The inflationary state of the country in the post war ‘50’s seriously affected the financial position of the Institute. The constant struggle against ever-rising costs caused the Institute to slip into a deficit of £92 in 1957.

Despite financial struggles the close contact which existed between the Institute and its members’ bodies, who showed unfailing interest in all its activities, contributed greatly to the recognition of the station’s work across a wider field. In 1954 the Institute was recognised as the National Centre for turf research and independent advisory services.

As forecast following the reconstitution of the Board other sports bodies soon joined as members including the English Bowling Association, The Hockey Association and The All England Women’s Hockey Association.

Research

1953 The financial difficulties being experienced by the Institute led to a shortage in funding for research. In 1953 a “Research Fund” was established to provide money “without strings” to enable research work to continue. Invitations for contributions were sent to subscribers and sports governing bodies. A total of £3,725 was collected.

Research work included:
Disease control and fusarium patch disease was successfully produced by artificial inoculation for study. Drew Smith, the new pathologist, took part in the national turf fungicide trials organised by the US Greens section.

1954 In 1954 Bingley reported a new disease in Poa annua caused by a species of colletotrichum (fungus).

Successful results over 6 winters confirmed electrical soil warming could keep exposed playing areas frost-free.

Advisory

Between 1952 and 1953 there were:-

• 2,200 advisory visits
• 25,000 advisory letters sent
• 10,000 samples received

1954 Areas of new work were developed with education authorities following support by the Ministry of Education. The work included feasibility studies, construction and establishment of school playing fields.

1955 The first advisory visits were undertaken to France.

1957 Removal of petrol restrictions made advisory visits cheaper and easier to arrange. Advice was provided for the Scout Jubilee Jamboree celebrations in Sutton Coldfield. 35,000 scouts took part from 67 different countries.

Special Occasions

1953 The 2-day Annual Machinery and Implement Show was moved to Port Sunlight to take place on the Lever Brothers sports grounds. This provided much needed additional space. Blessed by good weather the show was a great success.

1954 Silver Jubilee Celebrations marking the successful completion of 25 years of independent research, investigational, advisory and educational work. Events included:

• May 25-28 Exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show
  
• May 25 Celebration dinner at the Kingsley Hotel in London with representatives from sports bodies, scientific centres, societies, associations, golf and sports clubs. Lord Brabazon of Tara, stood in as principal speaker. He was presented with a silver mounted golf trolley – (Lord Brabazon was responsible for introducing the first golf trolleys to the British Isles).
  
  The original founders, Percy Clough and Norman Hackett were made Honorary Vice Presidents in recognition of their long and valued service.
  
• July 1 Conference and Open Day at Bingley. The conference was opened by Sir Amos Brook Hirst, Vice Chairman of Board of Management and Chairman of the Football Association.
  
  Two Silver Jubilee golf trophies were presented to
  The British Golf Greenkeepers Association
  The Scottish Golf Greenkeepers Association
  
  in recognition of their close collaboration with STRI. The trophies were played for in annual tournaments from 1955 and the Scottish cup is still played for today.

1954-1955 Advice was sought by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society showground to construct the show ring at their new site just outside of Harrogate. The Institute was also offered a ¼ acre site as a permanent turf demonstration. All work had to be completed for 1957 in time for the Society’s 100th show.

1957 The 100th show was marked by a royal visit from the Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret.

The royal party spent time at the Institute’s exhibit. R B Dawson’s outstanding memory of the show “The amount of wear and tear good bent turf will stand, even under wet conditions and over 1,000 visitors, it could still look well”.

1953-1957 Regular broadcasts were made for various BBC gardening programmes including Percy Thrower’s ‘Sunday Gardening Club’.

Personalities

1955 Lord Brabazon of Tara was made the First Honorary President in recognition of long service to the Institute.

John Escritt was appointed Assistant Director, he would continue in his role as Chemist

The deaths were announced of :
• Mr F G Hawtree, who started the Greenkeepers Association and was a representative on the Board of Management died in October
• Having been elected as Chairman to the Board of Management Sir Amos Brook Hirst, Chairman of the Football Association, passed away on 26th November

1956 RB Dawson was awarded an OBE in recognition of his work at the Institute.

In January Percy Clough, one of the original founders of STRI, died.

1957 Followed by the death of our second founder, Norman Hackett in1957.