Notts Sport Blog

ChildsPlay Brochure

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Our latest ChildsPlay brochure is now available!

ICC Europe Newsletter- June

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0000

The June issue of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe newsletter is now online at www.icc-europe.org so click below to see the latest developments in European cricket please click here

As usual, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the newsletter. If you do not already have this installed on your computer, you can download it free of charge from: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Notts Sport Cricket � giving foxes a fighting chance...

Wed, 19 May 2010 23:00:00 +0000

As well as being known for our fondness for cricket, we Brits are renowned the world over for being a nation of animal lovers.

And that certainly proved to be the case here at Notts Sport Cricket Towers recently when we chanced upon a story in the news about a hapless fox cub who somehow managed to get himself tangled up in a cricket net.

Quite what the poor little chap was doing there, we don’t know – maybe he was trying to squeeze in a cheeky bit of batting practice – but despite getting himself tied up in knots, he lived to scavenge another day thanks to an RSPCA rescue.

Now we’re not the sort of folk who go round saying ‘I told you so’, but we do know of a way this unfortunate incident could have been avoided.

Because with every Notts Sport Cricket nets installation, we give our customers the option to have ground-level skirting boards fitted to make sure over-enthusiastic animals are kept well away from the playing surface.

So if you’re in the hunt (sorry!) for a top-notch, ECB-approved practice pitch for your club, give those foxes a fighting chance – and give Notts Sport Cricket a call!

!!!LATEST NEWS!!!

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0000

As of 27th April 2010, Andy Carter is no longer employed by Notts Sport. He left by mutual consent.

Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe Newsletter

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0000

The April issue of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe newsletter is now online at www.icc-europe.org so click on the link below to see the latest developments in European cricket.

http://www.cricketeurope2.net/docs/ECC/NEWSLETTER/issue109.pdf

Old Newton Cricket Club Back in Action

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Notts Sport is a big backer of the grassroots game, and so it was a real delight to design a new non-turf pitch for Old Newton Cricket Club in Stowmarket, Suffolk, giving keen players the chance to get out in the field again after years without a proper facility.

The 30m Envelope System covered with NottsWeave carpet that we created replicates many of the best playing characteristics of a grass pitch and, thanks to careful work by our approved installers, Bingham’s, the grass outfield was also left in tiptop condition and ready for action

Bingham’s does us proud every time, and their high level of service received glowing praise from Kevin Swinburne, Chairman of Old Newton Cricket Club, who wrote:

Just wanted to say a huge thank-you for the work the guys did. As you know, I was worried about any residual damage to the field so the fact that they dug the ground by hand, barrowed away the spoil and also barrowed in the base components across the full length of the field was fantastic. I know this would have made their work twice as hard, but please pass on my thanks for doing this. The artificial pitch looks great – fantastic job.”

Pepsi ICC Development Programme Newsletter

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0000

The March issue of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe newsletter is now online at www.icc-europe.org so click on the link below to see the latest developments in European cricket.

http://www.cricketeurope2.net/docs/ECC/NEWSLETTER/issue108.pdf

Orange is the happiest colour

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +0000

We have added a new colour to our range of VHAF NottsSward carpets - bringing a fresh dimension to sports, play and leisure environments.

Sunset Orange joins the company's wide spectrum of surfacing options, which comprises 15 colours including Grass Green, Vivid Yellow, Lavender, Platinum Grey, Marine Green, Burgundy and Fjord Blue.

All the colours are available to create courts and pitches for individual sports such as tennis, hockey and football, and for multi-use games areas (MUGAs).

Sunset Orange and the full range of shades can also be used to mark out patterns, shapes and playground games on Notts Sport's popular ChildsPlay and Green Dragon Play systems.

Shaun Patrick says:

Colour adds vitality to sports environments, and the new Sunset Orange looks particularly impressive as a tennis court or five-a-side football surface.

While play is fast becoming a colourful business - for example, the Polish government is investing in 15,000 new blue and orange play areas for its schools - we would like to see more local authorities, schools and clubs adding vibrancy to their sports facilities.

As well as making their sports resource uniquely eye-catching and unforgettable to the people who use it, facility owners can recreate the look of clay courts, match their pitch to local team colours, or reproduce a company or sponsor logo as part of the surface."

November Issue of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme available

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0000

The November issue of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe newsletter is now online at www.icc-europe.org so click on the link below to see the latest developments in European cricket.

http://www.cricketeurope2.net/docs/ECC/NEWSLETTER/issue104.pdf

Full Pitch Winter 2009

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Our latest issue of Full Pitch is now available!

Click here to download.

Happy Reading!

ICC Europe Newsletter

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0000

The October issue of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe newsletter is now online at www.icc-europe.org so click on the link below to see the latest developments in European cricket.

http://www.cricketeurope2.net/docs/ECC/NEWSLETTER/issue103.pdf

If you would like us to send the newsletter link to any of your contacts, please let us have their names, email addresses, clubs (if applicable) and country, and we will add them to the distribution list. If on the other hand you no longer wish to receive the newsletter yourself, just return this email with the existing subject header and the content 'unsubscribe'.

If you have any queries or require further information on the Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Lord's.

Leicester Legend Steve Walsh Opens New Multisport Facility

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Foxes legend Steve Walsh opened a brand new, made-to-measure Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Fleckney on Saturday, designed by us at Notts Sport.

The quick-draining MUGA at the Leicester Road Recreation Ground lets the local community play a range of sports in one space - including football, tennis, hockey and netball - and was commissioned and part-funded by Fleckney Parish Council.

Hundreds of people came to the opening event, which included a 7-a-side football match between Fleckney Athletic Under 18s and Fleckney Veterans, a penalty shootout competition and a tennis match.

Former Captain of Leicester City, Steve Walsh, cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the facility before enjoying a kick-about with local players.

Said Steve:

"In my day we never had such good facilities as this, but it is great to see smaller communities in Leicestershire clubbing together to make sure more local people have the chance to play sports.

"This kind of facility helps to promote a healthier lifestyle and to keep kids off the street - as well as helping us to find and coach the sporting stars of the future."

Not only does the MUGA mean more sports more often for local children, but by opening the facility to local clubs and community users it will bring in revenue for the parish council, which co-funded the facility with Fleckney Athletic, as well as securing grants from Sport England, the Football Foundation and Harborough District Council.

Project Developemnt Manager at Notts Sport Simon says:

"We worked with Fleckney Parish Council for around two years, advising on grants and funding for the facility, and designing a MUGA suited to their budget, the site and the needs of the community they identified.

"It's very rewarding to see this MUGA in use for the first time, and to know that the high-quality, durable materials we use will ensure it provides community sports for many years to come."

The MUGA was installed by Leicester-based Dura Sport, one of our appointed installers for its top-of-the-range facilities.

The Multisport VHAF NottsSward synthetic turf surface was laid onto a specialist base layer to provide a pitch offering consistent playing performance for a range of sports, with the facility fenced and floodlit for use in winter.

Dura Sport has also installed bollard lighting from Leicester Road to the recreation ground entrance to improve safety for users.

New Practice Facility for Wath Cricket Club

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Wath Cricket Club is no stranger to being in the public eye. Unfortunately, the club "famously" appeared on
Sky Sports News in 2007, when the club was filmed under more than ten feet of water during the floods of that summer!

If other clubs weren't casting an envious eye back then they will be now, for the club have recently been provided with a state of the art four bay non-turf cricket practice facility using Notts Sport's ECB Approved sytems.

The facility, installed this summer by our cricket licensee Bingham Ground Services, includes 2no. Notts Sport Envelope systems and 2no. NottsBase ‘D' system practice pitches, VHAF NottsSward low maintenance surround material and a heavy duty 72' cage and netting structure.

As with all new build Notts Sport cricket systems, the facility comes with a 12 month constructional guarantee, a 5 year material warranty, a 5 year anti-corrosion warranty and most importantly, a performance guarantee for a period of five years.

