Pupils at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire are benefiting from the recently completed drainage works by leading sportsturf contractors Agripower.
Agripower were awarded the high profile contract after a competitive tender process following the school’s drainage problems that they had on the 1st XV rugby pitch which used to get waterlogged and resulted in numerous cancelled games. The second and third pitches did not suffer from the same drainage issues as they were constructed on a slope but still suffered somewhat. Agripower’s in house labour and plant combined with their ability to provide a high quality service was certainly a key factor in securing the contract.
Established by Royal Charter in 1562 (though originally established as a school in 1550), the Royal Grammar School (RGS) is situated on Amersham Hill to the north of the town and has a capacity of around 1450 boys aged between 11 and 18.
Sport at the RGS fosters boys of all abilities, all of which are equally important. The school’s wide range of sporting activities includes inter-school matches and national competitions. The RGS has a proud history and tradition of sporting provision, whether it is for the elite athlete or the beginner. Sport plays a major part in the curricular, extra curricular and social life of the school.
Agripower undertook a detailed consultation which included a topographical survey and designed a comprehensive new playing field drainage system accordingly. The school is located on a typical Chiltern clay cap which naturally results in poor drainage. The 1st pitch was drained at 3m centres and liberally sand dressed whilst the other two pitches were drained at 5m centres and sand dressed accordingly.
Since the drainage works have been completed, the school has not complained of one cancelled game.