Vintage Massey 135 Tractor
occasional roll with the sarrrel roller. I aerate the outfield monthly when conditions allow (we are on the Severn flood plain) using a SISIS slit tine spiker. I apply two bags of fertiliser to the
square about every six weeks. I spray the square, and a large area around the square, with a worm and leatherjacket killer twice a year. Do I get recognition for the work I do? In general, I would say yes. Of course, you will always get some who do not realise the work that goes into getting a good pitch to play on.”
Eddie’s story is not untypical of grass
roots cricket clubs. The club has got into his soul.
He, along with other club members,
are striving to get the club facilities up to ECB Club Mark status, which will release much-needed funding for further improvements.
Atco 30” Mower - vintage unkown
The club run three senior sides and have a healthy youth membership of 120 who regularly train and play at the ground. They share their clubhouse with Stourport Rugby Club, and are currently putting together a joint bid to replace the clubhouse and changing room facilities.
The combination of Eddie’s skills as an engineer, and the fact that he does all the work voluntarily, reduces the annual maintenance bill dramatically. With the club only ever having to pay for materials, hiring of the Graden from the ECB trailer (which is stored at the club) and the annual regrinding of the cylinder blades, the total cost comes to around £2000.
Over the years Eddie has acquired a fair amount of equipment, most of it second hand. He’ll spends hours searching for a bargain and even recently
Ransomes 20” Greens Pro mower
travelled to London to buy a drop spreader that cost the club just five pounds - and his own wallet considerably more!
During the winter months Eddie likes nothing better than building or repairing machinery and equipment. Having completed his roll on roll off pitch covers he his contemplating the refurbishment of the score board. He even makes his own tines for the spiker! Pre-season rolling begins with an old Atco 36” mower that Eddie has adapted to carry additional ballast in the shape of three concrete blocks, gradually building up the weight. Then it’s time to fire up the big Stothert & Pitt roller. That, in itself, is a work of art as Eddie is probably the only person in Worcestershire who has the nack of starting it! But, help is at hand as the club are busy raising £5,000 to put
The C-Range
Each ‘easy-change’ cartridge becomes an integral part of the machine without loss of quality results.
Provides a wide range of professional turf maintenance needs from one machine.
Hangar 5, New Road, Hixon, Stafford, ST18 0PJ. Telephone 01889 272095, Fax 01889 271528, Email
sales@allett.co.uk, web
www.allett.co.uk
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