My first visit here was a few years ago for a pre-season 'double header' against Dulwich Hamlet, both the First & Reserve Teams playing each other.
These photos were taken back in Spetember, when I stopped off on the way to a Hamlet match at Ramsgate.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx7kwnorkI/AAAAAAAAAZE/3jNHzyCMQKE/s400/PICT1325.jpg)
No game listed, on their fixture board on the gate, provided by their Supporters' Club. They were away on the day I popped in, though their reserve team was at home, so I was able to gain access through a gate that was open,albeit at the other end of the ground. There are turnstiles behind each goal.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx9HH4kxZI/AAAAAAAAAZM/XjeNPz1BjJo/s400/PICT1326.jpg)
Presumably the ground has had previos sponsors, as the current one, Oatmor Harris, is tacked on top of this still tidy sign.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx3jdzMNOI/AAAAAAAAAYo/RuqrDtG6eaY/s400/PICT1319.jpg)
This is the way I got into the ground, at the Mill Road end.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssugfk05pLI/AAAAAAAAAUw/lp13gzl4hfo/s400/PICT1272.jpg)
A gate open, making easy access.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsuggHNJo8I/AAAAAAAAAU4/HnpNXZOAq4w/s400/PICT1274.jpg)
We are going to start our tour of the ground at this end,turning left, in a clockwise direction.
The first thing we see is the John Saunders club shop.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssugf42FEUI/AAAAAAAAAU0/9XZTP4NxP0I/s400/PICT1273.jpg)
Placed in front of it is a bench....
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx7kOqJ6RI/AAAAAAAAAY8/z4u8B4iKrwc/s400/PICT1323.jpg)
Dedicated to the man, presumably a loyal club servant, with 1939-2002 on it. A sure sign of a caring club.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx7ktCafnI/AAAAAAAAAZA/S78z-85NSYU/s400/PICT1324.jpg)
To our right we see the main changing room block, with the club name on the front. There can't be many smarter looking than this around. A fine corner for a football ground! But as I say, we're heading the other way round.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsuggTLKlEI/AAAAAAAAAU8/7puznWxlFTo/s400/PICT1275.jpg)
From behind the goal we see another covered area in front of a bar, I think, as I remember it,with the protective netting behind the goal to the left of the snap.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsukW9IITXI/AAAAAAAAAVE/fsaeGMVEQvQ/s400/PICT1276.jpg)
Standing directly behind the goal we look across the pitch and see the cover at the other end.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsukXJiDYKI/AAAAAAAAAVI/NJQ0bPmfIMs/s400/PICT1277.jpg)
Stepping back couple of paces & we look over to the other side. Through the next we can catch a glimpse of the seats.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsukXeIrglI/AAAAAAAAAVM/oLG335zgtIM/s400/PICT1278.jpg)
The end where we are is open, hard standing, with grass behind.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsukXvqBJII/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Su9XXDmrq1E/s400/PICT1279.jpg)
Here we see the dug out side from right by the goal, camera place through the high netting, so it doesn't block our view.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsukX4QqVLI/AAAAAAAAAVU/vUcvbtdD_-o/s400/PICT1280.jpg)
And from the other side of the six yard box, looking to our left.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsuoXLr4HAI/AAAAAAAAAVc/rc_7UOG7nmY/s400/PICT1281.jpg)
We're now heading down that side, toward what looks like a bit of covered terracing...
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsuoXTNe5fI/AAAAAAAAAVg/zEWzoZBiipA/s400/PICT1282.jpg)
It's actually some sort of scaffolding covered storage space!
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsuoXm3g6KI/AAAAAAAAAVk/e_MyXXTE50A/s400/PICT1284.jpg)
Retracing our steps a few yards we look across the pitch from the corner flag.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsuoX0f7qHI/AAAAAAAAAVo/WzfqBkimOOE/s400/PICT1283.jpg)
Along the halfway line is this small modern stand.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsuoYEAaJwI/AAAAAAAAAVs/er48XwH55fk/s400/PICT1285.jpg)
On the chain link fencing next to it is a celebratory advertising hoarding. This was also the season they became the first-and only-Kent League side to win the FA Vase, marked by their victorious squad who all had identical tattoos.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu6mQgVTzI/AAAAAAAAAV0/eeObMnLZ35Q/s400/PICT1286.jpg)
From here we look back across the pitch, to the corner where we entered the ground.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu6m8l9y6I/AAAAAAAAAV4/v7SaMghIYE4/s400/PICT1287.jpg)
From the side of the seats we look back at the 'scaffold cover'.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu6nLtrdEI/AAAAAAAAAV8/WcQ78SPvKnE/s400/PICT1288.jpg)
Turning in the other direction we glance down the stand.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu6ndhqR-I/AAAAAAAAAWA/zBPH_3BI0W0/s400/PICT1289.jpg)
Past the seating is a brand new building, almost complete. It looks like new club house.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu6nuEICOI/AAAAAAAAAWE/DH_DJ7wvph8/s400/PICT1290.jpg)
From here we look back at the seats.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu-snLxhrI/AAAAAAAAAWM/CPWBUXHW6eA/s400/PICT1291.jpg)
Before starting to work our way to behind the other goal, which we can see from outside the new bar.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu-s3bBfuI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/1UhXzdF9a6Y/s400/PICT1292.jpg)
It's similar to the other end, open with hard standing, and grass behind, except there is a covered terrace area behind the goal.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu-tRNLlHI/AAAAAAAAAWU/jfm-JGVj8JY/s400/PICT1293.jpg)
Another corner flag shot for you....are we really only half way round?
