DAVE SALTMAN, Managing Director.
It was Dave who chose the ‘hold’ music on the new telephone system so anyone put on hold will get either A Fistful of Dollars, King of the Swingers or Ride of the Valkyries! An eclectic choice indeed. We did suggest The Green Green Grass of Home or, better still for ‘new dad’, Wake me up before you go go!
JOHN RICHARDS, Operations Director.
Keeps a clear head when all around are losing theirs. An even temper is a fine thing to possess, especially when working in close proximity to the Pitchcare ‘Ideas Monster’, Laurence! If a loose end needs tidying then John’s your man. Shame he can’t do something about the loose cannons!
LAURENCE (WRITING) GALE, Editor.
desperately trying to keep from his wife (sorry Loz). Cleaned his glasses with floor polish recently, which might explain the Laurencisms at the end of this mag.
PETER BRITTON, Sales & Production.
A recent house move tested Peter’s IT skills yet again as a plethora of wires and sockets challenged his failing memory and the patience of helplines worldwide! Supporting the most successful football team in London sits happily with Peter, at least for one year! Juande my prince has come!
ELLIE TAIT, PR and Marketing.
Visitors to the Pitchcare message board may have spotted a rather excitable Ellie delighted at Nottingham Forest’s return to the Championship which, at least, means that they will get knocked out of the FA Cup in the 3rd round! She celebrated by buying a new pair of shoes!
ALASTAIR BATTRICK, Web Monkey.
Alastair is responsible for the installation of the new phone system which requires everyone to wear headsets. So, the PC head office now resembles the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise. Not surprising when everyone is working at ‘warp’ factor nine. Beam me up Scotty!
DAN HUGHES, Sales Manager.
Another season supporting a Championship side beckons for Dan. Losing out in the play- offs wouldn’t have been so bad if a recent survey of football fans hadn’t put the Wolves supporters at the top of ‘preferring to watch football rather than have sex’. Well, at least they won something last season!
CHRIS JOHNSON, Training Coordinator.
Always immaculately turned out, Chris is working extra hard at the moment adding more and more training opportunities to the Pitchcare portfolio. A small typographical error in the magazine database saw our Chris posted as the Straining Coordinator. We have suggested a high fibre diet!
STUART BURTON, Web Designer
Pitchcare’s new boy has helped to reduce the average age of the office staff considerably. Stuart has been responsible for the new look website, newsletters and banners (good job Stu). Quietly goes about his job in an unfussy manner which is quite a refreshing change for the Pitchcare Nerd Centre!
SHARON TAYLOR, Company Accountant.
An increase in shop sales, new staff members and a rise in advertising revenue has added to Sharon’s workload with invoices flying left, right and centre. Not surprising then, that she hasn’t had much time to devote to her horses or, indeed, gloat over Dan about West Bromwich Albion’s return to the Premiership.
JULIE ROBINSON, Administration
Another new employee who has helped reduce the average age a notch or two. Julie has also added to the collection of regional accents with her gentle brummie tones. Helps out with administration which appears to be pretty much everything except writing articles for the mag! Here’s to you Mrs. Robinson!
Laurence is considering coming out of retirement to play one last ‘old boys’ rugby match for his home team -s
something he is WELCOME TO pitchcare
Who knows where the time goes?
Half way through the year already! I don't want to wish my life away, but I never know where the time goes. This seems to be a common discussion point in our Industry, where everyone is always working towards the next game, tournament or season to start.
The fact that the majority of Groundsmen and Greenkeepers are dedicated to the core means that few clock watch (except in the few days up to a big event!) and time, therefore, passes quickly and enjoyably.
Despite the economic downturn, 2008 has proved to be extremely busy for all of us at Pitchcare; membership continues to drive forward with an average of 500 new members per month joining the site. The overall membership is now just short of 33,000 groundsmen, greenkeepers and amenity professionals.
Since we launched the new look site, highlighting the shop, sales have increased by 50%.
One of our original aims was to provide a comprehensive ‘one-stop- shop’ that would be like a co-operative. We aim to be extremely competitive on all our partners’ products, supplying direct from the manufacturer or main supplier in most cases. As our sales continue to increase we will be able to bring you, the customer, the right products at the right prices.
If you are getting depressed with the rising costs of products,then why not ring our office for some exceptionally low prices, particularly on bulk orders.
Another big growth stream for Pitchcare has been on the education front, where we have been very successful in providing, or finding, courses for individuals and groups across all aspects of the training spectrum. We have developed close links with a variety of independent and college providers to be able to offer
everything from basic techniques to managerial competence. We take great care in making sure that the delegate(s) are closely looked after throughout the process to make it as easy as possible to get the training required.
Our jobs and used machinery sections continue to offer great selections to those interested in career change or second-hand kit. However we have only had limited response to our new auction section so, if you’ve got some old kit in the shed, why not get it sold so that you can put the money towards something new.
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to have a guided drive around the 2010 Course at the Celtic Manor Resort. Despite the usual Welsh drizzle that preceded the event and hampered Jim McKenzie and his team, the course looked magnificent for the Wales Open. Although the course has been open to members since last summer, this was the first major event to be hosted on it and it must have been a big worry for all involved that it would meet the grade. No doubt the course will continue to improve further over the next two years and provide a formidable test for both teams involved in the Ryder Cup.
With the warmer weather upon us all now, growth and recovery is good so I wish you all very best wishes for the next couple of months.
Dave Saltman Managing Director
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