Supporters will recall that when we launched the Community Shares initiative it was extremely successful and we received pledges that exceeded the specified target of £100,000.

Due to the complex negotiations associated with the Blackwell Meadows development it has taken a lot longer than expected for us to get to the point where we were able to call in the pledges. Understandably, during this lapse of time the personal circumstances of some of the participants has changed and consequently to date we have only managed to collect payments totalling £97,500. However, the terms of the Community Share offer require that we need to raise the full £100,000 in order to formally complete the process and issue the Community Share certificates to investors. Indeed Darlington Football Club is also relying on us contributing the full amount towards the development at Blackwell Meadows. You are probably aware from recent news the appointed contractor J & R M Richardson Construction Limited is currently mobilising to start work on Monday 8 August.

Under the circumstances, DFCSG has taken the decision to reopen the scheme for a limited period only until Monday 8 August in order to raise the required balance of £2,500. This will provide an opportunity for those fans that were disappointed when the target for pledges was reached before they had had time to make their own.

How can you buy Community Shares?

• On line by visiting our funding platform http://fundraising.darlingtonfcsupportersgroup.org

• Face to Face at Quaker Retail in the Dolphin Centre for payment by either cash or cheque.

The secure on-line method is a one-off direct debit that will be taken from your account 5 days after you have made your pledge.

Quaker Retail is in the foyer of the Dolphin Centre and is open between 10am and 1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you can’t make these times then to make alternative arrangements call Quaker Retail during shop opening hours on 07717345004 or alternatively email us at cs@darlingtonfc.org

Please remember that you have to be a member of DFCSG to buy Community Shares and the membership fee is £25 (for the first year, £20 per year thereafter). If you aren’t currently a member you can join at the same time as you buy your Community Shares, either on-line or face to face.

If you need a reminder of the full terms and conditions of the Community Share Scheme, email us at cs@darlingtonfc.org and we’ll email you a copy of the prospectus. Alternatively printed copies are available from Quaker Retail.

Thank you for your support.