DAVID H BATES

A good old friend and work colleague David H Bates passed away recently.

A well-known stalwart, agronomist / consultant of our sport turf industry, based in the Midlands, he worked for a number of companies that included Rigby Taylor and Burtwood Town Council.

He then started up an agronomy business advising and consulting on natural turf playing surfaces, before finally spending the past seven years back on the tools, working alongside his wife Val looking after Hednesford Town football pitch.

I always found David a committed and dedicated turf professional, willing to give sound advice and possessing great knowledge on fine turf issues. He spent many years promoting new products to help improve sward quality and has helped numerous grounds professionals improve their facilities.

His funeral will be taking place at Cannock Chase Crematorium on the 15th September at 10.30. 

- Laurence Gale, editor TurfPro