthey’redoingandthenbetterdecisionmakingonthepitchshouldensue.WealsoneededtotapsourcesoftriesasBathwereplacedbottomofthePremiershipstatisticsintermsofLineoutandTurnoversuccesses.Exeterhadscored50maultriesinthe198-19seasonandthesewerespecifictangibleareastowingames.TarquinconfirmedthattheCoachingteamfro191-20wouldbe:

GirvanDempseyastheAttackandBacksCoachassistedbyRyanDavis

NealHatley(whohadalreadyhadasignificantinputtothepre-seasonplanninginadvanceofhisdeparturewithEnglandtotheWorldCup)asForwardsandDefenceCoachassistedbyMarkLilleywhowillcoachingtechnicalareasaroundthescrumandmaulandLukeCharterishadbeenappointedasaspecialistLineoutCoachfollowinghisretirementfromplaying.Hehadspent3daysinSouthAfricawhentheLionshadplayedtheCrusaderslearningthetechniquesrequiredespeciallyintheareaofamovecalled‘thevault’.

TarquinoutlinedtherewassignificantworkandpotentialrecruitmentgoingintoallaspectsoftheplayingenvironmentandhowwemakebestuseofthetimethePlayersareatFarleigh,theirtraining,sleep,nutrition,data,sportsscienceand‘returntoplay’processestoseeifmorecandonetoderiveadvantagefortheonfieldperformance.ThisworkisbeingledbyGregRoe(PerformanceManager)whohasaPHDintrainingloadandmatchinducedfatigue.AndyRockhasswitchedroletobecomePerformanceDirectorandanewStrengthandConditioningexpert,withemphasisonConditioning,hasbeenrecruitedbutcannotyetbeannounced.ManagementofPlayersovertheforthcomingseasonwillbekeywithadisruptedseasonduetotheWorldCupandthePremiershipCupduetostarton21September19.AllofthisactivityistoderiveadvantagetomakeupgroundonSaracensandExeter.HeconfirmedthatBathRugbywouldcontinuetoinvestuptheSalaryCaplimit.

TarquinturnedtothevisionfortheStadiumandconfirmeditwastogiveSupporterstheirseatofchoiceatareasonableprice.HeexplainedthattheyhadhadextensivenegotiationswithHistoricEnglandandthattheyhadreachedanagreementabouttheheightoftheproposednewStadiumbuthadcommentedtothearchitectstheywouldlikeamore‘playful’design.HefurtherexplainedthattheStadiumforBathteamhadconductedanumberofbriefingstotheLiberalDemocratspriortotheLocalCouncilElectionsandthesehadbeensupportive.EmphasishadbeenplacedontheworkandfundingthenewstadiumwouldgeneratetocoverthegapinfundingtohelpdeprivedyoungstersinBath.Heexplainedthattherewillbeanotherformalsecondpre-planningapplicationinJune19,resultinginafinalexhibitioninJulyandaformalplanningapplicationinthesummerof2019.Basedonthis,constructionwillbebetween2020-2022.Tarquinconfirmedthatplayingmatchesontheoutfieldwas

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alwaysgoingtobechallengingandtheywillbelookingatalternativestoachievethis.HeconfirmedthattherewouldbefurthermeetingsandbriefingstotheSupportersSteeringGroupandcommentedthatsomeBRSCCommitteememberswerepartofthisgroup.Heconfirmedhiscommitmenttohaveopendiscussionsonpricingforseatsinthenewstadium.

KevinthankedTarquinforfindingtimeinhisbusyscheduletospeaktotheAGM.

1.The2019AGM-WelcomeandOpeningRemarks(Chairman)

KevinLawrencewelcomedeveryoneofficiallytothemeetingandthankedthemforcoming.HestressedthatAGMisanimportantmeetingasBRSCbelongstoallitsMembersanditwasimportantthatasmanymembersaspossibleattendedtheAGM.HeexplainedtotheAGMthatunfortunatelyBRSCSecretaryTomSuttonisunwellandunabletoattendandthatheandMembershipSecretaryAnneKirkhamwouldcovertheareasofAGMbusinessnormallyfallingtotheSecretary.

Heaskedthemeetingtorememberthosememberswhohadsadlypassedawayduringtheyearsincethelastmeeting;DrBrianParkinsandMrAnthonyWhitewhowouldbemuchmissed.KevinLawrenceaskedtheMeetingwhethermemberspresentwereawareofanyothermemberswhohadpassedawaythisyear;nonewereidentified.

2.NoticeConveningtheMeeting(Secretary)AnneKirkhamreadouttheNoticeconveningthemeeting.ItwasconfirmedthatinaccordancewithParagraph11oftheConstitution,thenoticehadbeenpublishedontheAllez-BathwebsitewithinthestipulatedtimescalesinadvanceofthemeetingandinthelocalPress.MembershadalsobeennotifieddirectlyandnoticeofthemeetinghadappearedinthematchdayprogrammefortheWaspsgameandonsocialmedia.AnneKirkhamconfirmedthatpostsfallingdueforelectionthisyearwereSecretary,Treasurerand2CommitteeMembers,alltoserveforaperiodof2years.

3.Apologies(Secretary)Written(emailsandletters)andtelephoneapologieshadbeenreceivedfrom31members.(AfulllistoftheirnamesisattachedatAnnexAtotheseMinutes.)Nofurtherapologieswereofferedfromthefloor.

4.MinutesofthelastAGM(Secretary)MinutesoftheAnnualGeneralMeetingheldonWednesday30thMay2018hadbeenpublishedonallez-bathon8thJuly2018.Therewerenoquestionsormattersarisingnotcoveredduringthebusinessofthe2019AGM.TheMinutesofthe2018AGMwereapprovedbythemeetingandsignedbytheChairman.