Due to the location of the facility, further bespoke items were specified to the build. As it was installed within a leafy public park, it was recommended to the club that the facility was moved a distance from the trees to lower the maintenance and a root break was installed to protect the facility. For security reasons a lockable perimeter fence was also specified on the area.

And just in case the rain comes again, not only will Notts Sport's highly porous cricket materials allow any water to drain away freely, but the increased drainage raft specified and installed underneath the facility should keep the water at bay!

Astroturf - Did you know?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0000

The word Astroturf, originally a trademark for a type of artificial grass, has been hijacked to describe coalitions formed and funded by major corporations to create the impression of providing unbiased information.

The "Astroturf" phrase was originally coined by the former US Senator Lloyd Bentsen who spoke out against these amalgamations of what appear to be grassroot groups.

Whilst astroturfing is not illegal it is challenged as an ethical practice. And although authentic grassroot organisations are not opposed to hearing the arguments these Astroturf groups may have, they will try and expose the groups for what they truly are.

The Benefits of Synthetic Surfaces

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0000

There are many benefits to using synthetic surfacing; it really is the gift to sports facilities and players that keeps on giving. Laying down synthetic turf or synthetic grass surfaces can cut many costs as well as being more practical than organic turf in the long run. There is much less of a need for maintenance and general grounds-keeping costs can be reduced significantly.

The benefits don't end at cost and comfort. You won't need to water your synthetic turf because it doesn't grow – and because it doesn't grow you won't need to cut it. There's also no need for pesticides or fertilisers. Great!

Also, you may optionally have your synthetic football pitches inlaid with a different colour (other than green). This superb feature of artificial surfaces allows field lines to remain clear and permanently visible under all conditions without the cost associated with regular re-painting.

Because synthetic turf doesn't degrade with use to the extent of organic turf (especially in wet weather) you can have an all-year-round playing field which can be used day-in, day-out without fear of soil churning. This means that you can host as many events as you wish without having to wait for your organic turf to regenerate.

There are benefits to the resistant nature of synthetic turf other than the financial implications. Synthetic turf is UV, vandal and fire resistant. In addition, the rates of player injuries can be reduced when playing on synthetic surfaces

But where should you get your synthetic turf from? Notts Sport are amongst the most prestigious and reputable synthetic turf suppliers. We are proud to boast that we are the leading specialist in the design, advice and supply of artificial turf from cricket, tennis, soccer and hockey pitches to multi-sports and children's play areas. Notts Sport is the real project enabler, committed to providing and beneficial solutions for the local community.

ICC Europe Newsletter - August

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0000

The August issue of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme - Europe newsletter is now online at www.icc-europe.org so click on the link below to see the latest developments in European cricket.

http://www.cricketeurope2.net/docs/ECC/NEWSLETTER/issue103.pdf

As usual, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the newsletter. If you do not already have this installed on your computer, you can download it free of charge from:

www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

France... May...2009

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0000

A strong delegation from Notts Sport visited France last month in order to support the efforts of our new Distributors and Installers on that country. Having already had a good deal of success with ABC Hags in the North and East of France we were on-hand to support the first installations of the newest members of Notts Sport overseas partners Coala of Nimes and récréAction of Paris. These companies will promote, sell and install our products in the areas not covered by ABC Hags.

It started out as a three-man team heading off to France on the Tuesday morning- Andy Carter (transportation), Sophie Roy (languages) & Zec Tomlinson (everything else). The fourth member of the team Simon Glover (installation) was arriving separately following a hospital visit, which knowing Simon involved a great deal of pain and zero anaesthetics. Due to his ordeal he was being spared Andy Carter's driving and instead was flying in to meet up with the rest of the team on Tuesday evening.

Unfortunately nobody informed the French train drivers, who rather uncharacteristically were not on strike. However they rather selfishly decided to stick to their normal working hours and leave Simon stranded at a station in the middle of nowhere. In scenes reminiscent of Saving Private Ryan the rest of the team bravely drove through the French countryside in order to find their missing comrade. Several minutes and a few dozen hand gestures later Andy Carter located his whereabouts. By means of celebration we retired to our headquarters for the evening and enjoyed some food especially prepared by the local townsfolk. The Chinese meal went down very well.

The next morning we drove to the small town of Saintry-sur-Seine and supervised récréAction's first ever CP installation. The area in question was located in the town's infant school and involved the renovation of a sand play area. Simon Glover has found a way of converting these into CP areas without the cost of removing the sand and a successful installation here could open up a lot of similar work elsewhere in the region.

Things went better than planned on-site as Simon, ably assisted by récréAction's installation team made short work of the project, Sophie interpreted everything thrown at her by the installation team, Coala's local sales representative, the town's mayor, the town's deputy mayor, the town's inspector of schools, the town's deputy inspector of schools, the town's....you get the picture. This is France after all. Andy was on the phone. A lot. And the weather was so good that Zec had to be sent to the local Spar shop and buy up the small town's whole supply of Evian mineral water.

Finished before dinner the Notts Sport team then set off on the next assignment: St. Lo in Normandy for Coala's first CP installation. The journey took about four hours and the hand gesture count from inside Andy Carter's motor grew proportionately.

The accommodation in St. Lo was well-situated. Close to the river, the castle and the local restaurants. However what really drew our attention was the bar right next to the hotel. The bar seemed to be home to St. Lo's bohemian set and was full of the local eccentrics. The music inside the bar was of an eclectic mix too - a Janet Jackson concert being shown in full on the big screen (which Sophie paid an unnerving amount of attention to) followed by a Rammstein (German death metal) concert. We left within a minute and a half of the Rammstein concert starting (wise move I'd say) and thoughts turned to the next day's installation.

St. Lo as a town was badly damaged during WW2 and the first CP area was to be installed at The American War Memorial Hospital, adjacent to the children's ward. The hospital was built with Marshall Aid money in the years just after WW2 and a large part of the hospital is dedicated to the memory of the Americans who died liberating the town.

As with the previous day's installation Simon did a sterling job on-site, aided and abetted by the local installers. The weather was not very clever though, but seeing as we were working on the 3rd floor balcony of the hospital, complete with roof, it was not a major problem. Getting the rolls of VHAF NottsSward up the three flights of stairs was more of a problem though, and at this point Andy and Sophie disappeared. Hmmm.

The area at St. Lo was approx. 180m2 in size and involved the use of three different colours of VHAF NottsSward along with a hop-scotch. However despite this Simon and his men were able to get the vast majority of the installation completed by the close of play on Thursday. By this time Andy and Sophie had returned to the play area, along with dinner for the workers. During the afternoon Andy promised Simon some new bionic knees once his current ones are worn out, which at this rate will be about three months time.

All that was needed on the final day was a final one-hour visit to the play area just to ensure that the local installers were on course for completing the job. That being done the next task was to ensure that we caught the ferry back to Portsmouth in time. Mission accomplished with just enough time to dive into the local supermarket and stock up on French wine (Andy) French snacks (Sophie) and Belgian beer (Simon and Zec of course).

The crossing over the English Channel was pretty choppy, but it was all good practise for another three-hour journey in Andy's car.....

Thanks for reading! Regards Zec

EUROSPORT Broadcasting of ICC World Twenty20

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0000

The ICC World Twenty 20, which starts later today will be broadcast live through Eurosport 2 and on-line via the internet through Eurosport Player.

The matches are as follows:

Friday 5th June: England v Netherlands

Saturday 6th June: Australia v West Indies

Monday 8th June: Ireland v Bangladesh

Tuesday 9th June: Pakistan v Netherlands

Tuesday 9th June: New Zealand v South Africa

Thursday 11th June: D1 v A2 (Super 8)

Sunday 14th June: A1 v B2 (Super 8)

Monday 15th June: B2 v C1 (Super 8)

Tuesday 16th June: D2 v A1 (Super 8)

Thursday 18th June: Semi Final

Friday 19th June: Semi Final

Sunday 21st June: Final

All matches will also be live on internet (ex UK) on Eurosport Player as pay per view - see http://player.eurosport.com

Cardiff Cricket Club

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Notts Sport has put its own mark on Cardiff Cricket Club's impressive Forest Farm Road ground this summer.

