GMA launches new online toolkit

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GMA launches new online toolkit: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) today launches its online ‘Grounds Management Toolkit’, a training resource aimed to support volunteers maintaining football, cricket, rugby league and rugby union pitches.

The new website consolidates information from the Sport England ‘Groundsmanship’ website and has reshaped some of its written content into short videos and easy-to-digest seasonal maintenance guides.

GMA launches new online toolkit

GMA launches new online toolkit

By relaunching the website, the GMA aims to continue increasing the skills and capabilities of practicing and future grounds volunteers. The resources also help the general public to engage further with common practices involved in grounds maintenance and to understand how to help get pitches ready for players across their community.

The ‘Grounds Management Toolkit’ follows the launch of the GMA’s Level 1 and Level 2 online training courses, with modules that cover the basic grounds maintenance tasks required at grassroots level.

With face-to-face classroom training currently on hold due to restrictions, the GMA is developing its digital capabilities and touch points – such as webinars – to keep its member community, and the wider public, educated and informed on key issues relating to grounds management.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer of the GMA, said: “We’re committed to providing the best possible tools across all levels so that grounds management tasks are consistently completed to a high standard, aligning with the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) strategy that is delivered in partnership with the NGBs.

“We know that volunteers can sometimes only offer a few hours of their time each week, or that some local clubs struggle to find regular grounds volunteers. Without pitches, there is no sport so it could mean that millions of children and adults could miss out on physical activity.

“We’re really grateful for Sport England’s support in helping us deliver the ‘Grounds Management Toolkit’, giving us the opportunity to make this resource free for all.”

Speaking about the new website, Tony Atherton, Technical Team Lead, of Sport England said: “We’re really supportive of the GMA’s approach to upskilling grounds staff and volunteers, so handing over the Groundsmanship website was a natural progression of the success we have achieved with this resource to-date. I really hope the grounds community feels that the Toolkit supports and compliments their hard work.”

The ‘Grounds Management Toolkit’ that has been developed by Other Media and funded by Sport England, can be accessed for free via https://resources.thegma.org.uk/

To upskill your knowledge through the GMA’s training courses, or for more information on bespoke training sessions, visit www.thegma.org.uk/learning or email learning@thegma.org.uk

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Huxley helps Gullane Golf Club

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Huxley helps Gullane Golf Club: Huxley Golf was delighted to be commissioned by Gullane Golf Club, one of Scotland’s most prestigious and historic member clubs, to install a large all-weather practice tee as part of an exciting new development.

The East Lothian Club’s new world-class short game facility has been called ‘the envy of all the golf clubs in the area’. Sitting across three acres, it allows players to strike off quality links turf from 12 designated areas and features three bunkers and five pin flags, giving them plentiful options to hone their game, from bunker play to bump and runs, and pitches to flop shots. The practice tee was incorporated specifically to lengthen the practice area in order to keep pace with today’s shotlengthening technologies. Designed as a curve to help golfers aim down the middle, it is 126ft (38m) long by 12ft (3m) wide and was created using Huxley’s famous all-weather tee turf.

Huxley helps Gullane Golf Club

Huxley helps Gullane Golf Club

The transformative works were carried out to further enhance and expand the Gullane experience for visiting golfers while satisfying the demand from members for high-end practice facilities, as Adam Fox, Captain of Gullane Golf Club, explains.

“We are committed to providing world-class facilities here at Gullane. In doing so, visitors will enjoy a wonderful experience both on and off our three courses – one that combines the finest traditions of links golf with the very best of modern amenities. Our new facility adds to our offering for members and visitors, but it also enhances our professional tuition service and gives local youngsters in the Club’s blossoming junior ranks the opportunity to work on their game,” he said.

Course Manager Stewart Duff added: “Naturally, we wanted to work with the very best professional partners to create our vision for the future: those that offer the quality craftsmanship and service that we expect. Huxley Golf delivered on all fronts from initial contact to project completion. I can confidently say that Huxley Golf surfaces are second to none in terms of both durability and playability and, of course, they’re a breeze for the greenkeepers to maintain. I would highly recommend them.”

Hugh Fraser oversaw the project for Huxley Golf. He commented: “Gullane’s three championship courses with dramatic coastal views are as delightful as they are challenging. It’s no wonder that golf has been enjoyed here for some 350 years! It has been a privilege for Huxley Golf to work with the team at Gullane to help them look to the future while protecting their historic legacy. I have no doubt that our all-weather surfaces will contribute to the excellent experience that golfers enjoy there and enhance Gullane’s reputation as one of the world’s leading links courses.”

For over half a century, the name Huxley has been synonymous with golf. Endorsed by the UK’s most distinguished golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the Hampshire-based company’s premium all-weather golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies.

