On Wednesday 18th September we had the privilege of being the featured machinery supplier at the Groundies ‘Trip to the Middle’ Day, hosted by the Hampshire Cricket Board at the Utilita Bowl. This exciting event brought together groundsmen and women from across the region for a day packed with insights, demonstrations and networking—all centred around the art of pitch preparation.
A Warm Welcome
The day began with a welcoming breakfast of bacon and egg rolls—setting the tone for a productive and enjoyable event. As everyone gathered, there was an energetic buzz as grounds staff from various locations networked over tea, coffee and biscuits ready to dive into the day’s activities.
Showcasing Allett’s Electric Mowers
We proudly demonstrated a range of Allett electric mowers, including the Stirling and C27E models. These high-performance machines generated great interest from attendees who were impressed by their precision, efficiency and sustainability. The Stirling’s versatility and ease of use, combined with the power and robust design of the C27E demonstrated why Allett mowers are trusted by professionals for delivering perfect pitches. Grant information was given out by Cricket Development Manager Simon Jones to help the clubs save their own pennies and groundsmen and women were able to get their hands on the mowers to try them out for themselves .
Exploring the Heart of the Utilita Bowl
An exclusive tour of the Ageas Bowl pitch was one of the highlights of the day led by Head Groundsman Simon Lee. We explored the tunnel and the middle of the square getting a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intricate work that goes into maintaining this world-class venue. Seeing firsthand how the grounds are prepared for top-level cricket was a fantastic experience for all involved. Simon's expertise provided attendees with invaluable tips and insights into effective pitch care. During the afternoon we also had the opportunity to witness the ongoing renovation work on the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground adding another layer of depth to the day’s learning.
Wrapping Up with Cricket
To round off the day, attendees were treated to complimentary admission to watch Day 2 of the Hampshire vs Worcestershire County Championship match. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with learning, networking and shared passion for cricket groundsmanship.
We are incredibly grateful to the Hampshire Cricket Board for organising such a fantastic event and for giving us the opportunity to showcase the Allett range. It was a pleasure to meet so many dedicated people and we’re already looking forward to future events!
