Schools & Colleges
Amazone at work on the main cricket outfield
In July and August of 2010, eight cricket pitches were relaid with Boughton County loam. The work was carried out by Total Turf Solutions. Over 110 tonnes of loam was used. Each pitch was dug out to a depth of 110mm and infilled with the new loam material, consolidated, levelled and oversown with a 100% ryegrass seed mixture. Whilst on site, Eric and TTS took the opportunity to renovate a number of the other squares using the same loam. “They all performed pretty well last summer,” says Eric, “and I’m keen to see what improvement there is this year.” “The condition of the
grounds, and how well they are looked after, set the first impressions for visitors to the school. This is always a paramount concern, and I’m fortunate that the team here share that ethos.”
“In the thirty years I have been here, we have made huge progress in the way the grounds are maintained and presented, and in the working conditions for the groundstaff. The support of the Bursar and Headmaster has been critical in achieving this,” says Eric.
I ask Eric what changes have most impacted on him during his time at Bromsgrove School. “I was very ‘hands-on’ with the groundstaff back in 1981. I used to write everything down in a diary at the end of the day. Then, along came the computer, emailing and mobile phones, but the biggest change was to have my own grounds budget for materials, contractors and gardens. No more beg, steal or borrow. Also, having a brand new office with up to date IT equipment has been a huge bonus. This allows me to plan the work much better than before!” “The impact of Health & Safety on the job has been quite noticeable, especially in the last ten years. The school now has a full time Health & Safety officer (John Brookes) who has a major impact on how we deal with things. It has meant a lot more paperwork and, for example, no more putting up or taking down our own sets of rugby posts; contractors have to come in. I have to provide risk assessments for all activities. In the long term, the effect on the school should be that more people will be aware of what is
Multi-use Trailer Three way discharge:
Rear: To a spinner for topdressing Front: Trench filling in view of the driver
Side: Filling of trenches, filling other machines, placing sand into bunkers, etc.
TRENCHERS
01787 311811
info@trenchers.co.uk www.trenchers.co.uk
AFT45 for compact
tractors from 20hp With chain or slitting wheel, augers or conveyor to quickly install drainage systems, pipes or cables as and when needed. Ideal for sports turf, agricultural, domestic and industrial markets.
One of two artificial pitches FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 PC 89
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