'There's no such thing as a free lunch", is a much-used maxim in business and politics and, until last Saturday, I was inclined to agree with this hackneyed sentiment. But there are exceptions to every rule.

Last week I received a letter, via the Evening Press, from the Chair of BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association). The existence and purpose of this association was completely unknown to me. So I consulted my book of bizarre and esoteric associations, clubs and societies, which includes a wide-ranging assortment of offbeat organisations, from The Alan Whicker Appreciation Society to The Zen Archery Society, but there was no mention of BURA.

As the "Chair", Bernie Marjoram, had invited me to a "working" lunch, to talk about BURA's role as a catalyst in promoting urban regeneration, which I took to include the City of York - well, parts of it are certainly in need of regeneration - I thought it only right that I should do my homework and mug up on the purpose and principles of the association. I consulted Google, my favourite Internet search engine, which quickly coughed up pages of information about the association's purpose, achievements, awards, a past and forthcoming events diary, and the full list of companies and local authorities that comprise its membership.

From this data, I realised that there was nothing bizarre about BURA. It had, since its formation in 1990, become the leading independent organisation and forum for those with an interest in achieving sustainable urban regeneration. It has a very influential and high profile membership, from the public and private sectors; has direct access to the Department of the Environment, or whatever it is now called, and other government bodies. In short it has the necessary 'clout', to help achieve, through best practice, the much-needed regeneration of our cities, towns and rural communities in these troubled times of rapid social change.

While not understanding why I should have been invited, unless it was because of some environmental matter about which I had written, I decided to take full advantage of this unexpected chance to put in a few plugs for York, learn something about urban regener-ation, and enjoy the rare treat of a luncheon paid for by someone else.

I was surprised, to learn that the "Chair", was a woman, but no 'lightweight', having been the chief executive of the Brixton Challenge - a real heavyweight job. "Call me Bernadette", she said, which put this old chap at ease. Although, reluctantly accepting that women are gradually taking over the world, or at least, beginning to get all the top jobs, I still try to practise old-fashioned chivalry when dealing with the 'fairer sex'. Though, sadly, today, gallants are too often labelled sexists.

But I digress. Not only did I get a splendid lunch at the Judges' Lodgings, but a comprehensive briefing, followed by a question and answer session on the subject of urban regeneration.

Particular emphasis was given to the importance of providing low cost accommodation, and making use of existing 'empty' properties (described by the Association of Chief Police Officers as 'honey pots' for crime, providing as they do the raw materials for theft, vandalism, squatting, drug-taking venues and anti-social behaviour) for those forced by circumstances, often outside their control, to live in cardboard boxes and under blankets on our city streets. Many of such homeless spend their nights in the doorways of York's shops.

From what I was explained to me, the principles of urban regeneration make good sense. Perhaps our city council might, if they haven't already done so, consider joining BURA. You never know, it might even be able to come up with some suggestions with regard to York's hairy chestnut - the Coppergate II project.