Bowling club steps up to the Mark with Allett
One of the most comprehensive sets of cartridge heads ever specified by a first-time Allett C-24 user has been installed at Thringstone Bowling Club, located in the village of Thringstone, near Coalville, Leicestershire. The equipment was supplied by the Hinckley branch of appointed Allett dealer, Farol Ltd.
Designed to carry out a wide range of fine-turf maintenance operations, the attachments selected by the club for its new C-24 power unit comprise a 10-bladed cutting unit with integral turf groomer plus dedicated verticutter, scarifier, sorrel roller and slitter cartridges, each one interchangeable within a minute.
The selection by Thringstone Bowling Club of an Allett pedestrian mowing and turf maintenance system followed comparative demonstrations on a bowling green that had been totally renovated by the club in September 2011 at an initial cost of around £12,000.
"That work was carried out as part of a phased improvement programme that commenced in 2010 with the building of a new clubhouse funded by North West Leicestershire District Council," explained Club President, David Bamford. "Having completed the re-levelling and reconstitution of our playing surface, we decided to replace our existing ageing mower with a modern, multi-tasking machine capable of maintaining fine turf in peak condition."
With capital reserves depleted following the renovation of its green, Thringstone Bowling Club applied to the Coalfields Community Regeneration Trust and the East Midlands Airport Community Fund for grants to assist with the purchase of a new Allett C-24.
"We were delighted when both organisations pledged financial support, enabling us to order the Allett machine from Farol for delivery in July 2012," commented David.
Greenkeeper, Paul Wright, pointed out that the decision to go with Allett had been made by Thringstone's management committee, co-ordinated by former greenkeeper, Keith Hope, who is now the club's senior vice president.
"Features that impressed us included the mower's high quality cut, assisted by its turf groomer, and the consistent clip rate maintained across the green," said Paul. "We found the machine very easy also to set up while the individual cartridge heads proved quick and straightforward to swap over."
With its green now producing a true and even run of the bowl, Thringstone Bowling Club is moving ahead with the next stage in the upgrading of its facilities.
Supported by a £49,482 award from Sport England Inspired Facilities, work is scheduled to start in October on providing new changing rooms, a covered spectator area with seating and lighting around the green.
"The extensive improvements to our clubhouse, green and supporting facilities will help as we seek to encourage individuals of all ages and abilities from the local community, including children, to take up bowls and enjoy a healthy outdoor activity as well as become involved in the social life of the bowling club," concluded David Bamford.
● www.allett.co.uk
● www.thringstonebowlingclub.org.uk