Five Years of Unsung Heroes

Kester Clarke, Head Groundsman of Ipswich Cricket Club, Suffolk and Tim McCreadie, Course Manager of Royston Golf Club in Hertfordshire are the latest turf professionals to join the ranks of Terrain Aeration's Unsung Heroes, all of whom were invited to attend this year's awards.

Tim McCreadie, nominated by past STRI judge Tim Lodge of Agrostis, along with Royston Club Secretary Sean Clark was praised for his painstaking, ten-year restoration of the course, which is on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Steve Gingell, agronomist and Southern Area Manager for the STRI, speaking on behalf of his fellow judges Gordon Child (BIGGA) and Derek Walder (IOG) said that Tim has done a splendid job working under strict specifications. "As the course hosts both Anglo Saxon and Bronze Age burial mounds, is owned by The Conservators of Therfield Heath and Green, and home to the rare Chalkhill Blue Butterfly he has had to keep it as 'natural' as possible, while maintaining it to a high, playing standard," he commented.

Kester Clarke, nominated by Club Chairman Graham Denny has turned what was, in 2002, two fields of corn, into a ground which is fast becoming the envy of other clubs. "Kester has planned and planted boundary hedges, shrubs and trees, installed fencing and spent numerous hours ensuring the grounds and wickets are in immaculate condition for weekend and midweek representative matches," said Steve Gingell. "The club, in the words of the Chairman, owes him a huge debt."

The Unsung Hero Awards are organised by Terrain Aeration in conjunction with their sponsors Pitchcare and Greenkeeping Magazine. The winners receive holiday vouchers, a framed certificate and lapel badge from Terrain Aeration and a cheque for £200 from the sponsors.

Image(l to r): Steve Gingell, Linda Green, Tim McCeadie, David Green, Kester Clarke, Derek Walder, John Richards