Robbie Eason, Head of Grounds Maintenance

Robbie is Head of Grounds Maintenance at Univ and regularly plays for Horspath Cricket Club. 

How did you come to Univ?
I have been involved in the Sports Turf industry for 20 years, starting as a Greenkeeper before moving to multi-sports, I have worked in first class football, rugby and cricket along the way.

I was Head of Grounds at a private school at the time, but always aspired to run my own college ground, so when George Gilholm retired I applied and fortunately Elizabeth Crawford, the former Domestic Bursar, appointed me in October 2014 as Groundsman, to this day I feel very grateful and continue to love the role.

What does grounds maintenance at Univ involve?
As well as running the Sports ground for both Univ and Corpus Christi College and dealing with fixtures and pitch maintenance, I head up the Garden team since May 2018, I have a team of four who maintain all our gardens and grounds, including all the lawns, beds, glasshouses, orchards and planting.

Have you faced any challenges in your job?
Every day is a challenge in my job as we are always dictated by the weather. I am fortunate that I have a dedicated team to call on and a supportive boss in Angela Unsworth. The recent biggest challenge was reinstating the Goodhart lawn, the sub-base and soil structure was full of roots and rubble, it took some effort but I’m very pleased with the outcome.

What’s your favourite part of Univ?
The Sportsground! It’s stunning, with so much wildlife to observe. I also have soft spots for main quad and the chapel which is stunning.

When did you start playing cricket?
I’ve played since birth! I was inspired watching my Dad. I play for a local side Horspath CC and the MCC, I managed also to represent South of England at junior level and opened the batting for Oxfordshire Minor county side.

Do you have any advice for students at Univ?
Play sport, regardless of ability, being part of a team will give you so many tools in life, you will make and meet people and you will form friendships that will last a lifetime.

What is the funniest thing you have seen at Univ?
The former Porter Bob Maskell, he had a way of making me laugh without trying.

Describe Univ in three words.
Fun, friendly and supportive.

You can read Robbie’s Grounds & Gardens reports on the website and the Garden page. 

Published: 2 June 2020

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