South West drainage days a success

South West drainage days a success

By Dave Saltman

Last week three seminar and demonstration days were held at separate venues in Cornwall, Somerset and Bristol. The days were organised by Rose Jones (above middle), wife and business partner of Tom Jones (above right), a contractor and supplier of sportsturf machinery and supplies.

The company WT & RJ Jones (who are based in Somerset) arranged the seminars to help those, on a regional level, learn more about the basics of drainage and the types of machinery available to aid them in that task.

The events were sponsored and ably assisted by AFT Trenchers, Blec Ltd, and TYM tractors. These companies provided working demonstrations of their array of machinery on the sports fields in the afternoons.

In the morning after a cup of tea and bacon rolls, the delegates were enlightened and entertained by Mr Geoffrey Davison (top picture on left). Geoffrey has been associated with innovative solutions to sports turf drainage problems for nearly half a century, he has written a number of publications as well as regularly contributing to the press. During his long career he has dealt with the science and understanding of drainage, soils and the production of quality sports turf surfaces.

During the course of the morning seminars, Geoffrey explained simply and easily soil texture, soil structure, the principles of drainage and the difference between hydraulic conductivity and critical tension. His PowerPoint presentation was interjected with easy to understand diagrams and there was plenty of photographic evidence to back the theory of his talk. He also looked at basic and more complex drainage schemes and the associated machinery related to the work involved.

The events were of tremendous benefit to all the delegates and if similar open days are to be held again, it is definitely a recommended and worthwhile day out.

If you would like further information, please contact Tom or Rose Jones on 01823 665030 or 0778 5295239.