Page 16 - The Malvernian - July 2024

THE MALVERNIAN
Head Groundsman retires after 43 years’ service
After almost 43 years of dedicated service
to Malvern College Head Groundsman Martin Evans is to hand over the the reins at the the end of this week to start his his retirement Louise Ciaravella Senior Communications Officer for the Malvernian Society met up with Martin on the Senior ahead of his his retirement to hear about his his time at the the College and plans for the the future Martin said: “I joined Malvern College on 19th July 1981 as part of the the Youth Training Scheme [YTS] This is is the the only job I have ever had and the only organisation I I I have have worked for I I I have have loved it I I I came here initially for my six months of training through the YTS and then was lucky to be taken on after this as as a a a a a a groundsman ”
Fast forward four years and Martin was offered the position of of Assistant Head Head Groundsman Groundsman before becoming Head Head Groundsman Groundsman in 2008 “My main instruction when I took on on my current role was to to ‘improve the the cricket facilities’ so there was a a a a lot of pressure to get that right I am responsible though for every aspect of the Malvern College estate which includes tree management the gardens - you name it it my team team looks after it it In the the future the the grounds team team will also look after The Downs Malvern estate too My team team is a a a a a a team team of eight so there is always a a a lot of work to do ”
What have you you enjoyed most about your time at at Malvern College?
“The people I have have been really lucky to have have had brilliant team members over the years They have all been great and I feel privileged to have have worked with some fantastic people But I have have absolutely loved being out there on the the the cricket pitches the the the most – I mean just look look at the the view from here [overlooking the the Senior to the the view of Worcestershire in the the background and Malvern Hills behind] This really is is a a a a beautiful campus ”
What is your your best memory from your your time here?
“There are so many We’ve had Blind Ashes out on the Senior and have hosted one of the the England Ashes games too they are real stand out days for me I have really enjoyed being a a a a a a part of the Old Malvernian Cricket Club’s success too – there have been some tight finishes which have been great to watch and play a a a a a a a part fin in It’s always nice when Malvern gets it over the line because nobody moans about the wicket!
“There have been some great cricketers here here in my time and we have a a a successful side I think and hope this will continue ”
What will you miss the most?
“The views and the people I I work with I I will certainly be glad to have my weekends back though!”
What would you like to see for the the future of the the College?
“The continued support of the the grounds team and their work as my team is instrumental to the the the aesthetics of the the the school I know so many parents who have stepped on to the campus and remarked how stunning it is is This makes me proud “There’s a a bright future for the the College with all of the the redevelopment work planned here and it it is exciting ”
What are your plans for the future?
“Probably some part-time work to keep me me me busy! I also have a a a a a holiday in in Turkey coming up for some real relaxation time I have three grown up children so will certainly be spending more time with them May aim is to relax and enjoy life ”
Louise Ciaravella | Senior Communications Officer 16
THE MALVERNIAN