Maldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale

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Maldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale: Mark Piper, the Greenkeeper at Maldon Bowling Club, Essex, has overseen a remarkable transformation in the quality of the club’s green. Thanks to a range of Dennis and SISIS machinery, particularly the SISIS Supaturfman and the Dennis FT510, the once-struggling surface has become a point of pride, earning Mark the prestigious Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year Award.

Three years ago, Maldon Bowling Club’s green was plagued by bare patches and moss infestations, rendering it barely playable. The situation was disheartening for long-standing club members, prompting Mark to take action.

Maldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale

Maldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale

“It was very demoralising, especially for the people that had been at Maldon for a long time – this club has been a big part of their lives,” says Mark. “The local authority was managing the maintenance, and we weren’t really getting anywhere with them. I thought that the only way forward was to do it ourselves.”

Recognising the need for comprehensive maintenance solutions, he turned to a range of Dennis and SISIS machinery from the Howardson Group.

Key to the transformation was the SISIS Supaturfman, an independently powered heavy-duty aerator renowned for its effectiveness in sports turf maintenance. Mark credits the Supaturfman with tackling the persistent moss problem by addressing its underlying causes rather than merely treating the symptoms. Through regular aeration, the green became healthier and more resilient, laying the foundation for long-term improvement.

Complementing the Supaturfman, the Dennis FT510 emerged as an integral part of Maldon Bowling Club’s maintenance equipment. Offering a 51cm working width and versatile interchangeable cassettes, the FT510 provided unparalleled flexibility and performance.

Maldon’s members are particularly impressed with the verticutting cassette according to Mark: “The more experienced bowlers like it when I use the verticutter because it gives them the pace that they want.”

Mark also highlights the FT510’s roller clutch drive and variable clip rate, which ensure a smooth finish and precise control, essential for achieving the desired playing surface quality.

Mark’s dedication, coupled with the reliability of the equipment, propelled Maldon Bowling Club to new heights, earning accolades and fostering a thriving community of bowlers.

“Membership has gone up approximately 30% in the three years that we have been doing the green, and I like to think our work has contributed towards that,” says Mark. “The club is certainly getting a much better reputation and it was nice to be able to turn it around – the Dennis and SISIS equipment has massively helped.

“What I would say to clubs who find themselves in a similar position to what we found ourselves in, is to try and go it alone – it is not as difficult as people think. If you have dedication and commitment, then the Howardson Group can help you with the rest, in terms of equipment, advice and training.”

Despite the remarkable progress, Mark remains committed to ongoing enhancement. Challenges such as excessive sand content in certain areas present opportunities for further refinement. Hosting prestigious tournaments like the Essex County 4’s Finals attests to the green’s newfound acclaim.

Through the integration of the SISIS Supaturfman and the Dennis FT510, Mark not only revitalised the green but also the spirit of the club. His story serves as an inspiration to greenkeepers everywhere, demonstrating that with determination and the right tools, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

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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Obituary: Bobby McDougall

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Obituary: Bobby McDougall: The turf industry is mourning the death of Bobby McDougall who died on March 29 after a short illness.

Bobby, 42, was Ground Maintenance Technical Officer at Glasgow Life, a position he had held since May 2023.

Obituary: Bobby McDougall

Obituary: Bobby McDougall

Despite his relatively young age, Bobby held a variety of posts in Scotland, England and Norway, all related to sports turf.

A third-generation greenkeeper, Bobby followed in the footsteps of his dad, Allan McDougall, a former Course Manager at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club and his grandfather, Bob McDougall, formerly of Hilton Park Golf Club, Glasgow.

Bobby attended Elmwood College, Fife and his greenkeeping career spanned 11 years, mostly at Surrey courses- Royal Mid Surrey, Queenwood, and Walton Heath, but included two and a half years as Deputy Course Manager at Miklagard Golf in Oslo.

It was a natural step for Bobby to move into technical sales with promoted roles at Aitkens, Indigrow and Souters in Glasgow before heading to Fairways Sportsground, specialists in sports construction. Bobby then moved into the world of maintenance machinery sales, joining Fairways GM as Commercial Sales Manager and then, Infinicut, as Territory Sales Manager.

Outside work, aside from being a dedicated family man, Bobby held a life-long passion for music. His particular focus was heavy metal where he was a well-known figure on the Scottish scene, with spells as a lead singer, playing live gigs and recording. More recently, his knowledge and contacts led him into managing bands.

He leaves two children, his mum, and his sister.

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FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd make their Arb Show debut

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FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd make their Arb Show debut: While 2024 won’t be the first time the renowned FSI range of stump grinders will be showcased at Westonbirt Arboretum, this year’s Arb Show will be the company’s debut under the banner of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd.

New name, same industry-leading portfolio of engine, hydraulic and PTO-powered stump grinders, an expert team and your chance to win a 3-month free hire of an FSI B21 – all to be found on stand E10/E11 this May.

FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd make their Arb Show debut

FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd make their Arb Show debut

Following the formation of the new strategic subsidiary at the end of 2023, it’s been a busy few months for the FSI UK team, establishing a nationwide network of dealer partners to provide expert advice, sales and support across the FSI range. The Arb Show 2024 will bring together a number of these new distribution partners alongside a wide selection of machines.

