BTME Registration Opening

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BTME Registration Opening: With registration for BTME 2019 due to open on Monday 8 October, details have been released about what will be on offer at the largest turf management exhibition in Europe.

Click here to register now for BTME 2019.

During BTME 2018 last January, the event hosts, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, revealed that the annual exhibition would be drastically transformed for 2019. A whole host of innovations and exciting new offerings will further evolve what amounts to the most influential event in the calendar for the golf industry in the UK.

BTME Registration Opening

And with registration for the event imminent, BIGGA is delighted to reveal that it has lived up to this promise, with an event that has expanded by 25% and that will feature a host of new conferences, forums, exhibition platforms and more opportunities than ever to network and gain valuable knowledge and experience.

Utilising a new hall layout at the Harrogate Convention Centre, BTME will feature 4,800sqm of exhibition space and feature Golf Course Construction Live!, a golf simulator competition, a new product and innovation area and a TED Talk-style theatre, where short presentations will be delivered by some of the leading names in the industry.

As always, Continue to Learn will kick off the week, with the education programme evolving to better suit the needs of BIGGA members. Taking place from Sunday 20 to Wednesday 23 January, the association’s Learning & Development team has put together its largest-ever package of education with more than 250 hours of education.

There will be a Deputies’ Conference, a Links Forum, an Ecology and the Environment Forum and a panel discussion looking at The R&A’s Golf Course 2030 plan.

Other workshops will discuss Gadgets & Gizmos, The Disturbance Theory: 10 years on, Work-Related Stress, while regular favourites such as the Turf Managers’ Conference and the Young Greenkeepers’ Conference will also return.

Last year, 50% of Continue to Learn workshops and seminars sold out within five weeks of registration opening, so BIGGA members have been encouraged to get their places booked soon to avoid missing out.

BTME 2019 itself begins on Tuesday 22 January with the ever-popular Welcome Celebration taking place on the opening evening. Housed in a new location in the HCC’s main auditorium, television presenter Naga Munchetty will once again host the event, which will see a number of BIGGA members recognised for their achievements throughout the year, including the announcement of the winners of the annual BIGGA Awards, revamped to coincide with the new, expanded BTME offering.

Throughout the show itself, which runs from Tuesday until Thursday 22 January, there has been an increased offering for members, including more social space for networking and a larger BIGGA stand featuring a Wellness Area where skin cancer screening, hearing screening and mental health advice will all take place.

Also on the stand will be a Membership Benefits advisory service, where experts will provide information for members regarding legal advice, HR, health & safety, volunteering and member opportunities.

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “The expansion of BTME arose due to the exhibition’s incredible popularity among our exhibitors, of which in 2018 there were more than 140 and we’re due to expand on that number this year. In providing more space, we were presented with an incredible opportunity to create a greatly improved visitor experience, further enhancing BTME’s position as the premier turf management exhibition in Europe.

“We anticipate BTME 2019 being our most popular event ever. By registering early for BTME, you can ensure you skip to the front of the line and increase your BTME experience to the limit, ensuring you won’t miss a single part of what promises to be a historic event for the greenkeeping industry.”

Click here to register now for BTME 2019.

Visit www.btme.org.uk for more information.

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First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf

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First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf: Exhibiting at Saltex for the first time this year, Consolidate Turf is giving every turf professional the opportunity to come to stand E195/E196 at the NEC in Birmingham and discover an exclusive range of balanced, energy efficient, liquid nutritional products for the perfect turf maintenance programme.

The Chorley based company manufactures bespoke nutritional programmes including core products Consolidate Plus+ and Consolidate Winter Turf Hardener, that provide the maximum benefit for individual customer needs.

First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf

Working closely with groundsmen and greenkeepers across the amenity sector has led to Consolidate Turf products being incorporated in the turf maintenance programmes at the majority of the UK’s and Europe’s most renowned venues including many Premier League facilities as well as Universities and Non-League and National League football teams.

Renowned Head Groundsman Steve Braddock said: “Following the successful trial last winter on one of our pitches I have decided to extend the use of Consolidate Plus and Consolidate Winter Turf Hardener onto our other pitches this winter.”

As well as these core products, the varied catalogue of the Anti-Stress Turf Range, Consolidate Range and the Renovation Seed Pack have enabled users to adjust rates to suit their specific requirements. This has been customary practice in the case of Links manager, Chris Ball, who has used the products to adapt to ever-changing conditions on golf courses.

“I have been involved in the turf industry for over 25 years,” Chris explained. “During this time, I have experienced various management techniques and practices at both Parkland and Links venues.

“I have regularly used the full range of Consolidate Turf products due to their diverse flexibility that subtly adapts and compliments our ever challenging and changing environment.”

By creating tailored programmes for customers any issues their turf is facing can be directly met. At Glamorgan Cricket Club, Head Groundsman, Robin Saxton, wanted to improve plant health and colour and did so through the use of a unique Consolidate programme.

“From the first meeting we have made tremendous progress and as things advanced through meetings we have designed and developed a completely bespoke and unique package for our exact needs,” he said.