The Notts Sport Centre of Excellence net facility has been completed in time for the 2009 cricket season.

The facility incorporates four ECB Approved 30.00m practice pitches consisting of two Notts Sport Envelope systems and two NottsBase ‘D' systems, to cater for all ages and abilities. A 72' heavy duty cage and knotless netting system has also been specified within the area to protect users in each lane.

In addition to this, VHAF NottsSward material has been installed around the pitches to provide a totally synthetic foot print for minimum maintenance. This material has also been installed as an extension to the bowlers' run ups. White canvass has been specified against the bowlers' back drop to aid the batsman, and the entire facility is enclosed and protected by a 3.00m high lockable perimeter fence.

Having been very impressed with the previous 8 Centre of Excellence installations in Wales in 2003, Notts Sport was approached once again to design and specify their ECB Approved products by The Cricket Board of Wales and The Sports Council of Wales.

After an internal tender process, the chosen Notts Sport installer emerged as Bingham Ground Services, who began work on the facility in April and handed it over to the club in early May.

Cardiff Cricket Club now joins Miskin Manor, Aberystwyth, Port Talbot, Colwyn Bay, Carmarthen Wanderers, Northrop Hall, Builth Wells and Newport Cricket Clubs in Wales with Notts Sport Centre of Excellence facilities.

New Home

Tue, 26 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

After 25 years of being based in Oadby, Leicestershire, Notts Sport is expanding it's operation and moving to Magna Park in Lutterworth. Magna Park, is Britain's first and Europe's largest dedicated distribution park, and is acclaimed for setting new standards in concept, design and management.

Magna Park covers 500 acres and will eventually provide up to 7.7 million sq. ft of floor space of B8 distribution.

The calibre of occupiers at Magna Park is testimony to the location and quality of the development. Names include ASDA, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Argos, Sara Lee, Unipart, DHL, Britvic Soft Drinks, LIDL, Merck, BT, Exel, P&O, The Disney Store, Panasonic, and TNT......and now Notts Sport!

Says Notts Sport CEO, Andy Carter, "One of the first recommendations I made when I joined Notts Sport was that we needed to improve our facilities. The new offices are in an unbeatable location and offer the prestige and working environment that our staff and clients deserve."

Notts Sport's new address is Innovation House, Magna Park, Lutterworth. LE17 4XH

Goodbye Richard

Wed, 20 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

We have to announce that Richard Tigwell is leaving Notts Sport with effect from 31 May 2009.

As the company continues to re-model its business to meet the future opportunities of its numerous home and international markets, Richard has decided that this is an opportune time to seek and pursue new career challenges.

After some thirteen years as a member of the Notts Sport team, this decision has not been taken lightly, and Richard will certainly miss the friendship and support of colleagues, distributors and suppliers which he has always valued most highly.

Richard wishes all associated with Notts Sport a most successful and prosperous future and fully intends to remain a genuine friend of the company.

Everyone at Notts Sport is sorry that Richard is leaving and would like to wish him every success in all his future ventures.

Baby Boom!

Mon, 11 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to our Multi Sports Manager Simon Clare, on the arrival of their son #4, George!

Also to David Slatter of S & C Slatter Ltd. He and his wife have given birth to their first son Adam.

We wish them all the best!

Congratulations!

25 and still counting...

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0000

We're celebrating our 25th Anniversary this April!

Since Notts Sport was established in 1984, we have evolved into one of the leading designers and suppliers of synthetic surfacing systems for sport and play, with our systems being used throughout Europe and North America.

We now look to develop our global market still further through an exciting expansion programme in Asia and the introduction of some innovative new products.

Even more exciting times ahead.

Cricket in the Himalayas

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

OK not the Himalayas, but somewhere very close. Kathmandu to be precise and surprisingly a hot bed of cricketing passion. As Notts Sport's Chairman, I was invited as a guest of The Asian Cricket Council to the Final of the ACC under 17's Elite Cup in Nepal.

Never one to miss an opportunity to watch a bit of cricket and dressed in completely inappropriate clothing for a Nepalese winter, I headed off to Kathmandu to see what all the fuss was about. The final was between the hosts and Malaysia, two countries not normally associated with this fine sport.

Now, having been to this sort of thing in the UK, and watched with a few bored parents and their dogs, the sight of 8,000 Nepalese locals there to see a group of 16 year olds playing cricket was a complete shock.

What was even more of a shock was the moment that 7,999 of them invaded the pitch after Nepal had struck the winning runs and stormed the VIP pavilion where we were sitting.

Fortunately the army were on hand to control the crowd and let the presentations begin.

Wonderful joyous scenes ensued as "Nepal - Nepal" rang around the ground Nepal, along with China, Afghanistan and many other Asian nations have high hopes for participating in future World Cups.

If the reaction to this win is anything to go by, it can't happen soon enough.

Shaun

Notts Sport at ISBA 2009

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

We're in! Notts Sport will be exhibiting at the prestigious ISBA conference this May. From the 13^th May Duncan Bennett (Head of Multi Sports) and Simon Clare (Project Development Manager) can be found at stand 45.

If you need any assistance on the planning and designing of a multi sport pitch or how to get funding for a project, speak to the Multi-Sports team and they will offer sound and coherent advice.

A Good Read

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We're quite excited here at Notts Sport! All Out Cricket, one of our favourite cricket magazines has launched a new website.

If you're looking for up to date news over Christmas on the England tour take a peek at the following link http://www.alloutcricket.com/

Merry Christmas from all at Notts Sport!

New Buyer at Notts Sport

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Notts Sport is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Avery to the position of Buying Manager.

Richard has worked with Notts Sport for six years and has recently been responsible for project management of National cricket schemes. In particular, he has been instrumental in securing and managing Community Development Program and Chance to shine contracts over the last four years.

Andy Carter, Chief Executive of Notts Sport comments:

"We are delighted to have someone with Richard's skills. He has a proven track record in delivering complex projects with impressive results. Our success is determined by the quality and value for money of the products we offer our customers. Richard's new resposnisbilities are absolutely vital as we look to further expand the business in Europe and the rest of the world. We need people like Richard to help us achieve our objectives."

Richard Avery says:

"I am really excited at this opportunity and look forward to the new challenges it brings. It will also be interesting to contribute to another part of the Notts Sport business."

Appointment of new CEO at Notts Sport

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce an addition to our Notts Sport team. Andy Carter has accepted Shaun's offer to take on the role of Chief Executive and joins us to lead the company's expansion in the UK, while Shaun moves to Chairman and will further grow the company's overseas operation.

Andy was asked to join the team after carrying out a review of the company in autumn 2008.

Andy is no stranger to steering companies through their continued development. The former Managing Director of Midlands-based sport kits supplier Club Sports Outfitters Ltd has also established new brands from start-up level in the UK, including Team Tex (UK) Ltd, which supplies child safety seats.

We wish him well in his new role and welcome him to the team.

European Cricket Spotlights Notts Sport

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:00:00 +0000

The latest issue of ‘Europe News' the official newsletter of the International Cricket Council Development Program - Europe this month features Notts Sport.

For over ten years, we have worked with the ICC team to help introduce and develop the game throughout Continental Europe. As ‘Preferred Supplier of Non-turf Cricket Pitches', our responsibility is to advise Program member countries on the best design and specification of artificial matchplay and practice pitches, supply the relevant components and provide local installation training and supervision where necessary.

The latter inevitably involves Simon ‘The Magician' Glover, our Technical Installation Manager, packing his suitcase and setting off for yet another early morning flight from Luton or Stansted or East Midlands or.......... Simon's work and reputation among his customer are almost legendary - there's virtually nothing he doesn't know about artificial pitches or any site problem he can't overcome.

