Surrey F.A. to move to Dorking

[Big J R]

Interesting article in todays Dorking Advertiser.

 

Surrey F.A. will move from Leatherhead to Meadowbank when the refurbishments to the ground are complete.

 

http://www.dorkingandleatherheadadvertiser.co.uk/black-White-Chicks/story-26495385-detail/story.html

[Smudge]

What a brilliant idea,Surrey F.A. doing the letting of the new facility.R.I.P. Dorking FC.

[Big J R]

I made it a point NOT to make any comments on the rest of the article.

[E&E Rich]

I'm not surprised about SCFA moving there. I put the idea to them a few years back about getting involved with a new ground in Ewell but it would have required a financial input probably greater than they would need to come up with now, if any that is.

 

From the picture it looks a very futuristic set up and I am assuming, as it is not clear from the picture that the new complex will be on the same side of the ground as the current facilities. This is very sad in one way, as it will mean the end for their stand which is now over sixty years old, but I suppose that is the price of progress and the area surrounding probably needs to be cleared.

 

Couldn't help but be amused by the DFC statement though. Despite many teams there of all shapes and sizes being acceptable, sharing with DFCW appears to be too many teams!  

 

Of course one option, if the DFC Chairman is so keen on the Community and youngsters having more slots available, would be to fold Dorking FC as a senior option, leaving DFCW as the one senior club in the Borough, but that's probably just me being mischievous!

 

On a serious point though, how many years can you retain your senior status when you are no longer playing at senior level? DFC no longer compete in the Surrey Senior Cup and are about to enter another year at Step Six.  

[Big J R]

Strangely enough, no planning plans have as yet been placed on the M.V.D.C. web-site.

[Go on have a giggle]

This sounds fantastic for Dorking. Pardon the ignorance again!!!!! But why does this spell the end for the club. Surely a new beginning and a great opportunity . Is Step 6 not senior ? Or is just a tad of envy in here from followers of other sides with what seems comments borne out of their own clubs failings / lack of facilities.

 

And why are Dorking Wanderers upset ? I thought they had a ground in Westhumble. Why do they want to play here ? I assume because it seems to be a far superior facility. And why would they have this opportunity ? Wasn't this just Dorkings ground . Seems strange just because a club benefits from something that all and sundry want a piece. Don't get this . Help !!!!

[Smudge]

The key words are Community Facility,which means that the whole new facility will be open to all Dorking Residents.There will be no benefit at all financially for Dorking FC,BAR GATE MONEY.No hiring Fees will go their way either.It was Dorkings ground that they had a lease on,they will just become renters under the New Plan.A SAD DAY FOR FOOTBALL IN MY OPINION.

[Go on have a giggle]

Oh ok. Thanks for the information. Sound ominous . I might have to find a new team if it does go tits up.

[Chris Clapham]

If the old stand etc is going at Meadowbank, I think I'd rather go to Westhumble. 

[Big J R]

Planning Application Ref: MO/2015/0626

 

Registration Date: 24-Apr-2015

 

There it is folks, for any of you that want sashay down to the Council offices at Pippbrook and have a detiled look at the plans.  It is your right.

 

To all intents and purposes, all bookings for matches on the pitch will have to made direct through The Surrey F.A. who will be totally responsible for the sports side of the ground.

[Chris Clapham]

 

Planning Application Ref: MO/2015/0626

 

Registration Date: 24-Apr-2015

 

There it is folks, for any of you that want sashay down to the Council offices at Pippbrook and have a detiled look at the plans.  It is your right.

 

To all intents and purposes, all bookings for matches on the pitch will have to made direct through The Surrey F.A. who will be totally responsible for the sports side of the ground.

 

 

In effect, the County Ground then? 

[Smudge]

How did Surrey FA get their finger in the pie? They are also going to do the security on the premises.will there be a bar etc included.

[Smudge]

In effect, the County Ground then? 

In effect, the County Ground then? 

Looks that way,maybe they are part funding the project,with the sale of their luxurious Leatherhead Offices.Still one good thing Dorking FC,will save on postage,fuel,time,as regards fines etc.

[Big J R]

How did Surrey FA get their finger in the pie? They are also going to do the security on the premises.will there be a bar etc included.

 

 

There is in the application a reference to 'change of Use' to include a restaurant and a cafe.

 

As far as I can see, the terms 'bar' or 'alcohol'  are not included as yet.

Edited May 14, 2015 by Big J R

[Chris Clapham]

There is in the application a reference to 'change of Use' to include a restaurant and a cafe.

 

As far as I can see, the terms 'bar' or 'alcohol'  are not included as yet.

 

Well that is as much use as a trap door on a canoe! 

[Big J R]

Having been to the ground at Culver Road, Lancing which encompasses the Sussex F.A. where there are similar facilities, I feel sure there will be a bar of some sort installed at Meadowbank.  I image all the catering facilities will be put out to private tender which wiould mean a loss of revenue to any club/team using the ground for a match/function.

[TRS]

Being a NIMBY, i mean resident very close to the ground, I have an invite to a drop-in session at the council offices on Saturday so will go and have a look at the plans. 

 

Rich, I think the view of the buildings in that picture is as viewed from the rec, i.e behind the goal as is now. From memory I think they intend to push the pitch further beyond the other goal. I would hope they'll be able to keep the old stand and do it up a bit.

[Big J R]

Being a NIMBY, i mean resident very close to the ground, I have an invite to a drop-in session at the council offices on Saturday so will go and have a look at the plans. 

 

Rich, I think the view of the buildings in that picture is as viewed from the rec, i.e behind the goal as is now. From memory I think they intend to push the pitch further beyond the other goal. I would hope they'll be able to keep the old stand and do it up a bit.

 

 

Just thought I'd 'lift' the relevant sentence from the planning application:-

 

Full Description: Redevelopment of Dorking Football Club site to include new clubhouse and offices and associated facilities; sustainable pitch; children's soft play area; toilets and cafe; stands, dugouts and cycle stores. Change of use of site from assembly and leisure (Use Class D2) to a mixed use encompassing restaurant and cafe Use Class A3), business (Use Class B2) and assembly and leisure (Use Class D2).

Edited May 14, 2015 by Big J R

[Go on have a giggle]

So have they had it as a club or not ? Are we saying they have a pitch only that they pay for with no ability to generate income ? I can't believe that . Who would agree to that arrangement. I bet there are a few unknown aspects of this deal and to be fair quite rightly so.

[Big J R]

We'll just have to wait and see Giggler.

 

I'm sure any further statements from DFC  will appear on their web-site.