October 31st saw the end of our successful eight-year partnership with Nick, Portia and their grounds team. Over this time, the club has grown significantly on and off the field, including; two 1XI Premier Division titles, taking on responsibility at West End and seeing our junior section expand to ~600 boys and girls. On behalf of the committee, I’d like to place on record our thanks to Nick and Portia for their hard work and wish them the best going forward.
 
Providing high quality facilities at both Graburn Way and The WECA in line with continued growth requires a full-time groundsperson, providing greater on-site presence and dedication to EMCC.
 
I’m very excited to announce that Richard Curtis has taken on the position, starting 1st November as our full-time groundsman. Richard’s wealth of experience includes learning the trade at Teddington CC (don’t hold that against him!), the upkeep of six cricket squares (50 wickets) at Hampton School and most recently managing The Beveree, home to Hampton and Richmond FC.
 
If you find yourself at Graburn Way over this winter, please do say hello and welcome Richard to the club.

Get to know Richard more with our fun Q&A below:

How did you become a groundsman? - I got into being a Groundsman sort of, by accident. I was at Richmond College starting the long road to becoming an Architect. That lasted two terms, then I applied to an advert for Teddington CC as an apprentice Groundsman, purely because I wanted to work outside for that summer. That was April 94’, and I’m still working outside. Love it!

If a cricket match was played on the moon, how do you think the pitch would play? - On the moon?? I can imagine it’s going to turn a bit and surely that slow weird flight is going to pick up a few wickets?? But then, if a batsman connects, it’s going to stay hit!! I’d pay to see it!

Your favourite lawn mower brand and why? - I use and have used every make out there at one job or another! But there’s always something extra satisfying with a John Deere. Just feels comfortable to me!

Any advice to the members on how to keep their gardens looking strong through the winter?- The same as a cricket square really. Keep the surface free of leaves and other debris, aerate now to get the roots nice and deep and give the water somewhere to go. And, feed it so you come out of winter in a nice, healthy place!

Estimated top speed you’ve hit while driving a sit-on lawn mower? - I’ve hit the heady heights of about 10mph! Scary stuff!

How are you going to continue the WECA makeover? - Having read the pitch report yesterday and hearing tales of the ball doing all sorts at the beginning, it’s pretty clear it’s not a bad track. It just needs some love, and doing the right things at the right time. Over time, we’ll improve the outfield, felt a bit bobbly in places, but generally, what a 2nd ground to have!!

Favourite part of the job? - Favourite part is the presentation, seeing peoples reactions when they come into a ground, and it genuinely stops them in their tracks!!