Last Friday Keith Kent the RFU’s head groundsman joined the “Friday Club” at Chinnor RFC having heard of their groundbreaking experiences in the maintenance of limited ground facilities at a top regional club.

Keith was show around by Bob “the dresser”, wardrobe supplied by Carol Bardbrook-Taylor, and our very own Jason Bowers wearing his “I believe all ground staff should be canonised” badge.

During his visit Keith was given a comprehensive presentation on the sophisticated and state of the art equipment used in our groundwork. He was impressed by the high level of maintenance carried out by Kevin “the mechanic” Cox and was quoted as saying I can see you have fully embraced the latest technology and those are the only two porche-engined line-markers I have seen in the UK”.

During this inspection there was a minor embarrassing incident when Geoff “The Creosote Kid” Corpe having observed that Keith had stood still for more than 30 seconds whist examining our tractor nearly painted him!!

Following his inspection Keith and Dave Stubley of the RFU joined the Friday club for one of Gwen’s superb lunches, just prior to sitting down it was noted that one of our number, Ivan the Cammack was missing. He was observed to be still marking out pitch one and when this was pointed out Keith was overheard to mutter the comment “you would get a straighter line if that man could get a decent set of glasses”.

During lunch Keith gave the Friday club feedback on their efforts and some anecdotal stories about his experiences at Twickenham

Other members of the Friday club in attendance were Jeff “Straight line” Deighton, Walter “Son of Straight line” McGuicken, Steve “Doughnut” Halson, with a guest appearance by Mike Perman (the writer would never take the piss out off this man).

Absent by kind permission of the Friday Club was Andy “Hammerhead” Seaton.

Keith’s final observation on departure was a mis-quote from Winston “never in the field of groundmanship have so many be able to play on pitches prepared by the few” and with this in mind I would like to take this public opportunity to thank the Friday Club for all their efforts in the maintenance of our grounds and clubhouse, those mentioned and those others who regularly turn up.

On a serious note to finish we were extremely pleased to have Keith visit us and look forward to his report on the way forward for maintenance of our grounds

If you fancy a stroll in the fresh air on a Friday please join us.

Bob Mitchell

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