5.MembershipSecretary’sReportAnneKirkham’sreportiscontainedinfullatAnnexBtotheseMinutes.Annetookaslightlydifferentapproachinthisyear’sreportandcomparedandcontrastedthecontentofthe2019MembershipSecretary’sReportwiththefirstonethatshehaddeliveredatthe2013AGM.Annestartedherreportbynotingthatmembershipsince2013hadincreasedfrom688to950;anincreaseof38%.Annewasdisappointed

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thatafterthesuccessinbreakingthe1000barrierlastyear,membershipnumbersweredownbyabout100.Sheexplainedthatrecruitmentandinparticularretentionaresubjectsthatwespendalotoftimeonandonceagainwelcomedanysuggestionsfrommembers.

6.Annereflectedontheimpactofchangessuchastheincreaseinonlinerenewal,thegrowthofelectroniccommunicationsandthegrowthofsocialmedia,outliningtheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofsomeofthesechanges.OnenotablesuccesshasbeentheincreasinglyvisiblematchdaypresenceattheGazebo,wherewearenowanintegralpartoftheBathRugby“matchdayexperience”.AnnealsocommentedfavourablyonthegoodworkingrelationshipsthatwehaveestablishedwithBathRugbyandhighlightedtheassistancethatwehavereceivedinrunningveryattractivecompetitionsaspartoftheMembership.AnnefinishedbyremindingmembersthatMembershipfor19/20wouldopenon1stJuly.

7.AquestionwasaskedrelatingtotheuseofdirectdebitsasameansofreducingMembershiprenewalworkloadandpotentiallyaidingtheretentionofmembersforlongerthanoneyear.Theobservationwasmadethatitseemedtoworkforothers.Anneexplainedthatwehadencounteredproblemswithstandingordersinthepastandwerewaryofencounteringsimilaroneswithdirectdebits,butwouldreviewthewholequestioninthecontextoftheneedtoacquiresomespecialtopurposemembershipsoftware.Thiswouldnotaffectthisyear’srenewalround.

8.TheAGMjoinedtheChairmaninthankingAnnenotjustforthisreportbutalsoforthetremendousamountofhardworkthatshehasputinoveranumberofyearsinarolethatiscriticaltoBRSC.

9.Treasurer’sReport

EricaVeiver’sfullreportisattachedatAnnexCtotheseMinutes.EricawasabletoreporttotheAGMthatonceagain,thepastyearhadbeenoneoffinancialstability.Ericaexplainedsomeofthekeyaspectsoftheaccountsincludingthemoneydonatedtocharity(TheBathRugbyFoundationin18/19).Ericadrewattentiontothereasonsforsomeyearonyearfluctuations;thesewerelargelyattributedtotheone–offfarewelleventforMattBanahanduringlastfinancialyearandthedelaybyMinutemaninprocessingtheprintinganddespatchofthelatestNewsletter,whichmeantthatthecostwouldrolloverintoFY19/20.

10.OurbankbalanceasattheendofAprilis£11,456.Allowingforexpenditurestilltobeprocessed,thisleavesuswithfundsof£8,673.EricarecommendedthattheAGMshouldcontinuetoregardthisamountasavitalcontingencyreserveandasasafeguardagainstinevitableincreasedcostswhenRecfacilitiesarenotavailabletoBRSCforeventsduringtheStadiumforBathconstructionphase.11.AquestionfromthefloorwasraisedrelatingtotheNewsletterandwhetheritwastimetostopproducingitinhardcopy.Thechairmanindicatedthathewouldliketoaddressthislaterintheagenda.

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12.TheChairmanthankedEricaforyetanotherexcellentreportandstewardshipofBRSC’sfinancialresources.EricaisstandingdownasTreasurerattheAGM;theChairmanthankedherforhermanyyearsofinvaluableserviceduringwhichshehadplayedakeyroleintransformingBRSCfinancesintotheircurrenthealthystate.ThemeetingunanimouslyagreedandformalthankstoEricawererecorded.

13.Chairman’sReport

KevinLawrence’sreportisatAnnexDtotheseMinutes.KevinunderlinedsomeofthekeyaspectsofthereportspresentedbytheMembershipSecretaryandtheTreasurer.Heidentified5“cornerstoneactivities”whichallneededtocometogetherforBRSCtogrow.AswellasFinanceandMemberships,heidentifiedanddiscussedsomeaspectsofCommunicationsandEventsDelivery,reaffirmingtheintentiontocontinuetodeliverhighqualityeventsforBRSCMembersatandaccessibleprice.HealsodiscussedsomeaspectsofInfluenceandhowBRSCexercisesitandtowhateffect.RepresentingBRSCMembers’concernsisoneofthefundamentaltasksforBRSCandKevinconfirmedthatwedoitregularly(butnotintheglareofsocialmedia)andthatwearelistenedto.

14.Inconcluding,KevinpaidtributetoallthepeoplewhoworkveryhardonbehalfofBRSCMembers.HerepeatedhisthankstoEricaVeiver,whichwaswarmlyapplauded.HealsospokeatsomelengthabouttheinvaluablecontributionofTomSuttonwhowasstandingdownasSecretaryatthisAGM.KevinthankedTomforhissupportandlaidparticularemphasisontheworkthatTomhaddoneonestablishingBRSC’sworkingrelationshipwithBathRugby.TheAGMwholeheartedlyendorsedKevin’scommentsandapplaudedwarmly.

