Winter Sports Keeping pace with the ‘Accies’ 58
Omagh Academicals RFC’s Grounds Manager, Raymond Crosbie, is responsible for the club’s Thomas Mellon Playing Fields and oversees the work undertaken by local contractors, Dimac, to ensure that everything is up to the standards required.
Full ‘steam’ ahead for Boro 62
Middlesbrough FC head groundsman Tony Bell is an industry pioneer not afraid to adopt innovative methods and machinery, but only after the appliance of science has been brought to bear, reports Tom James
Spot on at Spotland 70
Fifteen months into his new role at Rochdale AFC and head groundsman Rob Bennett is already fully aware of the budgetary differences that exist in Football League One compared to the seemingly endless stream of money available to near neighbours Manchester’s United and City. Yet, he and his small team do a fine job thanks to the support of CEO Colin Garlick
Summer Sports Jack of two trades!
Conservation Not as bad as you think!
Also in this issue 96
John O’Gaunt greenkeeper and ecologist, Steve Thompson, looks at the benefits that nettles and other ‘weeds’ bring to the golf course. In this article, he explains how some of the more ‘nuisance’ species can, in fact, be of huge benefit to all manner of wildlife, both large and small.
Don’t go bracken my heart! Britain’s most hated bird? 98
The STRI’s Bob Taylor touches on how ecological processes have shaped the landscape and how they need to be understood to allow informed decisions regarding management.
102
There’s no denying that Canada geese are handsome birds, or that their goslings have the aaah factor, but they are now considered a pest in the UK and, as such, may be culled with the appropriate licence. But just what does this bird get up to that so annoys humans and how can they be controlled?
Technical Irrigation check list 76
In twenty-two year old Jack Chapman, North Warwickshire Cricket Club appear to have found a real gem. Not only does he run a very successful lawn and garden business, but he finds time to look after the club’s ground as well. In this article, he talks about his dual roles and his aspirations for the future. You could say he’s already climbed a mountain to get where he is today!
Rolling out our programme 84
As regular readers on the Pitchcare website forum, Edgbaston Priory Club's Grounds Management duo of Grounds Manager Dave Lawrence, and Assistant John Lawrence were inspired to write a piece related to a recent thread, in the hope of offering a full view of how they manage soil moisture when drying down courts ready for the playing season, and also their beliefs regarding the use of testing equipment
Equestrian Thriving in the fast lane 90
The team at Wetherby embraces change and makes the best of opportunities to make this independently owned racecourse a success. Located next to the A1, Wetherby is in a prime location to attract both racegoers and increasingly important non-racing business such as conferences and banquets.
On the right track at Drax 106
Robert Jackson, Irrigation Manager at Lely Turfcare, discusses why it’s time to start applying the same principles to irrigation maintenance that are applied to machinery maintenance.
110
As its backdrop, Drax Golf Club has the largest, yet cleanest coal powered power station in the UK. Assistant Greenkeeper, Ben Morgan, discusses their plans for the course in the coming months and years.
Which one is right for you? 116
Ian Mitchell, a former Senior Training Technician at Cutting Edge Training, now runs his own training company. In this article for his former employer, he looks at utility vehicles - the options available and which one is right for you.
Spoiling your sward? 121
Turf diseases are an inherent part of the design of sand based pitches and USGA spec greens, relying as they do on relatively high levels of fertiliser and water input to maintain a playing surface.
Industry A Winning Team 124
Duralock Performance Fencing has a global reputation within the equestrian and racing markets, however, that’s not how it all began! Chairman, Marcus Wheeler, talks about the breakthrough for the company which now supplies racecourses and other venues across the world.
142 Offside Goalpost Safety 144 128 Frank Newberry
Ash tree extinction? Omagh Tennis Club
James Sulliva, Liverpool FC
132 134 136
News Grasscutter Invasive Species Myerscough College 5 74
122 128
136
Rabbits and the law The cost of water Goalpost safety
Stephen Cuthbertson, Omagh Tennis Club
138 140 142
58
Raymond Crosbie, Omagh Rugby Club
90
Ian Ward, Wetherby Racecourse
144
John Coleman, Accrington Stanley PC APRIL/MAY 2016 I 3
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