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Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’

Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry materials is delighted to announce its selection as a finalist in the prestigious Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2024.

The company has been shortlisted in the esteemed ‘Employer of the Year’ category, recognising its commitment to implementing and encouraging a supportive and balanced workplace environment.

Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’

Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’

Green-tech is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of service to the landscaping industry. Established in October 1994 the company has grown to become a trusted supplier and partner for landscapers, contractors, and architects, offering a comprehensive range of products and solutions to enhance outdoor spaces.

The Pro Landscaper Business Awards celebrate excellence and innovation within the landscaping industry, highlighting companies that demonstrate outstanding achievements and contributions to the field. Being shortlisted for the ‘Employer of the Year’ category is a testament to Green-tech’s dedication to nurturing talent, promoting professional development, and prioritising employee well-being.

“We are honoured to be recognised as a finalist in the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2024,” said Kris Nellist, Managing Director of Green-tech. “This achievement, especially in our 30th anniversary year, reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a positive and empowering workplace culture where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their hard work and dedication.”

The winners of the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2024 will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, 19th April 2024, at the prestigious Old Billingsgate in London. The event promises to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and influencers to celebrate and network with peers.

“We are eagerly anticipating the awards ceremony and looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our fellow finalists,” added Kris. “This recognition reinforces our resolve to continue leading the standard for excellence in the landscaping industry and to drive positive change within our organisation and beyond.”

For more information about Green-tech visit www.green-tech.co.uk or speak to the Green-tech team on 01423 332100.

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Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW

Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW: Head Groundsperson James Mathewson has praised his fleet of Dennis ES-34R battery powered rotary mowers for making a difference at Colliers Park National Football Development Centre.

The centre, situated on the historic site of Gresford Colliery in Wrexham, stands as a testament to the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) commitment to fostering football talent. The facilities boast state-of-the-art training grounds making it a pivotal hub for football development.

Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW

Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW

At the helm of the grounds team is James Mathewson. His journey in the industry began at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, followed by stints at West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC’s training ground in London Colney. Post-Covid, James served as the Deputy Head Groundsperson at Northampton Saints before seizing the opportunity at Colliers Park.

In his first Head Groundsperson position, James is thriving and overseeing recent acquisitions of pitch maintenance equipment with a significant shift from petrol to battery-powered machinery. James praises the Dennis ES-34R electric rotary mowers for their role in this transition.

“The FAW has a drive towards sustainability and is very passionate about it. From a practical point of view, the ability to use the Dennis ES-34R’s on one pitch while the other pitch is in use just makes our day so much easier,” says James.

This is because the rural setting of Colliers Park presents unique challenges, including noise restrictions due to the close proximity of a hotel. James emphasises, “Having silent electric machinery, means we can cut pitches before early training sessions – it opens up our days a lot.

“There has probably been a bit of resistance over electric equipment, and I was quite sceptical when they first came out,” continues James. “Until you use it, it is very easy to think like that because everyone is so used to using petrol mowers – but the Dennis E-Series mowers are incredible machines.”

The ES-34R is a 34” (860mm) battery powered twin blade rotary mower using the latest lithium-ion battery technology. It is ideal for fine turf mowing and cleaning up operations in stadia and training facilities. Utilising the contra rotating hardened steel blades and low chute ensures maximum collection performance.

While allowing ground staff to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface, the E-Series range will also help meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, minimise carbon footprint, emissions, running costs, HAV’s and noise without any range anxiety.

“We purchased three Dennis ES-34R electric rotary mowers. I didn’t really look at other rotary mowers on the market,” explains James. “Predominantly they are used to clean the pitches after training sessions. We also use them for the first few cuts after renovation before we put the cylinder mowers on.

“They put a nice stripe in the pitch which coaches and players like to see and they hoover up all the debris because they have fantastic suction.

“The best feature on these mowers is the option to increase the speed of the blade in wet weather to suck the debris up – which they do just as well as when it is dry. The size of the machine is another big plus because you can get a pitch completed with three of us in about 45 minutes on average. This would have taken three of us three hours with our previous rotary mowers.”

James also dispels concerns about battery life, stating confidently, “We can do a whole pitch on one battery. They do this with ease and that takes any anxiety out of doing the job.”

