At Allett we’re proud to support grassroots sport—and nothing makes us prouder than seeing our machines making a real difference at clubs like Audley Cricket Club in Staffordshire.
When we spoke to Phil, a lifelong member and volunteer groundsman at Audley, his passion for cricket and pitch care was undeniable. Phil hung up his boots at 48 but never stepped away from the game. For the last 15 years, he’s been helping to maintain the club’s 15-pitch square alongside fellow volunteers.
Like many clubs across the country, Audley’s machinery stock was beginning to show its age. They use an Allett Regal 36inch for their outfield which has served them well for over twenty years and continues to do so. The time had come to explore something more modern, efficient and environmentally conscious for their square.
That’s when Phil and the team turned to the Allett C27E.
Why the C27E Was the Perfect Fit
The C27E electric cylinder mower ticked all the right boxes for Audley:
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7 inches wider than their previous model for faster cutting
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Battery-powered, making it quieter, cleaner and better for the environment
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Low vibration and zero fume exposure, improving operator comfort and much healthier for both Dave and Phil!
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A modular cartridge system designed for scarifying, verti-cutting, and more—without the need for tools
It’s everything a volunteer-run club needs: efficient, reliable, and simple to use.
Powering the Purchase Through Grant Support
As with many community clubs, funding new equipment can be a challenge. Audley couldn’t fund the C27E outright—so they looked into external support.
The club successfully applied for a grant from the Derbyshire Enterprise Trust, with the condition that they raise a 10% deposit themselves. Thanks to generous donations from two long-standing members they met the requirement and were able to go ahead with the purchase.
It’s a fantastic example of how grant funding and community support can open the door to professional-grade equipment—even for local clubs.
Real Results for Real Groundsmen
Since moving to the C27E, Phil and the team haven’t looked back. The mower is described as:
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Incredibly quiet
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Smooth to operate
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Easy to maintain and adjust
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Capable of mowing the full square on just 20% of one battery charge
With three batteries and a double charger, downtime is never a problem.
While the club hasn’t yet added cartridges, the plan is to start with a scarifier, sorrel roller and verti-cutter, gradually building a full interchangeable system to tackle a range of turf care tasks with one machine.
A Message to Other Clubs
We know that being a groundsman is a labour of love. At Audley, Phil, Dave, and other volunteers are at the ground seven days a week during the season—preparing, repairing, and perfecting pitches, rain or shine.
That’s why it’s so important to have equipment that works with you, not against you.
Phil’s advice to other clubs?
“If any ground club is considering buying an electric mower, I’d thoroughly recommend it.”
And we couldn’t agree more.
Is your club ready to go electric?
Get in touch with us at Allett to explore how the C27E/C34E's and our cartridge system can transform your turf care—and how grant funding could help you make the switch.
Find out more about the C27E here
Find out more about the C34E here
Watch our video with Phil here