EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS


We both have the same opinion that, when visitors are coming up the main drive, that is the first impression of the school they have


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as he knows we do the job.” “We both have the same opinion that, when visitors are coming up the main drive, that is the first impression of the school they have. If they see the playing surfaces and lawns looking their best, it gives them a good feeling about the rest of the school. First impressions are what count to prospective parents looking to invest their money into the school; money that comes back to us. To me, that this is the most important thing at the school.”


The whole site covers a substantial forty hectares of land. Robert and his team of three are responsible for the maintenance of the main field, which is on the left as you come up the driveway. In the centre of the field is the main cricket square with eight tracks. In the far corner there are three grass nets and four artificial practice areas. In the summer, this area will have a 400m running track, 110m hurdle box, shotput, discus and javelin marked in. In winter, there are three rugby union pitches for the first, second and third teams.


Adjacent to the main field is a smaller field with a three-lane cricket square with, in the corner, a two-bay artificial net area. In summer, it will have a 200m running track marked in. In winter, this area is used for junior rugby with two small pitches but no posts as they do not require them. In front of the school is a small junior


cricket square and, if required, they will put a small running track in there. At the bottom of the village is the capacity for two full-size rugby or football pitches, but it has been used less and less over the past few years. At the back of the prep school is a junior football pitch as well as a small astroturf area for hockey and, at the side of that, are nine artificial tennis courts which, in winter, convert into a full-size hockey pitch. Robert describes the soil profile of the main field as being very ‘glacky’. “Off the pitch on a day like this, it holds water, and it is really sticky. For the last twenty years we must have spent about a hundred thousand pounds, if not more, trying to resolve it.


“Even in wet weather, the Major Swift leaves a great finish.”


Shaun Edwards, Cropper Grounds Maintenance Ltd


MAJOR Trailed Swift Roller Mower Delivers an exceptional quality of cut, even in the most challenging conditions.


 Four models from 4.0m to 7.3m  Hot-dipped galvanised finish  Sealed internal roller bearings  Simple height adjustment from 10-130mm  Gearbox driveline eliminates the problems associated with belt-driven mowers  3-year warranty


Call 01524 850501 or visit www.major-equipment.com


PC October/November 2020 81


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