15.KevinreturnedtotheearlierpointaboutthedifficultiesaroundproducingahardcopyNewsletter.TheAGM’sviewwasthatweshouldstopdoingitanddistributeitelectronicallyaspertheNewsflashes.KevinindicatedthattheCommitteewouldasktheMembershipiftheyarecontentwiththischange,notingthatwewouldneedtoretainahardcopy“safetynet”forthoseunabletoreceiveitelectronically.

16.KevinremindedtheAGMthattheCommitteearestilllookingforavolunteertotakeontheroleofITfocalpoint.

17.MembershadnotehowgoodasupporterofBRSCToddBlackadderhadbeenandaquestionwasaskedaboutStuartHooperandwhetherthesamesortofsupportiverelationshipwouldcontinue.KevinrespondedthatStuarthadalwayspositivelysupportedBRSCinthepastandhesawnoreasonwhythatshouldchange–butthatToddwasspecialandthattherelationshipwouldinevitablyfeeldifferent.

18.AsuggestionwasmadethatwemightinviteDanEvanstoplugBRSCinhisWhat’sAppactivities.KevinexplainedthatwehadagoodrelationshipwithDanandwouldfollowthisup.

19.MembershipSubscriptions

KevinLawrenceconfirmedthatnochangestosubscriptionlevelswereproposedin19/20andthememberspresentagreed.

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20.ChangestotheConstitution

KevinLawrenceconfirmedthatnonewereproposedatthisAGM.

21.Pre-notifiedmattersfordiscussion

Noitemshadbeenreceivedunderthisheadingfordiscussionatthismeeting.

22.NominationofScrutineers

Asthepoststobeelectedwerenotcontested,AnneKirkhamconfirmedtherewasnoneedforthenominationofScrutineers.

23.ElectionoftheCommittee

a)Secretary

IanRooneyhadbeenformallyproposedandsecondedasacandidateforthepostofSecretaryinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheBRSCConstitution.TherewerenoothercandidatesandtheAGMunanimouslyagreedIanRooney’selectionasSecretaryofBathRugbySupporters’Clubforaperiodoftwoyears,effectiveimmediately.TheChairmanthankedIanandwelcomedhimintohisnewroleonbehalfoftheBRSCMembership.

b)Treasurer

DougWrigglesworthhadbeenformallyproposedandsecondedasacandidateforthepostofTreasurerinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheBRSCConstitution.TherewerenoothercandidatesandtheAGMunanimouslyagreedDougWrigglesworth’selectionasTreasurerofBathRugbySupporters’Clubforaperiodoftwoyears,effectiveimmediately.TheChairmanthankedDougandwelcomedhimintohisnewroleonbehalfoftheBRSCMembership.

c)Committeemembers

ValidnominationsappropriatelyproposedandsecondedhadbeenreceivedfromthefollowingandallweredulyelectedtoserveontheCommitteeforaperiodoftwoyears:

ChristineKnight,NicolaCurtis,EricaVeiver.

24.BRSCCharityFundraising2019-20

AnneKirkhamproposedtheadoptionofBathMindastheBRSCCharityfor19/20.Itisalocalcharityestablishedin1998workingwithpeopleinthecommunitytohelppreventmentalillhealth.ItisentirelysupportedbylocalfundraisingandadoptionbyBRSCwouldhelptomakeasignificantdifference.FurtherdetailsareatAnnexEtotheminutes.Anne’sproposalwasunanimouslyagreed.

25.AppointmentofAuditorsfor2019-20

KevinLawrenceinformedtheAGMthatCliveHoskins,whohasreviewedouraccountsformanyyears,wouldbemovingawayinthenextyearandthatwewouldneedavolunteertoreplacehiminthisimportantfunction.TheAGMendorsedKevin’sthankstoCliveforhisvaluableservicesovertheyears.

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26.AnyOtherBusiness–notifiedinadvancebytheduedate

Noitemshadbeenreceived.

27.RelevantMattersforfurtherconsiderationoftheCommittee

KevinexplainedthatwehadnotyetagreedadatewithBathRugbyforthe2019AwardsSupper.IanRooneyconfirmedthatfollowingfurthernegotiationslatethatafternoon,thelikelywindowwasmid–lateAugust.Kevinpromisedthatwewouldpublicisethedateassoonasitissettled.Nootherpointswereraised.

28.ClosingRemarksKevinLawrenceagainthankedeveryonefortheirattendanceandsupport,againreiteratingtheimportanceofasmanymembersaspossibleattendingtheAGM.

29.AnneKirkhaminvitedthemeetingtorecordavoteofthankstoKevinforthehugeamountofworkthathedoesandtheprofessionalwaythathedoesit.TheAGMrespondedwithawarmroundofapplause.

PL.

SIGNED:

__________________________________________________________________

KevinLawrence(Chairman)

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AnnexAtoAGM2019MinutesAPOLOGIES:AGM2019BarryCleeveJennyCleeveJamieDaweJaneyDaweDorothyDoddStephenDoddJanDrewGlynEdwards

CliveFirkinsJennyFirkinsDavidHarringtonSusanneLawsAdrianLawsJerryMusselwhiteAndrewSharpeDavidSmith

EmmaSparksDaveStockTomSuttonGrahamTeagueDeniseThomasJanWarringtonMikeWarringtonAlecWeaverLesleyWilcox

(25) NoneFromtheFloor

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AnnexBtoAGM2019Minutes

MembershipSecretary’sReportSixyearsago,onMay23rd2013,Istoodherewithsometrepidation,todelivermyfirstMembershipSecretary’sreport:BathRugbyhadjustfinished7thinthepremiershipwithasquadthatincludedStephenDonald,BenSkirvingandSamVestyandBRSChadamembershipof688.LookingbackoverthesixMembershipSecretaryreportsthatIhavedeliveredsofaritisinterestingtoreflectonwhathaschangedandwhathasremainedprettymuchthesame.Justastheteam’sprogressonthefieldhashaditsupsanddowns,sotoohasBRSC’seffortstogrowourmembership.Sowhathaschanged?

