SIR, How encouraging it was to read the recent correspondence and comment, featured in the Bicester Advertiser regarding the Bicester Sports Association.
Over the last two years I have used the Bicester Advertiser’s archives — stored at the Oxford History Centre. This resource has allowed me to build a clear picture of the history and the foundations laid by the BSA, with respect to their relationship with the sports community of Bicester and surrounding area.
The records clearly show the funds raised to purchase the Oxford Road site came by the way of generous individuals, together with donations from the townspeople and local associations, including Bicester Town Football Club.
I have a record of the donations made.
This land was purchased from the Coker family.
Over the years, the BSA has sold off parcels of land. The two most notable being to Tesco (via Charterhouse McGregor) and Value Retail (Bicester Village) I again have copies of the conveyance (September 15, 1988) and minutes of the other transaction (April 12, 1996).
The point I would like to emphasise at its utmost, is the claim of the Bicester Sports Association of being a private trust.
The BSA’s own trust deed does not identify a clear ascertainable beneficiary to enforce the trust or indeed benefit. Without this element the trust would appear to fail.
Roger Wise, The Glebe, Culham
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