Tuesday May 23, 2006 at 12:00am
RHL Activities Limited published a press release in the TMX for the week ending 31st March confirming an agreement between the ACU and RHL Activities Ltd for the organisation of the Weston Beach Race in 2006.
On the 12th April a meeting between the parties was held at the ACU Offices in Rugby when final details were agreed, the Supplementary Regulations were finalised and a draft contract supplied to Mr HOCKEY. The terms were standard and indeed amounted to a generous offer of settlement on an existing dispute with RHL.
They were aimed at avoiding problems that have beset previous Weston Beach Races. Following a number of reminders from the ACU, comments on the contract were eventually received on 15th May, apparently from RHL’s Lawyers. These amounted to a rejection of the ACU’s terms.
At this late stage and without any warning RHL now wished to drastically and fundamentally alter all that which had been previously agreed. What was proposed was unsatisfactory and unacceptable to the ACU and Mr HOCKEY was advised accordingly.
Then, Jim Parker, Chairman of the ACU, was astonished to learn from a Delegate at the ACU’s National Council meeting on Saturday 20th May, that on the 13th April a company named ACU Events Limited had been registered with Companies House. The new company’s address given as The Bryn Garage, Penpergwm, Abergavenny, Gwent, NP7 9AT. Gareth HOCKEY and Phillip ROBERTS of RHL Activites Ltd are named as Directors. At no time (including at the 12th April meeting with the ACU) did Mr HOCKEY mention that he was forming a company by using the ACU’s name.
As is well known, “ACU” is a registered trademark and is clearly associated with the organisation. The ACU has given no permission for this use of its name. The matter is now in the hands of the ACU’s solicitors.
The ACU considers RHL and Mr Hockey to be inappropriate associates for the Weston Beach Race, or any other event, and disassociates itself from any dealings with them. The ACU regrets that under present arrangements it is therefore unable to assist or participate in this event.