• Ourmembershiphasincreasedby38%;whilstnotfollowingalinearpatternthegeneraltrendisstillupwards.Afteroursuccessatbreakingthe1000barrierlastseasonitisdisappointingbutperhapsunderstandabletoreportthatweclosedthemembershipon30thApril2019with950members,justabout100fewerthanlastseason.Maybethenatureoftheteam’sresultsplustheannouncementoftheshakeupinthecoachingteamhadaneffect.

• MethodsofjoiningBRSCorrenewingmembership.In2013somemembershipfeeswerepaidbybanktransfer,butthevastmajoritywerepaidbychequeorcash,eitherbyposttothemembershipsecretaryorattheBRSCtableusingapapermembershipapplicationform.Thisseason80%ofourmemberspaidusingouron-lineshop.Eventhosejoiningatourgazebocannowpaybycard(Wi-Fipermitting)

• TheuseofITtocommunicatewithourmembers.Electroniccommunicationshaveallowedustointeractwithmembersinamoreimmediateandregularway.ThishasallowedustoinvolvemembersinTryoftheMonthvotingandtoadvertiseoureventsmoreeasily.Italsoallowsustopublishanddistributeoure-newsletter,Newsflashonaregularbasis.

• ThegrowthofsocialmediaplatformshasallowedBRSCtoreachouttoamuchwideraudienceofsupporters.OurTwitteraccounthasover3500followers,ourFacebookPagehasover2000followersandwearebuildingafollowingonInstagram.WehavealsobenefittedfromexposureonothersocialmediaplatformsrunbyandforsupportersofBathRugby.

• Theadventofelectroniccommunicationshasalsohaditsdownside.WehavelosttheopportunitytoincludeBRSCflyersintheBathRugbySeasonTicketRenewalpacksasthemajorityofthatprocessisnowdoneelectronically.IthasprovedmuchhardertopersuadeBathRugbytoincludeBRSCinformationintheirelectroniccommunications.Theoldpaperflyerswouldroutinelybringin40orsonewmembers.

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• ThenatureoftheBRSCmembershipischanging.WhenItookoverthisroletherewasacoreofloyal,longstandingmemberswhorenewedtheirmembershipregularly:manynewmembersjoinedthiscoreandsothemembershipgrew.OverthepastfewseasonsIhavenoticedachange;newmembersoftenjoinfor1or2yearsandthendropaway.

• Matchdaypresence.WenowhaveafarmorevisiblepresenceattheRecforeveryhomegame,nomatterhowcold,wetorwindy.OurBRSCgazeboissituatedinthe‘Supporter’s’Village’andisanimportantpartofourpromotion.Itisoftenthefirstindicationtosupportersthatweexist..WearealwayshappytochattosupportersofbothBathandvisitingteamsandtoansweranyquestionsthattheymayhave.Thisseason114memberseitherjoinedorrenewedatthegazebo.

• HonoraryLifeMembershipsandHonoraryAnnualMemberships.In2013therewere4HonoraryLifeMembersbuttherewasnoclearprocessfornominationorcriteriaforthisaward..“BathRugbySupporters’ClubAwardofHonoraryMemberships”whichispostedonourwebsitesetsoutaclearframeworktoguidetheawardofHonoraryMembership.Currentlywehave7HonoraryLifeMembers;SueAndrew,KelvinBrunton,BobCalleja,PennyDale,TonySpreadbury,JanWarringtonandMikeWarrington.

• ThecommitteehaverecentlyagreedtoawardHonoraryLifeMembershiptoDaveStockfromthe1stJuly2019.ThisisinrecognitionofhislongstandingmembershipofBRSCandhiscontributionasQuizmasterExtraordinaireatourannualcharityquizzeshelpingusraisehundredsofpoundsforournominatedcharitiesovertheyears.

HonoraryAnnualMembershiprecognisesthecontributionmadebyBRSCmembersoftheirprofessionalskillandexpertisefreeofchargeforthebenefitofBRSC.ThisseasonCliveHoskinwhoauditsouraccountsandAlanThomas,whoproducestheartworkforourmembershipcard&badge,areholdersofthisaward.HonoraryAnnualmembershipsarereviewedeachyear.Acopyofthe“BathRugbySupporters’ClubAwardofHonoraryMemberships”documentandalistofcurrentHonoraryMembersisdisplayedontheboardatthebackoftheroom.

• SupportfromBathRugby.Since2013BRSChasworkedhardtofurtherdevelopourworkingrelationshipwithBathRugbytothelevelthatwecurrentlyenjoy.TarquinhasbeenverysupportiveofBRSCandwehaveestablishedgoodrelationswiththeplayingsideoftheclubwhichhasresultedinplayersbeingmadeavailableforvariouseventsduringtheyear.ForthelastthreeyearsToddBlackadderhasbeenapaidupmemberofBRSCandwillcontinuetobesofromoverseas.Toddhasbeenagreatsupporterof

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andambassadorforBRSCandreallygetswhatbeingaBathRugbysupportermeans.

• Competitions:Eachyearwehaverunamembersonlycompetitioninordertoencourageoldmemberstorenewandnewmemberstojoin.Thisyearwewereabletoofferthreegreatprizes.Twoluckywinners(MichaelHelyarandPatriciaKnight)wonavisittoFarleighHousewheretheyweregivenatourofthetrainingfacilitiesandwatchedthesquadtraining.Athirdwinner(LindseyNeale)wonahospitalitypackagefortwopeople.ThankstoBathRugby,especiallyRachaelRisdale,formakingthesefantasticprizesavailable.ThisseasonwehavealsobeenabletoofferanincentiveformemberstovoteinourTryoftheMonthcompetition.Ifyouvotefortheeventualwinner,youhavetheopportunitytowinthehonourofpresentingtheawardinpersonateitherthecaptain’srunoratFarleighHouse.

