|
|
|
|
| April 2004 |
| The Interactive Online Magazine for Groundsmen and Greenkeepers |
 April's Newsletter is Sponsored by Rigby Taylor www.rigbytaylor.co.uk |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
We like to bring members great deals and new services as often as possible but, this month, I think we have excelled ourselves. It’s end of season renovation time for the winter sports and, for the smaller clubs in particular, it can be very costly. To help out, two of our regular sponsor companies are offering their services and products at special rates for Pitchcare members. British Seed Houses will give you 20% extra seed absolutely FREE from their Grade A range on any orders placed by 7th May with delivery taken by 21st May. Further details below. Blakedown SportsTurf are offering local clubs advice on construction and renovation works, with discounted prices on any orders placed. More details below. In the mood for a holiday? Pitchcare have teamed up with ABTA bonded Travel Factory to give members unbeatable deals on holidays, cruises, car hire, and so on. The Travel Factory are offering guaranteed discounts to Pitchcare members on any other consumer offers, plus weekly special deals. More information below with further details on the site. Who gives you extra? Kind Regards Dave Saltman Managing Director, Pitchcare |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||
|
The months of April and May often bring variable and changing weather conditions, with air temperatures ranging from 0 to 20 degrees C, changes in soil moisture resulting from infrequent April showers and increased light levels are all factors that influence the environment in which we grow and maintain turf. These environments, coupled with poor cultural practices, often lead to an increased likelihood of pest and disease outbreaks. It is during this time of the year we start to see an increase in weeds, as the sudden warm temperatures and moist soil conditions stimulate growth and flowering. Dandelions and daisies are very prominent now with many local authority pitches covered in white and yellow flowers. This month's special feature article will look at the different types of pests and diseases that affect both natural and artificial surfaces and how they can be controlled through various practices. To view complete article, click here. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
A Call to Action – Third generation synthetic surfaces are here. Are they a threat or a benefit to the industry? Pitchcare is looking to form a Focus Group of people who’d be prepared to spend a day discussing the impact of synthetic pitches and other topical issues with others with a view to taking collective, positive action. Read article. Cricket Wicket rolling – Lots of debate and advice on the Message Board about the right way and, just as importantly, the wrong way to do this vitally important task. End of season – Advice and information from the Groundsmen at local and senior clubs on preparing for their end of season work. Chris Charles (Tividale), Dave Roberts (Southampton) and Darren Baldwin (Spurs). See Football section of the magazine. Synthetics – Analysis by the experts in the field, Technical Surfaces, of the lifecycle of a typical surface, and the costly implications of delaying a maintenance programme. For full article, click here. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
For example, if you need 25kg you’ll only pay for 20kg. If you need 50kg, you’ll only pay for 40kg. If you need 100kg, you’ll only pay for 80kg. And so on. Alternatively, if you do not want the extra seed – why not take a FREE bag of Grade A granular fertiliser for every bag of seed you order. To discuss your requirements and take advantage of this superb offer, call the British Seed Houses’ Grade A Direct FREEPHONE number on 0800 328 8276 by 7th May 2004. Alternatively, if you know exactly what Grade A mixture you require, order on-line via Pitchcare's Shop and we’ll give you the discount. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
We always get to hear and read about the pitch works that go on at the all of the “big” clubs in the country, but let’s not forget the thousands of smaller local league clubs who also have works carried out, often on a budget and often to cater for a punishing schedule of fixtures the following season. Blakedown SportsTurf specialise in all kinds of natural pitch construction and renovation, from a full new build down to minor aeration works and overseeding. Based at Hartlebury near Kidderminster Blakedown are offering their services to all Pitchcare members who would like advice and works carried out in the closed season. “We would be delighted to hear from all Pitchcare members who require any advice or works carried out on their sports surfaces” says Jon Chippendale, Blakedown’s sports turf manager. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you can call Blakedown on 01299 251600 and speak to Gill Whiteman, mentioning the Pitchcare offer. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
A full time position for an Assistant Groundsman/Gardener has arisen at St Paul's School, Barnes, London, a Private Boys School, set in 45 acres on the banks of the River Thames. Weed Sprayers required for 4 month contract (may be extended), paying £8 to 9 per hour. Based in Hampshire. Expanding sports ground construction company seeking several Tractor drivers/machine operatives for immediate start. Also recruiting a Senior supervisory position. Head Groundsman - Major Showground, East Midlands. One year Student placement – London. NEC Harlequins Rugby Football Club, take on a student for a years' contract starting on the 1st July. For all the above and the complete list of vacancies, visit the Jobfinder section. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
Alternatively, if you are in the market for new machinery, we are able to obtain the full range of Paladin mowers at exceptional prices, starting at just £2986 for the 21 inch 5 blade mower, including delivery. Full details of the machines and prices can be found in the Pitchcare Shop. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
Wet wickets? Caught out by the rain? So were we. We were inundated by cricket groundsmen wanting a Bowdry, so much so that we ran out. Our apologies. Stocks now being replenished. It goes to show that even the professionals get caught out, which is why they need reliable, accurate, up to the minute information on what the weather has in store. That is why many of our members sign up to the weather service supplied by John Kettley’s British Weather Services. The service gives direct access to a Forecaster (not a machine) who will give you the forecast for your area, and at a price that is considerably cheaper than the Met Office. For details of the best professional weather advice, click here. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
Members are able to make a simple standard rate call to the Pitchcare Holiday Club, Mon – Fri 9am to 6 pm and Saturdays 9am to 4pm where Travel Executives are on hand to take your call and assist you with your travel requirements. Some of the offers for Pitchcare members:- A minimum 3% discount on top of any other consumer offer (excl. flight only) 10% discount off world wide car rentals 5% discount off Airport parking, Airport Hotels and Executive Airport Lounges 5% discount off world wide attraction tickets incl. Disney Weekly Special Offers For more details, view the Travel Factory section on the site. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
Advertise Forward |
|||||||
|
