WELCOME TO
Web monkey business ...
THE Pitchcare message board often throws up some interesting subjects. One of them recently talked about how Groundsmen and Greenkeepers responsible for producing quality surfaces receive deserved praise from the press but, then, are often not invited, or allowed, to offer comment and explanation when things go wrong. Pitchcare has been criticised in the past for allowing derogatory comments about poor playing surfaces on the message boards to remain, but we would argue that
everyone has a right to voice an opinion
and ask for clarification. Certainly, I’ve found that speaking openly to the press usually allows the right things to be
written or said, and not the incorrect assumptions that many of us have to put up with on a regular basis. In most cases a simple explanation from the man in charge can quickly put closure on public gossip and media speculation. There are occasions when the club may not wish to divulge information for sensitive reasons but, on the whole, we should, as an Industry, be more forthcoming about our profession and let the general public know how much heart ache, hard work and considered decisions have to be made to provide the end result.
CHANGING the subject, it has been a busy couple of months for us at Pitchcare when, traditionally, it should have been a little quieter due to the holiday season. In fact we had
hoped for some quality time to be able to get our teeth into a series of new projects that we would like to launch on the site soon. Fortunately, it hasn’t stopped the hard endeavours of web monkey, Alastair, in first getting the new shop up and running and then the rest of the ‘new look’ website ‘live’ in August. He has done a fabulous job, making the site design easier on the eye and the navigation simpler to follow. Comments from members have been excellent and we always welcome constructive feedback. With the new site on-line, and a few glitches ironed out, we are now able to
concentrate on setting up the new auction section which will allow members to buy and sell machinery, products and other miscellaneous items that may be hiding in a corner of the shed. This section will complement the used machinery section, and make it easier and instant for members to place unwanted items up for bidding.
the PC team DAVE SALTMAN
Managing Director. Likes to be given a deadline to work to ... and then completely ignore it! He believes dates are what you eat at Christmas and not something that necessarily need to be adhered to. The first major work you read is his editorial - it’s the last thing we get!
JOHN RICHARDS
Operations Director. Has set up a webcam so he can watch his granddaughter growing up in Australia so, if you spot him cuddling his computer you’ll know why. Recently enjoyed two weeks of peace and quiet as one member of the PC team has been on holiday.
LAURENCE (WRITING) GALE
Editor. Been on holiday for two weeks and, henceforth, to be known as ‘Moby Dick’ as every year he takes them in Wales (get it?) In preparation for his hols he somehow managed to put a hole in the bottom of his boat whilst cleaning it! So he took an extra week off to repair it!
PETER BRITTON
Sales and Production. Has now reached his ‘fighting weight’ after an extensive diet. Sadly, it’s a weight that could only compete with Johnny Vegas or a passing hippo! Yes, our PB has put on a few extra ounces. Not that he minds as he can now model his golf on Daly -tthat’s Arfur not John!
Another new section will be the machinery wish list/finance section. We hope to provide a comprehensive list of equipment, split into two sections of essential and non- essential items for different sports. Members will be able to click on the desired items
of equipment and choose a ‘buy it now’ option or look at a series of finance options that will be available. This section is designed for members who perhaps aren’t sure of the machinery that is most suitable for maintaining their sports surface. It will also provide very competitive finance options that will be tailored to meet their needs. There are some nice changes already on the site, in particular the ‘Who’s Who?’ section, which allows non-commercial members to show their details, so that other members can keep in touch. This now shows a zoomable map, making it easy to track down members in specific areas of the country. We have also changed the Classified section to the ‘Buyers Guide’, listing all companies and services in Groundscare available in the UK. We hope that you enjoy the new look website and, as we’re always looking at ways to improve the services to members, feel free to send an email letting us know what you like/dislike or what you would like to see added in the future.
Happy surfing!
DAVE SALTMAN Managing Director
ELLIE TAIT
PR and Marketing Executive. These are busy times for our Ellie; a mountain of work commitments, loads of shows to attend, hairdressing appointments, shopping and school holidays. But never fear, she’ll be at Saltex as bright and breezy as ever. Well, bright anyway. Well, she’ll be there!
ALASTAIR BATTRICK
Web Monkey. Has worked extra hard over the past couple of months to get the new website up and running. During this very trying time for him he has taken all our highly constructive suggestions on board... and then chucked them all over the side! Anyway, we think he’s done a good job -b
but don’t tell him.
DAN HUGHES
Trolley dolly. Dan is in charge of the Pitchcare shop (well, he thinks he is). It’s a daunting task for him as he also has to answer the phone - “Hello Pitchcare, Dan speaking, can I help you?” brrrrrrrrr. Yep, he’s the ‘cut off’ king. Keen supporter of ‘The Wolves’. Well the season is still quite young!
SHARON TAYLOR
difficult in an office full of men! Obviously we can never say exactly what we think about our Sharon as she pays our wages but, if you want the honest truth, she’s smart, intelligent, rather attractive ....
Company Accountant. Recently became a ‘thirty something’ and is enjoying her new found maturity -n
not
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