Sowhathasn’tchangedverymuch?

• RecruitmentandRetention.Everyseasonfrom2013to2019wehavesuccessfullyrecruitednewmembers.Thisseasonwerecruited198newmembersbut298membersfailedtorenewtheirmembership,adropoffrateof28%.Manyofthesenon-renewalsarememberswhohadjoinedupwithinthelastcoupleofyearswhilstsomewerelongstandingmembers.ReminderemailshavelittleeffectandwiththerecentGDPRrestrictionsthereisalimittohowmanytimeswecancontactthem.Initialrenewalsandnewmembershipswereencouraging,keepingpacewithlastseason;howevernumbersfellbehindinNovember/Decemberandneverrecovered.Eachyearwehaveaskedourselveswhatmorecanwedotoretainourmembers.Arewenotlivinguptoexpectations?Arewenotprovidingtheevents,opportunitiesorinteractionsthattheyexpected?Maybethereisn’tanymorethatwecandoandwehavetoacceptthata25%dropoffinrenewalsisjustafactoflife.EachyearIaskforanybrightideasfromthefloor……I’mstillwaiting!Justtoreturntothe2013season…therearefourmembersofthatplayingsquadwhowillberunningoutinBB&Wnextseason:RossBatty,NathanCatt,ChrisCookandFrancoisLouw.

Therearestillthreemembersofthe2013committeeworkingonbehalfofBRSC:KevinLawrence,EricaVeiverandme!

Membershipforthe2019-2020seasonwillopenon1stJulysolookoutfornotificationemails.Thenewbadgeshavearrivedalreadyandthenewcardsareontheirway.NomatterhowhardweworktopromoteBRSCandthebenefitsofmembershipyou,themembers,canplayyourpartinrecruiting

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newmembers.Byworkingtogetherlet’sseewhetherwecanboostourmembershipoverthe1000targetonceagain

Thankyouforlistening.

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AnnexCtoAGM2019MinutesTreasurer’sReportThisyearhasbeenayearoffinancialstability.Wemanagedtobreak-even.Iwouldliketothankthefollowingforhelpingusoutthisseason:BathRugby.Theyhavebeenverysupportive.AswellasthosementionedbyAnnewehavealsoenjoyed:

• ThehireoftheClubhouseandRicohSuiteatzerocostfortheAwardsSupperandtheAGM

• FreefoodforplayersatourAwardsSupper

IwouldliketothankoursponsoroftheAwardsSupper-JohnTitcombeJewellery.SponsorshiphasbeenkeyinprovidingaqualityAwardsSupperthatBRSCcanbeproudof,foraticketpricethatisstillaffordableandverygoodvalueformoney.Also,MowbrayWoodwardcontinuetosponsorthe‘MWAwardforServicestoBathRugby’.WithoutthesesponsorsandBathRugby’sassistance,runningBRSCwouldhavebeenmoredifficult.AndnowtheAccountsfortheyearending30April2019:

Income

• Membershipsubscriptionincomewasdownby£836vslastyear• Events:Eventincomewasdownby£520duetothecancelledBackintheBox

eventoverEaster• Charitycollections:Downby£1115-duetotheFarewelltoBannersevent

lastseason• Merchandise:Downby£65

2018/19 Accounts

Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club 2013 Annual General Meeting

Accounts for the Year Ending 30 April 2013

- 1 -

Income

2018/19

2017/18

Variance

Membership 8,098.50

8,934.50

(836.00)

Events 3,855.00

4,375.00

(520.00)

Charity Collection 1,225.12

2,340.36

(1,115.24)

Merchandise 56.94

121.89

(64.95)

Miscellaneous 25.02

35.48

(10.46)

13,260.58

15,807.23

(2,546.65)

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• Miscellaneous:Thisismainlypostageandpackingincomefromonlinemerchandisepurchases.

Expenditure

• Membership:Costsaredownslightlycausedbyareductioninpostageduetoareductioninmembership-weorderedasimilarnumberofcardsandbadgesaslastyear.

• EventscostsareslightlyupdespiteaneventsimilartoFarewelltoBannersnottakingplace.ThisisduetoourdecisiontopayforaqualitysoundsystemforourRFUDisciplineeventandtheStadiumforBathevent.AlsotheQuizNightroomhirewasconsiderablymoreexpensivethanlastyear.AllthisisoffsetbythecancelledBackintheBoxandacheaperEuropeanwelcome.

• Printing,Postage&Stationery:Thenewsletterincpostagehascostus£2,332lastyearfor2newsletters.Thisyear'ssecondnewsletterhasmissedtheAprilcut-offpoint

• Equipment:Wepurchased2displayboards.• Presentations:BathAquaGlassmementospresentedthisyearattheBRSC

PlayerAwardsandLongServiceAwardstothecoaches.Teincreaseisduetothecoachesleaving

• Web:Costshavedecreasedduetoareductioninmemberships• Merchandise:Wedidnotinvestinadditionalmerchandisethisseason• CharityExpenditure:£0• CharityDonations:willbediscussedonthenextslide

2018/19 Accounts

- 1 -

Expenditure

2018/19

2017/18

Variance

Membership 1,881.34

2,042.86

161.52 Events 5,328.53

5,158.70

(169.83)

