Letters 29 July 2010
BPFA bent over backwards
BPFA bent over backwards
HOW predictable that the article of July 8 crying foul by the Epworth Colts Football Club and castigating the Belton Playing Field Association should generate support from a few readers who seem totally unacquainted with the facts of the conflict but relying on information biased to the Colts.
The facts of the matter are, which I can confirm having been privy to all minutes and correspondence between the parties during my period of office as chair of Belton Parish Council, that the BPFA have bent over backwards to accommodate the Colts initially and subsequently as differences emerged.
A reduced rent of 2,000 per year was initially set as a contribution to the building and facilities was expected and only increased to 3,000 in the current year.
This is not considered excessive compared with other providers researched.
Changing and shower facilities were available in the Jubilee Pavilion included in the tenancy.
The main cause of problems between the parties has been the infrequent attendance of Colts officials at the monthly meetings of the BPFA at which all user groups are expected to attend.
The Colts have attended 21 of a possible 45 meetings with a greater proportion of absences of late.
The purpose of these meetings, apart from general business is that each user group can communicate their needs and plan collectively.
However the Colts were increasingly unwilling to attend and preferred exclusion treatment on a more formal basis, contrary to traditional practice followed successfully for at least 30 years and hence dialogue failed.
The significant increase in membership of the Colts, maybe double, meant that the activities of other user groups were swamped by the sheer numbers of players and their supporters.
There was no opportunity for other potential users to enjoy the facilities offered,
In addition close management of the substantial increase in traffic was needed to avoid possible accidents.
The Colts officials were unwilling to participate.
Because the Colts became inflexible in their requirements it was left to the BPFA to draw up a new tenancy agreement to the benefit of all groups otherwise local people would be unable to use their own facilities.
It was not intended to exclude the Colts but allow greater opportunities for more users, but they seem to have taken their ball home.
If Mr Horsefield for instance wishes to set up and organise a new Belton-based junior football club comprising Belton children and not just 30 per cent as has been the case I am sure that he would be actively encouraged by BPFA.
They could use the changing and shower facilities rejected by the Colts and benefit from the fundraising expertise of the committee available to all.
Other potential users groups could join them.Belton Playing Field Association is run for the benefit of all Belton people by a voluntary committee of rapidly aging people totally committed to making the facility a continuing success.
They do not deserve criticism from people happy to pass judgement but not willing to make any positive contribution to village life themselves.
Dave Ripley
Belton.
Amazing day
IN reply to Mr Cook's 'Not Thrilled' letter I'd like to ask what time did he appear at the Rescue Day?
As a volunteer parking attendant I can categorically state that the parking around the 7 Lakes was full before midday; hence this is why cars were dircted to other parking areas and the organisers provided a free shuttle bus.
I can say that I stood in the car parks actually watching the amazing Red Devils, the Spitfire fly by, the larger than life Sea King helicopter from 202 Squadron do their display and too many other displays to mention, it's a shame that you missed them as they 'actually did happen'.
Maybe next year he can put himself forward as a volunteer and see all the hard work that goes into organising such an amazing and successful day enjoyed by the majority of those that attended.
Anyway what was he moaning for, it was a nice sunny day for a walk!
Mrs J Simm
Queens Drive
Crowle.
ACTION from the Rescue Day at Crowle.
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Weather for Epworth
Sunday 05 February 2012
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