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Glos Ground Staff Paul Collett and Cheltenham's Christian Brain recognised at Grounds Manager Awards

21 November 2024

Deputy Head of Ground Staff at the Seat Unique Stadium, Paul Collett, and Head of Grounds at Cheltenham College, Christian Brain, received recognition at the Grounds Manager Awards at Trent Bridge yesterday (Wednesday 20th November).

The event celebrated the successes and efforts of all the ground staff involved in producing surfaces for professional cricket in England and Wales and was attended by 104 people in total, with all professional counties represented.

Paul, pictured below with former Gloucestershire groundsperson, Meg Lay, received recognition for his 41 years of continuous service having started work at the Club in April 1983.

Christian and his team received the runner-up prize in the Outground Pitch category, beaten only by Josh Marden of Beckenham, Kent.

The Towergate Cheltenham Cricket Festival hosted six Gloucestershire matches in 2024, including the dramatic final ball tie between Gloucestershire and Glamorgan in the County Championship.

Interim Chief Executive at Gloucestershire Cricket, Neil Priscott, said: “To see national recognition for Paul and Christian’s work is hugely gratifying to everyone at the Club, because they are both tireless in trying to produce the best possible pitches at Bristol and Cheltenham, respectively. 

Christian’s Cheltenham pitches are always top-level, and we know our squad love playing at the College. He always goes above and beyond to help the Club in the planning and preparation of the Festival and is a huge reason why Members and supporters have such a deep affinity with the annual ‘pilgrimage’.

Paul is one of the nicest guys in cricket. Always friendly, with a positive can-do approach, we consider ourselves hugely fortunate to be able to have someone of his expertise and character alongside us in Bristol. His contribution over 40 years has been immense, and we look forward to many more years of his know-how and cheerfulness in BS7.”

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