Regions & Branches

Bristol Branch

Forthcoming events for the Branch:

All meetings start at 19:30 and are held at The Pavilion, Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, Coombe Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, unless stated otherwise.

Post Branch events and reviews;

BRANCH MEETING REVIEWS

Owl Watch:  a rather intriguing title for a recent branch meeting. Were members and friends in for an evening of gazing into the dusk at darkening trees or to be indoors with tame birds doing head zooming flights across the room?

As it was, Chris Sperring from the Hawk and Owl Trust brought along one delightful barn owl that sat patiently and, in the main, very alert to what was going on. Chris outlined the necessity for the right environment and how we can help to maintain conditions that suit our birds of prey. She (the owl that is), having often heard the fascinating facts and anecdotes before, did nod off occasionally, but the audience didn’t.

Did you know that, unlike a duck, a barn owl’s feathers are not waterproof? An owl can be in dire trouble following a few days of heavy rain as with wet feathers the bird will be unable to hunt.

Following persistent questions and a mass of interesting facts and fascinating anecdotes, Chris was warmly thanked for a most absorbing and informative talk enhanced by his charming feathered companion.

Rita Gray

Dispelling the Myths of Soil Analysis and Nutrient Levels

On the 16th of October IOG Bristol branch held the first of a two part presentation by Neil McKenzie and David Garvey of Rigby Taylor on soil fertility and the benefits of soil analysis.

How soil texture and pH affect nutrient availability were the first topics to be discussed during the evening followed by some of the benefits of soil sampling:

• Confidence- seeing the benefits from previous treatments
• Assess- Can define the chemical and physical properties of a soil
• Understand- How cultural practices improve soil fertility
• Planning- Allows for the opportunity to make long-term fertiliser programs

This was followed by a comprehensive guide as to how to undertake soil sampling and details of the easy to understand service provided by Rigby Taylor.

Part two of the presentation was held at IOG Bristol branch on 13th November and presented once again by Neil and David with the emphasis on fertiliser programs, the different types of fertilisers available (dependant on nutrient status) and turfgrass growth rates throughout the year.

A spreadsheet was introduced highlighting the Rigby Taylor product range and a demonstration on its accessibility (on their website) and ease of use. Finally a fascinating video was broadcast showing how fertiliser was made, thus rounding up two fascinating and informative presentations.

Bristol branch wishes to thank Neil and David for their time and trouble.

Colin Ashman

Good News from Watford.

The branch was placed in second position of this year’s Wheatley Cup Competition. The results were announced at the AGM in Watford. Thank you for all your support; keep it up and we may improve our position next year.

At the FA Groundsmans’ Seminar, held following the national conference, Craig Richardson from Bristol City won the groundsman of the year for his division, well done Craig.

Visit to T H White

On our visit to T H White – one of the country’s top Ransome Jacobsen dealers who have won many awards including top spares, top service, top apprentice etc. – we were welcomed by Pat Smith and his team of Nigel Howe, Mike Harris, Stuart Fry and Simon Perry from the T H White staff, and Joe Turner and Peter Driver from Ransomes.

Pat gave an introduction to the history of one of the oldest agricultural dealers in the UK, started in 1832, and described the development that has led to T H White’s diverse success. Questions and answers followed.

Joe Turner of Ransomes then gave an up-to-date picture of the current Ransomes Jacobsen range, again giving us a fascinating insight into the future, with statistics to impress. He answered all our questions and ended with the most modern of machines, the ‘Spider’ which can overcome the most difficult of environments.

Pat then led us into the very extensive workshops which can accommodate anything from the smallest mower to the largest combine harvester, with room to manoeuvre. Simon and Nigel showed us the equally extensive stores, which impressed all present with T H Whites investment in the backup they offer the products they are agents for. Thanks go to them all for giving us such a welcome and superb presentation.

I would like to thank Pat and his team on behalf of the branch for a most enjoyable evening.

Trip to Millfield School

Microbes Under The Soil That was subject of the enthralling talk that our host David Warner gave us on 13th March at Millfield School. We were informed that there are billions of organisms in each handful of soil and that Scientists only understand about 30% of what is actually happening. There is a huge variety of food and a wide range of habitat, providing the diversity of organisms. These organisms tend to concentrate in favourable habitat pockets rather than being distributed evenly; the diversity of organisms ranges from bacteria and fungi to worms.

We were introduced to what we ought to be doing to our own soil by way of introducing starches and sugars as a food source to encourage these organisms as they eat away the thatch and dead roots etc. Micro-organisms can tolerate aerobic, anaerobic or both (facultative). One fact that I had forgotten about was that all microorganisms cease metabolic activity below 5oC soil temperature and grass needs 7oC before actively growing. So there is no point in putting fertiliser on if it cannot be broken down and used by the plants.