Simon is one of the reasons why our partnership with the much vaunted ICC Development Program - Europe has been so successful and enduring. And has put us firmly in the spotlight of cricket.

www.cricketeurope2.net/docs/ECC/NEWSLETTER/issue94.pdf

Back to School for Andy & Nick

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Notts Sport were approached by North Kilworth Primary School to offer some help on a school project. How maths is fun, useful and used in more occupations than just accountancy and teaching.

Last Wednesday Andy & Nick popped in to talk to the children about how we use numbers. The plan was to show them how we calculate specifications for cricket pitches and then get the kids onto their sports pitch and let them measure out an area and show them how we would translate that into a drawing.

After introductions, the children were offered the chance to ask Andy and Nick maths related questions...

"How many times older than Nick are you"

"How much do you earn?"

"Is business a rip off?"

"Can I have a ride in your car"

"How much profit do you make and why?"

"Are you the boss of everybody in the world?"

"How much are our samples worth?"

And... "Can we sell them on eBay?"

Nick swiftly took the class outside and measured out a cricket match wicket, In the pouring rain he showed the children how to use a measuring wheel and tape measure.

Once completed they packed up and went inside where the children worked out the area of the cricket pitch they had just measured outside and calculated the areas of NottsWeave, NottsPad and NottsBase components. From this they then included a square metre cost of the materials and together they worked out the cost of the cricket pitch materials.

The class then moved onto volume, looking at how many boxes can fit within a container.

Their new set task, over the next four weeks, is to make a scale model of synthetic cricket pitch. Andy will go back and judge each model and award a prize to the best one. However Andy isn't sure Oli, who asked the eBay question, will still have the materials available to make the model...

Andy and Nick are now honorary members of Class 4A.

All in all it was a fun and informative afternoon, we are yet to determine who learnt more Andy and Nick or class 4A of North Kilworth Primary School!

Many thanks to North Kilworth Primary for having them!

Don�t wait for winter to end...

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0000

So many sports and play facilities are kept in tip-top condition - even when winter bites.

For that we have to hand it to the formidable bunch of groundsmen, park keepers and volunteers - who carry out a sterling job in all weathers.

With a little attention during the quiet months, the effects of winter on non-turf surfaces can be negated, saving clubs and operators time and money in the long-run.

It doesn't take much time or effort, and by starting now you can help prevent bigger problems from occurring later in the life of the facility.

To get you started, here are a few quick jobs that can be carried out on all of our surfaces.

· Brush away leaves, pine needles and grass clippings which encourage moss and algae growth and can result in a slippery and dangerous surface.

· If moss and algae becomes established, treat the surface using a prophylactic non-oil-based moss killer and algaecide and brush away the resulting dead matter.

· Natural grass surrounds to a non-turf cricket pitch should be kept short to prevent them encroaching onto the surface and causing rucking in the carpet. Use a cylinder mower or nylon-blade strimmer to avoid damage to the synthetic surface. Collect clippings to avoid them being blown or walked onto the facility.

We can advise on a full, easy-to-follow winter maintenance schedule for synthetic cricket surfaces, football and hockey pitches, tennis courts, multi-use games and play areas. We can also recommend specialists in your area to carry out any additional maintenance work for your facility. To find out more, please get in touch via our Contact page.

Architects of play

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Amazing architecture deserves an energetic playmate, and that's just what's been achieved at a new nursery in Poland.

We've helped to kit out the colourful Korzona Street Nursery in Warsaw with our ChildsPlay surfacing, offering a safer and more interesting alternative to asphalt.

The brightly patterned surface accompanies traditional swings, slides and climbing frames, as well as offering a ‘free play' environment with patterns to encourage children to use their imaginations.

Korzona Street is the first of a programme of new nurseries being built throughout Poland.

Sounding out the best solution

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We're helping Anston Cricket Club members to be good sports - both on and off the pitch.

The South Yorks club, which formed in 1919, lies close to homes between the villages of North Anston and South Anston.

And so when members decided to turn part of the car park into a three-bay practice facility, local planners insisted on measures to minimise noise - and the club approached us for sound advice about keeping their neighbours happy.

As part of the design for the 28-metre practice wickets, cage and perimeter fencing, our cricket distributor for the north Pinnacle Sport & Play Ltd, included acoustic fencing along two sides to reduce the transmission of sound during training sessions.

This summer the club's had plenty to celebrate, with some fantastic wins in the Bassetlaw League and guest player New Zealand fast-bowler Iain O'Brien joining the 1st XI for two matches - but since it's harder to hear Anston these days, we thought we'd help announce their success by blog!

Italian Kids Are On Top Of The World!

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0000

The sky's the limit when we create a new playground - and never more so than at our latest installation on a vast roof terrace in Italy.
It was designed for a privately run nursery in the southern city of Consenza, and the spacious rooftop has been given the complete ChildsPlay treatment - carpeted wall to wall with our vibrant synthetic turf and topped with amazing activities, including a tricycle track complete with ‘tunnel' and giant noughts and crosses!
It's the first time we've worked in this region of Italy, but thanks to our Italian distributers, TLF, we think we've helped crack the age-old issue of fitting appealing play areas into urban environments.

Thwarting Vandals at Darnhill

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +0000

When a children's play area becomes the target of vandals, it's important to select a solution which stands up to their actions.

That's a key reason why our ChildsPlay surfacing was chosen by Rochdale Borough Council for the new Darnhill Adventure Playground.

Replacing the badly damaged former facility, different grades of our durable ChildsPlay system have been installed under each piece of equipment, helping to protect children from fall heights ranging from 1.2m up to 3m. The rest of the area is infilled with ChildsPlay recreation, offering the same vandal-resistant qualities and smart finish.

It didn't take long before arsonists put the new installation to the test, piling rubbish on the area and setting it alight in June.

ChildsPlay's fire-resistant qualities prevented extensive damage, meaning less time and expense for the council, which has now made this its preferred surface for future facilities.

PLAYGROUND UP FOR GREEN FLAG

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We're keeping our fingers crossed that we can fly the flag for Whitaker Park playground - a new installation that's up for an industry award.
The project to enhance kids' play in Rawtenstall, Lancashire has been put forward for a prestigious Green Flag award, after breathing life into the local park.
Our part in the project was to roll out our popular ChildsPlay System to provide a safer surfacing under the new equipment, which includes slides, swings, activity nets and climbing frames.
The completed facility is now a jewel in Whitaker Park's crown, and we'll hear later this year whether it gains a Green Flag.

Notts Sport Helps Notts Sport To Victory!

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +0000

The Envelope non-turf pitch at Narborough CC was a winner for Notts Sport in more ways than one on Sunday, as not only did the superb installation allow play between Notts Sport and Dura Sport to take place on a wet day, but Notts Sport won the game too!

On Friday afternoon at work, watching water cascade down the side of our head office, we had resigned ourselves to the fact that the first annual cricket match we had organised against Dura Sport on Sunday afternoon was not going to happen. Saturday bought no respite from the weather, and neither did Sunday morning. Then the text came through from our opponents: "Get your boys ready for some cricket. The sun is out at Narborough CC, although it's a little moist under foot"

Word soon got round that the game was on and the Notts Sport team were ready and raring to go, (if not slightly bleary eyed after a "practice session" on the Saturday evening, organised by Shaun, became much more of a drinking and curry session, including Nick McLaren "taking on" a very fiery chilli and instantly regretting it.)

After looking overhead at the cloudy day and predicting a damp track, I decided if I won the toss I would put Dura Sport into bat. Then as we got to the ground, Rich Key of Dura Sport declared: "we're not tossing a coin, we're going to play on the Notts Sport artificial pitch, and you boys are batting first..." as I was about to claim that the lack of a coin toss was unfair he finished the sentence with "...because if we field first John Ward can light the barbecue and get the food on for the end of the game.".....Sold.

