Matt joins Boss

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Matt joins Boss: Boss Off-road Vehicles, the sole UK distributors of Corvus Off-road Vehicles, are delighted to announce that Matt Richardson has joined their team in the new position of After Sales Manager.

Matt officially joins the company on 1st January 2023 and will lead the re-structure of the After Sales Department to support Boss’s aggressive growth plans in the coming year. Phil Everett, MD of Boss, says:

Matt joins Boss

Matt joins Boss

“Matt has been operating in this role and much, much more for a major Outdoor Power Equipment distributor and is, therefore, an absolutely perfect fit for us. We’re very pleased to welcome him to the team in this important period of expansion for the company and the Corvus Off-road vehicle brand.”

Phil adds Matt will be on the Boss ORV/Corvus stand (stand number 6.838 hall 6) at the LAMMA exhibition in January and to please pop in to say hello.

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01597 810188 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Vanmac to showcase quality contour cutting

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Vanmac to showcase quality contour cutting: As restrictions on curative chemistries continue to pose a challenge to course managers, it is now more critical than ever that every operation conducted above ground has plant health at its core.

As the most regular task, mowing can have either a positive or negative impact on the plant depending on whether the correct cutting performance can be attained. This will be the focus for Vanmac as they return to BTME in 2023, showcasing a range of rotary and multi-deck mowers from Progressive that offer industry-leading cut quality and contour-following ability.

Vanmac to showcase quality contour cutting

Vanmac to showcase quality contour cutting

The Progressive TDR-X features three independently floating decks which promise to closely follow undulations without the risk of scalping – thereby reducing the risk of creating entry points for pathogens to take hold. A 3.2m cutting width and easily adjustable cutting height range of between 10mm and 85mm gives complete versatility for use on both fine and sports turf surfaces, with full width rollers on both the front and rear of each deck leaving a first-class finish.

Along with other machines in the Progressive range, the TDR-X features Pro Lift-N-Turn™ technology, which enables the operator to temporarily lift the decks with the PTO still engaged, increasing manoeuvrability and overall productivity.

The TDR-X will be on show on stand 526 alongside the Pro-Flex 120 – the most widely used trailed contour finishing mower. The Pro-Flex is ideal for producing a fine finish on fairways and surrounds, featuring a high blade tip speed and graduated cut height options down to 25mm for uniformity of cut and unbeatable versatility. Totalling 3m in width, each of the three decks is equipped with a shock absorber to tackle cutting tasks on even the toughest, uneven ground.

If it’s cut and collect on the agenda, then Vanmac have that covered too with the Trilo range of multi-purpose collector units. The Trilo M4 can be configured with a variety of shaft options – including a choice of flail rotor styles – and features a powerful fan to lift the mown material up into the 4m3 hopper, leaving a clean finish after a single pass. Scarifier and brush shafts are also available for the M-Series to complete tasks across the full maintenance calendar.

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Suståne’s recipe for optimal organic recovery

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Suståne’s recipe for optimal organic recovery: It’s all about organics on stand 170 at BTME, as Suståne Natural Fertilizers return to Harrogate.

As one of the most comprehensively researched organic fertiliser ranges available in today’s market, a stop by the Suståne stand at BTME is a must for anybody looking for natural solutions to plant nutrition and soil management and this year will prove no different! The focus for 2023 will be products to help with all-important post-renovation recovery, including Suståne’s unique Soil ReGen® Structural Soil Conditioner.

Suståne's recipe for optimal organic recovery

Suståne’s recipe for optimal organic recovery

Soil ReGen® is used for amending soils on the golf course and a range of other professional and commercial lawn situations. Reducing compaction and increasing water and air infiltration rates, Soil ReGen® supplies organic-rich and biologically stable humus, humic acids, beneficial microorganisms and other organic nutrients to regenerate and rebuild disturbed or depleted soils.

Ideal for use in conjunction with spring-time renovation work, Soil ReGen® aerates the soil, improving oxygen availability and permeability of the ground – optimising conditions for germination and establishment – while providing long-lasting sources of organic plant nutrition.

Another product formulated to assist plant establishment is Suståne® 4-6-4 organic granulated slow-release nitrogen fertiliser. 4-6-4 is formulated to be gentle on plants, making it ideal for spreading with seed and applying to seedlings in both fine turf and landscape environments. This ‘complete’ blend containing slow-release nitrogen (SRN), chelated micronutrients, organic phosphorous, and humic substances designed to replenish soils with a rich supply of humus and the essential nutrients needed for long-term benefit.

Soil ReGen® and 4-6-4 are just two products in a broad portfolio of natural fertilisers and soil builders, designed to bring maximum microbial benefit and long-lasting nutrition, with minimal environmental impact. The Suståne team will be available to answer all of your technical questions, across the three days on stand 170.

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Origin Amenity Solutions at BTME

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Origin Amenity Solutions at BTME: It’s going to be a busy week for the Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) team as they return to BTME in 2023.

Not only will members of the technical team be delivering six classes and seminars in the ‘Continue to Learn’ programme, innovative solutions to fine turf seed selection, nutritional treatments and data management systems from across the OAS brands will be showcased on not one but THREE stands in the main exhibition halls!

Origin Amenity Solutions at BTME

Origin Amenity Solutions at BTME

Comprised of Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and Turfkeeper – and with their own Turf Science & Technology Centre – OAS has become the leading force in the amenity sector. Research conducted in-house and with selected partners around the globe are shaping the products of the future, such as the Carbon4Grass mixtures available from Rigby Taylor. Because managed amenity turf has higher

plant populations per square metre than natural grassland, the Carbon4Grass seed range has been specially formulated with cultivars that can sequester (lock up) more carbon, thereby mitigating environmental impact. More details about the collection, which includes R41, R6 CRT, R25 CRT and Low Maintenance for golf, can be found in new literature available on stand 230.