Printing, Postage & Stationery 1,714.79

2,993.71

1,278.92 Equipment 150.76

638.98

488.22

Presentations 830.99

614.75

(216.24) Web 900.22

1,023.24

123.02

Merchandise -

275.00

275.00 Charity Expenditure -

-

-

Charity Donations 1,225.12

2,340.36

1,115.24 Miscellaneous 24.54

10.00

(14.54)

12,056.29

15,097.60

3,041.31

16

CharitableDonationsThisyearwehavecollected£1,225forcharity(adecreaseof£1115overlastyear).Thesedonationscamefromourmembersandotherrugbysupporters.Thereductioninmoniescollectedisduetolastseason'sFarewelltoBannersevent.TheplayerssoldraffleticketsatourAwardsSuppertotheamountof£612.WechargedanentryfeeaswellassoldraffleticketsforourCharityChristmasQuiz.TheLeinstersupporterswereverygenerousandourLeinsterWelcomeBrunchbucketcollectionamassed£139.Wesoldpriorseason'sbadgesfor£50-mainlyviathegazebo.Otherone-offdonationscameto£3.WebPresenceOuronlineshophasnowbeeninplacefor6years.80%ofmembershipsubscriptionsarenowpaidonline(lastyear73%)andasimilarpercentageofoureventticketsarealsosoldinthisway.TheonlineshopusestheshoppingcartsoftwarefromEcwid-whichisusedbymorethan1millionsellersin175countries.WeusePayPalasouronlinepaymentsprocessor-paymentcanbemadebyPayPalaccountorpeoplecanpaybycredit/debitcard.

2018/19 Accounts

- 1 -

Donations to Charity

Bath Rugby Foundation

- Awards Supper raffle

612.50 - Quiz Night entry fee and raffle

420.30

- Leinster Welcome Brunch - bucket collection

139.33 - Prior Seasons Badges

49.99

- Other 3.00

Total Charitable Donations

1,225.12

2018/19 Accounts

- 1 -

Summary 2018/19 2017/18 Variance Income 13,260.58 15,807.23 (2,546.65) Expenditure 12,056.29 15,097.60 3,041.31 Surplus / (Loss) 1,204.29 709.63 494.66 Bank Balance at 30 April 11,456.15 10,750.93 Available funds 8,673.73 7,469.44

17

AnnexDtoAGM2019Minutes

CHAIRMAN’SREPORT

Introduction.Onceagain,manythanksforattendingtheAGMtonight.IknowIkeeprepeatingthis,butIcan’tover-emphasisetheimportanceofthismeeting,certainlysofarasmyCommitteecolleaguesandIareconcerned.We’reveryconsciousveryconsciousofthetrustthatyouplaceinustomanageBRSConyourbehalftothebestofourabilityandit’simportantthatweaccounttoyouandtheAGMandthewholeBRSCMembershipforthewayinwhichwe’vemanagedtheClubonyourbehalfduringthepastyear.Justasimportantly,althoughweworkveryhardatbeingaccessibleandareconstantlystrivingtoimproveourinternalcommunications,thisisreallytheonlyopportunitytoengageinastructuredwaywithagroupofMembersabouthowweseeBRSCgrowinginthefuture,particularlyagainstthebackgroundofverysignificantchallengesthatarelikelytocomeourwayinthenearfuture.Trustme–althoughweenjoymeetingpeopleatthegazeboonmatchdays,aftertwohoursinthepouringrainonaFridaynightit’snotthebesttimetobehavingconstructiveconversationsaboutcomplextopics!ThegoodnewstonightisthatI’mgoingtotrytokeepmypresentationreasonablyshortandfocusedandtrytogiveyouanoverviewofhowweasaCommitteeseeBRSCatthemoment,highlightsomeofthethingsthathavegonewellduringtheyearorwherewefeelthereisroomforimprovement,andgazeintothecrystalballalittletoseewhatopportunitiesorchallengeswemaybefacedwith.I’llalsotalkalittlebitaboutinfluencingandhowweacttorepresentissuesraisedbymembersattheappropriatelevelwithintheBathRugby.BRSC:HowDoWeStand?Inmyviewthereare4keymanagementelementsallofwhichhavetobeinplaceanfunctioningeffectivelyifwearetosustainBRSC,growitinlinewithBathRugby’saspirationsanddeliverbenefitsofMembershipwhichcurrentMembersvalueandwhichnewMemberswant.Theseare:

BRSCCORNERSTONES

RESILIENTFINANCIAL

BASE

18

a. Resilientfinancialbasewhichcomprisesanoperatingbudgetwhichisadequateforourin-yearoperationsandtheaccumulationofacontingencyfundtokeepusinbusiness,evenifsomethingcatastrophichappenedtoourcashflow.AndweneedtoachievethatataMembershipsubscriptionthatmakesBRSCaccessibletoasmanypeopleaspossible.Asyou’veheardfromErica,we’vegotthatbutIwouldemphasisethatourcurrentsoundfinancialstatusistheresultofthreethings:

o Prudentfinancialmanagemento Hardnosednegotiatingwhennecessaryo PositiveworkingrelationshipwithBathRugbyandotherswhich

allowsustodelivergoodqualityeventsatapricewhichisaffordableandaccessibletoasmanysupportersaspossible.

