from 110 years to just 15 years each green was different in make up and soil structures, the older ones being more soil based than the younger sand based ones. It was no surprise that, during the wet summer we have just experienced, the older, soil based, greens suffered water logging.
So, this autumn we have had to have a specialist contractor on the sites to do some deep tining, to make sure this does not happen again. Even though, in the previous couple of years, we have used the Ecosol deep drill and fill and the Graden deep scarifier to back fill with sand - and they both made a huge improvement - it was just the sheer volume of rainfall this summer that took its toll. After my first two years of being in business I gained another two contracts looking after Emsworth and Fishbourne Bowls Clubs. So, in a matter of two years, I was now looking after six bowling greens and I felt my initial gamble had paid off. I was established! At about this time I was introduced to
Darren Hatcher of Sherriff Amenity. Well, to be fair, he called in on the off chance where I was working. He offered his recommendation on some products and I have not looked back since. His annual soil sampling on all the greens are sent away for analysis and, from there, my fertiliser programmes are set up for the season. He has the back up of an excellent technical team and anything I am not too sure about, advice can be gained from them. I am very happy with
the service I receive. Apart from the normal problems associated with greenkeeping in respect of pests and diseases one encounters, I also have to endure a rather invasive fox who has decided to make its home in the middle of Portsmouth, at Southsea Waverley, which is one of the busiest parts of the City. It is constantly digging holes and rummaging through bins but, luckily, has not been urinating on the green, so no brown patches as yet! And, of course, the bowlers themselves can cause problems, but of a different nature, with each club having its own ‘technical advisor’ of how things should be done!! One of the biggest constraints is having to have the maintenance work finished by 10.30am. This can be a problem if you get held up somewhere, as just ten minutes delay can make all the difference. Fortunately though, through agreement, the greens are cut on alternate days so they don’t all have to be done at once. Access to the greens can be awkward as well. Whoever designed them did not take into account deliveries by lorry! Thirty plus tonnes of topdressing delivered in one tonne bags normally arrives on an articulated lorry which sometimes has problems with the narrow roads in and around the City. But, with the aid of the obligatory forklift truck, pallett trucks and, usually, very helpful drivers, we manage to get deliveries close to the gates.
As for the future, things are going well. I have just gained another two contracts
Baggy trousers!
SIMON GUMBRILL – Sales Director at Campey Turfcare & Turfworks: I am married to Jenny and we have three children, Beth, Natalia and Sam. I have supported Manchester City FC through thin and thinner times and it is good to see them have such a good start to this season. I enjoy watching all England teams in Europe though. Maybe Man City next season as well! Currently studying for the diplomatic corp as anyone who knows me will vouch for! When time allows I enjoy playing team tennis and cricket - must be something to do with wearing whites! I enjoy listening to Ska and two tone music (baggy trousers) and am currently renovating an old Morris Minor - not at the same time. My favourite film has to be Forest Gump. As far as my job goes I enjoy the travelling that it entails. I get very frustrated by industry people who are unable to see, or listen to, possible improvements and movements in greenkeeping and groundsmanship. Who has had an effect on me? Well, my family obviously and people who tell the truth. I would have so say that Richard Campey (the boss) and Carl Pass at Premier Pitches are two people who want to see improvement in standards and education. They practice what they preach – even at a price. I enjoy this industry very much, I am happy with my hat thanks.
for the Arundel and Crablands Greens which are situated in West Sussex and I will have started work on these as this magazine is published. To help out with this added workload I have taken on an apprentice, Darren, who has just started to attend Sparsholt College in Winchester to gain his NVQ2 in Amenity Horticulture. The main problem associated with bowls is the age group of the members which, on average, must be over sixty. There is an urgent need to get younger people involved in the sport. If this does not happen then the future survival of some of the clubs must be in doubt. Also, with our ever unpredictable weather patterns now, and seemingly warmer winters, there has been an interest from a few of the clubs to try keeping the greens open all year round. With a bit of planning and thought I cannot foresee a problem and, who knows, we may even see people playing bowls, outdoors, on turf, on Christmas day. Now there’s a thought!! Finally, I must add that I have
thoroughly enjoyed my near thirty years in greenkeeping and have gained some good friends along the way. I would not have changed it for anything. As everyone reading this will know, once greenkeeping is in your blood it is there to stay, and I am looking forward to my next thirty in the
profession.
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