EACH issue we catch up with a leading turfgrass professional and ask him or her what’s going on in...
Who are you? Mick Higgins, Technical Manager for WBB Minerals Sports and Leisure. I have been working in this field (pardon the pun) and role since 1989 joining Rufford in 1997, this being subsequently acquired by WBB Minerals in 2001.
Status? Married to Lisa for 18 years, two cats.
Hobbies/interests? I enjoy walking, listening to music, gardening and computers. Eight years ago I set up a website for my Rhodesian high school and, recently, we arranged a class reunion where ten of us managed to get together, from around the world, including USA, South Africa and Germany.
Most of my spare time is presently devoted to renovating my house - this generally involves knocking down walls, mixing cement, bricklaying, plastering, etc.
What car do you drive? Honda Accord, which I find comfortable and reliable when travelling around the UK. Recently I had the opportunity of driving a Porsche 911 Turbo around Donnington Park.
Favourite film? No specific film - my preferences are action and comedy.
Favourite Radio programme? Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 2.
Favourite music? All types from rock to classical. Favourite bands are Pink Floyd, REM, Tracy Chapman and U2
Lives READERS
What do you most enjoy about your job? I am one of the lucky few who thoroughly enjoys, and is passionate about, their job. Every day is different, it’s flexible, challenging and I am able to drive and shape my role. I work with a diverse range of people in our industry, whether it’s sharing technical information on our products to greenkeepers and groundsmen, or working on new projects, there is always something new to learn.
Favourite Sport? Playing badminton.
Favourite TV? I don’t watch much TV but, if I do, it’s usually a wildlife programme or documentary. Having said that, Homer Simpson is my hero!
Favourite Food? Italian food and a good red wine
Pet Hate? Sitting in a traffic jam on the M25, M6 or M5
Most memorable experience? Living in Rhodesia, Africa during my high school years.
What’s been the most significant development in our industry? The growth in the UK leisure industry has sparked major advances in technology. Today’s high spec football pitches are like
science fiction compared to those of the early 1970s. Also, a shift towards environmentally friendly products has become evident over the last few years.
Our industry has come a long way during the past fifteen years or so and who knows where it will be in the next fifteen. That’s what makes it so enjoyable.
What would you like to see change with our industry? The continued
commitment to, and development of, environ-
mentally friendly products.
I also see a need for further
standardisation and improvements in procedures and equipment for testing rootzones, a critical
component of successful sports turf which is all too often ignored.
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