Cricket groundsmen get into Allett
Allett Mower's manufacturing centre in Hixon, Staffordshire, was the venue for a recent successful visit by members of the Lincolnshire Cricket Groundsmen's Association (LCGA).
The visit was organised on behalf of the LCGA by Eric Epton, groundscare machinery sales and hire specialist with appointed Allett dealer, Burdens Groundscare, North Kyme, Lincoln.
Eleven LCGA members travelled from Lincolnshire to Staffordshire where they were welcomed by sales director, Leigh Bowers, who had arranged the visit at the request of LCGA members following a topical presentation by Allett at a turf renovation evening staged by Burdens Groundscare last September.
The factory visit included a tour of the mower production lines, parts store and development department and a review of the history of Allett mowers from their origins in the mid 1960s through to the present day.
Practical guidance was provided also to the groundsmen on setting, operating and servicing those Allett mowers used to maintain cricket squares and outfields. A lively question and answer session followed a break for lunch.
"Everyone who travelled to Hixon agreed that the visit had been most worthwhile and enjoyable, full of interesting facts and practical guidance," commented Mr Epton. "Feedback suggests that LCGA members would appreciate further events to be arranged involving Allett mowers and turf-care equipment."
Formed in 2000, the LCGA received support from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to help deliver assistance and advice to recreational groundsmen throughout Lincolnshire. The county's Pitch Advisory service was established at the same time.
Membership of the LCGA is open to any individual, club or organisation, particularly those with an interest or involvement in grounds maintenance. A minimum of four meetings are staged by the association during the year and there is also a visit to a first-class county cricket ground.
Allett Mowers will be delighted to arrange a visit by any club, local authority, company, organisation or private individual that uses or is considering using pedestrian cylinder mowers to maintain sports, amenity or ornamental turf. All contact details can be found on the company's website at www.allett.co.uk
Picture caption: Eleven members of the Lincolnshire Cricket Groundsmen's Association on a recent visit to the Allett mower factory in Staffordshire.