Opening the batting for Notts Sport was Simon "I'm gonna belt it everywhere" Glover, and James "this cricket lark is easy, all you have to do is hit it and run" Jeyes.... James lasted two balls. Mark Coeshaw, resplendent in white tracksuit bottoms, a grey hoody and bi focal sunglasses, strolled in next, and in his fantastic laid back manner played some lovely unorthodox but effective shots. Nick McLaren joined him at the crease when Simon "slogged" one in the air and was caught, and the runs started to tick over nicely, until Nick, fresh faced from University and 22 years young, fell to the floor with cramp and limped his way through the next 2 overs with Rich Avery, who had replaced Coe at the crease. The runs kept ticking on and our initial target score of 75ish was passed and we were heading for 100 or more. When Nick got out it was my turn at the crease and I decided that stroke play was out of the window and it was slogging time, because:

a. We had 3 overs left and

b. I have no strokes.

I left the first two wides, bowled by Chris Stevenson, then hit the next ball for two. The groin went. I hit the next for two as well and was now limping. Rich Avery at the other end, was pounding up and down the crease as if he was on a treadmill at David Lloyd. With an over left Rich was bowled and Andy Stevenson joined me at the crease, smacking a brilliant 10 off 5 balls to leave us with a total of 93 off 20 overs.

As Dura Sport had 14 fielders we decided that we would add to our numbers, so Shaun's lads Will and Jack donned the white flannels as we headed out to field. As I had played in goal most of my life I decided to wicket keep. "Can't be that much different" I thought, "and I did used to do it when I was a kid". First ball: straight through my legs for a bye. Second ball: smacks me on the inside of the leg. Third ball: An edge hits me on the wrist and I drop it. Not the greatest of starts and I don't think Matt Prior would be too concerned at this point, but from then on it got much better.

Duncan "bomber" Bennett opened the bowling from the top end and was causing Dura Sports opening batsman "The Doc" some concern. Tony Berridge was complimenting him perfectly with some on the spot bowling at the other end, and soon the wickets were falling. We were all still waiting for Dura Sports main man, Rich Key, to join us in the middle. When it was finally the self named "master"s turn, he was greeted to a guard of honour as he reached the crease. Two or three Notts Sport bowlers had a go at Key, but he was knocking the ball around nicely and picking up some boundaries. We needed to slow the scoring down. It was time for the spin king Berridge to be brought back on. The first ball went down the track literally in slow motion. Key played forward, there was a thumping sound as it hit his pad, a huge appeal went up from all of us, and Shaun, in his role as very unbiased umpire, sent the trigger finger up into the sky to jubilant scenes from the Notts Sport fielders.

The game was getting tight. Then some good bowling from Simon Clare, James, Zec, Will and Jack kept the score down. With 3 overs remaining the game was still in the balance, but was still swinging our way. We knew that the other Dura Sport danger man, Shaun Young, was in next. With this in mind the Notts Sport fielders obviously decided that if the ball was looped in the air to them nice and slowly, and they were underneath it, they would deliberately drop the ball to the floor to prevent Shaun from coming in. A superb and cunning tactic which we adopted over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.

With one over left and Dura Sport needing 14 runs to win off 6 balls, the question was asked: "who fancies stepping up and bowling the decisive over?"...Zec volunteered for the hero or villain role. Beardy, at the strikers end and holding a cricket bat for the first time in his life, gave it a real go, including a huge 6 off the final delivery. But Notts Sport, after a bit of finger and toe counting, had won the game by just 3 runs.

So after 10 days of torrential rain, the sun came out for 3 hours on Sunday afternoon and everybody involved had a fantastic time.

And as the food and beers flowed after the game, kids and adults enjoyed the bouncy castle, and the sound system blasted out some tunes, we were reminded that this is England as there was a rumble from above and the heavens opened again.

But by this time the trophy was ours and the day was a roaring success.

Lee Jacques, Team Captain & Cricket Sales Manager

No Way Jos�!

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +0000

When we Brits think of Detroit certain things spring to mind... motors, sports (ok, maybe that's just me), and movies featuring some pretty violent crimes.

So what better place for me to spend a night on the town?

In Michigan to oversee some surfacing systems testing, I met up with SurfacePlay's Dan Pereault from Detroit and his local installer José (my multi-talented new amigo who also plays in a Mariachi band).

Whisked from the safety of my hotel, we drove through areas which made the backstreets of Moss Side look twee, while José happily pointed out the bars he's played in - and by his account his music's often accompanied by the locals participating in knife fights and shootings.

It was with no small sigh of relief when we finally arrived at the restaurant, safe and in one piece, and once inside the meal turned out to be the best Mexican ever - and I've chomped through a few!

In the end there was no need to worry. Great company, great food and a great night.

Simon Glover, Technical Installation Manager

The boy�s done good!

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +0000

It's always great to see one of our own coming up through the ranks, and that's why we're thrilled to be promoting Duncan Bennett to Head of Multi-Sports.

Who can believe that the lad who joined us as Zoe's maternity cover has grown up so fast?

Fresh out of university and raring to get stuck in, we were so impressed back then we couldn't let him leave - and so he sportingly stayed on, selling our ChildsPlay systems.

During the past six years our rookie's become a man of multi-sports, now developing and managing our projects around the world.

And since young Duncan marries sweetheart Gemma Hayes next month, it's double congratulations from everyone at Notts Sport!

MANCHESTER RAIN IS NO MATCH FOR US

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We can't guarantee good weather, but we have just helped a Manchester school score a sound victory over the region's notorious rain.

Our ‘all weather' multi-sports ground at Parrenthorn High School in Prestwich offers pupils and the wider community the chance to play football, hockey, rugby and rounders on a quick-draining and durable surface.

This doesn't just mean an end to waterlogged grass pitches and more sports more often for local children, but by opening the facility to clubs and community users - including Bury Hockey Club and the Salford City Reds rugby league first team - it's also bringing in extra revenue for the school.

Bowling Back To Thailand

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +0000

As sponsors of the Hua Hin Thailand Sixes Tournament we're all for helping cultivate cricket in places where it's not a custom.

And so when we discovered the cricket-loving Prem Tinsulanonda Center for International Education in Thailand shared our aims, we were only too happy to donate a practice mat for use at the school.

It means that students and visiting cricketers from the Chiang Mai region can squeeze in more batting and bowling practice, and reap extra benefits at Asian Cricket Council coaching clinics hosted by the school.

Cricket in Thailand's schools is in its infancy, but as it begins to take off we hope to see new school teams and leagues emerge.

Gaining an advantage on the tennis courts

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Tired tennis courts were proving a real drop shot for players in Reading - but with three ace new courts now installed, Prospect Park is giving players the advantages they need.
We reused the existing asphalt as a base for our specialist performance underlay and surface, and because the system's so durable, the courts can be used for football out of season.
Complete with new fencing and lighting, the two sports can take place well into the evening, offering extra revenue potential for Reading Borough Council.
Our revamp comes just months after we created five state-of-the-art 3rd Generation mini soccer pitches at Prospect Park, alongside a colourful ChildsPlay playground.

Tape up your tennis balls, there�s a new game in town!

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000

The world's gone crazy for Twenty20 - and following hard on its heels is a new form of cricket that's taking Britain's cities by storm.

Played with a tennis ball covered in electrical tape to add speed and bounce, the aptly named ‘tape-ball' has its origins in the fast-paced street cricket that enjoys huge popularity in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.

It's perfect for playing on Multi-Use Games Areas and where space is at a premium, and we're thrilled to see the game giving British youngsters a taste of cricket in urban areas where they might not otherwise get to play.

We're hoping talented tape-ballers will be encouraged to try out the traditional game too, and look forward to seeing them join the ranks of our top county clubs.

Hungary for a taste of London?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Sport and play are a great way for nations to bond - and so we relish the company of our colleagues from across the continent.

We've just had the pleasure of an action-packed visit by János Szabo and Andrea Tésenyi from our Hungarian distributor, 1176 Játszótér-Építő Kft.

