Neil Thomas

BIGGA's Executive Director, Neil Thomas, died on Sunday, February 22, after a long illness. He was 60.

Neil was BIGGA's first employee when it was formed as an amalgamation of three separate greenkeeping associations in 1987. He was at the helm of the new Association as it grew to have over 7,000 members based all over the world, and a full time staff of 18 to administer to their needs from a purpose built headquarters just north of York. Prior to that Neil had been Chief Administrative Officer in the Social Services Department of West Glamorgan County Council, in his native South Wales.

A genuine lover of sport, his particular interests lay in golf, rugby union and cricket, of which he was a qualified coach. Neil is survived by his wife Elaine, and four children, Scott, Grant, Adam and Natalie.

New Editor

Laurence Gale has joined Pitchcare as Editor. The appointment will allow us to increase the number and range of articles, forums and technical information in the Magazine section and, at the same time, enable us to expand into other areas.

Laurence has over 30 years experience in the industry. Like us, he believes that the key to improving the status and standard of Groundsmanship and Greenkeeping is through education and training. He has recently acquired an MSc in sports surface technology from Cranfield University.

Part of Laurence's role will be to enhance and develop the site further by introducing new features, but more importantly, by encouraging members to contribute articles and information.

Saints groundstaff find aeration a breeze

The groundstaff at Southampton Football Club have been making light work of aeration since taking ownership of a Groundsman 12180 tractor-mounted aerator.

Grounds Manager Dave Roberts and his team were looking for an aerator that would make life easier for the groundstaff at the Club's Marchwood training ground. With a working width of 1.8 metres, the new machine can be used after a training session to aerate quickly before a match.

It's the largest in the Groundsman range and was chosen over a number of other machines because of the speed of operation, the quick and easy way that both tines and holders could be interchanged and the depth of penetration.

Dave commented: "The Groundsman aerator's used frequently at Marchwood and it's proved very popular with my staff. It's quick and versatile, freeing up their time to complete other tasks."

The machine was supplied to the Club by Hampshire-based M&S Enterprises, a sub-dealer for Synergy Products Limited.

For further information about Groundsman Industries range of products, please phone 028 2766 7049 for the Northern Ireland office or contact Dave Meharg at Synergy Products England Office on 01380 828337. Alternatively, visit their web site: www.groundsmanindustries.co.uk

Aeration Feature

Why do we aerate? The question asked and answered in our specialist monthly feature on the Pitchcare site. The types and causes of compaction on different soils are discussed, together with ways of dealing with the problem. Most groundsmen and greenkeepers have, at some time, had to deal with waterlogged pitches like the one to the left. Quite a challenge, however the feature gives advice on when to aerate, how to aerate and what machinery to use. All are critical to maintaining a stable and playable surface. There's a whole host of different types of machine to combat compaction, from a sarrel roller to the Earthquake machine. Find out the correct one to use for your particular sports surface, and the optimum time to use it. It is essential to include a variety of aeration techniques to prevent pan layers being created. This usually happens when the same aeration tine / corer set at the same depth is used, and results in a compacted layer forming at the base of tine / core  depth. Most turfgrass managers try to vary methods of aeration, changing the depths, size and diameter of tines.  The different techniques are considered in the feature. Information on reputable aeration contractors in the industry can be found by clicking the banners on the right. To view the complete Pitchcare article, click here.

Hot Items

Bowls and CAD (Computer Aided Design) - Fascinating and amusing insight from the STRI's Henry Bechelet (and Chairman of Silsden Bowling Club) into the benefits of the CAD system to groundsmen and bowlers. The contour maps are used as a maintenance aid by the groundsman, but they also provide the home bowlers with valuable local knowledge on the nuances of their green. But, what of the consequences should the information fall into the opposition's hands? Read it here.

Glossary of Terms - Now live on the Pitchcare site, with clear definitions of the terms used in the industry. The glossary will be updated on a regular basis. Members are invited to submit terms and definitions for inclusion in the glossary. View it here.

