HOW ARE WE COPING? After six weeks of lockdown by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on how we as an industry are coping with Covid -19.
After our sixth week of lockdown, again I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on how we as an industry are coping with Covid -19.
It would seem from the daily coronavirus government updates, that we are finally past the peak of this terrible virus and the government is now looking at ways, and will be announcing this week, a plan to start an unlock-down strategy for the country.
I must also take this opportunity to congratulate all the NHS staff and other front line services for their dedication and resolve in tackling this virus and equally the government who in my eyes have done a marvellous job of delivering and putting in place the huge infrastructure to conquer this pandemic. In six weeks we have seen so many targets being met in the fight against this virus. We on course to regularly achieve the target of 100,000 daily test for the virus, built several Nightingale hospitals and sourced millions of pieces PPE equipment as well has organising all the logistics required to achieve their aims. Mind blowing to say the least.
I also want to take the opportunity congratulate Captain Tom Moore on his 100 birthday celebrations. So fitting he had a fly past and all the recognition for his amazing feat of raising over £32 million pounds for the NHS https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52472132?SThisFB,
As discussed in previous blogs, this pandemic is likely to take a long time to disappear before we can get back to something like normality. Having spoken to many colleagues and industry professionals, most have similar thoughts, believing that even if and when businesses, sports clubs , shops, pubs, entertainment venues and other areas of the industry come back on line, many people will be weary of venturing back into the fray.
However, I personally think this pandemic has galvanised our country to re-think what our values are and in many ways has brought people together for the common good. In adversity we often see opportunities and innovation. I am sure many businesses will change the way they operate and make use of new technologies in the coming years.
I, like the rest of us, am trying to keep motivated, active and safe during this lock down. I am lucky as I can speak to many turf professionals and get an update on their activities and how they are coping.
We have been fortunate with the weather. We have come out of a very wet winter and into a very dry, reasonably cold spring, that has helped curtail the usual spurt of grass growth we often get at this time of the year - thus enabling us to keep on top of mowing regimes.
However, with last week’s downpours and with temperatures now rising into double figures, I am sure we will now see an increase in the need to mow grass more frequently.
Like many of us, I have had the chance to spend more time in the garden and have been busy renovating my own lawn - scarifying, aerating, topdressing and seeding - making efficient use of the recent good weather.
Last week I spoke to several golf course managers in the Midlands, who kindly gave me an update on how they were progressing. With everyone following both the government’s advice and sport’s governing bodies guidelines of only carrying out essential maintenance and self-distancing from one another, this is generally achieved with staggered breaks and work slots. Most said it was a strange feeling and not the same as having the whole crew in together.
One course manager told me, “Covid-19 has affected golf clubs all over the world. With golf being such a sociable game, I think things will be very different for the foreseeable future. Members’, players’ and staff safety is paramount and so the way clubs operate going forward will be under constant review.
“In terms of the course being empty we have been able to be productive in certain areas such as the mowing tasks with no interference. Although with half the team being furloughed and heading into prime growing season, it is starting to prove difficult to keep on top of the work.
“However, pests, namely corvids (members of the crow family), crows, magpies, jays and rooks have been down in their masses during Covid-19 and with the course empty (other than myself and two staff), over the 96 acres we have suffered extensive damage to the surfaces. A steady flow of golf traffic would normally be the deterrent, but it is proving difficult to keep such pests from attacking the turf, with leatherjackets being the prime target. Crows and magpies in large numbers can cause some serious disruption and gives us another challenge to face.”
It was similar stories from the others, who said that in the main it is becoming a strange working environment without the daily banter and the fact there was no pressure from members. Also similarly, they are witnessing a lot of surface damage by birds and mammals.
Considering some individual sports -
Golf :-Let’s hope the discussions between the golf ruling bodies and the government can sway an early return for the game of golf. Proposals for “safe golf” playing protocols have been submitted to the government by the R&A, which include the removal of bunker rakes and ball retrievers, as well as the covering of drinking fountains and ball washers. Other proposals are that flagsticks should not be touched, and tea times should be subject to a booking system with 10 minute intervals.
Football :- Premier League clubs on Friday reconfirmed their commitment to finish the 2019/20 season subject to coronavirus restrictions being lifted in Britain despite fears expressed by players.
The English top flight faces an estimated loss of around £1 billion if no more football is played due to the global pandemic.
Playing the 92 remaining games behind closed doors would mitigate that loss, avoiding the need to repay hundreds of millions to broadcasters.