Also on stand 230 will be the fertiliser wheel from Headland Amenity. As pioneers in the field of speciality fertilisers for over 20 years, samples from across their portfolio will be showcased – from popular slow-release and controlled release solutions such as XTEND® and Multigreen® respectively, to organics like the popular C-Complex® range for fine turf.

Organics are also under the microscope for OAS brand Symbio – literally – as Dr Deidre Charleston will be on hand across the three days demonstrating live the different types of microbes present after different brewing lengths of their popular compost tea packages.

Across the aisle on stand 202, visitors will be able to find Turfkeeper. The Turfkeeper online management system is the industry-leading way to monitor and control staff management, turf maintenance tasks, machinery, inventory, budgets and more in one digital platform. Completing the line-up and located just next door to Turfkeeper on stand 200, will be the TinyMobileRobots Tiny Sport and new Tiny Pro X robotic line markers. The iGo Midi pedestrian line marker will also feature, with an optional side arm accessory making it efficient and cost effective for marking hazard and temporary greens on golf courses using Impact paints.

For those attending the ‘Continue to Learn’ programme, be sure to check out the series of classes and seminar sessions hosted by OAS and taking place across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Topics include ‘Building a Fertiliser Programme for Beginners’, ‘Irrigation DIY’, ‘Managing Turf in the UK Climate’ and ‘Carbon Credentials of Grasses’. OAS will also be asking ‘What lies beneath?’ and ‘Will Selective Herbicides be Banned?’. More details of all the educational events can be found by visiting www.btme.org.uk

The OAS team can be contacted on 0800 138 7222 or sales@originamenity.com for more information.

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Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

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Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group: The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has revealed that Trentham Golf Club’s course manager, Ed Stant, has been appointed chairperson of the group that works to produce and administer formal educational opportunities for greenkeepers in the UK.

The appointment was made following The Richmond Golf Club Course Manager Les Howkins MG’s decision to step down as chairperson of the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group following an incredibly-successful tenure.

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

Trailblazer groups are responsible for developing a new apprenticeship for an occupation and then revising the apprenticeship as needed. Since becoming chairperson in 2021, Les has steered the group expertly, navigating the collaboration with the Sports Turf Trailblazer Group to develop the Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship, which was approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) in October 2022.

No sooner had the new Level 3 apprenticeship been approved than Les began leading the group to review the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship. Great strides have been made so far and this work will continue under the leadership of Ed, who will step up from the vice chairperson role. Gavin Sowden, environment and health & safety officer at Woburn Golf Club, will become vice chairperson. Both will move into office at The GTC-BIGGA standardisation meeting for training providers, being held in Harrogate during BTME in January.

Les Howkins MG, outgoing chairperson of the Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group, said: “After two years as the Trailblazer chairperson, I am pleased to announce that Ed Stant will be taking over as chairperson in January 2023. Ed has been an excellent deputy for several years and has proved to have a very strong understanding of the role and the apprenticeship scheme. I am sure Ed will fulfil the role with honour and pride and ensure the greenkeeping apprenticeships remain world leading and fit for purpose for many years to come.

“Stepping into the deputy role is Gavin Sowden. With the full support and backing of Woburn Golf Club, I have no doubt Gavin will form a strong partnership with Ed and together the greenkeeping apprenticeship will go from strength to strength.

“I have enjoyed my years as Trailblazer chairperson and I must thank The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle for all her hard work and dedication to the scheme. Without Fiona, none of what we have achieved would have been possible.”

Ed Stant said: “I am delighted to accept the position of Trailblazer chairperson, taking over from Les Howkins MG, who has done a fantastic job over the past few years. Apprenticeships are such a vital route into our profession and often the building blocks for many young people entering the world of greenkeeping. I hope I can do the position proud and offer BIGGA and The GTC the support and encouragement they need. Special thanks goes to Fiona Lyttle at The GTC, who works so tirelessly for greenkeeping.”

Gavin Sowden said: “It is an honour to accept this appointment and be involved with the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group. Having been in the industry for over 30 years and working closely with numerous apprentices starting their working lives as greenkeepers, I understand the importance of ensuring we have the correct education programme in place for our future golf course greenkeepers and course managers.”

Fiona Lyttle, BIGGA learning & development executive (The GTC), said: “It has been a honour and a privilege to work with Les over the last few years. His wealth of knowledge and determination to ensure greenkeeping apprentices are at the forefront of greenkeeper education is second to none. He has taught me a lot and hopefully I can now impart some of that knowledge further to continue the work of the Trailblazer group.

“We are delighted to appoint Ed and Gavin as the new Trailblazer chairperson and vice chairperson respectively. Being active employers and advocates for greenkeeping education, the Trailblazer group and I are looking forward to working with them to maintain the level of apprenticeships our employers have become accustomed to and to ensure they have quality golf facilities for their members to enjoy.”

The Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group and Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme is supported by golf facilities and governing bodies including England Golf, BIGGA, The Richmond Golf Club, Trentham Golf Club, Woburn Golf Club, Frilford Heath Golf Club, Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Leyland Golf Club, Portmore Golf Park, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Sunningdale Golf Club, The London Golf Club.

For more information on the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group, contact The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle on (01347) 838 640 or fiona@the-gtc.co.uk

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