Monthly Diaries - A must view section for everyone working on sports turf surfaces. Detailed advice on the recommended maintenance regimes for each of the major sporting activities - cricket, rugby, football, bowls and, from March, golf, tennis and horse racing. Search Pitchcare for diaries.

Goalpost Safety - A reminder of the guidance that was issued by the Football Association regarding goalposts. Sadly, over the years, a number of children have been killed by falling goalposts. The Chief Executive of the FA at the time, Adam Crozier, stated, "Everyone involved with playing and organising football must play their part to ensure that the tragic accidents that have so disfigured the game in the past never happen again." Technical notes and guidance notes can be accessed from the article on the Pitchcare site. Read it here.

Education and Training - Coming soon. A new feature on the site providing articles on current educational initiatives, academic and practical training courses. The section will also provide details of student placement opportunities and details of students looking for placement positions. This latter service will be available free to members.

RBS Six Nations - The annual tournament is well underway, with no particular surprises to date. Twickenham has yet to be used, but Keith Kent has been beavering away to get the surface in pristine condition for England's first home game against Ireland. A report on his preparations and an around the grounds update on the Pitchcare site. Read it here.

Shop Specials

Hover Mower - For EXTREME mowing conditions nothing performs like the HoverMowerT. Designed for uncompromising performance, built with meticulous care and loaded with exclusive features, these hover mowers are the number one choice for Turf Professionals! Features:

• Stainless steel blades for long life and clean cut (industry's first and only).
• Deep tripod polyethylene decks eliminate scalping and resist cracking and fracture (industry's first and only).
• Steel handle brackets connect to the deck with reinforced metal mounts to eliminate stress fracture and costly deck replacement (industry's first and only).
• 1/2" - 3" adjustable cut height. 4" cut optional (industry's highest)
• Lightest mowers in their class with highest horsepower to weight ratio.
• Largest, most efficient impellers in the industry for superior hovering and ease of operation.

With a powerful Honda 4-cycle engine matched to the largest impeller in the business, this mower is built to hover light and deliver big performance. It is CARB and EPA certified.

Available through Pitchcare at the special delivery inclusive price of £431 +VAT. Order here.

Tee Markers - Buy BMS new 'log effect' tee markers and get your club logo put on for free!

Made from high quality recycled 'wood effect' polymers these tee markers will last for years, include stainless steel stakes, and removable plastic faces, therefore making any future logo or design changes easy! Printing is of the highest quality and durability available, guaranteed!

£8.95 +VAT each marker complete with logo. Order here.

Bowdry - Be prepared for the rain and surface water by getting one of our Special Offer Bowdrys. The thick foam roller has a 60 litre holding tank and picks up water, dew, liquid mud, or any other floods or spills. Selected by the UK Design Council as a Millennium Product and available to Pitchcare members for only £475 +VAT.

To purchase your Bowdry at this special rate, click here. Have your credit card ready, if ordered before 2pm on a working day, next day delivery will be arranged.

Tower Blue & Tower Green - high strength water soluble colours to be used as indicators when spraying chemicals onto grass. Use of the indicator allows the operator to see where previous spraying has been, and is an aid to eliminating overspray.

Used Machinery

At this time of the year Used Machinery is probably the most visited section on the Pitchcare site. Everyone is gearing up for Spring and, as with most things, the early bird is usually the most successful. There is a wide selection of machinery available on the site including tractors, cricket rollers, mowers and top dressers. Here are a couple of examples of the machines currently available:

Cricket Roller - Shotblasted and resprayed, ballast front and rear drums for extra weight. New Briggs OHV engine. 2 speed reconditioned gearbox. Superb roller with 1 year's guarantee - £3995. View details.

Ransomes Mastiff 30 - 30 inch cylinder mower, c/w grass box and Mag engine. Recently serviced and sharpened - £500. View Details.

SISIS Trio Rotorake Mk 2 - Had one season use on cricket ground. Bought brand new, comes complete with box, scarifying reel, verticutting reel, spiking reel and brush reel - £1000. View details.