But the Premier League faces huge logistical difficulties in its attempts to return to action, with Britain one of the countries worst-hit by COVID-19.
The tension surrounds not only how the plan to resume the football season behind closed doors at a small number of sealed and approved venues should develop, but whether it is realistic, responsible or indeed appropriate to pursue it at all. The sense is that hopes of a return to action by early June now hang by a thread.
Again at present most clubs are operating on a skeleton staffing regime and only carrying out the basic maintenance regimes required to keep the playing surfaces operational and safe for use. No doubt once the players return there will be a need to up scale the maintenance regimes to facilitate the wear and tear from use.
Rugby:-The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has already had a profound effect on our rugby clubs and with great uncertainty as to how long the changes will last, the RFU has compiled some advice for clubs on what to do immediately in order to mothball facilities as well as tips and guidance on:
Financial planning
How to mitigate any losses in revenue
Accessing external funding
Ideas to generate new income streams
Communicating with members and volunteers
Planning for the future when rugby will once again.
Sport England financial support
With football's Premier League stepping up plans to resume the season and some clubs opening their training grounds, rugby union is also considering what plans need to be in place to safeguard players welfare and return to play policies.
As for financial help, for rugby clubs, the RFU have been supporting clubs with the following RFU support guide.
Rugby League:- Rugby league in England will receive £16m in government loans to help it recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Rugby Football League (RFL) chief executive Ralph Rimmer asked for assistance after the suspension of the game on 16 March.
Cricket:- The ECB has announced further delay to the professional cricket season. No professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until at least 1 July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hundred, cricket's flagship new tournament, has also become the latest sporting casualty of the coronavirus pandemic after being postponed until 2021.
Again, many cricket clubs are closed with their groundsmen / contractors doing the bare minimum - which in effect is cutting the square and outfields, fertilising and carrying out some rolling and prepping of some pitches. If the lockdown goes on much longer, some people are saying we may not see any cricket at all this season. Which no doubt may influence some clubs not to carry out any end of season renovations.
Bowls:- Again I have spoken to a number of bowls greenkeepers and they are only doing the bare minimum maintenance tasks during this crisis. Generally this means only mowing the greens twice or three times per week, along with some fertilising and watering as an when required.
This week's WEB ONLY story is operational guidance has been published that directs professional staff engaged in the management of golf courses, clubs and driving ranges in practices they must undertake when government COVID-19 restrictions permit the re-opening of golf facilities.
Trade associations BAGMA and the AEA wrote to government last week raising awareness of the importance of commercial groundscare as we move towards possible emergence from lockdown.
Trade associations BAGMA and the AEA wrote to government last week, raising awareness of the importance of commercial groundscare as we move towards possible emergence from lockdown.
The jointly written letter has been sent to Rt. Honourable George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and has also been copied to the Rt. Honourable Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The associations have also made some other organisations involved in the sports turf business aware of what they have done and say they have their support.
Director of BAGMA, Keith Christian told TurfPro, "Essentially we wanted to raise the awareness of the role that our land based engineering industry plays in the maintenance of key equipment for parks, sports grounds, highways, public spaces, golf courses and amenity areas during a potential further lockdown or an exit strategy from a lockdown.
"We have outlined the essential service provided to those with a duty to remain open and service their clients that are responsible for ensuring the safety and accessibility of these properties and facilities. Our aim is to ensure that traditional grass areas, sports turf areas and public open spaces are maintained in such a way that they will be ready for use when circumstances allow.
"Also we would like to see our member businesses, and the LBE sector, classified as essential to ensure the equipment is available to allow this to happen."
Current government guidance does allow most of the land based engineering industry to remain open and operate a limited service based on social distancing guidance
To help children stay creative and engaged with nature, green space charity Fields in Trust have put together a parks activity pack to help bring parks indoors.
With playgrounds closed and school at home, green space charity Fields in Trust have put together a parks activity pack to help bring parks indoors this spring.
The pack includes ideas for creative projects, a quiz, colouring, and a “design your dream park” art challenge.
The children’s resources form part of the Bringing Parks to You campaign attempting to deliver wellbeing through a virtual tour of the UK, discovering parks and green spaces which are much loved and valued by their communities along the way.
At a time when communities across the country are revaluing the benefits their local parks usually provide for sport, nature and play, Fields in Trust are exploring UK locations online by showcasing town and city parks which you can “visit” from your home. The charity says it’s an opportunity to experience, not just the local green spaces on your doorstep, but to discover new parks across the nations and regions of the UK.