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu-tsfoeuI/AAAAAAAAAWY/XtzDIzXp-tc/s400/PICT1294.jpg)
From this corner we look back along the side we've just walked along.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssu-txv1vQI/AAAAAAAAAWc/BaqtLr93QRU/s400/PICT1295.jpg)
Behind the goal is this hoarding from the local branch of CAMRA. For the Crown Inn, in Finglesham.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsvCiGWhvoI/AAAAAAAAAWk/g3RtCia08A8/s400/PICT1296.jpg)
Here is the tidy covered terrace behind the goal.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsvCiawJhII/AAAAAAAAAWo/7xXWjZeUPuk/s400/PICT1297.jpg)
Directly behind the goal itself we look over to our left, the last side of the ground we have yet to see properly.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsvCixJUqDI/AAAAAAAAAWs/sunL_3ixa-0/s400/PICT1298.jpg)
Past the cover we come to a new brick turnstile block.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsvCjRgu4LI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Epe1_CqS_gM/s400/PICT1300.jpg)
This is the St. Leonards Road end, as this sign outside says, & is the main entrance to the ground.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx7kN7Z82I/AAAAAAAAAY4/nbCvXcNjF0k/s400/PICT1322.jpg)
On the exterior of the covered terrace is this sign...
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx7jixui7I/AAAAAAAAAY0/D4NIIV1vTiM/s400/PICT1321.jpg)
An excellent fundraising idea.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx3jt2A0XI/AAAAAAAAAYs/cpeyQUg2uWg/s400/PICT1320.jpg)
This is the turnstile.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx3i17q3II/AAAAAAAAAYk/jNmRCcnGJIw/s400/PICT1318.jpg)
Inside the ground, on the wall of the gate, is this small plaque, which moved me, as over the decades, on & off, I dread to think how many dozens, even hundreds of times, I have voluntarily worked the Champion Hill turnstiles, both old and new. This is truly the mark of a caring club who values people.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsvCjEVDkNI/AAAAAAAAAWw/dX1-6aJzOPA/s400/PICT1299.jpg)
Past this, with car park behind, is a shallow step of terrace to the corner.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxqKOXksFI/AAAAAAAAAXU/tumPF_WyBE8/s400/PICT1301.jpg)
This continues a little of the way, as we turn the corner.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxqKScDa9I/AAAAAAAAAXY/1-i24BLw0GU/s400/PICT1302.jpg)
That's this corner here, as we have another 'corner flag' shot.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxqKqFWMOI/AAAAAAAAAXc/zf48fjFEQ9o/s400/PICT1303.jpg)
From here we look back behind the goal.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxqL6jJu_I/AAAAAAAAAXg/qfOml8v7z_k/s400/PICT1304.jpg)
Moving along we look back over the pitch to the seats.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxqMIU0q7I/AAAAAAAAAXk/9BS77fZN2bE/s400/PICT1305.jpg)
Now we're at the old club buildings, where the roof 'doubles' as a covered standing area.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxukdGJUjI/AAAAAAAAAXs/WN0UpUH2SZc/s400/PICT1306.jpg)
It is narrow, but it feels like a football ground,old, but still smart, painted in the club colours throughout.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssxukg5Oq3I/AAAAAAAAAXw/4uzCkEh6tW8/s400/PICT1307.jpg)
And so here we are back in the corner, at the changing rooms. It may 'just' be a brick building, but it looks wonderful!
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxulA3YEPI/AAAAAAAAAX0/CPqaOT_0WNw/s400/PICT1308.jpg)
And from this corner flag, rather than looking over the pitch, we point the camera at the turnstiles and club shop where we started our tour, which is nearly over.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxulTudZQI/AAAAAAAAAX4/MoknCyXrSLM/s400/PICT1309.jpg)
But not quite. In the corner, behind the goal, is this smart little garden area. I don't know what delightful, caring tale there is behind it, but there is sure to be one, as this is Deal Town.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssxull-CcHI/AAAAAAAAAX8/qIQ8NsORCsQ/s400/PICT1310.jpg)
Now we DO look across the pitch, for the 'corner flag' shot! From where see the club initials lovingly marked into the turf, where the players enter the field. Such a simple touch, but one with a bit of understated class.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxzTGtxmHI/AAAAAAAAAYE/lL8QFFd4NgI/s400/PICT1311.jpg)
Although our tour is now over, I take the opportunity to quickly walk onto the pitch and take snaps of various structures, pitch side. Here is the cover along the side, and bar area.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxzTvuINcI/AAAAAAAAAYI/pMias6PjlTg/s400/PICT1312.jpg)
Also along this side are the dugouts.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxzT_TObyI/AAAAAAAAAYM/w3ixj5N2Ml8/s400/PICT1313.jpg)
Across the pitch is the 'scaffold' area.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxzUOPRvVI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/m3Sic6s5d8A/s400/PICT1314.jpg)
And the main stand.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/SsxzUlkUU9I/AAAAAAAAAYU/tg40HUffCkM/s400/PICT1315.jpg)
And, finally, the cover behind the goal. Which we can now see clearly is called the Chivers Stand. Unfortunately I am unable to tell you the significance of this.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx3ipkzL2I/AAAAAAAAAYg/sR1DwczJL5o/s400/PICT1317.jpg)
Now we really are at the end our tour of DTFC!
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MtVN1YLXLZs/Ssx3iU5r26I/AAAAAAAAAYc/EGVykHxqxTI/s400/PICT1316.jpg)