Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder

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Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder: Impressed with the versatility it offered, sports ground contractors Bothams Prestige purchased a BLEC Multi-Seeder 2100 almost two years ago, but this year it has been busier than ever!

Its ability to conduct both the initial seeding operation, together with more routine overseeding has paid dividends for co-owner Josh Botham who notes the particular role the dimple seeder has had for renovations on Desso and hybrid sports surfaces.

Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder

Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder

Complimenting an Overseeder and a number of other Redexim machines on their fleet, Josh explains how the size and weight of the BLEC Multi-Seeder was a perfect fit for the variety of work they undertake. “The 2.1m working width of this machine makes is suitable for use on golf fairways and greens, as well as football pitches and racecourses” explains Josh, “and the fact that we now have the flexibility to choose between a disc and dimple seeder means we are well equipped to choose the best delivery method depending on the venue and ground conditions on a given day.”

“We’re lucky enough to work with a number of football clubs at all levels from Premiership right through to those in the lower leagues, conducting both in-season and end of season renovations and repairs. The Multi-Seeder is excellent for this. With the Desso construction of the Sheffield Wednesday pitch for example, the dimple seeding system safely, effectively and accurately saturates the surface with seed – recently delivering germination which the groundsman was really impressed with.”

As well as winter sports, the Multi-Seeder has been busy this year with cricket renovations. “A lot of dimple seeders aren’t heavy enough to penetrate hard clay profiles when it’s hot and dry but the weight of the BLEC machine saw it take this rock-hard ground in its stride.” Should difficult ground conditions demand additional penetration, the Multi-Seeder has the added benefit of an integrated weight mounting frame, allowing suitcase weights to be added if required.

Josh concludes, “Having used a range of Redexim and BLEC machines in the past we knew we would be assured of robust build quality and user-friendly operation with the Multi-Seeder. What you get on top of this is fantastic support when needed direct from Andy O’Neill or via Julian Simpson at Acorn Tractors, who has a wealth of knowledge and friendly advice when it comes to the BLEC range.”

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Mansfield Sand: A trusted supplier

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Mansfield Sand: A trusted supplier: Mansfield Sand has been a long-standing supporter of the RFU’s Rugby Grounds Connected programme and the company’s expertise has been praised by former Twickenham Head Groundsperson and founder of the programme Keith Kent and current Head Groundsperson Jim Buttar.

The RFU’s Rugby Grounds Connected programme is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundspersons. Many have benefitted and it is renowned for playing an integral role in raising the standards of hundreds of rugby pitches throughout the UK.

Mansfield Sand: A trusted supplier

Mansfield Sand: A trusted supplier

As well as keeping Twickenham Stadium immaculately groomed, Head Groundsperson Jim is also playing an active part in the initiative and he revealed his excitement at being afforded the opportunity of being able to pass his knowledge on to others.

“The Rugby Grounds Connected initiative is a big part of the role here and I am incredibly excited to be a part of its evolution,” he said. “It’s a great platform in which I hope I’ll be able to influence and benefit the members. It’s all about sharing information and helping people to get a better understanding of how to look after their pitches”.

The RFU choose to work with prominent suppliers on the scheme and Jim praised Mansfield Sand’s participation.

“We’ve tried to get companies involved that bring a specific set of products and services which we know will help members to raise their pitch standards and Mansfield Sand is one of those.

“They have helped in explaining to the members the various types of sand and it is nice to be able to utilise their expertise. They explain it in a way in which people can understand and appreciate.”

“I’ve been familiar with Mansfield Sand ever since I have been in the industry,” he continued. “They have always had the reputation for having the magnificent quarry in Nottinghamshire and there is not a huge amount of sand quarries available in the UK with the right type of grading sand.”

Keith Kent, former Head Groundsperson at Twickenham and founder of the RFU’s Rugby Grounds Connected, is still heavily involved with the programme and urged the importance of using the correct sand.

“Our job is to pass on our knowledge,” he said. “The basics are so important – drainage, aeration and sand – but it must be the right sand.

“I visit lots and lots of community rugby clubs and I will always say the most important thing they can buy is sand. If you use it – maybe 100 tonnes or 60 tonnes a year on your winter pitches, then in five years’ time you’ll say, ‘that Keith Kent knew what he was talking about!’.

