Groundsman's Association

From the Surrey Groundsman's Association

2012-01-23T19:55:31Z

The Surrey Cricket Groundsman’s Association is staging its Annual Conference at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 21st March 2012.

A number of Kent’s Groundsmen have already committed to attend what should be an interesting conference and if you or someone from your Club would like to attend, you can download the details of times etc. from here.

Performance Quality Standards Courses 2011-2012

2011-12-27T07:36:10Z

New Performance Standards Workshop dates have been announced. Please note these courses are the only ones to be run for the foreseeable future so for those who haven’t been yet, this may be the last chance for a while.

These courses are designed for clubs who play in leagues where PQS is actively monitored and also for clubs who have a genuine interest in improving the quality of their playing surface.

Attendance is charged at £5 per club, who may send two attendees.

Saturday 7th January 2012, 10:00am – 02:00pm.
Beckenham Cricket Club

Saturday 14th January 2012, 10:00am – 02:00pm
Kent County Cricket Club, Canterbury

To book your place please email Peter Robinson at peter.cricket.robinson@gmail.com

The Long Reach Irrigation System

2011-12-08T20:41:11Z

Through the KCB’s Groundsman’s Association we’ve received some information about a demonstration of the Long Reach Watering System which is to take place week commencing 12th December.

The system is very appropriate for cricket squares but is also appropriate for outfields, football pitches, bowls greens etc.

This is a video of the system in operation.

The demonstration itself takes place on Tuesday 13^th December 2011 at Cheam Sports Club, Peaches Close, Cheam, Surrey SM2 7BJ starting at 10.30am with tea and coffee and bacon rolls supplied.

If you want to attend the demo then please register your interest by emailing Keith Kensett keith@kensettsports.com or calling 01883 342632

Improving pitch performance

2011-12-02T13:57:13Z

This article demonstrates what is possible with modern machinery and techniques to improve pitch performance by punching through layered soil profiles for a more developed root structure which then can effectively pin the pitch together, improve gaseous exchange in the root zone and help to create a healthier sward.

Following the Green Agenda at Addington Village Cricket Club

2011-11-23T16:20:54Z

Some time back and trying to follow ECB’s ‘Go Green’ campaign, Addington Village CC decided to tack on to their general development project a rainwater harvesting scheme.

Not only does such a scheme support the ‘Go Green’ campaign, it saves the Club a huge water bill because it does exactly what it says it does - harvests natural rainwater.

The whole scheme was part of their plans for, amongst other things, development of their pavilion facilities. Here’s Peter Robinson explaining how they did it and how they use this remarkable system to make sure their ground is always well-prepared using harvested rainwater.

If you want to know more about the ‘Go Green’ agenda, or this rainwater harvesting scheme in particular, contact Andy Griffiths, Clair Gould or Peter Robinson and they’ll do what they can to help and advise.

Video is courtesy of ECB. The HD version, if needed, can be found here.

Koro Pitchwork at Kent Cricket Clubs

2011-11-16T14:05:18Z

Presented here are a selection of photographs of the before, during and after Koro cricket square reprofiling and renovation projects at Borstal, Luddesdown and Southfleet Cricket Clubs.

These images demonstrate just what is possible with modern methods for clubs looking to improve their pitch performance. The state of the pitch is probably the most important part of the general development of a Club.

Projects like this are potential follow ups from Performance Quality Assessments (PQS) and are available to any club which wants to progress to play a better standard of cricket and to provide a better experience for their members and the development of their young players.

Clubs affiliated to Kent Cricket Board that wish to consider rejuvenating their playing surfaces in the Autumn of 2012 should contact the KCB Groundsman’s Association for advice. Their details are on this page of the website.

A day in the life of Kent Cricket's Andy Pierson

2011-10-19T13:44:18Z

There’s a fascinating article on Kent County Cricket Club’s website headed ‘A Groundsman’s Life’. You can read it by clicking here

In the article, which day in the life of the Canterbury Groundsman Andy Peirson and has good photographs of what needs to go on after play has finished for the season, there’s heaps of good advice for Club groundsman.

Andy is one of the three Kent Cricket Boards Pitch Assessors who can carry out Performance Quality Standards (PQS) inspections for Clubs in Kent. The other two are Tony Leach and Mike Grantham.

You can learn all about the work of the Kent Cricket Board’s Groundsman’s Associations courses and activities by contacting Peter Robinson, chair of the KCB GA.

Let there be a Cricket Pitch!!

2011-09-28T09:42:29Z

Capel CC have recently reformed and the first thing they need of course is … something to play cricket on.

The Club contacted Peter Robinson of the Kent Cricket Board’s Groundsman’s Association for help and within a very short period of time, Peter had worked his miracle and the Club had a pitch.

A quote from Jon Stronell at Capel “Special thanks to Peter Robinson who helped organise (and do much of the work) on very short notice – Peter you are a legend.”

KCB’s Groundsman’s Association does a huge amount of work - mostly unsung - behind the scenes and can offer advice and practical help to all Club’s with pitch and outfielfd requirements. If your club nees that sort of advice, don’t hesitate to contact Peter Robinson at peter.cricket.robinson@gmail.com.

Capel CC is near Paddock Wood and anyone interested in joining the club or who might want to find out more about them contact:

Some photos from the pitch creation at Capel CC - “Let there be Cricket Pitches” …

Apprentice Groundsman, Beckenham - Application Form

2011-07-02T10:28:59Z

An apprentice groundsman is required at Kent County Cricket Club’s ground at Beckenham.

Full details are included in the attached notice.

Groundsman's materials supplies

2011-06-20T19:14:58Z

Kent Cricket Board’s Groundsman’s Association is the facility you need for ordering all of your ground upkeep materials such as loam - of all sorts - seed, fertiliser and so on.

All the details are in this flyerand if you are interested in ordering anything please contact and order through KCBGA, by emailing either Peter Aylott Peter.Aylott@tesco.net or Peter Robinson peter.cricket.robinson@gmail.com