Public Places
A JD X300 tractor and dragbrush combo keeps the surface clear of debris
“We can have 2,500-3,000 people a day on site, so there is that feeling of vulnerability about keeping everyone safe and sound”
Coram’s Fields groundstaff l-r: Naz Deen, Noel Lyons and Charley Romanus
important security element, he adds. “The lower grade steel used in the old fencing didn’t deter vandalism, but the steel structure we have now is thicker grade and more robust - and it’s higher.” Noel started life in construction before moving into groundsmanship, so his skills there have held him in good stead for the demands at Coram’s Fields. Not an industry to enter for the money, Noel concedes, the job does pay dividends. “You’re outside in a beautiful, tree-filled environment and there’s plenty of variety in our work. One minute you’re clearing leaves, the next you’re administering first-aid, repairing roofs, glazing, mending gutters or plastering walls - as much of the site is Grade 2 listed, we have to apply specially recommended plaster, such as Tupre, and other materials that are as near as possible to the original ones.”
Acting as health and safety marshalls for the annual fireworks display is another of the team’s commitments, as is preparing for and clearing up after the unusually named Kings Cross County Show. “It attracts stalls selling everything from bric a brac to antiques and fruit and vegetables,” says Noel. “We take everything they can throw at us, as events like this all attract revenue and we are acutely aware of the difficulties with funding in the present climate.” “There’s not much natural turf in the park. I’d expected more,” I state innocently. “That’s because much of it is lying under the marquees that have been erected for an arts exhibition,” Noel answers. Another signal that life is busy at Coram’s Fields.
“We can have 2,500-3,000 people a day
on site, so there is that feeling of vulnerability about keeping everyone safe and sound.”
As football bookings begin at midday, the grounds team completes the maintenance duties in the morning before moving on to other duties. Rising demand though could squeeze time slots to complete the necessary work, Noel admits.
How about career development for the team? Part-timer Amir Ali is one to watch, Noel predicts. “He’s good at everything and has the energy and the interest to take up a full-time post and move on up.”
Keen to build sustainability into the team, Noel anticipates a time when he can bring in apprentices, “but not just yet,” he says. “The sector is moving forward rapidly and groundsmen have to have the front-of-house skills that the likes of the media demand.” “Business from bookings is growing, which means more revenue, but more activity for us, so we’ll become more visible generally which, in turn, adds even greater levels of accountability for what we do.”
The project to replace the existing tennis courts with new multi-sport surfaces, embracing netball, will introduce further duties for Noel and the team but, at 46, and not planning to retire any time soon, he has plenty of time to further refine the grounds maintenance programme in light of Coram’s Fields bright future as an inner-city sports and leisure hub.
The Foundlings Hospital 94 PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014
The new 3G surface is believed to be the best in London
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