Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting

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Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting: Matthew Newman, Grounds and Sports Turf Manager at Hartpury University and College, in Gloucester, believes that MM40 from Mansfield Sand plays an integral role in his renovation work.

Hartpury University and College are specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport, and veterinary nursing, offering world-class degrees and facilities to over 4,500 students from over 60 countries.

Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting

Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting

Matthew himself was once a student at Hartpury. Fast forward two decades and he now oversees a team of thirteen members of staff at the college where he became qualified.

Matthew and his team have been carrying out their own renovations for three years after previously employing contractors to do the work. When it comes to sand for renovations, he uses MM40 Sport from Mansfield Sand.

Mansfield Sand is a company with history and pedigree – its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. It has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

MM40 Sport is sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands. MM40 is a medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces.

“We mainly use the MM40 for renovations,” said Matthew. “We use two tonnes of it on the PGA spec Mackenzie golf green; so, we vertidrain it and then we will top dress with MM40.

“We use ninety tonnes of if on the football pitches. This year we are taking the pitches down to 10mm. We then take all the debris off, scarify in three directions, and then collect any debris again so we have massively opened up the pores by now and got rid of all the thatch. We then will fertilise, top dress with the MM40 sand and then apply the seed.”

Matthew continued to explain exactly why a good quality sand is so important.

“We are predominantly on heavy clay, so in the winter it is holding moisture, and, in the summer, you can’t get enough moisture into it. The reason for the sand is to try and change that soil profile and give the grass something to reach into. So, we are trying to break that pan of clay up and inject sand into it.

“It’s a theory as opposed to digging up the entire pitch and starting again, but we are already seeing the MM40 improve drainage and rooting.”

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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E P Barrus Ltd appoints Graham Knox as new CEO

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E P Barrus Ltd appoints Graham Knox as new CEO: Barrus today announced the appointment of Graham Knox as its new Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive search process. Graham will replace Robert Muir, when he retires from Barrus at the end of December this year, after 33 successful years at Barrus.

Graham brings a huge amount of relevant experience to Barrus, having had a successful career in heavy trucks, industrial & marine engines and transmissions. Graham is a business leader with an excellent track record in a successful family owned business.

E P Barrus Ltd appoints Graham Knox as new CEO

E P Barrus Ltd appoints Graham Knox as new CEO

Graham started his career as an engineer with a custom builder of trucks and buses. He moved from engineering through after sales service to sales, and then on to senior management positions in engineering companies.

From 4 September Graham will be spending many weeks getting to know Barrus’ customers and teams, prior to starting a more office-based handover. There will be opportunities to meet Graham as he will be visiting the Southampton International Boat Show; DSEI the defence show, at Excel; the Emergency Services Show at the NEC and the grounds care show, SALTEX at the NEC.

Graham said: “I am truly honoured and excited to be joining the team at Barrus. I want to express my gratitude to the board for entrusting me with this role and to Robert Muir for his remarkable 33 years of leadership with the company. Barrus has a rich history and a reputation for excellence in various industries, and I am eager to contribute my experience to develop the company further.

Throughout my career journey I have gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of our industries. I am committed to building upon the strong foundations laid by my predecessors and to working closely with our dedicated teams to drive innovation, growth, and customer satisfaction.

Over the next few months, I am looking forward to immersing myself in Barrus’ operations, meeting our valued customers, getting to know the talented individuals who make this company thrive. I am looking forward to having the time to get to know our customers and stakeholders.

My goal is to ensure a seamless transition and to lead Barrus with the same dedication and passion that is the hallmark of the company. I believe in fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and delivering results that exceed expectations. Together with the Barrus team, I am confident that we will continue to achieve new heights and create value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

E P Barrus Ltd Chairman, Tara Glen said: “We are delighted to welcome Graham as our new Chief Executive in January. Graham shares the Barrus ethos with a very relevant background of experiences and an excellent track record of delivery. He has strong strategic capabilities, proven operational effectiveness, and great understanding of the diverse areas that Barrus operates in.