We were encouraged to start thinking about organic based fertilisers, as they are 100% ingredient used. Most fertilisers use up to 70% salt as a carrier, which, in time, could lead to anaerobic conditions. We also discussed the merits and properties of clay loams for cricket and that Millfield are going to be doing detailed trials with record keeping for water, rolling and feeding etc. This, in time, may help other groundsmen in their selection of materials for cricket and how to maintain them.

We were adequately fed and watered and it was nice to see staff from the school as well as representatives from Rigby Taylor and other cricket grounds. Many thanks to David and the school.

PS Did you know that you can now purchase Bacteria that 'eat' oil contaminated soil. Great for a hydraulic leak on our pristine turf!!

Machinery by Mike Taylor

Mike's talk was, as usual, a valuable insight into how simple procedures can save unnecessary expense and loss of vital equipment at peak times due to easily avoidable failure and repair or at worst major damage to valuable machines.

There was something for everybody in Mike's talk whether a practiced operator or someone new to the industry. Drawing from his vast experience Mike brought along practical examples of costly errors made by the most proficient and those less experienced.

Cricket Soils Research at Cranfield University by Martin Ford

At the November Meeting Martin Ford gave a talk to the branch on the latest research into cricket wicket preparation.

He covered some of the basic principles of soil science, the work of universities like Cranfield and Sheffield and looked into the future to see how science may be able to help the cricket groundsman prepare better wickets.

The evening provided an indispensable insight into the application of technology to help us produce a truly identifiable standard and professional product.

Christmas Social Dinner

In December members joined together to enjoy our Christmas extravaganza at Coombe Dingle. Our caterers did a magnificent job and an enjoyable meal, followed by the highlight of the evening was the presence of our guest speakers, Martin Rospide and Bernardo Stortoni, who play for Bristol Rugby Club.

They told us a little of their lives and their hopes for the club and then took part in a very interesting question and answer session. These two young men hold 23 caps for their country, Argentina, and it was an honour for us to have their company.

The usual quiz and raffle followed with lots of friendly banter and thanks go to the organisers, Andy and Rita Gray. It was good to have the support of Dave Carvey of Rigby Taylor and our old friend Peter Prior from the Memorial Stadium

Arboriculture and the Sports Ground

In December we were lucky enough to secure a talk from Sue Adams a widely respected Chartered Arboricultural Consultant and examiner for the Arboricultural Association.

Sue's talk was entitled 'Arboriculture and the Sports Ground', and whilst the value and need to care for trees was focused upon heavily the thrust of Sue's presentation focused on the legislative framework surrounding trees and the legal responsibilities we hold as managers for the care of trees and the requirement to ensure practical safety for trees in public places.

The event promoted much lively debate and questioning from those attending. Sue with her wide experience and technical knowledge provided a memorable talk and an informative answer to peoples' concerns.

This was a thought-provoking meeting for all of us who work with and are responsible for trees on our grounds.

Quiz & AGM

Well we didn't make it all the way in the Quiz losing out to Fife in League two taking second place. Thanks to John Dimmery our quizmaster for his efforts during the season.

Withheld Answers were as follows:

Question 2  General Knowledge - Egypt
Port Said
Alexandria
Sudan

Question 8 General Knowledge - Literature
Sharon Osborne
Gloria Hunniford
Katie Price

Question 12 Sports - Tennis
Croatia
Slovakia
Bratislava

Tiebreaker Questions
21. Foreign Secretary
22. Miss Iceland
23. E
24. John Speke
25. (Civil) Master of the Rolls  (Criminal) Lord Chief Justice

For a review of the AGM read Mike Taylor's notes in the Members' Bulletin of the March Issue of The Groundsman.

Trip to Bennett Engineering

The showrooms and workshops of Bill Bennet Engineering provided a suitable location for our February meeting. Thanks to Bill Bennet's for their hospitality and refreshments.
The trip was well attended with standing room only for the talk given by Kubota and IGST (Integrated Growing Solutions and Technology).

Kubota gave an enlightening insight into their company, products and the philosophy of this Japanese company that is a household name in the UK, Europe and the US.

IGST gave a most informative talk on their products and services that are based on agronomic solutions for the turf-care industry. Mark Atkins presented a well-founded scientific presentation on the practical application of their materials in maintaining or restoring the natural health of soils.

Armed with a good selection of samples and literature, together with prizes from the free raffle, everyone left with a mix of materials to complement the experience.