Taking in the sights, sounds and very varied tastes of the capital, Shaun and Zec were like Blue Badge guides, arranging a trip on the tube to see Big Ben and a sky-sweeping circuit on the London Eye.

The ‘Eye-pod' getting stuck at the highest point was a dream come true for János and Andrea, and while they were practically glued to the glass, Zec struggled manfully to muffle his knocking knees.

As attractions go, apparently Cherie Blair doesn't have much tourist appeal -being awestruck by the architecture while trying not to step on the pigeons, our friends didn't bat an eyelid as they passed her in Trafalgar Square.

The evening was a true taste of the cosmopolitan capital, combining an Irish pub with Swedish music and Chinese food - namely Waxy O'Connor's, Mamma Mia at the Prince of Wales Theatre and a meal in Chinatown.

Poles apart? No, we all think the same way...

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Part of our world-wide success is rooted in finding distributors who share our philosophies about putting the fun back into sports and play.

And it has to be said, the Polish view is really quite similar to our own.

We've just appointed five companies across Poland to distribute our ChildsPlay and Multi-Sport surfacing systems - and like our network of UK distributors, they've chosen us because they know our colourful, durable and cost-effective solutions will be popular both with providers and the ‘playing public'.

So take a deep breath and offer a warm welcome to... Firma ARG of Lublin, Kompania Zabaw, Tamex and Rodo of Warsaw and Hemet in Zielona Góra!

School sports rise from the ashes

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000

When fire swept through an East Sussex secondary school, it took just minutes for classrooms, equipment and books to be destroyed.
Now the Tideway School in Newhaven is being rebuilt - and we've played a key role in providing new sports facilities.
With our fair pricing and expertise we won the competitive tender to design and supply a synthetic cricket pitch and separate practice area to sit alongside the new state-of-the-art school buildings.
And as a high-quality installation, the pitch is also the perfect ‘home ground' to Newhaven Cricket Club's Saturday 3rd XI fixtures.

One is never enough...

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Cricketers just can't get enough of a good thing.
When we designed a single-bay practice area for Woodford Cricket Club in Stockport we knew the members would love it.
Fact is, once they'd seen what was planned they knew players would love it as well. So with increased funds in the pot and a great working relationship with our Selby-based distributor, Pinnacle Sport and Play Ltd, they promptly doubled their order!
Now members are looking forward to enjoying not just one artificial practice strip but two, ensuring their ball and batting skills are brushed up beautifully for forthcoming matches.

Prize catch at Sewerby

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Cricket nets are never more essential than when there's the prospect of swiping a six into the sea.

The Cliff Top ground at Sewerby Cricket Club in East Yorkshire is in a beautiful location. The club loses more than its fair share of balls each season as mighty hitters let fly.

With this is mind, we've designed and supplied a twin-bay practice facility for the club, incorporating England & Wales Cricket Board-approved batting and bowling ends, and - more importantly - a 60-foot cage and netting structure to stop their balls from scaring the seagulls.

We can�t fix the weather, but we can fix the pitch...

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Because rain is cricket's worst enemy, we're always working on ways to ease the problems it causes.
No, we've not yet mastered weather control, and Steve Foxon's blueprints for the world's biggest umbrella have been politely ignored.
Instead we're handing out free advice to everyone who's got a synthetic pitch so they can avoid the nasty effects of the storms and flooding so many of us cricket-lovers suffered last year.
You can now download our simple step-by-step guide from the ECB website, but because you've probably got to be in the practice nets in half an hour, we've also popped a handy link to it here.
http://static.ecb.co.uk/files/post-flood-advice-for-non-turf-cricket-facilities-2030.pdf
or
http://www.ecb.co.uk/development/facilities-funding/flood-relief-and-advice/

From gloom to glory with grass-roots football

Mon, 26 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We're a huge supporter of grass-roots football, and so when Lutterworth Town FC decided the time was right for a revamp, we did more than just cheer them on.

Bogged down with a soggy training ground and scrambling about in the gloom each winter, we couldn't let one of our local clubs struggle any longer.

So we designed not just one pitch, but helped develop an entire soccer centre and specialist Coever coaching facility, with four synthetic five a-side / futsal pitches, perimeter and internal fencing, floodlights and equipment.

Wow!

The centre drew a huge turn-out at its launch in April, when Leicester City legends Steve Walsh, Muzzy Izzet, Matt Elliott and Gerry Taggart tried out the pitches and gave them the big thumbs-up.

Now a full five-a-side local league has just kicked off in Lutterworth.

Shaun outlines the challenges of play

Sun, 18 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Our Shaun's a real expert on play provision, and his views have just been outlined in the landscaping industry journal Green Places.
The Notts Sport boss speaks out on the challenges local authorities and play providers face when deciding on local facilities to provide.
Getting the balance between a play area children enjoy and one which is safe is a tricky one, and too many providers are opting for ‘boring' designs to minimise risk and the potential for legal cases.
But this also means children don't rate their local playgrounds and don't use them, contributing to rising obesity levels.
As Shaun points out, it doesn't have to be this way. Play should be about children having fun, learning to manage risk through adventurous activity and developing their capabilities.
This is already being tackled by playground specialists and surfacing suppliers such as Notts Sport. Now we need the government and local authorities to invest taxpayers' money wisely. As Shaun says, "if it's no fun to the child it's a waste of money."

Nick�s such a �cad�... and he�s here to help you!

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000

It seems like yesterday that rising talent Nick McLaren joined us, fresh from his degree in Sport Technology.

And now the sports and play surface design buff has added a new string to his bow, having just completed an ‘Advanced CAD' design course.

Chief Executive, Shaun Patrick explains: "While working with skilled computer software and cutting edge surfacing technology, we also retain the best aspects of an ‘old school' firm by providing comprehensive training for all our new apprentices.

"In this way we can add new talent to the team and invest in new skills and expertise that give our clients a service that goes well beyond their expectations.

"Nick's not only a great sports technician, but a true professional in every aspect of the computerised design process. Through him we provide clients with several detailed drawings of how their proposed sports, play or landscaped area could look before any groundwork begins."

Why do lorries disappear in summer?

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Take a pinch of sunshine, the first bank holiday of the year, and just add a 1,000-mile road-trip across Europe.
Can you guess what we've got? Yep, it's transport turmoil!
By a quirk of the calendar, this month saw the rest of Europe taking a well-deserved break on Thursday 1st May, with many making the most of it and shutting up shop for a long weekend.
Meanwhile us Brits waited until the Friday afternoon to kick back, not returning to work until Tuesday 6th May when the Bank Holiday break was over.
It's been great for our tans but not so hot when you've got so many sports and play surfaces ready to be distributed across Europe.
Thankfully now the five-day deliveries delay is behind us and Notts Sport is back on the road!

�Beach Cricket' with a perfect wicket!

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

When the Asian Cricket Council approached us about pushing out the boundaries of world cricket we were happy to bowl in and help.

After all, who could turn down a trip out to the beautiful Dusit Resort on the Hua Hin coast?

But more than that, our sponsorship of the five-day Thailand Sixes tournament meant play could go ahead on a world-class Notts Sport synthetic wicket, perfect for the 16 teams from the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Thailand.

During the six-a-side event, players who know a thing or two about a good wicket were out on the field - Aussie bowlers Mick Lewis and Colin "Funky" Miller, and former Victoria captain, Darren Berry.

Perhaps the biggest victory though was for our chief executive, Shaun Patrick. A sun tan in April? Who'd have thought that possible?

