Educational Establishments
(originally the Sports & Social Club of the National Physical Laboratory) in Teddington and worked there for seventeen years, in two spells. I left to take up the position here at St James in 2010.
What training and education did you study?
I completed the National Diploma (NDT) in 1997, having studied at Norwood Hall for three years. I have also attended many short courses, seminars and conferences over the years and still try to improve my skills and knowledge at various courses when I can.
Was there one person who inspired you?
No one person, but so many people were prepared to help and advise in my early days in the industry.
Are you responsible for budgets or do you report to someone else - for example a bursar, facilities manager or committee?
I compile and manage a grounds budget each year which goes to the school’s Bursar for approval. Monitoring takes place during the year with regular meetings with the Deputy Bursar and Estates Manager. Capital items are put before the Bursar case by case, with me providing a written justification for each item.
What additional staff do you have?
I have just taken on an apprentice, twenty year-old Jack Higgs, to help cope with the extra workload. I have been the sole groundsman for the last five years!
What additional help do you get (part time, consultants, agronomists, contractors etc.)?
We have employed a part-time gardener, Warren Carr, one day a week during the growing season, and agronomist Noel Mackenzie of Sportsturf Consulting Ltd has acted as a consultant on our North Field project. I get occasional help from the estates team during busy periods and use several local contractors to carry out deep aeration, some of the renovations and any major tree work.
How would you describe the soil profile?
Most of the area is on gravel, hence the large amount of water surrounding the site, including our own lake. The soil on the main
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