Regions & Branches

West Yorkshire/Leeds Branch

Forthcoming events for the Branch:

Programme for 2008/2009

Course details  01908312511       e-mail   training@iog.org     or web  www.iog.org

Please note:

All meetings from 15th October will be held at Cleckheaton Sports Club commencing at 7.30pm.  Free supper will be provided

All evening events commence at 7.30 pm sharp unless stated otherwise.
All feedback from members greatly appreciated.
Please contact the Branch Secretary for full details of forthcoming events.

Recent Events;

December 2007 --  IOG  EDUCATION with HEAD OF Proffessional Srevices Ian Lacy and CEO Geoff Webb.

Ian Mather Brewster was again on hand at our December meeting to assist Head of Professional Services, Ian Lacy, in giving a comprehensive overview of the integrated educational opportunities now available from the IOG. Training investment has topped £1 million over the last 5 years and there are now recognised career pathways for anyone from 14yrs to 70yrs. In place are two parallel pathways, accredited and non-accredited, accessible at any level depending on qualifications and/or experience, equivalent to NVQ’s.

Additionally Continuous Professional Development (CPD), an annually updated points scheme which is free to members, provides proof of a groundsman’s progress. Details are available in booklets from Head Office or the website iog.org. Access will soon be available via the on-line learning facility “Moodle,” details of which will be circulated with membership renewals.

Accompanying the two Ians in December was CEO Geoff Webb (who also has a tenuous claim to be an honourary Yorkshireman). Where better to get current information than from the horse’s mouth. Geoff gave a brief insight into the ending of the BIGGA merger talks which was “hot off the press,” stating the primary reason for impasse being “No tangible benefits to our members.” He went on to stress the vital importance of attracting young people to the profession via Young IOG,  modern apprenticeships and raising the profile through political lobbying. For this we need ammunition provided by a survey of the economic size of the industry, which is now in hand and not previously undertaken. Increasing membership levels, currently over 8000, also add weight to the cause. He said “There has never been a better time to do this, building on the momentum of the 2012 Olympic Games and increasingly high profile of sport.” By engaging a political lobbyist with the right ammunition (within the budget) we can place the message where it will be most effective.

The obvious commitment of our Head Office guests was very well received resulting in the latest finish I can remember. My spy at Milton Keynes informed me that the gentlemen in question returned at 2.15am. Many thanks.

November 2007 -- Bowling green maintenance and construction with Ian Mather-Brewster

Ian, who is rapidly becoming one of the IOG’s leading lecturers, deputised for Alan Lewis (unfortunately unavailable due to a family illness) in delivering a presentation on “Bowling green maintenance and construction” to our October audience. As a full time head groundsman with 25 years experience in cricket, bowls, croquet and winter games his interactive style is both productive and informative. Expanding on tried and tested routines Ian stimulated discussion on a number of issues including the suitability of  modern ryegrass cultivars to cope with extended playing season.

The consensus was that without some experimentation and re-writing of text books the increasing level of play would become unsustainable. Mick Morris at Spen Victoria is undertaking the challenge of year round play by using one of his greens throughout the winter. The outcome will be interesting. Many thanks to Ian who now has nearly enough CPD points to become an honorary Yorkshireman.