Thismeansactivemanagementofourfinancialresourcesratherthanjustaccountingforthem.ThecostsofdeliveryofoureventsduringtheStadiumforBathconstructionphase(whentheRecfacilitiesaren’tavailable)areunpredictableandwhilstwe’vebuiltupaprudentcontingencyreservetoseeusthroughthistime,we’regoingtohavetobeextrarigorousinsustainingfinancialresiliencewhilstkeepingcostsofmembershipandindividualeventsatanaccessiblelevel.

b. Robustmembershipnumbers.Likeanyorganisationweplantoincreaseourmembershipyearonyear,butforanumberofreasonswedon’talwaysmanagetoachievethat.Asyouknow,forthelastcoupleofyearswe’veconductedactiverecruitingandretentioncampaigns.Thisyear’swas“TryBRSC”basedonamarketingstrategysuggestedbyoneofourmembersandsupportedbyBathRugbywithsomeveryattractiveprizesthroughtheyear.Despiteourbestefforts,asyou’veheardfromAnne,disappointinglyourMembershipnumberswereabitdownonlastyear’s.AgainasAnne’ssaid,oneaspectthatwe’llbelookingatisretention–howtokeepmorepeopleinBRSCyearonyear.Tobehonest,althoughwemissedamembershiptargetthatweworkedveryhardtoachieve,I’mpersonallynottooworriedaboutournumbersthisyearagainstthebackgroundoffrustratingperformancesonthepitch–butifitbecomesatrendthenthat’sadifferentstory.Westillhaveaverystrongmembershipbase–wearethelargestindependentsupportersclubaround–andwewillcontinuetostrivetobuildonthatsolidfoundation.AgoodseasoninthePremiershipandanequallygoodruninEuropewillhelp!

BRSCCORNERSTONES

ResilientFinancialBase

ROBUSTMEMBERSHIPNUMBERS

19

c. CommunicationsThisisanareathatwe’veputagreatdealofeffortintothisyear.ChristineKnighthasworkedveryhardatpullingtogethertheNewsflashesandNewslettersandwe’vetriedtoincludearticleswrittenspecificallyforBRSCtogiveourmemberssomethingspecialthatisn’tavailableelsewhere.NicolaCurtishasspearheadedoureffortstobetterexploittheopportunitiesofthevarioussocialmediaplatformsandyouwillhavenoticedthatwe’vebeenalotmoreactiveontwitteraswellasFacebook.Moreover,themediaregularlycometoBRSCforasupporters’perspectiveonmattersrelatingtoBathRugby.We’reonspeeddialfortheBBC,2or3localradiostationsandofcourse,DanEvansattheChronicle!TheNewslettersareveryresourceintensivetoproduce.Thetraditionalmethodofstuffingaround650envelopes,addressingthemandtransportingthemtoapostofficeallbyhandtakesahugeamountoftimeandeffort.Forthatreasonwe’vetriedoutsourcingthewholeprintinganddespatchfunctionforthislatestNewsletter–we’llreviewhowsuccessfulthat’sbeenduringtheSummer.However,thekeyquestioniswhetherweshouldcontinuewithahardcopynewsletteratallorwhetherweshouldfollowthesameprocessasfortheNewsflashesandsendthemoutelectronicallywithahardcopysafetynetforthosewhocan’treceivethembyemail.Wehaven’treachedadecisionyet,butwefeelthatthetimeisrighttoconductapreferenceexerciseandaskallmemberswhattheythink.Ofcourse,thebestmeansofcommunicationisfacetofaceandI’dliketothankalltheCommitteemembersfortheirworkinstaffingthegazeboonmatchdays,ofteninappallingweather.Iknowthatit’sfrustratingifyoucometoseeusaswe’repackingupbutbythattimewe’llalreadyhavebeenthereforovertwohoursandshuttingupshop30minsbeforekickoffistheonlywaythatwecanguaranteetogettoourseatsontime!

BRSCCORNERSTONES

Finance

MembershipCOMMUNICATIONS

20

d.EventsdeliveryThereareanumberofcoreeventsthathavebecomesynonymouswithBRSCsuchastheAwardsSupper,AsktheRefwithSpreadersandourAnnualQuizNightwithStocky.Wevaluetheseandwillkeepondeliveringthemtothebestofourability,butwe’realsoconstantlyonthelookoutforsomethingdifferent.ThisyearweaddedanexclusiveStadiumforBathbriefingtotheagendaandinkeepingwithoureffortstoprovidespecialeventsforBRSCMembersweweredelightedtohosta“disciplineevening”withDaveBarnes,DuncanBellandDaveGuyan.NextseasonwehopetoaddasessionontheAcademypathwaytotheprogrammeandwe’llcontinuetosearchfornewopportunities.Ofcourse,noneofthishappenswithoutatremendousamountofwork.Weallchipin,butChrissyWebhasactedasoureventscoordinatoroverthelastyearandhasdoneaterrificjob.WelldoneChrissy.I’dalsoliketosayawordaboutourTryoftheMonthcompetition,whichIanRooneyhasmanagedthisseason.It’simportantbecauseitgivesusthefinallistforourTryoftheYearvotebutmorethanthat,Icantellyouhowmuchtheplayersvalueitandaredelightedtoreceiveit.Pleasevotewhenyougettheemails.Notonlywillyoustandachanceofawardingthecertificateyourselfandhavingaphotoopportunitywiththewinningplayer,butthisseasonwewereabletooffersomeadditionalopportunitiestothepersonwho’snamecameoutofthehatatFarleighcourtesyofBathRugby.