Shaun's Visit to Hua Hin The Final Entry

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Managed to make another post-match presentation. Before the mandatory vodka slammers (3 this time - non-player, VIP and sponsor) I had a chance to present all four umpires with a Notts Sport tie. How they marvelled at the fine silk and English design. How they laughed when I said I wanted them to wear them on Finals day in 38 degrees of heat. During the presentations the organisers made special reference to the new non-turf pitch that we had installed. Apparently the last one had given up the ghost after 13 years of unpredictable service and without our support, there wouldn't have been a tournament this year. Simon and Wendy had done a fantastic job getting the pitch just right during the installation period the week before. How they managed in what is this region's hottest and driest spell, is beyond me. I was breaking into a sweat just popping an an ice cold Singha in the shade!I'm heading back today armed with special prices to bring the family here at Christmas (Thanks Simon Burgess - Dusit Resort Chain's brightest and most loyal up and coming Executive Assistant Manager). Also, many thanks to Tom and Kadar for a fantastic event. And not forgetting Kiwi for the slammers!

Polski Travel Blog

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Arrived in Wroclaw via Wizzair Monday 14th April, had meeting with a potential distributor then headed off to the station. Ticket office furnished us with 1st class tickets from Wroclaw to Warsaw, normally a 5 hour journey via Katowice but this took close on 6 hours. This was in actual fact a false dawn for Zec and I as this was a newish train and was clean, modern with decent toilets. Our second journey was from Warsaw to Poznan, Zec had booked 2nd Class on the internet in advance for this trip, having seen 2nd class we tried to upgrade but the only way of doing this was to purchase new tickets without value to the old, so we stuck to 2nd. This was our second mistake. It's a 3 hour journey this one but could have been so much due to the ticket inspector demanding to see Zec's passport to back up the tickets, true to form Zec had left his passport back at the hotel, the amusing part was demanding look and Polish/Germanic way in which the inspector kept repeating Documents,Documents,Documents,Documents, it reminded me a bit of the film the Great Escape when Gordon Jackson and Richard Attenborough were crossed questioned by the German officer. Following our plea not to eject us from the train - no passport, no valid ticket!! I had a brainwave to call the office a get Becky/Kirsty to scan the office copy of Zec's passport and email it through. Oh, and this train was an express and ony stopped once en route. The return journey was so different, OMG this journey from Poznan to Warsaw was over 4 hours long, this one stopped at every station. Our seats were situated in a cabin which house 6 seats in total. At the side was a corridor and windows with people hanging out of them and other people trying to squeeze by. This train had to be from the 1950's, I had only ever seen these on old films or Bond films, I honestly thought these were scrapped years ago. This way a long journey as the batteries had ran our on both our phones and laptops. There was no buffet carriage and no form of refreshments. Today (Thursday). We have book 1st Class again, once bitten, twice shy and all that! Reality hits us, this deal is no better than 2nd class other than the seats are red rather than green. Our journey from Warsaw to Lublin, will take 3 hours journey both ways. The ticket inspector has just been round, Zec has got his passport with him and guess what? The inspector didn't want to see it! He have just been in search of the buffet carriage but there isn't one. We are thirsty! But low and behold a man has just stopped outside the door of our compartment with a little shopping trolley full of goodies, he looks a bit dodgy but we're parched!

Colin Hood, Sales Director

Come on bursars, find our ball!

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We've lost our ball. One minute it was there, the next, vanished.
It means a lot to us - so much, in fact, that we're giving away a brand new cricket pitch installation to the school which finds it!
We'll be calling on the help of those keen-eyed members of the Independent School Bursars Association (ISBA), who we'll be fortunate enough to see at their annual conference and exhibition in Edinburgh on May 7th and 8th.
By ‘Spotting the Ball' at our stand in the exhibition area, they can win a perfect new pitch for their pupils. How easy is that?
So to all those school bursars out there, don't forget to come and find us - and help us find our ball!

Shaun's Visit to Hua Hin Part 1...

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Monday 14th April.

Arrived here on the back of a trip to Canada, to be bounced straight into a welcome Dinner. Not sure what the Deputy Governor of Tourism for Thailand thought of the big bloke at the end of the table who kept falling asleep. Very impressed with the resort and the organisation behind the Hua Hin Sixes. Even more impressed with the ice sculptures, especially the one incorporating our logo.

Shaun's Visit to Hua Hin Part 2...

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Tuesday 15th April.

After 12 hours jet lag induced sleep, I ventured down to the Polo Ground where the matches are taking place. After a series of meetings through the day, I was invited to the post match drinks party. This turned out to be a vodka slamming session run by a New Zealander (bizarrely named Kiwi), and involved various people being called up to enjoy a slam. I was caught 5 times (Main VIP - twice, Hua Hin Virgin, wearing sunglasses and being a sponsor). Apparently this ritual happens every day after the last ball has been bowled. I think I went out for Dinner with the Head of Thailand Cricket afterwards.

Shaun's Visit to Hua Hin Part 3...

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Wednesday 16th April. a.m.

Wide awake and doing a blog for Kirsty. I've been asked by the tournament organiser Tom, to try and encourage a couple of English teams to participate next year. He jokingly asked if Notts Sport could bring a team. I think it may just be for the vodka part.

A clean, green solution for muddy golf courses...

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

We think we've got a solution for popular golf courses down ‘to a tee'.
A combination of wet weather and the start of the new season has given clubs all the more reason to contact us about their worn paths, buggy parking zones and practice grounds.
Using our durable synthetic turf surfaces - available in various shades of green and perfect over slopes and mounds - we're eliminating mud from courses up and down the country, including at our local club, Glen Gorse in Oadby, Leicestershire.

Make your mark...

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Since paint was first put in a spray can back in 1949, we've been loving the convenience - but hating the graffiti abuse.
Now we think we've got both sussed.

Our synthetic turf's managed to be graffiti-resistant and yet the ideal partner for our new Linemarker Aerosols.
The special formula provides longer-lasting markings than 'standard' aerosols, so they're a great way to save time and money, giving your synthetic turf, grass, tarmacadam, concrete and redgra (blaze) grounds high-visibility lines for each and every game.
Available now, the 750ml cans come in white, yellow, red and blue.

Cricket in a cold climate

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Just because it's a bit nippy, doesn't mean to say cricket's off the cards.

All you need is a room big enough to swing a bat - and hit the odd six - and a touch of Notts Sport.

We've just supported the tenth ICC European Indoor Championship at the Kuortane Sports Resort in chilly Finland - the most northerly venue ever used for an official international cricket championship - with matches played indoors on our portable mats.

It's just part of our ongoing commitment to developing the game in places other sports fail to reach.

Denmark defeated Portugal in the final by two wickets off the penultimate delivery, overhauling the Portuguese total of 132. It's the Danes' fourth victory in the past five championships.

For every project there�s a special solution

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:00:00 +0000

One of the great things about working for Notts Sport is that no two projects are the same.

Finding the right solution depends very much on individual needs, and at The Meadows Sports College at Sandwell in the West Midlands we worked with teachers and pupils to provide a cost-effective new surface for their Multi-Use Games Area.

The five-year-old combined football and basketball area had a rubber surface, which really wasn't providing great grip for wheelchair users.

But rather than create an entirely new installation we ‘recycled' what was there, laying a VHAF NottsSward synthetic carpet over the cushioned surface.

The results have been amazing, with both children and adults able to concentrate fully on their sports skills.

What we need is a bolzplatz...

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:00:00 +0000

It doesn't seem to matter where you are in the world, the same rule applies - if you want to do something popular, ask the people what they'd like.

Our German distributors ChildsPlay GmbH have been chatting to kids in the City of Mainz after they were asked by local leaders to liven up some underused playing fields.

The children's top three requests were for a ‘bolzplatz'- a ballpark for football - playground equipment and a basketball court.

After going to the trouble of finding out what they wanted, it's no surprise that all three of our distributor's facilities are now a star attraction.

Why doesn�t Dennis Amiss fear a cricket ball through his window?

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Knowing that a former England cricketer could be watching every drop and duck must be pretty unnerving for pupils at the King Edward School in Birmingham.

Their cricket fields are overlooked from the home of Dennis Amiss, now deputy chairman of the ECB.

But thanks to us they'll be getting in plenty of additional practice - we've just designed them a superb four-bay Centre of Excellence, installed by Dura Sport with a 30m NottsBase D system and an extended warm-up area at the bowlers' ends.

