Getting Personal with Stuart Gower
Stuart Gower - he would like to own a gym, but spiders aren't welcome.
Who are you? Stuart Gower, Grounds Manager at Crosfields School.
Family status. With partner Sam, two daughters; Francesca (14) and Angelina (11) and mad dog Barney.
Who's your hero and why? My mum and dad. They both worked all the hours they could running a pub. I lost my mum suddenly in late 2017.
What's been the highlight of your grounds career so far? Being a grounds manager.
If your younger self saw you now, what would he think? I dread to think.
Which famous people wind you up? Politicians.
What job would you love, other than your own? To own a hard-core gym or mum and dad's old pub.
What was the most embarrassing moment in your life? There's quite a few (I stopped drinking years ago).
What is your favourite film? All the Star Wars films and Jaws.
What scares you? Spiders.
What is your favourite sport? Football; I'm an avid Chelsea and Crystal Palace supporter. I also love weight training, carp fishing and playing darts.
Which historical time and place would you most like to visit? I'm fascinated by World War II and old war movies.
Do you have a lifetime ambition? Just to keep going on doing my best although, I would move to Cornwall if I won the lottery!
Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? My mum and my nans, plus regulars from their pub; there was never a dull moment.
What's the best advice you have ever been given? A groundsperson's job never finishes.
What's your favourite smell? Fresh coffee, bacon, fresh cut grass and seaweed.
Which three albums would you take to a desert island? The legend Bob Marley, old 80s Brit jazz funk, chill out albums ... too many to mention.
What's the daftest work-related question you have ever been asked? Can I cut in the frost or, someone trying to mark out in snow!!!!!
What's your favourite piece of kit? Air2G2.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Honest, trustworthy, good sense of humour and hard working ... oh wait that's four things.
What is the single most useful thing you could tell a 16-year-old groundsperson/greenkeeper? Listen to your peers, gain as much knowledge as you can, use common sense and don't be afraid to ask questions.
What talent would you like to have? The ability to lose weight and shape up.
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? I could get into trouble on this one, so I'll refrain!
Read the full Crosfields School article here