In summary, James and his team at Colliers Park National Football Development Centre have embraced the Dennis ES-34R electric rotary mowers. The shift to sustainability, coupled with the machines’ efficiency and adaptability, reflects a forward-thinking approach in sports turf management.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Good news for JCB academy

Good news for JCB academy: The region’s most over-subscribed school, The JCB Academy, has achieved top-class results in its latest Ofsted report.

The Academy achieved a ‘Good’ rating from Government inspectors who visited the Rocester-based school at the end of January, citing its excellent connections with industry and the outstanding employability skills of learners.  The report maintains the JCB Academy’s unbroken record of ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted since its first in May 2014.

Good news for JCB academy

Good news for JCB academy

The specialist engineering and business Academy, which is sponsored by digger giant JCB, was praised for its teaching in close collaboration with prestigious employer partners such as JCB, Toyota, Bosch Rexroth, Rolls-Royce, National Grid, and Harper Adams University.

Chair of Governors and JCB Group HR Director, Max Jeffery, said: “The educational experience at The JCB Academy is second to none and provides an outstanding platform for students to not only excel academically but also prepare for their future careers. This report reflects the Academy’s unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment, alongside a rigorous and ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all learners.”

The JCB Academy Principal Jim Bailey, said: “We are immensely proud of our learners, staff, and the strong support from our industry partners. This report is a testament to our collective hard work and dedication to not only meet, but exceed, the educational standards expected of us.”

Hydraulic Training Manager at Bosch Rexroth Limited, Jim Malin added: “The Ofsted rating is no surprise, and a well-deserved recognition of overall excellence. Learners’ readiness for the industry is a testament to the Academy’s high standard of teaching and the employability skills instilled in learners.

Based in a historic 18th Century former cotton mill, the Academy is a non-selective school for 13-to-18-year-olds within an 18-mile radius – with its 810 students travelling from the Staffordshire Moorlands, Burton, Derby, Ashbourne, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Stone.

For Years 9 and 10, 645 applicants applied for the 210 places on offer, indicating the Academy will again become the most over-subscribed educational establishment in both Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

For more information on The JCB Academy visit www.jcbacademy.com

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A new era for electric loaders

A new era for electric loaders: Working with an electric loader is now more efficient than ever – even in extremely cold conditions. Avant Tecno presents the renewed e series and the third generation of fully electric loaders, whose unique battery technology further improves the capacity, pricing, safety, working time, durability, and lifespan of electric loaders. With a fully charged Avant e527, you can work all day.

Finnish compact loader manufacturer Avant Tecno has been at the forefront of the development of electric loaders for decades. Now, Avant is launching two next generation fully electric loader models, the Avant e513 and Avant e527, which will renew the Avant e series and replace their predecessors, the Avant e5 and e6 models. The new loaders will enter production in January 2024.

A new era for electric loaders

A new era for electric loaders

Unique battery technology

The new loaders are equipped with Avant OptiTemp® battery packs (13 kWh and 27 kWh) manufactured by Avant Tecno’s subsidiary Avant Power. The globally unique battery technology brings capacity to a whole new level, and the energy density of the batteries is among the best in the world. The thermal management system of the patented lithium-ion batteries guarantees the same capacity in hot and extremely cold temperatures. Multi-level protection makes Avant OptiTemp® batteries very safe.

Power for demanding professional use

The new Avant e513 and Avant e527 loaders are almost identical, but the only difference lies in the capacity of the batteries. The Avant e513 (13 kWh) is a good choice for short-term continuous use on cattle farms, horse stables, greenhouses or DIY and leisure time, for example. The Avant e527 loader (27 kWh) with a larger battery is ideal for demanding professional use. Construction and demolition contractors will benefit from this model.

The fully electric Avants are ideal for working in confined spaces and on construction sites that have strict limits on noise and emissions.

A full workday on a single charge

When fully charged in the morning, the Avant e527 loader (27kWh) can be used for a whole working day. The maximum operating time of the machine is about 6 hours for medium-duty work, whereas for Avant e513, it is about 3 hours. The battery of both loaders can be fully charged with a fast charger in under 1.5 hours, allowing for long working days.

