these Open Championship Clubs choose to relief grind - Pitchcare

Stunning views from the top of the abbey Down on the farm
weddings, so the gardens and grounds
must always look their best. Chris Oram,
the school’s gardener, is responsible for
maintaining all the shrub and flower
beds. Every year he designs new bedding
schemes, buying in plugs and growing
them on in their own polytunnel.
Joe continually looks at ways to
improve the grounds and has a good
working relationship with both the
bursar and headmaster. Between them
they ensure the school remains one of
the best environments for those who
attend the school. As with any
independent school, the presentation of
the grounds, the quality of the playing
surfaces, along with the ambience of the
site, play an important role in its identity
and success.
Towards the end of my visit, Joe took
me to the top of the abbey; over 300
tortuous steps up a stone spiral staircase,
to where the views were simply
breathtaking. He also showed me around
the school and inside the abbey, which
was equally impressive, with some very
fine sculptures, stained glass windows
and architecture. We even went into the
Kings Room where large portraits of past
British monarchs were on display.
Joe must have one of the most diverse
jobs in our industry. It
really has become a way of
life for him and his family;
they also live on site and
feel very much part of the
school. In fact, you could
say he was as happy as a
pig in ...
Schools & Colleges
What’s in the shed?
New Holland TC40 Tractor
Agriport Topper finishing mower
John Deere 855 tractor (in need of
replacing)
John Deere Pro Gator with topdresser
attachment
Toro 5500 fairway mower
Toro 3100 triple cylinder mower
Ransomes Mastiff 36” cylinder mower
2 x Lloyds Paladin pedestrian cylinder
mowers
Ransomes Super Certes pedestrian
cylinder mower
Honda Pro Rotary pedestrian mower
Hayter 56 mower
Various Stihl blowers, strimmers and
chainsaws
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 PC 99