Winter Sports GR SSCUTTER
End it - like Beckham
Our anonymous groundsman, Mr AKA Grasscutter, discusses the merits - or not - of a day out at Saltex
I NOTICE there’s a new kid on the block when it comes to industry shows. Something called MAP Live, whatever that means, which is on a tour of the UK at the moment.
From what I hear, these roadshows are doing okay - not setting the world on fire, but it’s early days yet and, impressively, they do have the support of a good number of our more reputable trade organisations.
experience in our industry, that openly states there will be more play related exhibitors?”
“Why would I want to go to a show organised by a company with no
At least you’ve got to give them credit for trying something different and for giving more of us groundsmen a chance of seeing some practical demos and new kit in our own backyard. I’ll be popping along with my team when it comes in our vicinity.
What about Saltex, you may say? Now, don’t get me started on that. Living north of Watford, as I do, a day out at Windsor is both costly and time consuming. Yet, there was a time when I would make a point of going every year, taking my staff in alternate years so that they could also interact with colleagues and suppliers.
However, in recent years - I’d say the last seven or eight - Saltex has become less a show for groundsmen and more about filling the space with whatever they could - 4x4s, nurseries, play equipment, boats, catering stands etc. - to a point where I no longer take my staff, and last year’s visit will have been my last.
Why? Let me explain. The recent blurb from the show organisers, Brintex - whoever they are - tells me that Saltex is ‘co-locating’ with the Play Fair exhibition. Oh good, more play related exhibitors; that earth shattering news
will certainly not encourage me to rush to buy my train ticket!
It also tells me it is 10% bigger than last year. Well, 10% of not a lot is still not a lot, if my maths is correct. It also states over 200 exhibitors. Not so many years ago they were claiming to have over 400, and didn’t I read somewhere that the organisers claimed over 300 exhibitors last year? Something does not add up!
So, why would I want to go to a show organised by a company with no experience in our industry, that openly states there will be more play related exhibitors and who can’t seem to do the sums either?
No, I’d much rather keep my eye open for the one day demo events, organised by the likes of the TGA, Campeys, Dennis/Sisis etc. They’re usually very well organised, informative, convenient and free - just what we groundsmen want.
To be honest, if I wanted to push the boat out and take the team to a trade show, I’d much rather go to Harrogate; to a show for greenkeepers organised by the greenkeepers association, and with a great educational programme and night-life to boot. There’s more that appeals to this groundsman and his staff than Windsor at the height of the growing season.
Like an ageing sportsman who doesn’t know when to call it a day, Saltex is desperately hanging on to its former glories. My advice - go gracefully, like David Beckham.
Keep the faith; and keep cutting the grass, after all that’s all you do.
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