BANGING THE DRUM
Keeping the public informed
by TurfPro Editor, Steve Gibbs
What a weekend of top class sporting action! I was at Lord's on Saturday, which looked as glorious as ever, for Day 3 of one of the most thrilling Test matches which England have been involved with for years. On a pitch which favoured leg spin, the sell-out crowd were treated to a fascinating match of ebb and flow, soaking up the sunshine in the most fantastic setting in world cricket. Well done to Mick Hunt and his team for producing a wicket which made for a competitive game, producing a result in four days. Further north, Royal Troon saw a thrilling finish to The Open yesterday. Massive congratulations must be given to all the all greens staff and the huge team of BIGGA volunteers who maintained the course throughout all that nature could throw at them across the four days. Their efforts really do the industry proud under such public scrutiny. It is of course during televised, major events such as these that the public are most aware of the role of professional turf experts - but they mustn't forget that their lives are improved daily by the efforts of dedicated and highly trained specialists. It is pleasing then to see an organisation like The Amenity Forum doing their best to keep the public informed, trying to make them aware of the vital work performed by our industry that often times will go unnoticed.
John Moverley, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, has said how it's important that the public need to be told that it's not just the work which takes place at professional sporting venues which is important. He said, "We would also emphasise the wider picture; how everyone in the UK comes into contact with amenity areas as soon as they step out of their front door. From driving down the road, playing or walking in the park, or taking the train, appropriate and sustainable control of weeds, pests and diseases ensures our safety, protects our environment and contributes to our health and well-being’’.
John continued, "Imagine leaving your house to go out for the day, and you get to the train station and they tell you there are no trains because the weeds have grown over the tracks and the trains can’t get through? This is what properly trained operatives do for us. Therefore, it’s important that we support the amazing job the many UK amenity organisations do to ensure that the control of weeds, pests and diseases is carried out across all aspects of amenity areas to create a safe and sustainable environment’’.
To this end of keeping the public informed The Amenity Forum is communicating the important and essential task of weed, pest and disease control to the public and, as part of that, has produced some one page information leaflets. They have the first two up on their website: “ Producing quality golf courses” and “ Keeping the trains running”. Throughout this upcoming period of prolonged uncertainly for our country in terms of public financing and funding, we need our industry bodies more than ever before to be banging their drum as loudly as they can. The public need to be fully aware of how crucial a function our industry professionals perform.
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