Avonmore Associates appoints technical consultant

Avonmore Associates, specialists in the design, construction, management and maintenance of high quality sports surfaces, announce the appointment of John Shepherd with a brief to consolidate the Fine Turf Maintenance and Construction Departments along with developing the Irrigation and Water Management Departments.

John, 45, joins Warwickshire based father and son management team, Brian and Philip Buttler, who have grown Avonmore Associates to be one of the top national suppliers of bowling greens, golf greens, lawn tennis courts and croquet lawns. In addition, Avonmore Associates has directed major ground projects for other sports such as Welford Golf Course, Worcester Rugby Club, Loughbourgh University and the new football training ground for the 2012 Olympic teams at Warwick University.

Brian Buttler, Founder and Senior Partner of Avonmore Associates, comments: "John has had an exceptionally interesting and successful career to date and we have worked closely with him on a number of projects. His expert knowledge of design and management of irrigation systems will undoubtedly strengthen our management team and we are delighted to have him on board."

Originally qualified in fine turf management at Lancashire College of Agriculture & Horticulture along with holding the BTLIA irrigation diploma in Golf/Landscape Irrigation Design, John Shepherd brings a wealth of experience in the industry, much of it gained from an impressive record of overseas projects. His 10 years with TIS took him to Turkey and Germany, and then his 12 years at Hunter Industries brought him opportunities in South Africa, Dubai, Scandinavia, Baltic States and Russia among others. He claims "it's been very interesting seeing what Course Mangers have to deal with in other countries, from snakes, crocodiles or even elephants taking out trees in South Africa to signs warning of you of land mines in former war zones. "

It is from here he joins Avonmore Associates on the 1st August 2011, where his brief covers a much broader sector of sports ground management. He comments "I am so looking forward to joining Avonmore Associates and using the knowledge I have gained in nearly 25 years within the irrigation business."

Contact Avonmore Associates on 01789 293439 or John Shepherd direct either on 07967 008891 or john.shepherd@avonmore-associates.co.uk