A new era for electric loaders

A new era for electric loaders

“For years, the market has been longing for fully electric loaders that would be more like diesel loaders in terms of functionality. Until now, operating time and pricing have been key issues related to electric loaders, but with Avant’s new e series, we solve them both”, says Jani Käkelä, CEO of Avant Tecno.

The renewed Avant e series

  • Fully electric loader series. Zero-emission, very quiet. Low operating and maintenance costs.
  • Two models: Avant e513 (battery capacity 13 kWh) and Avant e527 (battery capacity 27 kWh).
  • Excellent capacity in hot conditions and severe frosts.
  • Fast charge in under 1.5 hours. Type 2 charging, built-in 3 kW battery charger. The maximum charging current has been increased by 50% compared to previous Avant electric loaders.
  • Two electric motors: one for driving hydraulics, and one for auxiliary hydraulics, boom, and steering. Thanks to the electric motor, maximum torque is immediately applied, which ensures excellent thrust.
  • The further improved cooling system in the engine package keeps the machine’s heat under control even in soft terrain. Increased load resistance in short-term hard work.
  • The updated multifunction display provides information on battery status, temperature, power consumption, operating hours, auxiliary hydraulics output, maintenance needs, and more.
  • Same appearance as in Avant’s diesel-powered 500 and 600 series loaders.

Technical Information:

Technical information: Model Avant e513 Avant e527
Voltage 44 V 44 V
Capacity 13 kWh 27 kWh
Operating time* 3 hours 6 hours
Lift capacity 900 kg 900 kg
Li height, max. 2 790 mm 2 790 mm
Drive speed, max. 10 km/h 10 km/h
Weight 1420 kg 1500 kg
Auxiliary hydraulics 30 l/min 30 l/min

*In medium duty loading work; no hydraulic attachments used.

Charging Times:

Charging times: Loader model Avant e513 Avant e527
Onboard charger 3 kW (standard) 2 h 50 min 5 h 40 min
Rapid charger 400 V / 16 A (option) 1 h 10 min 2 h 20 min
Rapid charger 400 V / 32 A (option) 1 h 10 min

*Charging time is affected by prevailing conditions and temperature. The charging times are indicated from 10% to 80% of the battery’s available charge level (SOC).

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk 

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Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe

Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe: Grant Stewart, course manager at Huntercombe Golf Club, knew that as soon as a new sprayer was required at the Oxfordshire course, there was only one way to go and that was to hit repeat on his last order of a Toro Multi Pro 1750.

Grant says: “I need a sprayer to be reliable in its ease of use. I appreciate the technological capabilities and all the extras it can have, but ultimately what works for us is a simple but efficient sprayer.”

Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe

Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe

Grant’s requirements are perfectly matched in the Multi Pro 1750 from Reesink Turfcare. This sprayer has been designed with all the technology required for spraying accuracy and precision but wrapped up in an uncomplicated easy to use system.

“We’ve had our last sprayer for seven years and it’s never failed us. I couldn’t have a better template to go from than that,” he says. “We mark out the edge of the spray pattern and spray, it’s as simple as that. It’s easy to maintain and there’s no spray lag. The system, the features and benefits it offers and the price point combine to make it the ideal sprayer for an 18-hole course like ours.”

Grant explains how he’s using his sprayer on the course that recently won the prestigious Syngenta Operation Pollinator Award at the Golf Environment Awards: “In the 1980s golf courses had a bad reputation for heavy use of pesticides and chemicals. Now, that’s changed. Spraying is essential to keep the course in top playing condition, but we use nature to solve problems in turf management too.

“With the technology and accuracy in the Multi Pro we can be exact with the areas we spray – everything is controlled and there’s no wastage or spraying of unnecessary areas. We use our sprayer for wetting agents, biostimulants and fertilising in a low regime.”

The Multi Pro 1750 is designed to deliver accurate application rates from start to finish. Its six-diaphragm pump is an industry exclusive, producing ample pressure and up to twice the flow of two-diaphragm pumps for aggressive mixing and thorough agitation. When the pump is engaged, it’s always on so there’s virtually no spray lag – as Grant noticed and appreciates. It also delivers a full spray pattern immediately, so it’s possible to back up to a bunker and spray accurately as soon as it starts.

In addition to exceptional spray accuracy, the Multi Pro 1750 provides 99 percent spray-out, which means almost no products are wasted, which again is better for the environment.

