Bird flu


Pitchcare members can help provide an early warning system


WITH over 16,000 active Pitchcare members currently working in the British turfcare industry, we are in a good position to provide a vital early warning system to combat the threat of a potential bird flu epidemic in the country. Pitchcare members can play an active role in providing vital information about bird deaths they find on their land. Many of our Groundsmen,


Greenkeepers and other facility managers are responsible for maintaining and managing some of our finest wild life corridors, particularly golf courses and large sporting complexes such as schools and local open spaces. With the country on high alert due to the recent reports of bird deaths in France it is imperative we inform the appropriate authorities of any bird deaths found on UK land. Following confirmation that a duck which died of bird flu in France was infected with the lethal H5N1 strain of the virus, the Government said it was “more likely” the disease would reach Britain.


Village Cricket a thing of the


A spokesman for the Department of


the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said nine swans had been sent for tests over the weekend after members of the public called the helpline. Two each were from Bury St Edmunds, Winchester and Preston, while individual birds were found in Shrewsbury, Thirsk and Hertfordshire. “All the tests have so far been negative but testing continues,” he added. “Obviously, we are at a heightened level of surveillance given the case in France.”


The spokesman was unable to


confirm reports that a dead swan found in Great Abington, Cambridgeshire, was being tested at the EU’s laboratory in Weybridge, Surrey. If you find a dead bird it is important


that you report it immediately to the relevant Local Authority or DEFRA. Defra helpline is 08459 33 55 77. Web site : www.defra.gov.uk


past? At the same time as we publish an article on Playing Fields, there is some disturbing news that the government is to remove the planning protection that is currently in place for village sports pitches.


As it stands developers looking to build in rural areas are limited to the part of the land where there has previously been a building, thereby protecting the rest of the site. However, this condition has been removed from proposed new planning guidance, giving developers the right to build on the whole of the site. Any club or village with a small


pavilion or changing room surrounded by open space such as cricket and football pitches would come under threat. The government department


proposing the change is the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. How ironic that this proposal is being made at the same time as the Prime Minister is promoting the importance of grass roots sport, particularly with the Olympics coming to the country in 2012. Don’t they talk to each other? Clearly


not. 8


Unsung heroes


ARTHUR Williams, Head Groundsman at Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd, South Wales and Ian Willett, Course Manager at Thorpness Golf Club in Sussex were proclaimed Terrain Aeration’s Unsung Heroes for 2005. At the Annual Awards held during


Harrogate Week, Steve Gingell, Southern Area Manager spoke on behalf of his fellow judges, Gordon Child (BIGGA) and Derek Walder (IOG) praising the winners for their selfless work with both junior members of their own green and grounds staff and those from a wider area. “Both men maintain their facilities to the highest possible standard but, despite the demands of the job, they are never too busy to help and advise those further down the ladder,” he said. “Arthur, who has been at Ynysangharad for 40 years has been a mentor to many young groundsmen and will always take time out to help people on placement, including those with learning difficulties. Ian (who took Thorpeness to win the BIGGA national environmental award) is known for always putting his staff first, and his availability to anyone seeking help or advice. Both men freely pass on their knowledge and lend their support for no personal gain or recognition.” Geraint Jenkins, Area Parks Manager for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council,


Ian Willett (left and Arthur Williams


nominated Arthur Williams and Mrs Charlie Damonsing, Golf Manager at Thorpeness Golf Club, nominated Ian Willett.


The winners will enjoy a week’s holiday in the South of France, with Terrain Aeration donating the hire of a house in Lanquedoc and sponsors Pitchcare and Turf Professional donating £200 towards travelling expenses.


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