Dover begin work on new Centre Spot

IF you popped up to SeaFrance Crabble, the ground of Ryman Premier League club Dover Athletic, you would be best advised to wear a safety helmet, writes Justin Allen.

Gavin Hughes is no longer pouring pints of beer at the club's Centre Spot - instead his new duties include making teas for the workmen who are currently dismantling the building.

Work is well underway as the club build a brand new Centre Spot social facility, set to open at the end of August, and make major improvements to the directors box and VIP lounge. And the Town Council popped in to present the Supporters Trust with a £10,000 cheque towards the project, which will cost Dover Athletic around £150,000.

Dover mayor Bob Markham visited the ground to make the presentation to Trust vice-chairman Debbie Harrison and Whites vice-chairman Roger Knight.

Debbie told www.doverathletic.com: "It's absolutely fantastic to have the support of Dover Town Council.

"The £10,000 has greatly helped the supporters almost reach the £30,000 target set by the chairman earlier in the season. The facility is going to be magnificent and bring extra revenue to the club plus be a great bonus to the community to hire for functions or business meetings.

"My husband Paul and I, who have been helping arranging the fundraising, are very grateful to all the supporters who have dug deep into their pockets and helped us raise the amount so far, through bucket collections and Roll of Honour board.

"We are also very grateful to all the supporters who have donated football shirts and memorabilia for Paul and I to auction. Many thanks also to Simon Harris for producing a 'Championship Winning' photo which we have been selling and has raised £1,000."

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: "We are delighted that the Town Council have made a contribution. This work is a project that will benefit the community and give the people of Dover some enjoyment. Dover Athletic is one of the few good things in the town and we want to make it a club that everyone will be proud of."

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com