The Board looks forward to Graham building on the phenomenal leadership that Robert Muir has given the company. Robert will continue to lead Barrus until he retires at the end of December this year. With Graham joining us now we are able to manage an orderly handover and give Graham an opportunity to visit many of our customers before he takes over leadership responsibility”.

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BIGGA CPD credits available at GroundsFest

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BIGGA CPD credits available at GroundsFest: It has been confirmed that BIGGA (The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association) CPD credits are now available for attending the education programme at GroundsFest.

The announcement comes due to the high demand of greenkeepers and course managers that are planning on attending GroundsFest which takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September.

BIGGA CPD credits available at GroundsFest

BIGGA CPD credits available at GroundsFest

BIGGA members can claim one education CPD credit for each session they attend and can do so by entering the details on to their CPD account. All members are eligible to join the CPD programme and are automatically signed up to the programme when they join BIGGA.

The BIGGA CPD programme has several benefits including opportunities for career advancement, personal development, proficiency, confidence, engagement with the wider industry, networking, recognition, quality standard, and to adapt outdated skills.

There will be plenty of seminars on offer at GroundsFest including topics such as: the changing face of chemicals and the effect this will have on the industry; Microdochium disease management and winter fertiliser recovery; data and water testing; the advantages of using apprenticeships in a staffing shortage; how networking and volunteering are two great ways to advance a career, plus many more.

The outdoor practical timetable will also be of interest to the golf sector and will feature free hands-on, training sessions on pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and the calibration and use of knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers.

Commenting on BIGGA CPD credits being available at GroundsFest, Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “We are delighted to see so many greenkeepers and course managers register to attend GroundsFest, and it is for this reason that we wanted to be able to offer BIGGA CPD credits to them. I’d like to say a big thank you to BIGGA for their co-operation in making this possible.”

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.  

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Performance that will blow you away

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Performance that will blow you away: A new EGO cordless backpack blower with improved power, performance and productivity is now available for both domestic and professional use.

EGO Power Plus, a technology leader in high-performance battery-powered equipment, is introducing the LBP8000E Backpack Blower. Featuring EGO’s PeakPower™ technology and a more powerful motor, it offers extra runtime and better performance.

Performance that will blow you away

Performance that will blow you away

Vince Brauns, Group Product Manager at EGO, said: “The new LBP8000E ensures that clearing work is quicker and more efficient than ever before, without any of the noise or fumes of petrol tools. Our PeakPower™ system fully harnesses the potential of using two EGO batteries at once, making it possible to provide extra runtime and power.

“Designed with an improved user interface, control system and newer, more powerful motor, the LBP8000E represents a step change in comfortable, efficient working.”

PeakPower™ combines the power of two EGO batteries for maximum output and up to two and a half hours of runtime. The new motor enhances air speed and delivers class-leading cordless equipment air volume of 1360m³/h. Upgraded PCBA cooling further improves durability, while the integrated tool stand helps keep the harness and batteries clean and dry.

The LBP8000E is part of EGO’s Professional range, designed for larger gardens and for everyday use by contractors. For domestic use it has a five-year warranty on the tool and three years on the batteries, while professional users benefit from a two-year warranty on both the tool and the batteries.

EGO is a true pioneer in battery powered outdoor power equipment. Like all EGO products, the new backpack blower uses EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium™ battery, that works across the entire EGO range. EGO’s batteries deliver the industry’s highest energy capacity. Their performance surpasses the competition mechanically, chemically, and electrically. Each battery features EGO’s unique KeepCool™ technology, intelligent power management, fast recharge and a host of other innovations designed to deliver convenience, quality, and reliability.

For the user, battery slots on either side of the backpack ensure that the tool is centrally balanced on their back, while an improved harness provides greater comfort. Other productivity-boosting features include tool-free handle adjustment and an ergonomic handle with variable speed trigger and trigger lock. Furthermore, an LCD display ensures the operator has quick access to real-time battery and tool status.

The LBP8000E retails at £429 including VAT and further details can be found at https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/blowers/lbp8000e-backpack-blower.

Discover the full range at www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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