Equestrian
Deere and New Holland TS90 work hard, and it’s a compromise between having something that’s powerful enough to run the irrigator and pull the roller mower, without being too heavy.” Mike also reseeds at the end of the season, using a 1m square to assess the most important areas for attention. “We’re using ryegrass varieties from the DLF
Master Seeds range at the moment. They are fast growing and withstand cold winters - we actually graze the polo fields with sheep in the winter to stop the grass growing too much.” “I also use some fescue, if the budget
allows, as it is good in drought conditions, if a little slow to grow. We buy seed in bulk and get a good price and prompt delivery.” The underlying Cotswold brash soils make
An Irrifrance reel and raingun water two pitches, but lagoon capacity limits the ability to irrigate in a dry year
growing anything a challenge - in the final years of farming on the estate, Mike recalls dry summers sending crop yields plummeting. Highlight of the season is the Budgett
Everett tournament in August, where players compete towards the Hurlingham Polo Association’s Victor Ludorum award, although the club is more renowned for offering entertaining polo in a picturesque setting throughout the season rather than one specific event. Efforts to provide the sport’s legendary
hospitality on the outlying pitches, away from the clubhouse, include the building of ‘chukka bars’ by Mike and by members - temporary buildings with raised decking to afford a lofty view of the action whilst quaffing a Pimms or other seasonal beverage! Landscaping of the area adjacent to the lagoon is another project, whilst Mike is also responsible for the maintenance of the magnificent oak trees in the parkland setting of Grounds One and Two. A new electronic clock, which also acts as
Kirtlington Park has seen increasing numbers of young people taking up polo in recent years
A verti-drain would make a big difference, as would a set of gangs that could stand up to the workload. Oh, and 500 tonnes of sand wouldn’t go amiss!
”
The new clock was provided by the family of the late Rupert Thorneloe in his memory
126 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
the scoreboard, has pride of place on Ground One, donated by the family of member Rupert Thorneloe in his memory after he was killed in Afghanistan. His love of the sport is also commemorated in a popular KPPC members vs the Army tournament each July. Mike Moss is something of a fixture at Kirtlington Park, having worked for the Budgett family for forty-three years in total, and is looking forward to his retirement, if he can train up a successor. In the meantime, he ponders on his wishlist
for the club. “A bigger lagoon would be useful - it was originally only designed to irrigate one field. A verti-drain would make a big difference, as would a set of gangs that could stand up to the workload. Oh, and 500 tonnes of sand wouldn’t go amiss!” But he prides himself on making the most of
what is available, carrying out repairs and maintenance over the winter in the club’s workshop, and getting the best out of the machinery. The new season will soon come round again.
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