BRSCCORNERSTONES

Finance

Membership

Communications

EVENTS

BRSCCORNERSTONES

Finance

Members

CommsEvents

INFLUENCE

21

InfluenceIsaidthatI’dsayalittlebitaboutthissincerepresentingourmembers’viewsishighonthelistofthingsthatBRSCexiststodoinourConstitution.Wedothisallthetime.ThroughalotofhardworkwehaveestablishedanetworkofcontactsatalllevelsofBathRugbywhomwecancallontorepresentissuesthatarebroughttoourattention.Sometimestheyareeasilyfixed–aquickemailtotheOperationsDepartmentwillusuallyresultineitherpositiveactiontoresolveaproblem,oranexplanationastowhyitcan’tbeimmediatelyfixed.WealsoengageactivelywithBathRugbyonbiggerissues,forexamplewehavebeenanintegralpartoftheconsultationprocessfortheStadiumforBath,strivingtoensurethatthesupporters’interestsandwishesareknownandunderstood.WealsorepresentedMembers’viewsonthenumberofFridaynightgames,theneedforachangetotheseasonticketrenewalwindowtogiveSTholdersclarityonthenewcoachingstructurepriortorenewalandalsoissuesaroundthere-scheduledGloucesterPremiershipCupgame.Wearereasonablysuccessful,butwedowhatwedoonthebasisofarelationshipoftrust.Weachievemorebystraightforwardonetoonecontactthanwewouldbydoingeverythinginthesocialmediaspotlight.Wewouldratherquietlyjustgetonwiththejob.Wearelistenedto.

PEOPLEUnderpinningallofthisarepeople.MyjobasChairmanisn’talwayseasybutitwouldbeimpossibleifitwasn’tforthetremendouseffortsputinbyalloftheMembersofyourCommittee.Youseeusonmatchdays,ateventsandoneveningssuchasthis,butlikeallvoluntaryorganisationsthat’sonlythetipoftheicebergandwithoutalltheCommitteeMemberswhogivefreelyoftheirtimeandexpertiseBRSCwouldnotexist.Moreover,wewouldn’tbecontinuingtoleadthewayasanIndependentSupporters’Club,notonlyinnumbersandactivitiesbutalsointermsofpositiverelationshipswith,andaccessto,seniorlevelsofmanagementwithintheRugbyClub.TwooftheCommitteeMemberswhohaveworkedunstintinglytoachieveallthatarestandingdownfromtheircurrentrolesonthisoccasion.

BRSCCORNERSTONESFinance

Members

CommsEvents

Influence

PEOPLE

22

TomSuttonhasbeentheSecretaryfor7yearsandhascontributedahugeamounttoBRSCduringthattime.Asmanyofyouwillknow,Tomisn’tinthebestofhealthatthemomentandhastakenthedifficultdecisiontostepdownthisyear.I’dliketoplaceonrecordourthanksforallhisworkandtosendhimallourverybestwishes.InTom’sabsencealotoftheSecretaryfunctions,includingthepreparationsfortheAGM,havefallentoPatLawrencewho’sdoneaterrificjob.She’llbethoroughlyembarrassedthatI’vementionedit.WelldonePat.EricaVeiverhasbeentheBRSCTreasurerforevenlonger.It’sfairtosaythatwhenshetookofficeBRSC’sfinancialpositionwasfragiletosaytheleastandEricahasplayedakeyroleinturningthataroundandcreatingourcurrentsoundfinancialbasis.EricahasalsoactedasourITfocalpointaswellasplayingafullpartinallBRSCactivities.Again,I’dliketoplaceonrecordtheAGM’sappreciationforallherworkinbothroles.We’redelightedthatEricahasoptedtoputherselfforwardasaCommitteeMemberthistimearoundandasyouwillhear,wehaveavolunteertotakeontheTreasurerrole.We’restilllookingforsomeonetostepforwardasourITfocalpoint–I’vewrittentoallmembersaboutthiswithoutsuccess,butpleasehelpifyoucan.It’snotaformalcommitteeroleandalotoftherolecanbeconductedremotelysopleaseletusknowifyouthinkyoumightbeabletohelp.IwouldalsoliketoexpressmypersonalthankstoeverybodywhohasservedontheCommitteeandgivenmeandtheClubsuchgreatsupport.Andwemustn’ttothankthe“unofficials”whoalsogiveahugeamountoftimetohelpusout,especiallyHonorKingandMikePhillipswhohasproducedbrilliantphotographsforusthisyear.I’msureyouwouldwishtojoinmeinthankingthem.Andfinally,thankstoyouandallthemembershipforyoursupport.Thankyouforyourattention;arethereanyquestions?

23

AnnexEtoAGM2019Minutes

BRSCCHARITYFOR19/20:BATHMIND

ProposedBRSCCharityfor2019-2020

Establishedin1998byagroupoflocalpeoplewhowantedtoprovideinformationandactivitiesforpeopleinthecommunity.Havecontactwithover3,400peopleannuallytoimprove,preventandmaintainmentalhealthandwellbeing.AffiliatedtonationalMind,butreceivenodirectfundingfromthem.Theyareaself–sustaining,independentlocallyruncharity.

LIVE LEARN SHARELIVEAregisteredcarehomeSupportedlivingaccommodationinBath&ChippenhamCommunitySupportServiceLEARNMentalHealthFirstAidWellbeingintheWorkplaceMentalHealthAwarenessinsportWorkwithyoungpeopletoraiseawarenessoftheimportanceofmentalhealth

24

LIVE LEARN SHARESHARE:Arangeofactivitiesandprojectsacrosstheirserviceaswellascollaborativewellbeingprojectsinthecommunity•  Foodforthought•  Greenlinks•  FriendsinNeed•  StitchFriday•  PhotographygroupsatFoxhill&Keynsham•  MidsomerNortonWellbeingGroup

ProposedBRSCCharityfor2019-2020

£10 will provide refreshments for two sessions.

£30 will provide materials, activities or a facilitated session

£100 will facilitate an outdoor cookery session for 6 people on the Greenlinks allotment project

•  .

£300 will give creative groups materials for 6 sessions and 60 people £450 will deliver an 8 week cooking course for 10 people who need support for their recovery £1000 will deliver training in horticulture or food hygiene for up to 8 participants