DENNIS BOWLS SEMINARS
A PROPER JOB...
You could be forgiven for thinking that a Dennis Bowls seminar would be just a big sales pitch for the company’s mowers. Nothing could be further from the truth as Peter Britton found out in deepest Somerset
N
orth Petherton Bowls Club welcomed over forty-five bowls greenkeepers from Somerset and
surrounding area to a seminar organised by Dennis Mowers and hosted by Devon Garden Machinery (DGM) who, this year, celebrate their 25th Anniversary. I had been told that North Petherton was a ‘pretty village’ but, in truth, it is a suburb of the larger town of Bridgwater. Delegates were greeted with a foggy start that promised to ‘burn away’, and so it proved as the weather turned out to be glorious.
This was the last leg of three on Dennis’ south west tour, the previous two being Wadebridge in Cornwall and Torquay in Devon; both had attracted an equally good turnout. Bowls is a sport that relies heavily on volunteers and most of those in attendance fitted into that category (and the ‘over 60s’) along with a smattering of professional contractors, all eager to pick
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up tips on greens maintenance. The day kicked off with an
introduction by Robert Jack, the company’s southern area representative, who outlined the format for the day. First up, after a quick plug for
Pitchcare by yours truly, was Martin Samuel of Sherriff Amenity. He gave a brief overview of the company’s products as well as talking about the available certification for spraying, the latest pesticide directives and how they will affect greenkeepers. It was widely acknowledged that a qualified contract sprayer was the best way forward. Martin warned that many products
that are now illegal for use are still stored in greenkeepers’ sheds and it should be a priority to ensure that these are disposed of legally at the earliest opportunity. Next up was Dave Bracey, inventor of the Bray Seed Slotter (now marketed by Dennis) and recently retired Head Groundsman at the Metropolitan Police
Sports Club in London. Dave is an excellent speaker who, even if a bit ‘traditional’, is able to captivate an audience with his presentation. He has the ability to mix fact, humour and wuddled mords - a strange mix of Tom O’Connor and Stanley Unwin! His explanation of scarifying, using a comb from his back pocket (when he eventually found it) was a joy.
STRI ‘new boy’ Charles Henderson gave an instructive talk about ‘modern’ bowling green techniques and, whilst some of the content was in direct contrast to Dave Bracey’s view, Dave could be seen nodding in agreement to much of the presentation. Particular emphasis was placed on how, why and when to aerate and scarify, and the benefits of both. Interjection was supplied by the STRI’s self confessed ‘grass nerd’ Steve Gingell. Charles also explained about
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