SCGA Conference kicks off the
THIS year’s Surrey Cricket Groundsman’s Association Annual Conference was held at the county headquarters at The Kia Oval, with over seventy groundsmen in attendance.
The day began with an address from Paul Taylor, Director of Cricket Development for Surrey, who talked about the strengths of having a strong Groundsman’s Association. He discussed funding initiatives, pointing out that the county had committed £3.5 million to cricket development across all areas. There had been an audit of 132 cricket clubs, along with 42 applications currently being reviewed for new clubhouses/pavilions, 40 practice net areas and 35 sets of covers.
Tim Nicholls, ECB Funding & Facilities Manager, was next up. He spoke about the challenges facing cricket clubs. Changing climatic conditions, local agenda, asset transfers - especially in recent years where local authorities are trying to get clubs to take over the management of council grounds at peppercorn rents - were all concerns. He said the cost of cricket was increasing, with less funding available and reduced resources (people, water and time), all of which have an impact on the sustainability of cricket clubs. He pointed out that there were still some funding schemes running, including a small grants scheme offering up to £5k and the Queen Elizabeth II Charity Trust.
season at the Oval Over seventy cricket groundsmen meet up at Surrey headquarters
The audience were then introduced to Clint Hillhouse, the new sales representative from Stuart Canvas, who talked about the company’s products and the recent
acquisition of JMS Cricket. Stuart Canvas also donated a pitch cover as a raffle prize, which was won by John Milner.
This was followed by a quick update on the Dennis/SISIS situation by their sales representative, Robert Jack.
Phil Furner updated the floor regarding the recent problems of his old parent company, Monro’s, going into administration. He said that negotiations were nearing completion and that the supply of Ongar Loam should not be affected. This was similarly the case with the supply of Kaloam. He pointed out that there was likely to be a 5-10% rise in cost due to transport and fuel prices. He then gave a talk about different loams in terms of their performance, based on their sand, silt and clay content.
ECB Pitches Adviser, Chris Wood, spoke about profile management and aeration practices, with thatch being the number one enemy. He said that thorough end of season renovations
was the key to good pitches.
After lunch, the delegates split into three workshops to hear talks on core sampling, keeping mowers sharp and new in-season renovation techniques.
Finally, delegates were given the opportunity to walk out onto the outfield, see the square and net areas and meet the out going Head Groundsman, Bill Gordon, and his replacement, Scott Patterson.
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