KCB GROUNDSMAN’S ASSOCIATION

The KCB Groundsman’s Association was formed some 3 years ago with the aim of developing both Groundsmen and playing surfaces in the county.

Tractor mounted Graden	Drop on pitch cradle

To date the main activities have been to:

 ·        co-ordinate a Buying Group for materials – discounts, technical advice etc.

·        provide access to turf renovation equipment

·        publicise Groundsman training opportunities

·        provide access to specialist contractors (e.g. spraying)

This year, in addition to the above, the KCB GA plans to run the following programme/services:

Spring Meeting (Date & venue will be notified)

The theme for this meeting will be “Improving your surfaces & undersoil problems” and we hope to have all 3 Kent ECB Pitch Inspectors (Tony Leach, Mike Grantham & Andy Peirson) present.

Visits

Depending upon the level of interest it is also hoped that the KCB GA can arrange visits to:

·        either Lords or the Oval – to get a feel for what is involved in preparing pitches at the highest level.

·        A supplier of fine turf materials – to gain a better understanding of loam manufacture/blending etc.

·        Cranfield to gain first hand feedback on the rolling trials.

·        Saltex 2006

Technical Support

It is hoped that we can develop a website for Kent Groundsmen aimed at providing them with a forum for airing problems and exchanging views/solutions (with expert comment where appropriate.

Pitch Inspections

Provision of a point of contact for clubs wishing to have pitch inspections.   This is aimed at advising clubs of how to go about obtaining an accredited inspection; the help available and the costs involved.

Finally, whilst KCB GA  has contact with a significant number of the groundsmen (full and part time) in the County, this is by no means comprehensive and one of the aims of the association in 2006 is to improve communication.  If clubs wish their groundstaff to participate in the activities of the KCB GA , they should provide contact details (e mail address if possible) to:

KCB GA, c/o Cricket Development Office, St Lawrence Ground, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3NZ