“We have had great results with the renovation package. We have managed to integrate the programme on our cricket square and the results have been fantastic.

“Using Consolidate Plus+ on a fortnightly basis has helped us keep a more even colour and growth rate across the square without the peaks and troughs a monthly programme can give you. The addition of extra copper in the mix has kept us disease free even when we have had to cover the square for an extended period of time.”

Producing a range of nutritional products that are the catalyst for turf improvements for groundsmen on every budget is an important factor for Consolidate Turf. They strive to improve pitches for customers such as Chorley Football Club in the National League North with a natural pitch, as much as they do for Fulham Football Club in the Premier League playing on an SIS Grass hybrid pitch. “We are successfully using the full range of Consolidate Turf products on all SIS pitches at both The Cottage and training grounds. Right from the renovation through the season, the bespoke product range is aiding us to achieve optimum pitch performance across the board,” said Grounds Manager David Tatnell.

This has been achieved by listening to customers and refining individual choices that have become integral components in maintenance programmes across the entire spectrum of amateur and professional sport.

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Education City GC Partners John Deere

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Education City GC Partners John Deere: A major investment in John Deere golf course maintenance equipment has been made by the brand new Education City Golf Club in Doha, Qatar, which is due to open at the end of October 2018. The machinery will be used on three courses, with a total of 33 holes spread across 120ha.

Education City Golf Club is a landmark project for Qatar and the world of golf, offering a revolutionary and holistic approach to growing the game of golf. The facility features three golf courses including an 18-hole championship course, a floodlit 6-hole championship course and a floodlit 9-hole par 3 course, all designed by two-time US Masters winner and 2012 Ryder Cup winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal. It also comprises a range of short game formats, a state-of-the-art learning and practice facility housed in the Centre of Excellence and a TrackMan driving range.

Education City GC Partners John Deere

Uniquely the 6-hole championship course has seven tee options per hole for quick and multi-generational golf, as part of the club’s role in supporting the game’s development and encouraging its growth in the region. The golf courses are serviced by a clubhouse and academy building, which will both offer all-day dining options. Surrounding the clubhouse are large gardens where a number of lawn sports will also be available, including footgolf, frisbee golf and croquet.

The facility will be maintained by Golf Course Superintendent Darren Smith and Deputy Superintendent Andrew Ikstrums. An initial fleet of 93 John Deere machines including tractors, greens, fairway & rough mowers and Gator utility vehicles has been delivered by Qatar dealer Progressive, along with other ancillary equipment including sprayers, top dressers and aerators. The choice of John Deere as preferred supplier to Education City Golf Club was made on Darren Smith’s recommendation, following an intensive examination of the equipment’s technical and environmental features.

In line with the club’s sustainability vision, John Deere was considered a perfect match due to the hybrid electric technology used on over 90 per cent of the mowing fleet. These mowers feature proven E-Cut Quick Adjust (QA) cutting units driven by electric reel motors that support energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and lower sound levels. In addition, 102 potential hydraulic leak points are removed from the equation due to the use of electric drives in the reel circuits. Precision and quality were also key considerations in the decision making process, as Education City aims to present a premium experience to its members and guests.

Seif Al Ghaly, Managing Director of Progressive, John Deere’s official supplier in Qatar, said: “As the exclusive dealer for John Deere agriculture & turf equipment in the region, Progressive Trading is proud and honoured to supply Education City Golf Club for the first time with our largest ever fleet of golf and utility equipment, to cater for the maintenance of this prestigious project.

“We are committed to providing first class products and service from our well trained and dedicated team of employees, with the full support, back-up and experience of the international John Deere business.”

Education City Golf Club’s General Manager Michael Braidwood added: “Our core product is the golf course and therefore it must be presented in immaculate condition. The equipment has been carefully selected to ensure an excellent guest and member experience. John Deere products are aligned to our vision in sustainability and to supporting our environmental initiatives in reducing fuel and waste. Furthermore, John Deere invests worldwide in education and training, which is another of our core values, and we look forward to a successful long-term partnership with the company.”

For more information, visit: www.JohnDeere.co.uk

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Marathon A Success At Hamilton Park

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Marathon A Success At Hamilton Park: Stephen Fyles, track manager at Hamilton Park racecourse, has reported significant improvements since switching to a variety of Marathon Sport extended release fertilisers from Sherriff Amenity.

With a glowing CV including roles at Aintree, Epsom, the Jockey Club and now Hamilton Park, it’s safe to say that Stephen knows a thing or two about preparing a horse racing track to the highest possible standard. Along with three other members of staff, Stephen oversees the meticulous operations at the 4.8 hectare site which includes the maintenance of the track and all surrounding lawns and grounds.

Marathon A Success At Hamilton Park

Hamilton Park’s race season consists of 18 days a year throughout the summer months which Stephen says is the most intense time in the grounds team’s diary. Then there are non-race events such as functions, Christmas parties and weddings which the team also have to prepare for. As you would imagine, the track faces a great deal of stress and wear so choosing the correct products in his maintenance programme is essential.

