Groundsman sees light in his growing concern
WE all know the two main ingredients for successful grass growth, sunshine and rain - in East Lancashire we are blessed with not much of the former and a deluge of the latter.
So, when the Stanley groundsman Ben Kay requested our help with a couple of artificial lighting rigs, to replicate the missing UV rays and help stimulate grass growth, then it was an easy decision to fund their purchase.
These are commonplace at large clubs with a set that will often cover the whole of their playing surface. We settled on a couple of more modest portable rigs.
The playing surface has not escaped the scrutiny of Stanley owner, Andy Holt, and the pitch has been reformed, literally, with major drainage works and a levelling up (Government please note – it can be done) as well as some recent plastic stitching which supports the root growth.
The result is a playing surface that is now amongst the best in the division and allows the team to perform to its optimum – as recent performances have proved. Obviously it’s money well spent!
One of the intended outcomes of the Jack Barrett memorial sponsored walks last October was to provide a new defibrillator unit, for non-matchday community use, based at the Wham Stadium.
The medical staff have units available for matches but there is no provision once the 90 minutes are complete.
So, we are delighted that this is now in place, located in a public area and only yards away from Whalley Road and The Crown Pub and therefore easily accessible to our local community 24-7.
I sincerely hope that the unit never gets used, however with the first few minutes being critical in the potential survival of any heart attack then it could well help save lives.
The unit is accessed by dialling 999 and entering the supplied door code and following the simple instructions on the case.
It is located on the outside wall of the new function rooms at the ground and at the foot of the steps from the Crown car park.