Fields in Trust chief executive, Helen Griffiths, said, “The last few weeks have reminded everyone that the UK’s parks and green spaces are highly valued parts of our local neighbourhoods and shown us just how sorely they’re missed when they are not easily accessible. During these changed and challenging times, we must adapt how we use and enjoy them, in line with government guidance.
"We are all experiencing what life would be like without access to these much-loved local spaces. Thankfully right now the loss is temporary, but it serves as a reminder that many of these spaces are lost forever. We hope that bringing the park to you this spring will provide a little virtual wellbeing because green spaces are good, they do good and they need to be protected for good."
SALTEX operations manager Derek Walder, provides an insight into his illustrious career, his passion for SALTEX and his adventurous days with the Crazy Gang…
SALTEX operations manager Derek Walder, has provided an insight into his illustrious career, his passion for SALTEX and his adventurous days with the Crazy Gang…
Derek Walder with the GMA's Geoff Webb
Derek Walder has rightfully earned the nickname Mr SALTEX. At 83 years old he has overseen the operations of the show for five decades and he is, unsurprisingly, the longest serving member of the SALTEX team.
During this difficult and uncertain period, Derek revealed that he is staying positive and is continuing to do what he does best - helping to organise the groundscare industry’s largest event.
“SALTEX 2020 will mean more than any other previous event that we’ve ever put on,” he said. “I am hugely confident that it will be the best one yet. In my mind it’s all about getting that show on the road because the trade will need it, the people in the profession will need it - everybody will need it. After this awful period, SALTEX 2020 will be a much-needed boost for everyone.”
SALTEX 2020 will be the show’s 75th anniversary but it all started for Derek back in 1969 when he attended the show, which was held at Motspur Park in London, as a visitor. A year later Derek moved just 20 minutes away from Motspur Park and it was at this point that the aspiring young groundsman began working as a volunteer on the show.
“I felt at home straight away,” he said. “I found myself doing lots of things such as putting up marquees, helping both exhibitors and visitors and I was even parking cars. Back in the 60’s and early 70’s the show never had more than 30 trade stands but I can still remember the machinery that was on display, I remember the educational talks that took place and I remember the demonstrations on how to prepare cricket wickets.
“The show suddenly grew and grew over the years and it wasn’t long before approximately 8,000 visitors were attending. The formula then is still what it is now – to bring the industry together, to talk and to discuss, to educate and learn, and to see all of the latest products.”
After volunteering on the show for eight years he eventually took over the position of operations manager when the show moved from Motspur Park to Windsor Racecourse in 1979. 36 years later and SALTEX was relocated to the NEC, Birmingham, and it is safe to say that Derek was pleased with the new indoor venue.
“I remember the outdoor shows when we used to have bad weather – it was a nightmare,” he said. “There used to be lorries getting stuck and it was pouring down with rain. There was mud everywhere and exhibitors used to complain about puddles outside their stands. We used to have a ground crew permanently on stand-by to go and help the exhibitors. We also had to lay metal tracking across the racecourse – which was a huge job. If an exhibitor a mile across the racecourse wanted an electric socket, it had to be dug into the ground. However, since moving to the NEC, it is a totally different ball game.”
The build-up, which used to take eight days outdoors, now takes just two days at the NEC, and while Derek admits that the move indoors has made his life slightly easier, it is still not without its challenges.
“The major change was that we only had two days to build the show in what is a tighter area. It’s putting all the little things together which is difficult - like the furniture supply and the electrics for example. Fortunately, I’ve got a great team around me, with lots of experience, and everything has run incredibly smoothly to date. It’s important to remember that this team is largely made up of volunteers - GMA members who give up their own time because they are passionate about SALTEX and the industry.”
Derek and his team are religiously onsite at 1 am in the morning on build-up day and are also the last to leave in the evening. Their commitment to SALTEX is unquestionable. They know that this is a show which hugely benefits the industry. In fact, not many people know that any profits created by the running of the exhibition is reinvested back into the varied work GMA does to support the groundscare industry.
“As soon as the doors close to the exhibition we start again immediately,” he continued. “It really is a year-long project. We have 15 different contractors and suppliers to source - everything from carpet on the floor to electricity and accommodation. We draw up specifications, tenders go out for quotes, we agree on a budget and then identify the best partners to work with. On top of that there are things like signage, the design of the show entrance, health and safety forms – let’s just say that there is more than enough to keep me busy!”
Fortunately, Derek is accustomed to keeping active. As well as helping to organise SALTEX for an incredible 51 years, he still had his own career to focus on.