For further information contact Reesink Turfcare, the sole Toro distributor for golf and sports fields equipment in the UK, on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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The compact choice for quick, clean cutting

The compact choice for quick, clean cutting: Makita has added two new pruning products to its ever growing outdoor product range. Powered by Makita’s 18V LXT battery system, the new DUP180 Brushless Pruning Shear and the DUC150 150mm Pruning Saw offer a comfortable and powerful solution to make quick and light work of repetitive or heavy pruning jobs.

With an adjustable shear blade opening angle, the new DUP180 18V LXT Brushless Pruning Shear accommodates four different cutting capacities up to ø30mm and provides up to 8,800 cuts on a single charge (when used with a 6.0Ah battery).

The compact choice for quick, clean cutting

The compact choice for quick, clean cutting

Thanks to a brushless motor and belt holster to carry the battery, this tool is extremely lightweight and comfortable to use at just 0.68kg (without battery). To further minimise user fatigue, Makita has engineered the tool so that the control of the shear blade is interlocked with the trigger, meaning the blades will only open and close depending on the degree the trigger is depressed or released.

Additionally, an external oil port is designed for easy blade lubrication without disassembly, enhancing the tool’s durability.

Joining the outdoor line up is the DUC150 18V 150mm Pruning Saw. Operating with a chain speed of 8m/s, this compact machine offers excellent cutting performance despite its lightweight design, making it ideal for general garden applications or orchard maintenance.

Additional comfort and efficiency-enhancing features include tool-less chain tensioning and automatic chain oiling, while a brushless motor ensures low maintenance requirements and a longer working motor life.

The DUC150 is available as a kit with a BL1850B Battery and DC18RC charger, or as a standalone tool body only.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Whether it’s for making light work of clipping back shrubs and hedgerows, or trimming branches and small trees, the DUP180 and DUC150 are convenient tools that are designed with simplicity and ergonomics in mind. At Makita, we continue to apply our heritage and expertise in battery technology and tool engineering to develop essential kit items such as these, so that the professional sector has access to a vast range of battery powered tools that meet every daily demand without the constraints of cords or petrol.”

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career in groundscare

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare: A former serviceman who started a new career as a technician working on machinery for groundscare professionals says the sector offers huge opportunities for those looking to resettle after life in the armed forces.

Andy Irvine is one of a number of individuals who have started new jobs at John Deere dealerships across the UK and Ireland following many years in service.

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare

Based at Turner Groundscare Machinery near Chester since last April, Andy stepped into a field service technician role, supporting customers at world-renowned football clubs, golf courses and rugby stadiums across north-west England.

He has recently been promoted to workshop manager and says there is job satisfaction and progression on offer for anyone leaving the forces with the appropriate skills.

Andy served 14 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), running workshops of up to 25 people on home soil and during overseas deployments.

He worked on a wide variety of machines ranging from chainsaws to quad bikes and diggers to main battle tanks.

“I’ve always been interested in engineering,” Andy said. “When I left school, I worked in a local garage I got a really good grounding of engineering standards.

“My foreman at the time said something to me that I’ve taken with me throughout my career; anything you touch has to be at a certain standard when it goes out the door, and if it’s not, then it’s your reputation that’s on the line.”

Andy said that the only way he would leave the army is for his dream job, which was to work for John Deere.

“The John Deere brand is the best of the best in the sector,” Andy said. “I couldn’t think of anything more I’d rather turn spanners on.”

Andy was keen to get started in a new career so he interviewed for a position at his local Turner Grondscare Machinery dealership. He was still contracted to the army for six months, but general manager Gareth Baker agreed to hold the post for him.

As a technician, Andy worked on a wide variety of machines, including the latest innovations from John Deere such as the 225 E-Cut which is the company’s first fully-electric walk-behind greens mower for golf courses. He serviced and repaired a equipment from Gator utility vehicles to compact tractors.

Being on the road daily meant he could be working at Liverpool FC’s AXA Training Centre in the morning and supporting the team at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in the afternoon.

Andy notes similarities in working as a technician and being in the army. He says every day is different, and when he was called to a job he never knew exactly what to expect.

“When you get the call, you only know you’re going out to a repair, where the location is and what the machine is, but everything else has to be dealt with when you arrive,” Andy said.

