BRIS Trust Newsletter – August 2006

As a Trust member you will be aware that one of the original aims of the organisation was to gain Supporter representation on the Board of Bristol Rugby Club.  This objective was not pursued further after the Club sent an open letter to the Trust, confirming that it would not move out of the Bristol area without first consulting supporters – this in effect became the ‘Golden Share’ that had been talked about.   

However, as much as we appreciated the gesture, it had no legal footing and would only hold good for as long as the current Board members remained.  

We appreciate that all organisations change, and in order to secure the long-term future of supporter involvement we have raised the issue once again.   

A letter has been given to David White, the new Chief Executive that was presented to the Board on July 24th.  This letter requests clarification on the terms and costs of placing a Supporter on the Board.  We will of course let you know as soon as we have any further updates. 

Richard Hill’s pre-season Address 

This is always a popular and thoroughly enjoyable evening when Richard speaks with incredible candour about the forthcoming season, the players, and his hopes and aspirations.  Come along to the Memorial Stadium on August 23rd and hear Richard, Paul Hull and Martin Haag give their views on 2006-2007.  The evening starts at 7.30pm in the Bristol Room. 

£250 for Props Charity 

During the Props National Rugby Ten’s tournament members of the BRIS Trust sold mini rugby balls.  The Trust also donated a box of mini rugby balls for the charity to use in future events.  Props are a Bristol-based charity that provides opportunities and support for those with special needs. 

Trust AGM – A Date for Your Diary 

This year’s AGM will be on September 20th at 7.30pm in the Bristol Room at the Memorial Stadium.  In order to attend the AGM you will need to have renewed your membership.  The Agenda for the AGM will be the week before the meeting.  The key theme for this years’ AGM will be the future direction of the Trust.  If you believe we have moved away from our original mandate which was to: - 

Ø       Be the Independent Voice of the Supporter

Ø       Provide funds that would be spent on keeping Bristol Rugby Football Club in Bristo land playing at the highest possible level.

Ø       Gain Supporter representation on the Board 

This is your chance to enter into a debate and shape the future direction that the BRIS Trust takes. 

Look out for further details on the website at www.BRIST.org.uk 

If you are interested in working more closely with the Trust, we would be delighted to hear from you.  We are looking for new committee members, but also for volunteers who can be called on to promote the work of the Trust on both match days, and at publicity opportunities around the City.  

We are available after all home games in the Bristol Room along with representatives from the Supporters’ Club. 

Membership Renewals 

We sent out reminders in June but appreciate that it may have slipped some people’s minds.  Just in case you have mislaid the original renewal form, a new one is attached for you.  To renew, you simply need to put your name and membership number on the form, we will do the rest for you – it couldn’t be simpler!! 

The future of the Trust depends on members renewing their membership – we have on on-going programme of expenditure ranging from Richard Hill’s Wish List through to supporting emerging talent at all levels – your continued support enables us to meet all these objectives as well as more strategic goals. 

The Man in the Middle 

Whilst you’ve got your Diary to hand, also make a note of November 15^th.  This is an evening with Ed Morrison who will be in the Bristol Room at 7.30pm to host what will be an interesting evening on what it’s like to be the ‘Man in the Middle’. 

Ed has a wealth of experiences and funny stories, which he plans on sharing with us, so make sure you arrive early for a front row seat.  More details will be sent to you nearer the time. 

Feedback 

Finally, if you have any comments regarding the BRIS Trust please do note hesitate to contact us.  You can reach us via email at

enquiries@brist.org.uk

or you can write to us at:

PO Box 365

14 Clifton Down Road
Bristol

BS8 4BF 

Tel:  0870 246 7625

Trust Shirts on Sale 

New Trust Shirts are on sale at the price of £38.  Available in all sizes place your order by e-mailing us or telephoning us giving details of quantities and sizes required.  Order now and pick your shirt up at the Richard Hill address on 23^rd August (Subject to availability). 

Size                 Chest Size 

S                      34-36”

M                     37-39”

L                      40-42”

XL                    43-45”

XXL                  46-48”