We know the school team will be playing blinding shots in no time at all, and that's why we added a 72-foot cage and net structure - so that when Dennis wants to watch a little cricket, he won't be looking out through broken glass.

Goodbye Mr Betts!

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Friday 29th February was a highly emotional day at Notts Sport. Don't get me wrong, even though it's a Leap Year, no one proposed to any of the Sales Managers. No, it was far more momentous than that. After 13 years of service, Tom Betts, our Head of Multi-Sports, left the company.

Usually after 13 years, (well, in the case of anniversaries anyway) a gift of lace is presented. But knowing Tom slightly better, we resisted the temptation to present such a gift. We all clubbed together and purchased 13 bottles of Italian wine. Italian for Tom, because Tom is the Italian football supporter amongst us - there's always one! And wine...well, this is Notts Sport!

We presented these to him at lunchtime last Friday and I feel that he was just overcome with emotion, as when asked to make a speech, he declined politely and returned to the sanctity of his office.

Tom will be sadly missed, not only for his quick wit and incredible knowledge, but genuinely because he was a valued and well respected member of the team.

He started his working life at Notts Sport as an office based Administrator, before moving into the specialist cricket department as a Sales Manager. After a few years, Tom's ability to 'close' a sale was becoming legendary and each head of department was fighting for the chance to get him on their team. Tom had the choice and took the Multi-Sports route.

Eventually and not surprisingly, Tom assumed the role of Boss-man in Multi-Sports. His commitment to consistently delivering the highest quality advice and standards of service for his customers, rightly earned him great respect within the industry and amongst his colleagues.

And now it's on to new challenges - the pending arrival of a new member of the Betts family...

If you too miss Tom and would like to see him again, you can always watch him play in his band. Visit his website for a gig list. Together that are Black Carrot and describe their style as fierce, abstract, improvised, experimental jazz/rock/folk music. Go on have a listen...

Good Luck Tom, we all wish you well!

Recycle a sports ground

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Recycling is a watchword with so many companies these days - but we've been at it for years.

Breathing new life into old sports grounds is all part of our service, as visitors to Hove Park in Brighton will see.

The park's five artificial tennis courts had endured 16 years of play since their installation - but rather than charge Brighton & Hove City Council for a brand new facility, our expert team advised a more cost-effective route.

After minor ground re-leveling, the original shockpad layer was re-laid, covered by a new VHAF NottsSward TS surface carpet and hey presto, players were back in business!

Big In Japan

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Working in the play industry always puts a spring in our step - and right now we're jumping for joy over the launch of our ChildsPlay systems in Japan.

The first installation has gone in at a nursery in Osaka and with excellent feedback from the kids, our colourful, synthetic landscapes are now being used at four other locations in Osaka and Kyoto, with loads more enquires about carrying out similar projects throughout Japan.

It just goes to show, ChildsPlay translates into any language.

Feast your eyes on our freebie!

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Want the latest news from the wickets of the world? Then feast your eyes on the latest edition of Full Pitch - free and out now!

All the cricketing nuggets you need to know are packed onto two inspirational pages, putting you at the top of your game for the season ahead.

You'll discover how to ward-off a wash-out summer, gain tips to become Groundsman of the Year - and find out how clubs, schools and groups in Kent are being given the chance to win a brand new pitch worth up to £8,000!

Your copy is waiting... just click this!

Hurling is not a drinking game...

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:00:00 +0000

New talent has joined the team in the shape of technical sports buff, Nick McLaren.

Fresh out of university, 21-year-old Nick has not only acquired a degree in Sport Technology, but also an unusually broad knowledge of hurling.

No, it's not an after-effect of college drinking games, Sheffield Hallam-trained Nick chose to analyse hurls - the wooden sticks used in the Gaelic sport of hurling - for his dissertation.

Thankfully he's also mastered the methods for testing sports surfaces for tennis, hockey and football, among others, and his computer drawings of proposals for clients' surface systems continue to impress.

It's flair that doesn't go unnoticed, and he's just collected our ‘Support Member of the Month' award (again!).

A shining example

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Here at Notts Sport we always try to be a shining example, and that’s why we’re installing 10 new cricket pitches at schools and clubs across the country.

Having been selected as a supplier for the Cricket Foundation charity’s Chance to shine campaign, our pitches will help educate youngsters through sport.

Chance to shine aims to regenerate competitive cricket in a third of state schools by 2015, and it’s the single biggest grass roots sports initiative ever undertaken in England and Wales. Impressive stuff, and we’re proud to be a part of it!

One of our Chance to shine installations was at one of the campaign’s flagship projects, Shepperton Cricket Club in Surrey. Now, boys and girls from local schools – as well as the club’s two England women’s squad players – are playing on a new Notts Sport pitch!

Find out more at www.chancetoshine.org

Perfect Pitch!

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Up against five of the best names in synthetic cricket pitches, we can be excused a little anxious pacing on one of our (fortunately hard-wearing) cricket carpets.

Those investigative journos at All Out Cricket magazine have been scurrying around canvassing those ‘in the know’ about pitch systems, from big-time groundsmen and club chairmen, to colts managers, village thrashers and ‘put-upon’ parents (their words, not ours).

But as it turned out, we had no need to fret – AOC found the principal player in the field is, well... us!

They’ve named us ‘Star Pick’ in their latest guide to pitch construction and maintenance. We don’t like to sing our own praises, so for the final analysis, we’ll hand over to them:

“Notts Sport pinches the top spot thanks to their exemplary after-sales service. If it’s artificial track you’re looking for, those boys will do you proud.”

Notts Sport sells 'snow' to Norway

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Huge goggles and garish Lycra travelling at death-defying speeds can try all they like to detract from the snow-swept scenery of Trondheim in Norway - we all know the setting's the real crowd-pleaser.

But, we have to share a little secret with anyone wowed by the whiteness of the world-famous Granåsen ski jumps during the recent Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) World Cup...

Our Norwegian distributors, Ragnar Lund AS, had just installed a white VHAF NottsSward carpet either side of the slopes' run tracks, giving them - and millions of TV viewers - the impression of a perfect snowscape.

Call it a little white lie.

Happy to be a member of API

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:00:00 +0000

Playtime is a very important part of the Notts Sport day, and it's something we've been getting right for years.

So with this in mind we decided it was high time we showed off our fun-loving credentials by joining the Association of Play Industries, the lead trade body within the play sector.

Becoming an API member isn't a walk in the park. They're pretty picky over who makes it into the industry's finest, but thanks to our experience and safer surfacing expertise, our ChildsPlay products and services sent us sailing through the selection criteria.

As the newest API member, we're now looking forward to taking play to the next level by working with the governing bodies of play, nationally and internationally.

Adopt a Club 2007

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:00:00 +0000

Picture your face when there's a knock at the door and a team of guys carrying a full-size Notts Sport cricket pitch ask "Where do you want this?"

That's exactly what's going to happen to one lucky club selected by The Wisden Cricketer magazine's Adopt a Club programme.

Being a generous bunch we're donating a non-turf pitch to help support the grass roots development of cricket, which goes to a club picked out by the magazine for its drive and ambition to succeed.

It's part of a pretty amazing assistance package, including the supply and installation of our top-quality system, as well as gleaming new kits and expert coaching.

This year it's the turn of Three Caps Cricket Club in Wanstead, East London. You can keep up to date with all the Three Caps' progress in The Wisden Cricketer every month.

Getting serious about safety

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:00:00 +0000

Children's safety isn't something to be sniffed at as any parent, school teacher or play organiser will tell you, and here at Notts Sport we take it very seriously.

That's why we've thrown our weight behind a European organisation which promotes safety in children's play.

FEPI – or the Federation of the European Play Industry – have just awarded us membership in recognition of the fact we're one of the most highly-regarded suppliers of safer surfacing for children's play areas, under our brand ChildsPlay.

Now, under the FEPI umbrella, we'll be offering our sound advice to help shape European policies and standards on children's play safety.