For more information call 01730 829608 or visit www.huxleygolf.com

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ECHO Auto Choke and Easy Start chainsaws

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ECHO Auto Choke and Easy Start chainsaws: ECHO has introduced two rear handle chainsaws designed for easy starting. Both are lightweight, versatile and packed with features that enhance operator comfort and convenience. The ergonomic design ensures manoeuvrability and precision, making them ideal for pruning and cutting firewood.

The ECHO CS-3510AC is built for casual users and farmers looking for a reliable all-round saw to get through work quickly. Equally, it will suit the keen gardener who needs a chainsaw for infrequent tasks or is new to using one. The saw features an auto choke with a solenoid valve at the carburettor. This controls the amount of fuel needed, depending on the engine’s temperature, for optimal performance. There are several benefits to this. Firstly, there is no choke lever. The engine start is simply a primary pump and recoil action for faster starting. With the automated system controlling the fuel supply, there is no risk of carburettor flooding. The premium 34.4cc engine is manufactured in Japan to the highest standards for increased performance, extended product life and less downtime. Combined with the light weight of just 3.8kg and compact design it helps reduce operator fatigue, offers longer use and maximum power.

ECHO Auto Choke and Easy Start chainsaws

ECHO Auto Choke and Easy Start chainsaws

The CS-3510ES is equipped with ECHO’s patented ES Start for easy starting every time. A professional-grade 34.4cc engine and dry weight of just 3.7kg give you a saw that gets to work fast and powers through tasks. It is built specifically for versatility and ease of use. The anti-vibration system minimises vibration levels to give excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and precision when cutting. There is a momentary switch for a quick and easy engine restart, side-access chain tensioner for quick chain adjustment and an automatic clutch-drive oiler to lubricate the chain. A transparent fuel tank provides easy level checks and there is G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner, to reduce engine exposure to dirt and debris, for less maintenance and longer life. Lightweight construction and ECHO Easy Start technology make the CS-3510ES a great choice for domestic use and on the smallholding or farm.

Both chainsaws come with a 2-year commercial or 5-year domestic warranty. Find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01844 278800 for more information.

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MM seed – just what the doctor ordered

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MM seed – just what the doctor ordered: Graham Wickes, owner of Lawn Doctor (Essex) LTD, has praised the quality of Limagrain UK’s grass seed after seeing phenomenal results across a variety of lawn and sports turf projects. 

Graham started his career in greenkeeping and while working at some prominent golf courses, including The London Club, he also found time to work towards his NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Sports Turf Management. Upon leaving the golf industry, to gain knowledge in building golf courses and football pitches, Graham began expanding his experience and expertise working for a sports turf contractor.

MM seed - just what the doctor ordered

MM seed – just what the doctor ordered

In 2008, he founded the Lawn Doctor and took all the principles of top quality greenkeeping and turf care in the sporting world to start creating healthy, lush lawns all over Essex. It initially started with residential projects and with clients impressed with his knowledge, attention to detail and the fabulous results they saw, that grew quickly before Graham then landed maintenance contracts at some bowls clubs and soon came to the attention of Bowls England who, recognising his skills, appointed him as their Greens Advisor for Essex. Bowling greens quickly led to football pitches and it was not long before he was building up an impressive portfolio as clubs, local authorities and private clients reaped the rewards of the hard work Graham puts in and the ongoing support he gives throughout the process.

The business has gone from strength to strength over recent years and this is, partly, due to his insistence on using only the highest quality products.

“It is my business and I strive to be the very best,” he said. “To be the best I have to use the very best products. Whenever I am pitching for a project or providing a quote, I always explain that I use the most premium grass seed and first-class products on the market.”

Graham first became familiar with Limagrain UK after a specific seed mixture was recommended to him.

“I was previously using another brand for my seed mixtures which I thought was great to be honest, but I always like to look for improvements, even when things are going well and I’m glad I did. I started speaking to another contractor and he was raving about Limagrain’s seed mixtures, so I decided to try it for myself. I was amazed at how quickly it came through and the colour it had was brilliant even without a feed.

“From then on, I decided to start using the Elite Green mixture from Limagrain for the bowls greens and I had fantastic results straight away. The first season I used this seed I had far superior germination to the previous brand I was using. The greens were in the best condition they had ever been.”

Limagrain’s Elite Green mixture, from the company’s Designer seed range, produces a fine, dense, hard-wearing surface with high disease resistance. It was Graham’s first experience of Limagrain’s seed in a sports turf environment, and he did not stop there.

In 2019 he decided to overseed with Limagrain’s MM60 mixture when renovating the pitch at Braintree Town FC. MM60 is the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture and can be attributed with playing a key role in many of the finest sporting venues you see today. The 100% Ryegrass formula, which is perfect for divot repair, is renowned for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance. It produces fantastic aesthetic qualities, and its high disease resistance provides ultimate protection.

