Groundskeepers from across the county were invited to Cullompton CC earlier this month for a morning of Pre-Season Grounds Management training.

Perfect weather conditions enabled a productive morning on the square at Cullompton CC for a dozen club groundskeepers, the majority of whom are new to their roles this summer.

Devon County Pitch Advisors Paul Mitchell and Peter Woodman lead attendees through pre-season pitch preparation steps and the use of the relevant grounds machinery.

Manufacturers Dennis Sisis and local suppliers Devon Garden Machinery were also on site to demonstrate the newest technology for fine turf and outfield grass cutting.

Speaking on the training day, Devon Cricket Foundation's (DCF) Funding & Facilities Manager, Nick Goodliffe, said:

"This was a fantastic opportunity, particularly for new groundskeepers, to understand the basics for preparing quality playing surfaces, and we hope all attendees found it helpful.

"At DCF we are keen for more of these sessions to take place and would encourage existing club groundskeepers to consider other potential club members who may be interested in learning some of the basics. If there is sufficient interest we will aim to run another course over the summer months.

"We recommend that clubs should sign up to the Devon Grounds Services package when affiliating to make the most of the support available through our team of County Pitch Advisors."

A huge thank you to Cullompton CC Head Groundskeeper, Richard Stephenson, for hosting the event and allowing all participants the opportunity to visit the new pitch under development at Horn Rd, on the outskirts of the town, to view their newly laid square.

CONTACT

Interested in learning some groundskeeping basics? Get in touch with our Funding & Facilities Manager, Nick Goodliffe:

nick.goodliffe@devoncricket.co.uk
07801 178329