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	Dorchester Town Avenue Stadium Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2RY Tel: (01305) 262451 Ground capacity: 7,210   Seats: 710
"The Magpies"	People who say that Britain and America are "divided by a common language" have obviously never been to Dorchester. Here's a rough transcript of a conversation I had with one of the stewards outside the Avenue Stadium, on arriving half an hour late for a match there... Me: "How do I get in?"... Steward: "Oii rackn yow dawn byrr a bit mesenn ee"... Me: "Oh. Are there any turnstiles still open?" Steward: "Bee a whoile afarr ee get in arroaarrrr." ...Me: "Shall I go to the front entrance then?" ... Steward: "Forree three'aclaaark by tooime arr." .. Me: OK, thanks for your help." But then what do I know? I'm just a thick Northener after all! Dorchester are amongst many people's favourites for the title this season, and the Magpies certainly have the facilities to join the Conference - whichever division it might be. Much praised new ground built in the early 90's on Duchy of Cornwall land, so had to be "Prince Charles-approved". So, the stand was roofed with finest traditional Dorset slate, the terraces hewn from the living rock, and the goalposts hand carved by an old but wise carpenter from the hills. (At least in Prince Charles' imagination - bless him!) From the outside, the ground actually bears more than a passing resemblance to the swanky Tesco's superstore next door (built on the site of the old ground). An impressive main stand, covered terrace at one end, open at the other, narrow terrace/ facilities along one side. A hell of a journey for most Dr. Marten's League fans, but worth it for the breathtaking scenery as you pass Yeovil.
Stuff to do:	The town has touristy things like the Dorset County Museum, Eldridge Pope's - brewers of ine ales, and the Maumbury Rings (whatever they are). Check out the Dorchester, England Resort Guide for detail on accomodation and tourist attractions.
Famous people?	Thomas Hardy (novelist) - Dorchester is the "Casterbridge" written of in his books
On the air:	Wessex FM  broadcast on 97.2 FM, but probably a better bet is BBC Radio Solent with a non-league review at 6pm on Saturday's on 96.1/103.8 FM
On the net:	Dorchester Town website
Directions:	The trip to Dorchester is a nasty one for the majority of travellers. It’s M5 all the way down to Junction 25, then follow the signs for the A358 to Ilminster and then the A303 followed by the A3038 for Yeovil. From Yeovil take the A37 to Dorchester. Follow this road marked A37 Dorchester/Weymouth until you reach a sign for the A35/Weymouth. Carry on along this by-pass for about a mile until you reach the next roundabout where on your left you will see Dorchester Town Football Club. As mentioned earlier, the ground is next to Tesco and there is an incredible amount of free parking at the ground.

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