EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS


over the summer period, usually consisting of cricket and football, but this year we had the addition of rugby.” “The cricket festival is made up of twelve teams who play a fifty-over format that lasts eleven days and consists of two five-day tournaments for under-11s and under-12s, with a one-day gap. It’s an important event for the school, as cricket is one of our two main sports.” This year, Steve’s team had a gap of about a week between the last cricket let and the new rugby let. From then until Christmas, all of the nine rugby pitches will be in use and he’s unable to renovate during this time because the schedule doesn't allow time for it.


“After Christmas, a majority of the rugby pitches come down, leaving two pitches for cup games and general training, which means our work on the pitches is then only limited by the weather. The football pitches are the main areas that don’t get the chance to be rested, as they are constantly used by the lets and by pupils in both internal competition and general recreation.” “I think that lettings are important in any school now, and the RHS is no exception. The cricket letting is very significant as it adds to the profile of the school. I think it’s a nice thing to have and you get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the kids out there, who not only enjoy the cricket facilities but also their stay on site.”


“Because of these activities, there’s never a time when there’s nothing happening on the pitches. There’s still work you can do if the conditions are right, like aerating, which for any grounds team is important. The October and February half term allow up to three weeks where the main sports field is free of lettings, so mechanical work can be carried out, weather permitting.” “Due to the needs of the school and having to work to time constraints, we’ve reluctantly had to push certain processes to one side. We have managed, so far, to get away with it, but we are always aware that this isn’t sustainable.”


50 PC October/November 2018


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