“The pressure is on you. Whether it’s soldiers or greenkeepers, people look to you to relay your intelligence and your thought process into what the fault could be and explain to them why a part has failed and how the issue is resolved.”

He describes the differences between army life and civvy street as “positive”, with some of the main benefits being routine working hours and a better work-life balance for him and his family.

“I’m finally able to plan my year in advance,” Andy said. “I now know that I can spend my evenings and weekends with my family and can even book holidays knowing I can actually go on them.”

Andy hopes to encourage those thinking of leaving the service to make the change and start a new career with John Deere.

“If you have the right mindset and you’re positive and proactive, you’ll be completely fine transitioning from military life to civilian life,” Andy said. It’s a step forwards towards not just a better job, but a better lifestyle.

“You’ll get an element of control back in your life. Since leaving, I can put my hand on my heart saying that I’m in a better place, workwise and mentally, than I was working for the army.”

John Deere launched its Military Hiring Programme in 2023 in a bid to attract people such as Andy to the agriculture and professional groundscare sectors. He thinks it will be a great springboard for those wanting to resettle into the sector.

Interested service and ex-service members can learn more about the programme and fill out a contact card by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

After making contact, they will be put in touch with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled following a career in the armed forces to discuss all potential options.

Gareth Baker added: “Andy’s been a breath of fresh air. His work rate and organisational skills are exceptional, which is exactly what you need for a role like this.

“We were prepared to wait for him to complete his transition from the army for six months, primarily because of his management experience.

“He’s now the workshop manager and has built a team underneath him, including a technician who has recently joined our team from the Navy.

“The calibre of people that have come into the sector from the armed forces really stands out.”

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Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation: Founded in 1896, the course at Shipley Golf Club is neatly tucked away in the beautiful wooded valley of Beckfoot, just outside of Bingley in West Yorkshire. The grounds were designed by renowned architect Dr Alistair Mackenzie and present a testing but scenic 18-hole game. 

Chris Wood, Course Manager for Shipley Golf Club, heard about Attraxor’s ability to reduce Poa seedheads through fellow course managers and decided to try it on his greens on a trial basis. Having just completed his first full year of treatment with the plant growth regulator (PGR), he believes it has had a high-quality impact on the greens at Shipley.

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Chris said: “I mix 375 grams of Attraxor® with 2 kilograms of nitrogen on the greens every 21 days, a routine which has resulted in reduced Poa seedheads and increased growth regulation. I was very impressed with the speed in which it gets working!”

Attraxor® is formulated for rapid foliar uptake, as the active PGR ingredient, prohexadione, can get to work in as quickly as four hours post-application. The active substance inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Although it can still be applied in cooler soil conditions of around seven degrees centigrade, the key time to treat turf is March through to September for best results.  Chris has been using Attraxor during this main season to support turf growth.

Chris said: “Alongside the decreased Poa, I have also noticed that the grass sward is smoother, resulting in a truer ball roll and increased playability – which is a bonus!”
Attraxor® can also decrease time and money spent on turf maintenance due to its ability to regulate longitudinal turf growth, lessening the frequency of mowing and clipping volumes.

Chris said that he had noticed the need to mow less: “We have been able to skip cutting days due to Attraxor’s growth regulating abilities, which has meant my time can be spent doing other key maintenance jobs around the grounds.

“Overall, I believe that Attraxor® has increased the quality, regulation and playability of the greens at Shipley, although after some applications the turf did lighten slightly – but this doesn’t last and soon wears off.”

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Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club: The Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club located in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately experienced some of the worst damage in the history of the club at the end of October 2023 brought on by Storm Ciaran.

Of course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie was not alone as Scottish golf clubs up and down the east coast of the Home of Golf nation also suffered damage.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Unfortunately, Storm Ciaran flexed its muscles menacingly at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links, as the accompanying photographs taken of the opening two holes sadly reveal the extent and seriousness of the damage caused.

Of course, it was not the first storm to leave its mark on Scottish golf courses and it certainly will not be the last. It is for this reason the club set up a ‘Coastal Erosion’ sub-committee at the end of 2022.  As well, the club had been in discussion prior to Storm Ciaran with Scottish Water, the local Highland Council and Nature Scotland in seeking to identify ways and finance to protect the course from the likelihood of storm damage.