As the world’s only dedicated stump grinder manufacturer, FSI provides the solution for stumps of all shapes and sizes, in all situations and on all types of terrain. The FSI B31 promises to be one of many stand highlights. At just 74cm, this narrow-access tracked stump grinder is ideal for sites with restricted access, promising powerful performance with enhanced manoeuvrability, stability and a low centre of gravity. The hydraulic drive of the cutting head all-but eliminates daily maintenance, reducing operating costs and resulting in less time in the workshop and more in the field.

Another popular model with professional arborists is the FSI B21. This easy-to-operate pedestrian unit features a 14hp engine and pivoting cutter arm, delivering a 90cm sweep and cutting depth down to 25cm below ground.

Visitors to stand E10/E11 will also have the opportunity to enter an exclusive Arb Show competition for the chance to win a free 3-month hire of an FSI B21 stump grinder! Full details, terms & conditions can be found by speaking to the FSI UK technical team on hand across the two days.

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Sam Lewis Promoted to General Manager

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Sam Lewis Promoted to General Manager: AriensCo, a global leader in outdoor power equipment, is delighted to announce the promotion of Sam Lewis to the position of General Manager of AriensCo UK (Ariens Company Ltd.). Lewis, who previously served as the UK Sales Manager, has now taken on an expanded leadership role within the organisation, effective 01.04.2024.

Sam Lewis brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success to his new role. During his tenure as the UK Sales Manager, Lewis played a pivotal role in driving sales growth, expanding market share, and building strong relationships with customers and partners across the region. His strategic acumen and dedication to excellence have been instrumental in positioning AriensCo as a market leader in the UK outdoor power equipment industry.

Sam Lewis Promoted to General Manager

Sam Lewis Promoted to General Manager

In his new capacity as General Manager, Lewis will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of AriensCo’s business in the UK, including sales, distribution, and customer service. He will continue to leverage his expertise to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional value to customers.

“We are thrilled to announce Sam Lewis’s promotion to General Manager of AriensCo UK,” said Jochen Schneider, Executive Vice President EMEAA at AriensCo. “Sam has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication throughout his tenure with the company. His promotion is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the trust we have in his ability to lead AriensCo UK to new heights of success.”

“I am honoured and excited to take on the role of General Manager at AriensCo UK,” said Sam Lewis. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the company and our valued customers in this new capacity. I look forward to leading our talented team as we strive for excellence and drive continued growth in the UK market.”

Sam Lewis’s promotion to General Manager underscores AriensCo’s commitment to fostering talent and empowering its employees to succeed. With Lewis’s leadership, and the experienced UK team, AriensCo UK is well-positioned to build upon its success after a strategic shift in strengthening its UK business model.

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Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council

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Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council: Agrovista Amenity is excited to announce that it will be continuing its partnership with national environmental charity The Tree Council, pledging to sponsor the planting of more than a thousand trees. The trees will be planted over the next three years in community projects the length and breadth of the country. Collectively, as part of a team of green-hearted corporate partners, Agrovista Amenity will also support the establishment of fifty ‘Golden Orchards’, in celebration of The Tree Council’s 50th anniversary.

Commenting on the continued partnership, Ed Smith, Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity, said: “The Tree Council set an ambitious planting target to be achieved through community projects. As one of the Jubilee Partners, it was great to see this target accomplished and the huge amount of environmental, biodiversity and other eco-system benefits made.

Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council

Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council

“It was an easy decision for us to continue this support and be a Tree Partner going forward. We regularly join The Tree Council on planting days, and it is great to see different demographics and generations getting involved and recognising the opportunity to make a positive change to our environment. The Tree Council have always been forward thinking in terms of best practice, by using biodegradable guards, locally sourced stock and sharing ideas.”

The Tree Council’s Tree Partner programme brings businesses together to plant trees and enhance treescapes across the UK, improving the health, wellbeing and biodiversity of local areas. Community groups, schools and volunteer Tree Warden Networks (www.treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens) will apply for funding to deliver a community tree and hedgerow planting project in their areas during the tree planting season (November – March).

Agrovista Amenity and other Tree Partners will not only provide financial support to establish new trees and hedgerows. The tree-loving business teams will also donate hundreds of volunteer hours to help establish the new trees and hedgerows and to give essential aftercare during the drier summer months to ensure their survival.

Sara Lom, CEO, The Tree Council said: “We are delighted to continue working with Agrovista Amenity to do something truly wonderful for nature. Trees and hedgerows are heroes – they help tackle climate change, provide homes for thousands of species of precious wildlife, improve our health and wellbeing and so much more. By getting involved, Agrovista Amenity is helping to grow a greener, tree-filled future for all of us. We’re so grateful to them and all our Tree Partners.”

Launched to celebrate The Tree Council’s 50th anniversary, The Tree Council’s new Tree Partners programme will build on the successes of its Jubilee Partners who, between 2022 and the end of 2024, will have collectively supported the planting and care of 42,000 trees in communities across the UK, in celebration of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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