FOREWORD WELCOMETO SAY THAT AGAIN! Against all odds ...
Whilst this is my first foreword for Pitchcare, many of you will know that I have been editor for a while - it’s merely part of the natural progression of Pitchcare that I will address you going forward.
It’s a very strange time for everyone and, as I write this, Wimbledon and The Open have both been cancelled, sport in general is effectively closed for business, all pubs, restaurants, theatres etc. remain closed and the impact of Covid-19 on our everyday lives has become even greater.
Governing bodies have set out guidelines for each sector in order to carry out ‘interim works’, but I’m sure this is affecting each club in many different ways. Understandably, people are worried about the general economic outlook, and who knows when we will return to a sense of normality?
However, it’s encouraging to see so many images on social media of you all maintaining surfaces, even with reduced resources and restrictions.
I appreciate everything is currently ‘ticking over’, however, in this issue, we continue to provide articles that represent facilities in their ‘normal’ environment. In these quieter times, if anyone would like to speak to us about their current situation or conduct a telephone/video interview for a future article, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Here at Pitchcare we have, like so many businesses, adapted to alternative ways of working, with most staff members working from home. However, our online shop remains fully functional and we have actually seen a record number of sales from the retail sector. At least this hopefully means most people are staying at home!
Understandably, in doing this, our regular routines are affected, and we can no longer enjoy so many of our usual activities with family and friends - which may have an impact on our mental health.
It’s important to recognise when we’re struggling and reach out to fellow industry colleagues or loved ones. It is important to remember that it is okay to feel worried, scared or helpless and that everyone reacts differently. Remember, this situation is temporary and, for most of us, these difficult feelings will pass. Staying at home may be challenging, but you are helping to protect yourself and others by doing so.
There are a number of websites you can visit should you need support, help or guidance in these challenging times (see page 5), whilst your associations are also able to offer help and guidance.
When all this is over, I do believe that our sports facilities will, given your undoubted talents, recover very quickly and we will get back to ‘normal’ in quick time.
Finally, I would like to thank those advertisers who retained their presence in this issue, with a view to getting those machinery and product deliveries underway and demonstrations booked in due course.
Keep talking, keep safe and we will get through this together.
Kerry Haywood Editor
“II thought I was a good groundsman before I went to London, but soon realised that wasn’t the case!” Lewis Pattinson, Bradford Grammar
“It was common to hear that one species or another ‘definitely was not there’, but it turned out that often the site owner was just not looking in the right place!”
Richard Mullen, Banchory Golf Club
“I love getting involved with the team. I still call myself a head greenkeeper and not a course manager. I’m a greenkeeper more than a manager; that’s what I do best” Paul Newcombe, East Devon Golf Club
“Masking symptoms instead of solving the underlying problems is still the accepted
management practice for most turf managers”
Martin Ward, Symbio
“I’ve got three kids, so being at home can be stressful at times. I couldn’t imagine having stress at work as well. I love being at home with my girlfriend and the kids, but it can be a hyper environment”
Dan James, Ford Sports & Social Club
“Back then, I would go banging on doors; the front door, back door, the windows and even the roof if I could, to gain access to stadiums”
Nico van Vuuren, SGL
PC April/May 2020
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