Quakers shake on homecoming

The Quakers - playing in exile at Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park since being reformed by their fans in 2012 - have confirmed they'll be moving into Darlington Rugby Football Club's Blackwell Meadows home for the 2016-17 campaign.

Talks between the two clubs have been progressing since December 2013 and took a major step forward last year when they submitted a joint planning application to redevelop the ground and surrounding facilities to meet FA ground grading requirements.

Now both club have signed a formal agreement after confirming that all funding streams for their common objective of developing the stadia and facilities to accommodate both sports were progressing.

The Quakers plan to host a fans forum at Blackwell Meadows on Thursday from 7pm (24 March) following Friday's announcement to launch their latest fundraising plans.

In a statement released by the Premier Division club, Darlington director John Tempest, pictured right shaking hands on the formal agreement with Darlington RFC chairman Mike Wilkinson with Quakers manager Martin Gray looking on, said: “This agreement between our two clubs represents the achievement of a key milestone in the further development of DFC since 2012.

"We have been encouraged by supporters, business and community partners in our ultimate aim of returning to play our games in our home town of Darlington.”

Wilkinson said: "The agreement we have entered into secures and benefits both clubs and creates a stable future for sport within Darlington and the surrounding areas."

Acknowledging the support of Darlington Borough Council, he added: “This is the first major step towards the realisation of our ambition to create a premier multi-sports facility for the community of Darlington."

Image courtesy of Darlington 1883/Theresa Clear

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