Derek presenting an award
In the early 60’s he started his journey in horticulture by working as an under gardener at a large private estate. He quickly progressed, moving up to become head gardener, and it was then that he discovered that he really enjoyed looking after the lawns. From there he moved into golf, becoming a greenkeeper, before ending up at the playing fields at Wimbledon Common, which was the home of Wimbledon FC – aka the Crazy Gang.
The Crazy Gang was a nickname used by the English media to describe Wimbledon FC during the 1980s and 90s, due to the frequent cheeky and boisterously macho behaviour of the players. Derek spent 30 years there and was often witness to the outrageous practical jokes they would play on each other and on the club's manager Dave Bassett. Those who know Derek best would have no doubt heard many of the side-splitting tales, including the famous night he found himself safeguarding the FA Cup trophy following Wimbledon’s astonishing victory over Liverpool FC in 1988.
“After the celebrations the kit man came back to the training ground and as well as all the kit – he had the FA Cup trophy with him. Nobody quite knows how the kit man had it, but the consensus was that most of the players and staff were slightly inebriated after the celebrations and they left the trophy behind. Anyway, the kit man was panicking about being in possession of one of the world’s most famous trophy’s and he handed it to me. I took it home with me to keep it overnight until it would be needed for the parade the next day. Admittedly I didn’t sleep well that night!
“I remember my son waking up in the morning and seeing the FA Cup just sitting there on top of the television. Well, shortly after that I had about 40 kids in my living room! It certainly was an experience and my family still trade on that story to this day.
“That bizarre experience summed up my time at Wimbledon - it was an adventure from start to finish. You never knew what was going to happen and to be honest I miss the days when Vinnie Jones used to come into my office in the morning, nick my newspaper, make himself a cup of tea and use my loo.”
Derek took early retirement in 2000 when the club disbanded but he was adamant he wanted to continue working on SALTEX. Throughout his long and illustrious career, he has witnessed phenomenal developments in groundscare – technology that a young Derek Walder could only have dreamed of when he first entered the industry.
“The machinery, the chemicals and the technical knowledge has changed beyond what someone my age could ever imagine. The profession has changed, and people have got to be more like technicians than ever before. They need to be more aware of biology and physics to keep these top stadiums going.
“I think the industry is in a strong position currently – which pleases me immensely. It is also great to see younger people coming into the industry although I would like to see even more. When you look around you will find that many people have been involved in the industry throughout their whole career and there is a good reason for that. Trust me – you will never look back.
“My only disappointment is the deterioration of public parks and local authority sports pitches. I think it’s quite simply because the money just isn’t there anymore. Unfortunately, people are more interested in bin collection and potholes.”
Derek is more than content when he reflects upon his successful career but make no qualms about it, he’s not planning on hanging his boots up just yet. “I’ve got so much out of working in this industry,” he said. “I’ve gained many lifelong friends – so many great, genuine people that you don’t tend to meet outside of this industry.
“I’m looking forward to the future and my priority is to focus on the continuing success of SALTEX. It’s played a huge part in my life for so long.
“At nine o’clock when the show opens, and everyone comes streaming in I still get butterflies. That’s the buzz for me.”
SALTEX 2020 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 4 and 5 November.
GGM Groundscare becomes the supplier across the North West region as well as South and West Yorkshire.
GGM Groundscare have announced a new partnership with Roberine, the Dutch manufacturer of self-propelling mowing machines.
GGM say they have a rich heritage in the ride-on commercial mower sector and as the business prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary at its headquarters in Colne, Lancashire, the move sees it return to its roots.
L-R: Andrew Melville (commercial director, GGM); Maarten Ponne (sales area manager, Roberine); Ian Burden (group vice president vegetation control, Alamo Group Inc); Chris Gibson (md, GGM)
Managing director Chris Gibson says, “When the business was relocated to Colne back in 2000, we were suppliers of Kubota and Hayter Professional, which was subsequently bought out by Toro. We described the brands as the right and left legs of the business - the absolute cornerstones of everything we did. Over time, we’ve explored and been extremely successful in other sectors. Now, through Roberine, we have found the perfect partner, at the forefront of the development of commercial mowing machines for local authorities and commercial landscapers”.
GGM takes on the franchise from today (1st May 2020) and becomes the supplier across the North West region as well as South and West Yorkshire.
Chris continued, “We are extremely excited about adding the Roberine franchise to our portfolio. It is the perfect addition as we continue to grow in the commercial sectors”.
