The new Tiger Turf artificial pitch was completed ahead of other work to keep disruption to the sporting calendar to a minimum


timescales for the project was a key factor in its successful tender, says Tony, which required the synthetic surface to be ready for use at the start of the new school year. “A carefully formulated project plan was vital to ensure that there was no disruption to the school's daily running,” he adds.


The school had set out specific design


credentials before work began, including the need to minimise the quantity of material taken off site. This was achieved through the construction of complex retaining walls and bespoke landscaping solutions, which included the creation of coaching and viewing banks next to the new sporting facilities.


Under health and safety measures, access for disabled users is now a requirement, Tony adds, but the style of that installed at Danes Hill is both functional and sophisticated in equal measure, adding style where mere ‘fit for purpose’ would have sufficed. “The access represents a significant portion of the project,” Tony confirms. Its quality certainly strikes you immediately.


The new artificial pitch showing banked viewing gallery, part of the requirement to keep as much material on site as possible


Unbeknown to most visitors and pupils, security has assumed greater importance since Danes Hill took in its ‘celebrity’ pupils. “You’re rarely, if ever, off camera,” says Tony, “but you grow accustomed to it.” One of the more unusual aspects of the


project is a trackway that skirts the synthetic pitch and other surfaces. “It’s laid with Fibresand and allows us better access to the new facilities, as it does not become muddy during wet weather and creates added grip for machinery.” And, speaking of machinery, Tony


rarely loses a chance to argue his case for more with the school bursar. He need not worry unduly though as the school remains committed to spending what’s necessary to provide the tools to deliver the goods.


“I have a strong working relationship with Bill House, our bursar” says Tony. “He recognises the value of good equipment and always looks into any request I make.” Alongside the construction of the cricket pavilion, the school also commissioned the building of


a new machine shed in 2006. With stylish wooden interior, it lends proof to Tony’s words that Danes Hill school delivers what’s needed.


The unusually cold winter earlier this year prompted the school to invest in a fleet of new winter gear to cope with the heavy snow fall, equipment that included a new snow plough, a tractor mounted salt spreader and drop spreader - tools that are likely to come in handy soon, with another cold winter on the cards.


What’s in the ‘new’ shed? John Deere 4720 tractor Charterhouse topdresser Two-sets of SISIS gang mowers Major roller mower Scag 48 Velocity mower Westwood T1600 ride-on mower New Holland 1220 utility tractor Kubota B3030 tractor


Lewis Landlugger TXG23 (while Izeki is being repaired)


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