Around The Green self-deprecating to name them, Cairns. Longest Drive: Antony did not. Kirwan. The semi-finalists in the Thanks must go the members Surrey Bowl are Gareth Roberts of Burnham-on-Crouch Golf and Paul Bacon v Ron Christie Club for allowing us to play their and Roger Tydeman and Gary course, to the catering staff for John Ogilvie and Neil Gilham v David feeding us so well and to Andy Worsfold and Jamie McEnroy. Turbin (committee member at Pemberton I had thought that this last Burnham and trade sponsor of paragraph ought to contain a our section) for presenting the Chief list of my birthday presents and prizes. I would like to thank all Executive friends and family who sent those trade members who sup- cards, but so much excitement plied the prizes for the raffle table in one edition could be too much and to all those members that It’s hard to believe that we are into September already for our more senior members joined us on the day, helping to and planning for Harrogate Week is starting to dominate to take, so I’ll just say goodbye make it one of the best events time in the office. The education programme goes to until next month. we’ve had for a long time. print this month and will be available both in hard copy Brian Willmott The Captains v Green- and on-line in a couple of weeks time. keepers match at Romford Golf Keep an eye on www.harrogateweek.org.uk for full details Club, July 7 was badly affected or follow the link at the top of the BIGGA web site Home Page. by rain and thunder, most While bookings from exhibitors are reasonably good for this managed nine holes but that time of the year there is no doubt that the downturn in the was about it. Ian Wood, Course economy has taken its toll. It is noticeable that there are a Manager at Romford, reports number of regular exhibitors that have not rebooked due to that the weather conditions only cash flow problems and that have opted to wait and see how Essex allowed a certain amount of play things go this summer before committing. This is, of course, of over the day. The results are as concern, however, traditionally we have always had a flurry of It’s 10 years since we last follows:- bookings after SALTEX and through into December. The sales played at Burnham-on-Crouch Holes 1-9 Captains: Alan Levet team is working hard to try to ensure that this happens again Golf Club and what a difference & Phil Wilson, Bentley Golf Club, this year as well as exploring new avenues. it was. Last time we experienced 25 pts. Holes 1-9 Greenkeep- There is no doubt that exhibitions generally are under threat every weather condition that ers: Andy Cracknell & Michael and I have heard of several around the country that have been could be thrown at us and this Bartlett, Orsett Golf Club, 21 pts. cancelled this year, I’m sure that members will be aware of time the Gods were kind. The Holes 10-18 Captains: James some of these. sun shone and the winds stayed Robinson & Sam Smith, Gosfield Harrogate Week is not only a vital source of revenue for the moderate, which was lucky as Lake GC, 24 pts. Holes 10-18 Association but also the best opportunity, arguably in Europe, Burnham is on the banks of the Greenkeepers: Richard Dunmow for members and their peers to meet suppliers, access bespoke River Crouch with open plains & Malcolm Smith, Channels GC, education and to network within the sports turf industry. to the west and south so when it 20 pts. Nearest the Pin: 6th Hole, More and more companies are having their budgets either blows, it BLOWS. Richard Hare, GK, Golf cut or frozen and so are therefore looking closely at how they The Course was in fantastic Club. Nearest the Pin: 17th Hole, spend their money. There are a number of publications within condition, the 36 plus starters John Wheelhouse, Captain, the industry, all competing, and some often almost giving enjoyed a great day’s golf. No Channels Golf Club. advertising away to fill pages. BIGGA’s advertising revenue hold-ups and around in just John Smith, Essex Captain’s in Greenkeeper International and on the web has suffered over the four hours. Praise must Captain welcomed all the play- in no small way and as I have reported previously we have go to Course Manager, Robert ers and presented the prizes, reduced staffing levels at Headquarters by three as a direct Coughlan, and his team for the he thanked the club and staff consequence. All I ask is that you support your association condition, consistent pace on for their hard work and which that is there to support you. the greens and a well-manicured regrettably was slightly spoilt by With that in mind we are rapidly approaching the time of course, trouble if you were wild the weather. The Captains won year when Sections hold their AGM’s and often elect new and forgiving if you weren’t. 13-7 on the day. committee members. I know that it is very difficult to balance Scores were interesting but I will not be able to give an work, home and outside interests but please try to give some the best didn’t disgrace them- account of the “Essex Trophy” of your time to your Section, even if it is not on a regular basis. selves. which is to be held at Canons A small amount of help will ease the burden that all too often Overall winner of the Summer Brook Golf Club, Wednesday, in some Sections rests with one or two people. The age-old Trophy. Plus entrance to the August 19 until September’s adage of ‘a job shared is a job halved’ has never been more BIGGA National Championship edition of this magazine. If you appropriate. Headquarters staff are on hand to back up the was Sam Cook, Golf have not yet entered there is still Sections and this can be called upon direct or through the Club; he joins Adam Millward just time to get in, I hope to see Regional Administrators. and Mark Stopps on the Essex you there. As I stated last month I believe that BIGGA has achieved a great deal since 1987 Team with one more to join we have re-named this event. and has a lot to look forward to, but its ongoing success rests in them from the “Essex Trophy” That’s all for this time. Holi- the hands of its members, who are its best ambassadors and this month. days and work are keeping us its best recruitment officers. Please do your best to keep BIGGA Div 1. 1. Antony Kirwan, all busy and not much news is at the forefront of the sports turf industry. Lexden Wood GC, 37 pts. 2. coming my way. Tom Smith, Colne Valley GC, 33 If you do have any news for pts. Div 2. 1. Martin Forrester, the website or for GK Interna- The Essex G&CC, 41 pts; 2. tional please contact me on Ian Wood, Romford GC 32, pts. 07764-862.337 or via e-mail Guest Prize, Paul Holloway, 39 [email protected] pts. Trade Prize, Andy Turbin, Arnold Phipps-Jones John Pemberton 39 pts. Nearest the Pin. Simon Press Officer Chief Executive

SEPTEMBER 2009 GI 51