Pitchcare Pitchcare
May 2004
The Interactive Online Magazine for Groundsmen and Greenkeepers

North Staffs Irrigation May's Newsletter is sponsored by
North Staffs Irrigation Ltd

www.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk

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North Staffs Irrigation

This Month:
Editor's Foreword
Hot Items
Irrigation
Jobs
Shows & Conferences
Offers
Classifieds

Pitchcare Travel Factory
Dave Saltman
Dear

Congratulations to Mick Hunt, Head Groundsman at Lord’s. The wicket he produced for the recent England Test match against New Zealand was about as perfect as anyone could get.

A result in the final session on the final day of a 5 day Test is the ideal outcome for everyone concerned. Supporters (English ones), media, sponsors and home club officials will all have gone home extremely happy.

I am sure, behind the scenes, Mick got all the congratulations he deserves. It would have been nice, however, for the media to have been more forthcoming with some praise. Perhaps I'm just expecting too much!

Well done, Mick.

Kind Regards
Dave Saltman
Managing Director, Pitchcare

Go to TopHot Items

18th hole at Royal Troon
The Open at Royal Troon - The Open Championship returns to the shores of the Firth of Clyde in July for the first time since 1997. The Old Course at Royal Troon offers a demanding test of links golf and has all the credentials necessary to test the very best in the world. A lot of work has been done to the famous course in preparation for the tournament. Alex Beggs of the STRI outlines the changes.

Education & Training – Now given more prominence on the site. This new section will provide information on what’s happening in the sector, with articles and published papers, details of courses, shows, student placements etc. View section. Special advertising rates in this section for UK colleges.

Problems with your mower? – Advice from our resident mechanic, Clive Macintosh, on how to deal with those infuriating engine problems.

Loughborough University - With 3,000 staff and 12,000 students the university boasts an impressive 410 acre campus, providing a host of quality playing surfaces for students for both research and recreation purposes. Head Groundsman, Mark Freeman, talks about his maintenance regime.

Go to TopIrrigation

Irrigating at Harlequins
Water is influential in all chemical, physiological and biological processes of plant growth. The soil/plant water relationships is critical to the sustainability of any grass plant. Having an understanding of these relationships is critical.

All grass plants are a continuum of water movement. Over 90% of the plant's water requirements are transported through the plant from the soil profile, via the roots and stem tissues into the leaves and out into the atmosphere.

Knowledge of these relationships is important when designing and operating irrigation systems. The main aim is to achieve a water balance within the soil profile ensuring that the grass plant is able to access available water from the soil.

June's special feature article explains these relationships, the benefits of controlled irrigation, legislative restrictions and the type of systems available.

Go to TopJobs

Manchester City FC - Due to a member of staff retiring, a vacancy has arisen at our 1st team training ground at Carrington. The successful applicant will have a minimum requirement of NVQ level 2 with PA 1, 2 and 6 essential. Closing date for applications is Friday 16th July.

Midlands Racecourse - Full time Groundsman is required to join a dedicated team, helping to prepare and maintain the racetrack to the highest possible standards. Experience with turf and agricultural equipment is an advantage though training will be available for the right person.

Lecturer in Sportsturf - Required to teach sports turf agronomy and technology and develop commercial income generating activities. An understanding of, and practical experience within the turf industry together with HND (Hons) or BSc (Hons) in sports turf agronomy or related subject essential. Salary circa £15,273 - £24,800.

Click here to view our full list of current Job Vacancies.

Go to TopShows & Conferences

Andy Powell receiving award from Reaseheath Principal Vic Croxson
Reaseheath Show – taking place on Wednesday 7th July. Building on the success of 2003, there are plans to double the size of this year’s show. Over 50 exhibitors will be taking the opportunity to demonstrate their machinery and products. Free entry for visitors. More information on www.reaseheath.ac.uk

IOG SALTEX – being held at Windsor racecourse on 7-9 September, includes this year the construction of an ‘instant stadium’. The new project will cover a total area of 30 m by 50 m, with the 476 m² ‘playing area’ divided equally between artificial and turf pitches, and contain every component part required in a ‘professional’ stadium complex and will illustrate how these elements can be hired and ‘instantly’ erected. View more details.

National Turfgrass Foundation Conference - this year’s ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’ Conference will again be held at Southport, and will run from 29th November to 2nd December 2004 inclusive. An additional element to the programme is the introduction of the ‘Turfgrass Education Emporium’, with a selection of one-day and half-day seminars, study groups, and Master Classes designed to provide more specialist and detailed information. View more details.

Go to TopOffers



Specialist plant nutrients, exclusively via Pitchcare. A new range of specialised premium products from Benson Plant Nutrients, facilitating healthy root growth, disease resistance and protection against stress. Only available through Pitchcare, with a special offer to try 10 litres and carriage cost is only £8. More details.

Hover Mower - New to the UK market. The preferred choice for the PGA Tour & Tournament Players Golf Courses. Heavy duty, made of high molecular weight, high-density polyethylene polymer with UV inhibitor. Only £431 plus Vat. More details.

A week in Kos from just £139 per person. One of the special weekly deals for Pitchcare members from our holiday partner, Travel Factory. Other offers include a week in Tunisia from £139 per person. The Travel Factory guarantee to beat any other consumer offer (excl. flight only). ABTA bonded. More details.

Great mobile phone deals. Get a great clamshell mobile phone with FREE Bluetooth headset, and up to £200 cashback on selected tarrifs. For example, get a Motorola V600 with headset, on Orange Your Plan Anytime 600 for free, and get £170 cashback. You pay just £50 per month line rental and get 600 call minutes included. More details and more phones here.

Go to TopClassifieds

Looking for a contractor or a supplier? From aeration to weed control, synthetic surfaces to training courses, the Classifieds section has full details of the industry’s key suppliers and manufacturers, and they can be accessed at you convenience 24 hours a day. View Classifieds section.
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