Magpies: Vote on CBS will be made at AGM

Supporters attending last night’s fans’ forum at the Avenue were informed of the forthcoming vote, set to take place at the club’s AGM on Thursday, December 11.

And, according to Magpies’ secretary David Martin, it is understood that all of the majority shareholders are expected to vote in favour of the special resolution.

The move to a CBS would, according to Martin, make other sources of funding become available and allow Dorchester to install a 3G playing surface to maximise potential income.

However, before the club can officially become a CBS, a list of eight conditions set by the FA would have to be met.

“The best way forward is a CBS,” said Martin. “It would mean that the current company will cease trading and go to a society with a one member, one vote system.

“In theory, this should open up access to other sources of funding.

“There are certain grants that are only available to football clubs that are genuinely there for the benefit of the community.

“One of the aims is to have a 3G pitch because it is allowed up to Conference level and in the FA Cup.

“It is a way of bringing additional revenue into the club.

“The club probably needs it 10 hours a week and then there are another 40-50 hours a week that it can be rented out.

“We feel a CBS is the best way to take this club forward in the present circumstances and to develop additional income from being a genuine community-owned club.”

Several other topics, including the Magpies’ youth teams, the continued need for fundraising and manager Graham Kemp’s playing style, were discussed at last night’s forum as well.

Supporters were also informed that, based on the league meeting with Chesham, the club was currently losing more than £1,500 on every home game.

However, match sponsors had been found for each of the remaining fixtures at the Avenue this season.

* Dorchester Reserves host Stourpaine in the Dorset Senior Trophy tonight (7.45pm).