CONTENTS Contents SUMMER SPORTS
2020 not out! After serious flooding at Blackfinch New Road, Worcestershire CCC’s head groundsman Tim Packwood faced new challenges as he prepared for the new season with a shrinking team and a set of Covid protocols. Jane Carley met up with him as play finally got underway again. P76
Dad’s army take the flack
During a typical Friday in June, the final preparations would usually be being made to the square at The Victory Ground but, instead, it is routine mowing and watering that is the order of the day. Operating the Toro Reelmaster 5410 is Head Groundsman, Mark Flack, with his father and Grounds Director, Bobby Flack, hand watering. Their involvement in this proud Suffolk sporting institution has spanned decades, and their passion and love for ‘The Vic’ is shared by many. P82
All smiles at Driffield
After a delayed meeting due to the Covid-19 crisis, Lee Williams, finally caught up with Mark Goddard, the club’s Head Groundsman and his right-hand man, former Head Groundsman Phil Skelton, on what turned out to be a sunny day in July. P90
Taking care of business
What do Westhoughton Cricket Club, Farnworth Cricket Club (in the Bolton League) and Littleborough Cricket Club (in the Lancashire League) all have in common? They are all expertly tended to by Rob Bennett of Rob Bennett Groundcare. Lee Williams caught up with him at Westhoughton CC. P96
PUBLIC PLACES Brodsworth Bounces Back!
Brodsworth Hall, virtually unchanged since the 1860s, is one of the most complete surviving examples of a Victorian country house in England. Located in Brodsworth and close to Doncaster, this Grade 1 listed building is often referred to as English Heritage’s flagship property in the North. Unable to visit due to Covid-19 closure, David Mears was invited to return recently and spent some time with Senior Gardener, Edward Watchorn. P102
EQUESTRIAN Hats off to Mark ‐ both of them
Like all sports racing is facing up to big changes thanks to Coronavirus. One of National Hunt’s best-loved courses is preparing for an extra change. Its long serving Head Groundsman and, in recent times, its Clerk of the Course too is retiring at the end of the year. Neville Johnson visited Plumpton to talk to Mark Cornford to get his thoughts on how ‘the turf’ has changed for him. P114
TRAINING How to Give Bad News
Trainer and Conference Speaker Frank Newberry looks at how to give bad news to people in the workplace. Giving bad news can be hard on everyone. It needs to be handled well if everyone’s morale and performance levels are to be sustained. P122
Edward Watchorn, Brodsworth Hall John Beggs, Ballyclare Golf Club
Mark Cornford, Plumpton Racecourse
Tim Packwood, Worcestershire CCC PC August/September 2020 3
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