We had a soil analysis carried out and it seems, from the results, almost certain that arsenic in the soil is to blame!”


with the square cut to 12mm in the summer, rising to 15mm in the winter. They are subject to a typical ten day preparation programme and each strip is used at least twice to accommodate the heavy fixture list.


The croquet lawns and bowling


greens are cut to 4mm and, occasionally, reduced to 3.5mm for tournaments. Winter height is 6mm. There is also a small, nine hole, pitch and putt golf course available through the winter months. Greens are maintained at 5mm. The golfers play from artificial tee mats which are brought in and stored through the summer.


The tennis courts used to be cut as low as 6mm during the playing season but, thanks to the new loam and working practices, they are now cut between 8-9mm and, in winter, 12-14mm. This has greatly improved the quality and strength of the sward. Last June Peter encountered a serious problem on the match grass courts in the form of yellowing and dying grass in positions exactly where the old lines used to be marked out. “We had to reseed a lot of the


areas and they have still not fully recovered” said Peter. “So, to try and identify the problem, we had a soil analysis carried out and it seems, from the results, almost certain that arsenic in the soil is to


blame!” “The minimum safe level for arsenic is


reading an article taken from a 1948 edition of the Groundsman magazine, written by then Hurlingham Head Groundsman of fifty years, Tom Grey, Peter’s theory appears to be backed up; “Worms must be removed from the courts; I use Lead-Arsenate. 15lbs L/A mixed with about 100lbs sifted compost covers 300 square yards, this also acts as a good leather jacket destroyer; this dressing lasts for about three years and is put on during November or December.”


“I am now going to investigate


the problem further and, if necessary, will have to remove any contaminated soils” said Peter. “If we have to take that route, which to be honest seems unlikely, it will add to our workload considerably.” “We inspect the playing surfaces daily for any wear during the playing season. It is important any wear on the tennis court base lines and in the croquet hoop runs is kept to a minimum. As soon as


Tennis courts C and D Winter croquet lawns


New washdown facilty


Lawn outside main clubhouse


Winter planting of the gardens 11


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