MM60 is also treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, which is a further development of the well-recognised Headstart treatment and has been developed using the latest scientific findings and field experience. It is a natural revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination. It is perfect for enhancing performance on sports fields, golf courses, lawns and amenity turf and Graham quickly found it was indeed a seed he could rely on.

MM seed - just what the doctor ordered

MM seed – just what the doctor ordered

“When I first arrived at Braintree, the goal mouth areas were totally bare – there was no grass at all. I overseeded the whole pitch with MM60, and I told the chairman that I was determined to keep grass in the goal mouth areas all season. He laughed and wished me luck because it had apparently never been done before.

“A year later and the goal mouth areas still had grass coverage and the condition of the pitch has attracted the attention of larger League Two clubs, looking for suitable match locations for academy games and also The FA who have offered it to international associations as a training location for youth international fixtures.”

In addition, Lawn Doctor (Essex) Ltd are on the list of Essex CFA contractors to help and assist clubs with the Grass Pitch Improvement Strategy (formerly Pitch Improvement Programme).Graham thinks the use of MM60 can be seen as a significant contributor to his success in these areas.

“The beauty of Limagrain seed is knowing that it works. To my clients I proudly inform them that I use the most premium products and the Limagrain seed backs this up. As a contractor, seeing the grass coming up within seven days after putting it down is great – it is also what your customer wants to see. I’ve not used another brand of seed since.

“It’s not just the quality of the seed but it’s the service and quick delivery which is also part of the package. Getting a product within 3 or 4 days is particularly important to me because it enables me to keep to schedules.

“Everything just works incredibly well with Limagrain UK.”

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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ISEKI’s best year yet

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ISEKI’s best year yet: In what has been a turbulent year worldwide with the COVID-19 pandemic, ISEKI UK has been full steam ahead developing the dealer network further and with exciting new products released recently, plus more planned for 2021, things are certainly looking exciting for the compact tractor and mower manufacturer. 

Among some of the developments is the further increase of dealerships, two of these being; Gammies operating out of their Forfar depot in Angus Scotland, and Chandlers covering Befordshire up to North Lincolnshire.  Alongside these businesses Glyn Lloyd & Sons in Wales, Youngs Machinery also in Scotland at Kilmarnock and FISCO Farm & Garden Machinery, who’s depot is based in Wakefield, also joined the ISEKI dealer family.

ISEKI's best year yet

ISEKI’s best year yet

Commenting on the announcement David Withers Managing Director of ISEKI UK said; “we are really excited to have all these new dealers on board with us to help continue to grow our market share. All dealerships have a great following in their area’s and we expect to see significant growth from our partnerships together”.

The change has also delighted Les Gammie who shared; “we have been selling similar products for many years with a wide range of customer’s so we are really looking forward to working with ISEKI to build on this further.  In the short time we have been with ISEKI we have been really pleased with the focus on our core market, the build quality and innovative features of the products are clearly superior to all the other products on the market”.

Further down the British Isles, the large established agricultural and vehicle dealer with seven depots, Chandlers Farm Equipment has also joined the ISEKI family.  Commenting on the recent appointment Gavin Pell, managing director said; “Chandlers are very pleased to have been appointed Iseki dealers. This excellent quality range of compact tractors, and diesel powered ride-on mowers will complement our professional groundscare range, and be supplied by our team of Groundscare Specialists from Belton, Horncastle, Spilsby, Holbeach, Barnack, Lutterworth, Shefford & Southam. We look forward to working with the team at Iseki to support our customers with this excellent range. Our Groundscare Sales Manager – Les Butters will be stocking the full range of Iseki products across our depots, along with running demonstration equipment which will be available to see on your farm, site, garden, sports field or parkland – with a machine suitable for every application”.

2020 has certainly thrown some unexpected changes to the way we do business this year and one thing that proved hugely successful was the demonstration videos produced during the first lockdown, dealers were reporting many sales direct off the back of these with customers finding all the information invaluable when searching for new machinery.  Commenting further David Withers said; “due to more people working from home and spending more time at their properties customers were looking for quality built machinery to assist in these tasks, the sales of our sub compact tractor TXGS24 with all its attachments has proved incredibly popular, this alongside the renowned SXG range of cut and collect mowers has made for a busy year.

“Contractors and business have also been looking at more reliable and efficient ways of mowing, our range of SF outfront mowers has been further developed this year, offering not only the rotary cut but teaming up with Muething we can now offer the ultimate combination of flail cutting and superior collection, or scarify and collect.

“With a raft of new machines being launched in 2021 ISEKI is looking forward to an exciting and once again rather different year.”

For further information on the full ISEKI range of Mowers and Tractors please visit www.iseki.co.uk or call 01473 599266.

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