We'll be hearing from Pete Marron at Old Trafford as he prepares for England's 3rd and final test match against Sri Lanka, while Mick Hunt at Lords has a couple of one day internationals at the end of the month.

On the 24th the world's greatest lawn tennis tournament gets under way. Eddie Seaward will regale us, in his own inimitable way, on his preparations for the sports showpiece event.

Then there`s our regular features from the local clubs as their renovation works or season gets into full swing.

And - back on the tools - as our Editor gets his hands dirty again. Find out how he coped, and how he suffered!

Plus all the latest Industry news as it happens.

Soil analysis before any major works or renovation is carried out is an absolute must do, and it is something that all clubs should carry out at least once each season. All too many people continue to follow the same work routines and fertiliser applications at their clubs, regardless of the fact that they may have serious nutrient deficiencies or a poor soil structure. Fertiliser can be wasted if the soil and plant element levels are deficient.

Pitchcare have teamed up with European Turfgrass Laboratories and can now bring members a special rate, but more importantly an independent soil testing service. ETL provide a comprehensive service of analysis from basic nutrient (NPK) testing through to full USGA requirements.

Prices start from as little as £30 plus Vat. Full details in our Soil Analysis section.

In need of training in Health and Safety or machinery use?
Are you aware of your rights and your responsibilities during the working day?

We can provide certificated courses to suit your needs. Send us an e-mail at enquiries@pitchcare.com with details of the type of training you are looking for.

SISIS offer

Their lowest prices ever on an exclusive range of products for Pitchcare members - Rolaspike, Trulevel, Trio-rotorake, Airdrain, brushes, rakes, tines, and a whole lot more equipment of use to the smaller clubs in particular. We guarantee you won't get lower prices anywhere.

Click on here. to take a look at the SISIS products we have available in the shop. If the product or machine you`re looking for isn't there, don't worry - contact us for the cheapest quotes the Industry can offer.

Benefiting from bulk buying is not normally an option for smaller clubs - well it is now! We have access to suppliers and manufacturers all over the country - seeds, fertiliser, dressings - you name it, we can get it.

And, being independent, we are not committed to just one supplier or manufacturer. By negotiating on behalf of our member clubs we can drive prices down and, obviously the more clubs we have on board, the harder we can bargain.

So, give us an idea of your likely requirements, with absolutely no obligation, by email sales@pitchcare.com and we'll start negotiating a great price for you.

Many of you may like the idea of ordering on-line, but don't want to use a credit card. It's understandable - the net has hardly started with a great name for security! (Although we use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology, approved by all the major banks).

Alternatively, and like most of the rest of us, you may make decisions on purchases for your club but do not actually hold the purse strings. Pitchcare have now introduced an account system; agree credit terms with us in advance and then you can use the shop for purchases 24 hours a day. Following delivery we invoice accordingly - what could be simpler? If you have an account with us, and we know where you're based, we can adjust down the generic prices quoted in the shop.

We now have a few companies regularly selling second hand, ex-demo and reconditioned machines in the Barter room. If you want to sell 'kit' that you no longer have any use for then post it in the items for sale section.

But also take a look in the Items Wanted section, there are quite a few members who are looking for second hand machines to buy. In fact one of our members got broken into and had some irresponsible youths burn down his shed and machinery. Maybe you could help?

Current bargains include ride-on triples, scarifiers, aerators and travelling sprinklers.