Bovey Tracey was the venue for groundskeepers from across the county to be treated to a combined day of machinery demonstrations and pre-season training.
In the morning the group gathered at the Devon Garden Machinery Open Day at Bovey Tracey Golf Centre, where they were able to visit the many trade stands and attend a demonstration from UK manufacturer Dennis/Sisis on new technology in grounds machinery. Robotic and battery multi-functional mowers were centre stage, with groundskeepers given the opportunity to try out the technology which included control panels to set the cutting speed to suit the application. A considerable amount of discussion took place about the merits of converting to battery powered equipment, of which there are many, however the cost ratio is still much higher than an equivalent petrol engine driven machine, which is likely to make it prohibitive for many clubs.
The DGM team were very accommodating and have offered to do more with the Devon Groundskeepers over the season with the possibility of Dennis visiting a club to provide further demonstrations on a cricket square during the summer months.
Special thanks to Matt Pitocco at Devon Garden Machinery for arranging the demonstration, making everyone feel welcome and for providing fantastic hospitality.
Just a short journey down the road, meant the afternoon was spent at Bovey Tracey Cricket Club in the capable hands of our County Pitch Advisors, Charlie Woolnough, Andy Cameron and Colin Whitehall, who all contributed in a pre-season training session on the well prepared Bovey Tracey square. Discussion topics included:
- Checking, removing any debris from square
- Mowing and reducing the height of cut
- Early planning for the season, setting out the square
- Additional renovation -minor Repairs
- Pre-season Rolling
- Getting the outfield ready
- Checking the ground equipment
The Bovey Tracey CC hospitality was wonderful with afternoon cream tea served at the interval to keep the groundskeepers topped up.
Feedback from those attending was very positive and there was a general feeling that further training sessions over the season would be welcomed, together with improved communication channels amongst club groundskeepers.