The new partnership comes after initial discussions at last year’s Saltex, when GGM learnt of Roberines’ desire to develop its UK commercial business.
The GGM team say they explained their business ethos and strategy and they were confident they could substantially grow the business across their territory, thanks to their experience in the commercial mowing sector. As part of this agreement GGM will take over the responsibility for the continued service and warranty of all machines supplied by the former dealers.
GGM have already added the Roberine F3 triple flail to its hire fleet and have several units already working in the marketplace with two local authorities, and have recently taken delivery of new F3 triple and F5 5-unit flail demonstration machines.
Chris said, “We've already been investing in training our after-sales team and parts inventory to ensure all Roberine customers both old and new receive the award winning service GGM customers have become used to.”
Maarten Ponne at Roberine added. “We are delighted to have GGM Groundscare on board to represent the Roberine brand. Changing dealership representation is never an easy decision but we believe that, in GGM, we have a partner with a clear shared vision of how best to support our brand throughout the region. They have a proven track record for working closely with commercial customers and are keen to continue to invest and develop their business even in these challenging times.
"The appointment of GGM follows that of Lister Wilder in the South and both appointments demonstrate our commitment to grow a professional dealer network with a proven track record for customer service and support.
"For now, it’s important we all stay safe, but we will continue to work in the background to develop our dealer network and work with all our partners to ensure we are ready to grow our business in the UK as soon as we are able to do so."
Dealership will be distributing the full product range throughout various areas in Northern Ireland.
Etesia UK has announced the appointment of RD Mechanical Services, who will be distributing the full product range throughout various areas in Northern Ireland.
RD Mechanical Services, based in Belfast, was established in 1998 and specialise in equipment related to the waste industry. In 2019 the company opened a dedicated division for grass and grounds equipment. Since then, the company has been building its portfolio to offer a complete service to its groundcare customers.
With immediate effect, RD Mechanical Services will now supply the full range of Etesia grounds care equipment.
Sales director Alastair Calderwood, said: “We are delighted to have recently been appointed as distributors for the widely respected Etesia range of grass and grounds maintenance equipment. We look forward to a long and successful relationship together.”
Kioti have enhanced the terms of their warranty cover for tractors to 5 years, 3000 hours cover and 2 years and unlimited hours for the K9 utility vehicles.
Kioti UK have announced that all new Kioti tractors sold after 1st April 2020 are now covered by a 5 year, 3000 hours warranty.
The first 2 years covers the tractors for an unlimited amount of hours.
To give assurances to the smaller professional or private users the tractors have an engine and transmission parts and labour warranty extending to include years 3-5. This cover is up to a maximum of 3000 hours, whichever comes first.
The warranty for new Kioti Mechron K9 utility vehicles sold after 1st April 2020 is also enhanced as this is now a full 2 years with unlimited hours.
Kioti UK general manager, Patrick Desmond, said, "The purpose of these new terms is to give our dealers additional support and the end-user customers extra confidence during the buying process.
"We emphasise that this is a manufacturer's warranty with no additional fees."
John Deere have produced a video thanking golf course maintenance crews all over the world who are maintaining golf courses in these challenging times.
John Deere have produced a video thanking golf course maintenance crews all over the world who are maintaining golf courses in these challenging times.
The manufacturer says they salute the men and women who are making sure the game of golf will be ready when the time is right again.
Watch the video below:
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The new mower from STIHL includes a single speed, split, driven rear metal roller for a great quality striping effect, as well as making manoeuvring around borders easier.
The RM 655 RS from STIHL is the ideal rear roller mower for professional landscapers.
STIHL RM 655 RS
The new mower from STIHL includes a single speed, split, driven rear metal roller for a great quality striping effect, as well as making manoeuvring around borders easier. The rear roller features high quality bearings and stainless steel build for longevity.
The mono-comfort handlebar, with super soft grip, is adjustable to three different heights allowing users to find the most suitable setting and to access the grass catcher box more easily.
Designed with ease of use in mind, the powerful Briggs and Stratton engine is simple to start thanks to the auto-choke mechanism, meaning the recoil starter rope only needs to be pulled once.
Offering full flexibility, the desired cutting height can be precisely adjusted thanks to a single, sprung-loaded lever on the left-hand side of the housing, whilst the Blade Brake Clutch stops the blade when the mower is stationary, meaning users can empty the grass catcher box whilst leaving the engine running, or move the mower from area to area without the blade running, but utilising the single speed drive.
Meanwhile, the high-lift blades combined with the aerodynamic housing produce a strong air current that efficiently lifts the grass, cuts it efficiently and blows the grass cuttings into the grass catcher box.
