BALI AWARDS 2018- Grounds Maintenance – Free Public Access – sponsored by Rigby Taylor ?idverde for Colchester Castle Park

Making a REAL difference in your work

OK another Award Ceremony, which seem to happen on a weekly basis within the ‘Built Environment’ sector, but I think because of the surfeit of these it is far too easy to gloss over how important some of the contributions really are.

On the surface ‘Grounds Maintenance’ sounds rather underwhelming and is possibly another prime example of the industry underselling itself (again??) Perhaps ‘Life Enhancement’

The power of the 'Still Image' A picture tells a thousand words. The guys doing their job at Colchester Castle Park.

I had the privilege of actually spending a day with these guys (and gals) and feel obliged to perhaps expand a little on what they really do. Perhaps more to the point, the effects of what they really do.

Wellbeing has rightly become an issue of far greater concern and given that this particular park is in the Garrison town of Colchester, there are thousands of potential stories about the town and its people picking up the tab for our exploits over the centuries. In fact there are numerous memorials to the fallen within the grounds of the park which are also ‘maintained’ within the remit of the park

The industry really is All-Inclusive and everyone digs in to help

I am sure all of us have days when things can get a bit on top of us and to be honest it’s all relative, and knowing there are people far worse off than yourself, doesn’t always help. We are fortunate in this country that even within the largest urban sprawls, there is some element of sanctuary where we can go for a few minutes just to get a bit of perspective. I know when I worked in an office it was a sandwich at your desk or if out and about, a ‘grab and go’ coffee. Whilst this may not necessarily be encouraged by employers it perhaps isn’t discouraged as much as it should be. In the long term a stroll in a park or open space is just the tonic we all need.

We should ALL take time to get away from our busy day if only for a few minutes

Parks like Colchester Castle Park are the epitome of what is needed for every member of any community. With increasing numbers of people living alone, once you sit on a bench, someone will come and join you and start a conversation. There are trees, bushes, flowers, lakes and plenty of squirrels, some will actually share your lunch with you, given the opportunity. Unlike those of us lucky enough to have gardens, you don’t sit there making a mental list of what needs doing, as you would in your own garden (Mmm fence needs painting, bush needs pruning, few weeds sticking up there etc).

This is a completely worry free environment, its even Free to get in.

OK not the nicest job but, it has to be done

We must not underestimate the benefits these parks can provide as individuals just sitting admiring their surroundings, taking time to sit on a bench to read another chapter of your book or joining in the many events and activities that make a community. It is ALL here.

The park represents its Garrison Town status

If this wasn’t already readily available it should be offered on prescription. Heaven knows given the cuts to Local Authority budgets, someone somewhere must have done a study to calculate the savings to the NHS that these spaces can provide. It is really important for our own individual wellbeing that we make use of these spaces and even if you don’t feel up to jogging around the park yourself, it can be equally satisfying just watching someone else doing it from the realms of the café whilst you contemplate the meaning of life over your Flat White and Chocolate Fudge Cake.

The bandstand looks amazing and hosts local concerts

So, what makes these places so amazing, getting back to the ‘Grounds Maintenance’ theme. Well of course it is the people that take immense pride in their work which is not only for their work in this park in particular but in their profession in general. There are amazing visual scenes which are matched by incredible fragrances from the flowers, shrubs and trees, firing up all of the senses, as let us not forget, these spaces are for EVERYONE and as all -inclusive as it is possible to be. For anyone with sight issues the aromas are all around you, for those with mobility issues, the paths are wheelchair friendly and raised borders enable you to touch and feel many of the plants from your seating position.

Children's Playground & Zip Wire

An award ceremony is great, but these guys (all-inclusive term) are in an award ceremony every single day. I was only photographing them for award presentations such as this, but every few minutes a member of the public came up and thanked them or complimented them on their work. Now come on lets be honest, we are British and very reserved, still. So for every one who ACTUALLY came up and said something, there were probably 99 who wanted to but didn’t.

Everyone was admiring their work, they must be the most photographed people in Colchester!!

From every blade of grass to fishing the weed out of the pond (Talking of aromas!!) every aspect of their job was done with SO much pride. Working as a team in some areas with the usual banter, or showing their flair as individuals on design or layout, there as something for everyone.

Taking time to cut around and maintain the dignity of the various memorial stones, where visitors can pay their respects, was imperative and never done without reading the words and taking time to think how lucky we are and really appreciate the sacrifices made by others.

We have kids now who just want to earn a living in a warm office looking at a computer screen (once they have ruled out being on X Factor or playing for Chelsea) yet the ‘horticultural’ industry offers an immense array of opportunities where what you do is actually TANGIBLE. People can really benefit from your input albeit design, planting up, maintaining or even fishing weed out of ponds.

These types of jobs make a Real difference where you can be part of a team and perform in front of the public and to be honest Lamborghini's are very overrated, where are you going to get your wheelbarrow in one of them.

Who needs a Lamborghini anyway ?

So as someone who could earn far more doing (almost) anything else, I love what I do as a ‘Construction Photographer’ and really enjoy going to work, I want to ask a favour, OK a few favours.

One,

Take some time from your work day, have a walk, get some fresh air and time to think.

Two,

Join a library or buys a book so you have an excuse to look at something else (NOT YOUR PHONE)

Three,

if you are in a park, don’t leave it to someone else to say Thank You to whoever is looking after it, GO AN DO IT YOURSELF. You don’t have to buy them a coffee, but then again…

Four,

If you have Sons, Daughters, Nieces, Nephews or go to any Parents Evening just mention this industry.

Five,

If the kids want to be Nail Technicians or do Media Studies at Uni, Please give them another option. 

The industry is for Boys and Girls and yes, of course it does rain occasionally but most of the time you are out in the fresh air and everyone can see your work, as its not in a ‘cloud’ somewhere.

If all else fails, try to talk them into photography.

As in any award, good photographs make all the difference and this is just one of many Projects we have photographed that have secured BALI Awards, but this piece is about them not me.

The BALI Award is well deserved but that Thank You and a few words from the public probably mean far more.

All photographs by Paul Scott of Front Elevation who is a proud member of The Royal Photographic Society and The Royal Horticulture Society.

Email Paul Scott if you would like great pictures to help you win awards