Charterhouse School
a friend and colleague suggested that I ‘come down south’ to continue my search. Whilst in the Midlands, I had been looking every day for something in turf maintenance. There was nothing on offer. When I came south, I was amazed how many positions were being advertised.” Within a few days, Dave had landed a job with Hampshire County Council, before moving on to work for Tonrin Contractors for seven years. Part time work supplemented his income, tending the gardens of former Saints manager, Lawrie McMenemy, so he was in the right place at the right time when a vacancy for a groundsman at the club became available. After spending thirteen happy years at Southampton - six at The Dell and seven at St Mary’s - Dave moved to his current position as Grounds Manager at Charterhouse when the then head man, Dale Gleed, suggested he applied for the position. “This time, the timing was right for me,” says Dave. “My personal circumstances had changed, and the position was offered with
accommodation. Also, having overseen the construction of the new pitch at St.
Coppicing has opend up this stunning view
Mary’s, I was ready for a new challenge. The two lads under me were champing at the bit to progress, so I suggested to the Chief Executive that they were both promoted to Head Groundsman, one at the training ground and the other at the stadium, and that they brought in a youngster to train up, thereby saving half my salary in, what were, difficult financial times for the club. He agreed with my suggestion, and Andy Gray and Graeme Mills are still doing fine work at the club. I’m pleased to see the club doing so well this season.”
Dave oversees a team of fifteen. His deputy is Adrian Beagley, who has been at the school for forty-three years. Heading up the administration is Jo Janssenswillen who looks after the day- today tasks, whilst the grounds maintenance is split into four sections - golf, gardens, cricket and winter pitches. The Head Greenkeeper is assisted by
Lukasz Moskal. Head Gardener is Graham Sykes who has a team of five to assist him - Bob Berry (Level 2), Mariusz Franciszkowski, Andrew Barbet, Simon Jones and James Greenshields (all Level 1). Lead Groundsman Cricket is James
Bourgeois and Lead Groundsman Winter Pitches, Jason Hunter. Both can call on
Franciszkowski, Andy Barbett, Jason Hunter, David Roberts, Bob Berry, James Bourgeios, Jo Rawlinson, Ben Brown, Jo Miller, Adrian Beagley, Jo Janssenwillen, Adam Bellman, Brian Pike, Simon Jones, James Greenshields and Graham Sykes
The groundstaff team outside the Peter May Pavilion, l-r r: Lukasz Moskal, Mariusz
the assistance of Adam Bellman, Jo Rawlinson and Ben Brown as the seasons dictate. More of the team leaders later. The machinery list, as you might
expect on such a large site, is extensive, and Dave is given a healthy annual maintenance budget, along with a capital budget, although the latter may get cut this year, following the 400th anniversary celebrations. “I’m keen for that not to happen,” says Dave, as it may set a precedent in years to come. Fortunately, both our Headmaster, Rev. John Witheridge, and our Bursar, David Williams, fully understand the huge benefits of the grounds facilities here and just how important presentation is. They are our shop window to the parents and visiting public. So, whilst I will be fighting our corner, I do have their full support.” The Toro equipment is purchased
from, and maintained by, JSM (John Shaw Machinery) and the John Deere equipment from Winchester Garden Machinery. “We can also call on the services of Ted Corner, a local agricultural and grounds machinery fitter, who has been dealing with the school for over thirty years, who will often find ways to repair machines for
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