Eddie Seaward MBE has been appointed to the new role of patron at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).

Known and respected throughout the grounds care industry, the All England Lawn Tennis Club head groundsman has been an IOG member for almost 50 years.

Throughout this time, he has worked with members and the executive staff on many initiatives, including the recent merger of the IOG and the British and International Golf Groundkeepers Association (BIGGA).

He cites the impact of legislation and water conservation as major industry issues that need to be acted upon, as well as ongoing concerns surrounding the profile of the profession, attracting new entrants, future skills gaps and encouraging and developing industry training and education.

Meanwhile, following the untimely death of IOG national chair Alex Millar, David Teasdale has been appointed interim national chair and Peter Hudson, interim vice chair.

Teasdale's allegiance to the IOG's objectives stems from his involvement in the sports industry for nearly 30 years and his role as independent chair of the IOG/BIGGA merger panel. He is also chair of Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL).