Bowls Greenkeeper of the Year Announced

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Bowls Greenkeeper of the Year Announced: Graham Instone of Dunnington Bowls Club, York, has been crowned as the Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year.

In the hotly-contested Greenkeeper of the Year category – sponsored by Dennis and SISIS – Graham took the honours, largely for his innovative roadshows, sharing his knowledge with local clubs.

Bowls Greenkeeper of the Year Announced

Bowls Greenkeeper of the Year Announced

He has been a member of his beloved Dunnington for over 40 years and has been looking after the green for the past 15 years. Graham, 80, and his right-hand man ‘Big’ Jim, 88, have a consistently busy schedule of fixtures and work hard throughout the year to keep the green in a superb condition. In fact, the impressive green has become the talk of the Yorkshire bowls community and it is for this reason that Graham decided to undertake a series of roadshows.

Graham visited various bowls clubs throughout Yorkshire to help other volunteer greenkeepers raise the standards of their greens. Following the roadshows, Graham continues to offer advice to most of the bowls clubs he visited.

The Greenkeeper of the Year Award received over 120 entries and Graham was one of five shortlisted finalists. Joined by family and friends, including ‘Big’ Jim, at the award ceremony, it was a moment that Graham will never forget.

“My name was called out; my picture went up on the screen and I was shell shocked. I can’t really put into words how I feel if I’m being honest. I normally get very emotional, so everyone was worried that I would get on stage to collect the award and cry. Fortunately, I kept it together!”

“It is the achievement of a lifetime, but this award just isn’t for me as an individual. It is for my team, for the club, and for my family.”

Award sponsors Dennis and SISIS have long supported the sport of bowls and are committed to educating greenkeepers and raising the standards of bowling greens. For over 20 years, they have been organising and hosting educational maintenance seminars throughout the country which are designed to ultimately help club greenkeepers and volunteers maintain their bowling greens.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

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

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New Overtake spring clean for turf weeds

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New Overtake spring clean for turf weeds: The new herbicide, Overtake, from Syngenta gives the chance to clean out broad-leaved weeds in turf this spring.

Now available for golf course, sports turf management and amenity areas in the UK, the unique combination of two herbicide actives gives consistently reliable results in more variable spring conditions, against a wide spectrum of problematic weeds.

New Overtake spring clean for turf weeds

New Overtake spring clean for turf weeds

Furthermore, Syngenta application trials have shown optimum results with treatment at a water volume of just 200 l/ha, giving significant savings in time and reduced interruption in play, compared to herbicide treatments typically applied at 400 l/ha or more.

Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, reported Overtake has shown outstanding turf safety in more than 70 trials across nine countries. Trials at STRI recorded no adverse phytotoxic effects across 19 cultivars of all key cool-season turf grass species, even at more than double recommended application rate.

“Weeds compete with turf plants for light, moisture and nutrients. Removing weed competition early in the season ensures more of the inputs you put on are better utilised for turf growth – creating stronger more resilient turf and better playing conditions,” advocated Sean.

Overtake targets most of the problematic broad-leaved weeds in turf grass. Early treatment in the spring enables vigorous turf recovery to fill gaps and minimise risk of weed reinvasion.

“In addition to greater reliability in a wider range of temperatures and conditions, the two different modes of action in Overtake reduces the risk of weed resistance developing,” he added. Overtake is a Syngenta optimised formulation to target broad-leaved weeds.

To get the best from Overtake, Sean advised application in spring when weeds are actively growing and the leaves are dry. Treatment should be made at a rate of 2.0 l/ha, applied in 200 l/ha water volume, using XC025 or XC04 nozzles to better target the leaf area and minimise risk of drift. Turf should ideally be left for three days after application before mowing.

Overtake is approved for use in the UK on amenity grassland, managed amenity turf and lawns.

Syngenta Turf Business Manager, Daniel Lightfoot, added: “Overtake is the first of several exciting new turf products from Syngenta that are planned to launch this year, including new fungicide, insecticide and biocontrol options.

“The commitment to R&D investment in turf is crucial to give us a full range of options for a truly Integrated Turf Management approach and support for greenkeepers and sports turf managers.

“Customers will be pleased that Overtake also qualifies for Turf Rewards, where purchases gain points that can be redeemed for turf management tools and services.”

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STIHL launches first backpack cordless blower

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STIHL launches first backpack cordless blower: STIHL has launched its first cordless backpack blower for professional users, offering high performance and a significantly less disruptive sound thanks to its innovative STIHL Noise Reduction System.

With a maximum blowing force of 26 newton, STIHL’s new BGA 300 cordless backpack blower is the most powerful in the STIHL cordless range and features a high air speed to ensure even wet, heavy autumn leaves can be cleared quickly and efficiently. The new cordless blower is powered using STIHL’s professional AP System AR 2000 L or AR 3000 L backpack batteries.

STIHL launches first backpack cordless blower

STIHL launches first backpack cordless blower

Thanks to the STIHL Noise Reduction System, the BGA 300 produces fewer high pitch frequencies often associated with cordless blowers, meaning operation is much more pleasant and less intrusive for bystanders. Thanks to this, the BGA 300 is well suited for use in noise-sensitive areas such as schools, parks or around public amenities.

The maximum blowing force can be selected from three power setting options via the selector switch, allowing for efficient energy management and longer runtimes. Boost mode may also be selected to provide maximum power for the toughest clearing jobs. Furthermore, the new cordless blower features an LED power display and cruise control function to enable simple energy management and comfort.

For the optimum blowing angle, the BGA 300 boasts a curved nozzle as standard, and the blower tube length can easily be adjusted to meet different requirements and operating situations. A straight nozzle is also available as an accessory.

The BGA 300 is exceptionally easy to handle thanks to its slim design and comfortable carrying system that optimally distributes the weight of the backpack device and reduces the strain on the user when used for long periods.

Other features include wide feet for secure footing whilst on the ground, a hook for the blower tube for easy transport and storage, as well as compatibility with the Smart Connector 2 A.

For more information on STIHL’s new BGA 300 or its range of professional cordless tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

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#GroundsWeek 2023 kicks off

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#GroundsWeek 2023 kicks off: #GroundsWeek 2023 is officially underway, taking place from 20 to 26 March. The campaign, organised by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), recognises the work of turf care volunteers and professionals in the UK, as well as aiming to inspire more people to consider a career in the industry.

As part of #GroundsWeek, an event called Schools into Stadia will offer school children the chance to experience real life grounds management at a professional football club. Schools into Stadia will take place at Lincoln City’s LNER Stadium and include activities such as pitch line marking.

#GroundsWeek 2023 kicks off

#GroundsWeek 2023 kicks off

According to research carried out by the GMA, the industry is facing an impending employment crisis. Currently, 40% of the workforce is over 50 and, without an influx of new recruits, this could result in a significant employment gap within 5 years.

The GMA has also announced it will be launching the Grounds Management Framework (GMF) during #GroundsWeek, a new programme designed to support grounds managers to improve the quality of pitches and help make sport possible for more people.

It’s estimated that improving existing grass pitches would mean 1.4 million more children could play football and rugby each week and a further 489,859 children could play cricket each season.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says: “#GroundsWeek is all about shining a spotlight on the invaluable contribution of grounds people up and down the country. We also want to inspire the next generation to get involved, and showcase what an amazing industry this is to work in.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Lincoln City for hosting Schools into Stadia, which will give school students the chance to experience the buzz of turf care at the highest level. And the launch of the Grounds Management Framework will be a game-changer for grounds people current and future – as well as the people who take part in sports.”

The GMA is encouraging grounds staff and sports clubs to support #GoundsWeek on social media and has created a downloadable toolkit to help, including graphics and a guide, available on the GMA website.

Sean Clixby is an award-winning volunteer grounds person in Lincolnshire. He says: “I’m really grateful to the GMA for highlighting the work of grounds people. All our hard work is often done behind the scenes, so it’s fantastic to see our dedication being brought to the attention of a wider audience, both inside and outside the industry.

“I’ll be supporting #GroundsWeek on social media, as well as sharing the campaign content the GMA puts out. The GMA has created a really useful toolkit that makes posting as easy as possible, available to download on its website. I urge others in the industry to show their support too, to ensure the work of grounds people is celebrated as far and wide as possible.”

To download the #GroundsWeek tool kit, go to: thegma.org.uk/groundsweek

For more information about #GroundsWeek, keep up to date with all the latest content by following the GMA on social media:

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Toro B Series for invisible in-field irrigation

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Toro B Series for invisible in-field irrigation: As the football season finishes and pitch renovations begin, Reesink Hydro-Scapes is reminding customers that Toro’s B series sprinkler system with Turf Cup is the best in the league when it comes to invisible in-field irrigation.

The combination of Toro’s B series and Turf Cup is irrigation uniformity, player safety, best pitch playability and the ultimate in field aesthetics. Here Robert Jackson, division manager from Reesink Hydro-Scapes, explains why.

Toro B Series for invisible in-field irrigation

Toro B Series for invisible in-field irrigation

“Elevating turf quality with the right irrigation shouldn’t interfere with the usability of the pitch, it should go virtually unnoticed by groundsmen, spectators and most importantly the players,” he says. “Toro’s B Series with the addition of the Turf Cup is the perfect pairing.”

So why is that? With Toro B series sprinklers, the volume can be easily altered to meet the exact requirements of the pitch with a large nozzle selection for accurate watering. This level of control and head-to-head coverage comes from the full-circle configuration designed to deliver regardless of the weather and without the need for disassembly or additional parts.

Robert continues: “Toro sprinklers are widely regarded to be some of the best in the business for providing accurate water application. Add the Turf Cup you get an invisible solution for irrigating pitches.”

Built to withstand the tough environment of the typical UK sports field, the Turf Cup, designed and available exclusively from Reesink Hydro-Scapes, has been tested to ensure the highest levels of reliability and durability demanded by the market today.

The flexible rubber compound of the Turf Cup means grass grows in the cup on top of the sprinkler to create a continuous area of uninterrupted turf.

To guarantee the slickest passing and streamlined movement of the ball on an accurately watered pitch in the season ahead, Toro irrigation is the smart choice when it comes to renovation time.

To discover more on how you can upgrade your stadium and training ground during pitch renovations this year with Toro’s in-field irrigation, call Reesink Hydro-Scapes on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk for further information.

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