Thanks to the optimised design shape and air guide, the 70 litre box can be 100% filled, while the innovative two-part design ensures easy opening and emptying. Additionally, to reduce time between emptying, the catcher box features an integral level indicator to show when its full.
As well as being easy to use, STIHL has taken careful considerations when it comes to storage and maintenance, providing professionals with a durable and convenient solution. The body design for example allows for easy access and maintenance of working parts, such as drive cables, pulleys and the drive belt.
Designed with a foldable handlebar, the STIHL RM 655 RS lawn mower is easy for landscapers to transport and convenient to store. The new petrol mower utilises large wheels with high quality ball bearings for easy running, while the tread pattern provides better traction, as well as allowing for easy cleaning. Additionally, the bumper strips offer additional protection when mowing next to walls and edges, and can be easily exchanged or replaced if they become marked or damaged to maintain a professional appearance at all times.
GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth by Chris Biddle, Turf Pro founder
Four years after the outfield reconstruction at the Home of Cricket, play in a Test Match resumed just over an hour after a cloudburst of biblical proportions
So often, new turf projects are barely noticeable on the surface. It’s what lies beneath that makes the difference.
Spectators at the first game at Lord's in April 2003 when Middlesex played Sussex would hardly have noticed any visual difference to the ‘hallowed turf’.
They would have been largely unaware that during the winter, a fleet of excavators and digging equipment had dug up the whole of the outfield to a depth of 20 inches and convoy of lorries had removed over 20,000 tonnes of non-porous London clay to be replaced with layers of gravel and sand, along with a new drainage and irrigation system.
The previous year, the MCC had agreed to become the first major Test ground to completely reconstruct the outfield with a £1.2 million project carried out in consultation with the STRI and undertaken by J Mallinson and Sons.
It was designed to make play possible on more days when rain was around. The clay base had made it well-nigh impossible for water to clear, head groundsman Mick Hunt was fond of saying “There only has to be a cloud in the sky for the ground to puddle”.
However, the outfield reconstruction had not really been able to demonstrate its extraordinary benefits until a day in July four years later.
Lord's was hosting the Second Test against India during July 2007. Rain had hampered the build up and the first day’s play, conditions were already rather damp and the weather threatening.
On the second day, I had returned to Salisbury overnight to attend to business and couldn’t get away back to the Lords until around 10.00. The radio was reporting a delayed start then news that a large storm could hit the ground.
In the event, at mid-day a storm of biblical proportions was unleashed with an estimated 2 inches of rain falling in an hour. Soon the ground was to resemble a boating lake, and the MCC were even preparing to move some valuable paintings from the pavilion.
Friends I had arranged to meet at lunchtime rang me on my mobile whilst en-route to say that they had left the ground and were heading home. One said “There wont be any play today and probably not tomorrow either”.
However, I decided to chance it and arrived at the ground as mopping up had got underway (if nothing else I wanted to see how the new outfield would cope) and I was just in time to hear an announcement that ‘Play will resume at 1.50pm’ – just over an hour after the ground had been under water!
As a result, the MCC did not have to return any ticket money as the requisite number of overs could be completed.
It was a day when Mick Hunt and his team worked miracles – and the unseen benefits of the outfield reconstruction in 2002 really paid dividends.
The work had started immediately after a one day Final in September. On- site during the work, Lord's look more like a Siberian salt-mine. The still pristine square square in sharp contrast to the sand and gravel. Turf growers In-Turf had grown 1.8 hectares of dwarf perennial ryegrass on 30mm of fibreturf to be laid on 300mm of rootzone.
The work on the outfield was complex enough, but it was the logistics of removing thousands of tonnes of original turf and soil that proved the most challenging according to John Mallinson.
The area of St Johns Wood is an affluent part of London. Residents do not appreciate a continuous rumble of lorries through their neighbourhood. So strict limits on the number of lorry movements were agreed which added to the pressures.
However that single hour in the life of Lords will live long in the memory. Even those who had commissioned the outfield renovation were opened-mouthed at the disappearing water – and the MCC had more than recouped its investment, probably several times over.
Chris Biddle has been a proud member of the MCC since 1963
The work had started immediately after a one day Final in September. On- site during the work, Lord's look more like a Siberian salt-mine. The still pristine square square in sharp contrast to the sand and gravel. Turf growers In-Turf had grown 1.8 hectares of dwarf perennial ryegrass on 30mm of fibreturf to be laid on 300mm of rootzone.