Over the past few weeks our new CEO David Johnston has been working with our chosen builder for the Blackwell Meadows development project – J&R Richardson to discuss the next stage of the development in detail and we are now in a postion to share the outcome of the discussions and what that means for future fundraising and deadlines as well as the exact nature of the work that will be carried out.

The first phase which will be to complete the groundworks in readiness for the stand and will cost just under £40,000 which means we can now reduce the target amount for the first phase by £10,000. Thanks to two very generous investments from a couple of fantastic fans over the weekend combined with the reduction in cost for the first phase of the stand works means that we’re now only £3,800 short of the target needed to collect the pledges and move ahead. Due to the nature of the work required and the fantastic fundraising progress to date it has been agreed with our landlords DRFC that work will commence imminently to keep disruption to a minimum. With this in mind we appeal to all fans who are considering investing in the development to do so as soon as possible so that we can collect pledges.

The groundworks will mainly comprise of laying foundations for the future installation of the seating deck and re-location of floodlighting with some smaller sundry items. It will also include some rectification work to the existing stand which will include raising of the existing seating deck to allow improved sight lines and the installation of a new step. In addition the fencing at the front of the stand will be re-configured in such a way that it can be adjusted in height to provide an optimum solution for both football and rugby.

Once the first phase fundraising is complete phase 2 will be opened, the target of which will remain at £50,000 in order to pay for the structural steel, cladding and other sundry items. The third and final phase will be to purchase the seating deck and will be amended to £37,000. Thanks again to all those who have pledged through the various fundraisers so far and for those thinking of pledging please do so as we look to build the infrastructure that will allow us to become eligible for promotion should the FA ground grading once again stipulate 500 covered seating for eligibility when it is published in the next few weeks.

Wayne Raper

DFCSG