“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said Mike MacDonald, General Manager at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.

Our sub-committee will strive to seek the much-needed financial support where possible.  However, it is pleasing to single out local MSP Kate Forbes for her support and understanding as Fortrose and Rosemarkie works to seek these funds needed to restore the course to its preStorm Ciaran picture postcard outlook.

Of course, the club has not been idle working tirelessly to bring the club to a point whereby it can now commence work from today – Monday, 26th February 2024 – in looking to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the storm and, at least try to restore the proud boasting a recorded history back to 1793 back to near its former picture postcard glory.

This initial work to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour (around 110 metres to cover both tees and the areas around the tees) is estimated to cost £140,000 plus VAT.

At Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club we also need to be not only be conscious of our proud members, our many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come but we also also are very conscious of  members of the public in being able to gain access to the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the dolphins, walk their dogs or simply enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.

From a golfing perspective, access to areas between the 1st and 2nd tees also is a strong priority going forward but without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult.  By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public. Without their financial guarantee, no work in this regard can proceed.

As well, it is estimated the associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into tens of thousands of Pounds.

“It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so”, said Mike.  “All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.

We really hope that as a golfer and/or member of the public that you will be able to support us! Thank you so much for your consideration and donation if you are able to do so where we have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page!

https://gofund.me/e82cd493

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Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising: A unique JCB tartan tractor has rolled off the production line at Staffordshire’s JCB Landpower factory honouring Scottish rugby legend and motor neuron disease (MND) campaigner Doddie Weir.

The Fastrac 4220 iCON wrapped in Doddie’s own design tartan livery was welcomed off the Cheadle production line by son Angus Weir, ready to report for fundraising duty with the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Scottish and British and Irish Lions international, Doddie, who died of MND, aged 52, in 2022, founded the charity to fund research with the vision of ‘A world free of MND’. So far, more than £11 million has been committed to vital research in his name and the Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight against the cruel disease.

The Doddie iCON Fastrac is the brainchild of Doddie’s schoolfriend and Director of Crop Services in the Scottish Borders, Douglas Stephen, who joined Angus for the unveiling. Douglas operates a number of Fastrac tractors, and approached his JCB Dealer, Kelso-based Scot Agri to build a special edition machine in support of the Foundation.

The blue and yellow tartan tractor will make starring appearances at major agricultural shows and rugby games north of the border over the coming months raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The grand tour will begin at the Royal Northern Spring Show, Inverurie on February 28th before moving on to the Fife, Northumberland, Royal Highland, Border Union,  Perth Shows and many other agricultural events over the summer.

Angus Weir said: “It has been fantastic to be here to unveil the new Doddie tartan tractor.  Dad would have absolutely loved it and I’m sure it will turn a lot of heads, raise a lot of smiles, and help continue his fundraising legacy.”

For Douglas Stephen it was an emotional day. He added: “Our Doddie was born into a farming family, was part of the farming community and loved tractors. He was also always accustomed to wearing big, bright, garish tartan suits, so this is right up his street. What JCB has done is beyond all expectations and they have really pulled out all the stops. Doddie was a great friend who is sorely missed and this will help us to keep his memory and MND legacy alive.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Director of Fundraising and Communications, Paul Thompson added: “We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with JCB and expect it to raise a great deal of awareness of both motor neuron disease and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The Fastrac looks brilliant, and we can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when nine tonnes of tartan tractor arrive at one of our events.

“When the tractor was unveiled, it was a real lump in the throat moment. Doddie was a farmer and loved his tractors, so we know that this collaboration would have meant a lot to him.”

JCB Territory Manager Sam Taylor said: “For JCB it is an honour to support the incredible work of the ‘My Names’5 Doddie Foundation’. Doddie Weir was an icon, not only in the way that he played his rugby, but also in the way he handled his MND diagnosis, setting an example of bravery, and inspiring others to take up the fight.

“The JCB Doddie iCON Edition Fastrac is a great example of teamwork – bringing together an amazing charity, a valued JCB customer, our brilliant dealer network, designers, and production team. We hope it will raise greater awareness of the condition and fund more groundbreaking research to find a cure for MND.”

Anyone interested in supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can donate at https://justgiving.com/page/doddietheicon

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