Mansfield Sand has pioneered the development and production of premium quality silica sand-based products for over 170 years. Sourced directly from the company’s Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, the Mansil Silica products are predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces – from winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Celebrating the green

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Celebrating the green: The Ladies European Tour has today launched an exciting new initiative to promote environmental sustainability. Celebrating the Green presented by Dow, will help amplify the good work taking place across the tour, as well as inspire and support further action.

Delivered in close partnership with the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and with support from new partner Dow, the initiative will be carried forward inclusively with people and organisations from across the LET community, including partners, players, tournaments, venues and media.

Celebrating the green

Celebrating the green

Alexandra Armas, CEO, LET, said: “We are excited to bring this initiative forward in partnership with GEO Foundation and Dow. The LET recognises the fundamental significance of issues such as biodiversity loss; air and ocean pollution; and climate change. We now want to step forward with more strength to deliver and stimulate more positive action in collaboration with all the people and organisations we connect with around the world. We know these concerns resonate with many of our member players, as well as partners, tournament organisers and venues, and that by working together we can do more and deliver even more value.”

One major focus will be the gathering and promoting of credible stories and examples from across the LET community, which will span a range of issues directly related to fostering nature, conserving water, energy and materials, engaging communities and taking climate action – all of which are closely aligned to the United Nations ‘Global Goals for Sustainable Development’.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation added: “Congratulations to the LET on their leadership. It is always inspiring when a highly visible and influential sporting body like the LET voluntarily steps forward, looking to do more. We are delighted to help guide the initiative and also to support the delivery as more players, tournaments and venues seek to get involved, take more action and tell their stories. This is exactly why we have spent the last few years building customised programs and tools for sustainable golf – including the new suite of carbon calculators.”

The announcement has been warmly welcomed by a number of people and organisations across golf, including ‘Sustainable Golf Champion’ Suzann Pettersen who added: “I am very pleased to see the launch of this exciting and important initiative. Sustainability issues are so important to the game of golf and of course to all of us now and future generations. I would encourage current LET players, plus the tournaments and venues to look into how they can get involved in the initiative and with GEO’s sustainable golf programmes, and become part of a truly inspiring collective effort.”

Mary Draves, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Dow, explained why the organisation is so pleased to help drive LET Celebrating the Green: “As a direct result of the sustainability work we are carrying out at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, Dow sees a tremendous opportunity to advance sustainability in and through golf.  It is one of the sports most connected to natural landscapes and communities and clearly has the opportunity to lead by example on so many key issues. We look forward to bringing our support and resources to both the LET and GEO Foundation, which have done tremendous work over the years to ensure that initiatives like this can be confidently, credibly and effectively carried forward.”

For more information about how to get involved with LET Celebrating the Green, visit our website HERE

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Associates complete 72 holes in one day

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Associates complete 72 holes in one day: In November, three teams of Troon associates and two member teams completed every single hole of golf in the Troon Abu Dhabi portfolio in one day to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer & Men’s Health. To date, the team have raised AED 10,947 for the chosen charity, Friends of Cancer Patients & Shanab.

The Friends of Cancer Patients charity (FOCP) is a non-profit organization supporting cancer patients since 1999. The FOCP was founded under the directives and patronage of Her Highness Sheika Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi and is highly committed to helping cancer patients and their families get through the long and arduous journey of cancer treatment irrespective of their nationality, gender, age, religion or ethnicity.

Associates complete 72 holes in one day

Associates complete 72 holes in one day

The fifteen golfers completed rounds at the three Abu Dhabi championship venues; Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi. For the final round they played the 9-hole ‘Garden Course’ and took advantage of the floodlights at the at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to finish under darkness.

The Troon associate challengers comprised of Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager; Clinton Southorn, Complex Director of Agronomy; Matthew Waters, Group Director of Golf; Danny Jakubowski, Group Director of Instruction; Daniel Wright, Cluster Senior Sales & Marketing Manager; James Durkin, Group Retail Manager; Barry Barnard, ADGC Tournament Coordinator; Daniel Richards, SBGC Tournament Coordinator; and Bradley Hudson, YLAD Golf Shop Associate.

Francisco de Lancastre David commented: “We’re all exceptionally grateful to take part in this charity initiative for the first time at Troon Abu Dhabi. It was a long day but I’m proud of the team supporting each other and raising vital funds for the Friends of Cancer Patients charity. Cancer is certainly something that unfortunately will have affected us all in some capacity so it means a lot to support an incredible charity like FOCP who have committed to going above and beyond to help cancer patients and their support systems.”

To support the team and donate to Friends of Cancer Patients, please click here.

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