“I came into this role three years ago with the mind-set of giving the existing fertiliser programme a chance,” he says. “I gave it two years but unfortunately I was finding holes in the regime – we were losing track pace, recovery times and generally were just not seeing the results I wanted.

“I had seen the Marathon fertilisers in action in a previous role at Epsom and knew what I could expect from them. Therefore I made the switch last year and they have worked incredibly well.”

For a number of years, turf managers have reaped the benefits of Sherriff Amenity’s range of Marathon fertilisers – the Marathon Sport range of extended release fertilisers provide long-lasting, balanced growth on golf fairways, tees, surrounds, sports fields and ornamental lawns maintained at a height of 10mm and above.

“We went with an all Marathon feed for the track over the course of the summer with four feeds and the results have been fantastic. It’s been a very positive year – the track has stood up to the heavy use and at the same time it is helping me meet the requirements of our soil analysis tests because at the moment the phosphate levels in the soil are high so it requires us to have a low phosphate fertiliser to stop them from getting locked in.”

Stephen chooses to use Spring 16.4.8; Summer 10.0.15 and Autumn 7.0.21 and applies them anywhere between the recommended rate of 20 – 35g/m2 dependent on conditions. In conjunction with the Marathon base feeds, Stephen regularly applies long-lasting iron liquid in the form of Sherriff Amenity’s GoGreen Energy and GoGreen Plus.

Marathon A Success At Hamilton Park

Containing seaweed, plant sugars, simple carbohydrates and trace elements that have been specially selected to give optimum results when grass is stressed, GoGreen Energy is a concentrated bio-stimulant, formulated to assist plant health and relieve stress symptoms. For instant greening of turf many turf managers choose GoGreen Plus which is a unique complex iron sulphate that may be used as a stand-alone product or more flexibly, as a tank-mix partner.

“The programme started with an application of the Marathon Sport Spring 16.4.8 in March to give it a good push because we carried out a good chunk of renovation work in the spring which wasn’t exactly the best of growing seasons. However, within four weeks we pretty much had full recovery on the track and then went with the Marathon Sport Summer 10.0.15 at the end of May which pushed us through our most intense period. It is during these summer months that the track is particularly under stress and this year, with the lack of rain, I was expecting it to be a challenge to keep the surface to where we wanted it, but I genuinely have no complaints.

“We applied Marathon Sport Autumn 7.0.21 in the last week of July to set us in good stead for our biggest fixture of the year – Ladies’ Night, and have chosen the same formula for the end of October to bring us into winter in good shape. As well as the Marathon products we have been applying GoGreen Energy and GoGreen Plus at six-week intervals just to keep the turf healthy and give it some natural goodness.

“Essentially, the Marathon products are giving me a balanced feed at the same time as giving us what we require going forward. They have worked well in low temperatures and the site has looked amazing all year.”

For further information, please contact Sherriff Amenity on 01638 721 888 or visit www.sherriffamenity.com

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Wilkinson Extend Gardening Campaign

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Wilkinson Extend Gardening Campaign: Wilkinson Sword Garden Tools has extended a campaign designed to get school children gardening, by joining forces with Town & Country and increasing its reach to the whole country.

Wilkinson Sword is passionate about getting children into gardening and in 2016 it launched its school gardening campaign encouraging primary schools in Oxfordshire to get gardening. 2018 sees this campaign being extended throughout the whole country, and Wilkinson Sword has this year teamed up with Town & Country, which has a range of children’s gloves and wellington boots.

Wilkinson Extend Gardening Campaign

As part of the campaign, the winning school can win a £150 voucher to spend on tools from Wilkinson Sword and a £150 voucher from Town & Country to spend on gloves and wellies! On the day that the prize is awarded, the winning school will be visited by the sponsors alongside, 11 year old, Kelsi Rose. Kelsi is part of a gardening club that previously won the competition, and was, this year, nominated for the RHS young Gardener of the Year award. For six years Kelsi has contributed to the vibrant growing areas within her school community and further afield into the village community. She is passionate about gardening and is a real inspiration for getting children into the activity.

In order to take part, pupils are simply asked to design a fruit and vegetable garden for their school, which can either be done as a group exercise, or individually.

Mark Hewett, Garden Division General Manager for Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country, commented: “We are really excited about this project. We are passionate about getting children in the garden, and are confident that this will get them inspired and motivated about getting their hands dirty, and their tummies full of home grown food! We are really looking forward to seeing the designs.”

Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country have enlisted the help of gardening expert, Martin Fish, to provide top tips and to be on the judging panel. Martin writes for several gardening publications including Garden News and Kitchen Garden, as well as being a RHS Garden Advisor, and a judge of show gardens and nursery displays at RHS shows.

Entry forms and Martin’s top tips to help schools get started have been sent out to primary schools across the country. If you would like to request an entry pack please email fayclarkson@paskett.co.uk or tweet @WSGardenTools.

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