Newark Golf Club Invests for the Future

Newark Golf Club Invests for the Future

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Newark Golf Club Invests for the Future

Following acquisition in 2024 that prevented Newark Golf Club from entering administration, its new owners, Stellar Asset Management, have invested millions of pounds into the club. With immediate improvements to the course, renovation of the clubhouse, shop and changing areas, plus the installation of a full trackman grass driving range and simulator room, the long term health of the club has never looked better.

Newark Golf Club Invests for the Future

Newark Golf Club Invests for the Future

And it is with that eye on the long-term that Newark is working with sustainable bunker experts EcoBunker to ensure that the course’s hazards meet the standards of the rest of the venue.

“For golf, food or private events Newark is unrecognisable from 2 years ago,” commented Group General Manager, Molly Pavey. “Members and visitors love the course and the facilities, but the bunkers are the last thing that needed an upgrade to deliver the overall experience that we want to provide. As with every investment, we wanted to be sure that the owners got great value, golfers got a fantastic playing experience and that we’re securing the best possible solution for many years to come, so we spoke to EcoBunker.”

Based in South Wales, EcoBunker are the innovators of synthetic bunker edge technology. Using layered synthetic turf tiles Ecobunker technology creates a long term, sustainable bunker edge that reduces the need for bunker maintenance and protects the bunkers from sand contamination and erosion. By investing in EcoBunker, golf clubs lock in course design and save significant maintenance costs over the 20+ year guaranteed lifespan.

“Across the group we look for the best way to deliver a fantastic experience for customers on and off the course, but we obviously have to make sure that we are getting the best from every pound invested,” continued Pavey. “EcoBunker is simple to install, so after brief training the on-site team is in the process of renovating all of the bunkers on the front nine. We plan to complete the program over the next 12 months meaning that very soon we will see cost savings and course improvements that will last for years.”

With further improvements to the changing areas due to be unveiled this spring, and the full bunker renovation program due for completion in the Autumn the investment program at Newark Golf Club continues to add value to the member and guest experience. From a club on the verge of administration, the turnaround at Newark in just 2 years has been remarkable. And with improvements like EcoBunker bringing long-term benefits, Newark is set to go from strength to strength.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

For more information on Newark Golf Club please visit www.newarkgolfclub.co.uk

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Two Months to Go Until the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day

Two Months to Go Until the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day

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Two Months to Go Until the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day

With just two months to go, preparations are well underway for the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day, with strong support from across the industry.

Two Months to Go Until the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day

Two Months to Go Until the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day

The event will take place on Thursday 2 July 2026, hosted by Grasslands Turf in Kent, and is expected to attract around 150–200 delegates.

To date, 16 exhibitors have confirmed their attendance, including:

• Barenbrug UK
• Brocks Wheel & Tyre
• Campey Turfcare
• Compo Expert UK Ltd
• DLF Seeds UK Ltd
• Ecorobotix SA
• Firefly Automatix
• ICL
• Industrial Pallet & Transport Services Ltd
• LS Products BV
• Perennial
• Rovadi Turf Equipment
• Tama UK
• Trebro UK Ltd
• Trimax
• Wessex International Machinery

Alongside this strong exhibitor line-up, the TGA would also like to thank the event sponsors for their support:

• Agrigem Ltd – Show Programme Sponsor
• ICL – Registration and Lanyard Sponsor

Live Demonstrations

A key part of the day will be the live demonstration programme, with 11 demonstrations confirmed so far, covering a range of turf production equipment and technology.

These include:

• Campey Turfcare – Fleischmann Electric 5 Deck Rotary Mower and Imants ShockWave Extreme
• Firefly Automatix – R300C Turf Harvester
• Ecoclipper – Eco Clipper AM5
• Ecorobotix – ARA 620 UHP Sprayer
• Rovadi Turf Equipment – Brouwer 4000
• Trebro UK Ltd – TSR and Autostack 1.5
• Trimax – X-WAM S5
• Wessex International Machinery – Rovimo Autonomous Mower and G2 Series RMX Turf Roller Mower

The demonstrations will give attendees the opportunity to see modern turf machinery working in a practical field environment.

What to Expect on the Day

The Demonstration Day provides a straightforward opportunity to:

• See equipment working in real conditions
• Speak directly with suppliers and manufacturers
• Catch up with other growers and industry contacts

Refreshments will be available throughout the day, including a complimentary BBQ lunch.

The day will conclude with a post-event dinner, giving those attending the chance to continue discussions in a more informal setting.

Booking

Interest in the event is building, and early booking is recommended.

Tickets and further details can be found at: https://turfgrass.co.uk/tga-turfdemonstration-day-2026/

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Kubota appoints Hughes Agri Oswestry

Kubota appoints Hughes Agri Oswestry

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Kubota appoints Hughes Agri Oswestry

Kubota (UK) Ltd is adding to its agricultural and groundcare dealer network with the appointment of Hughes Agri Oswestry with immediate effect. The Shropshire-based dealer will strengthen coverage throughout the north of the county, and the north/mid-Wales border region.

Kubota appoints Hughes Agri Oswestry

Kubota appoints Hughes Agri Oswestry

“We are pleased to welcome Hughes Agri into the Kubota dealer network as we continue to develop our business based on past successes,” said Henry Bredin, division manager of Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and ground care machinery business.

“The appointment of Hughes Agri as a full-line Kubota tractor dealer will provide on-going support to existing customers operating in these areas, in addition to delivering sales, service and aftercare for Kubota’s agricultural and groundcare product portfolio.”

Established in April 2025 as a spares and repairs business following the closure of the family-run Hughes Bros operation, Hughes Agri Oswestry has continued to provide after sales service, spares and warranty support for existing Kubota customers in the area.

Run by a co-operative of six equal partners and employing two additional members of staff, the firm has been structured to make the most of each partner’s individual strengths, as dealer principal Tim Hughes explained.

“This really is a team business that continues to grow, while remaining totally focussed on looking after customers – both new and existing,” he said. “We have some very experienced partners in the business with their own specialist areas, and one was previously a Kubota apprentice. All have prior experience of a dealership business and the Kubota brand, and we all share a common vision, direction and customer-led focus.”

In addition to M-series tractors, Hughes Agri will be handling Kubota implements and groundcare equipment, including the new EK1 compact tractor and FC4 series of out-front, commercial ride-on rotary mower.

“It’s certainly an exciting time for us, as we push forward with a new business venture backed up by a very experienced and knowledgeable team,” said Tim Hughes.

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Microsite proves planting pedigree

Microsite proves planting pedigree

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Microsite proves planting pedigree

A transformative woodland creation project in North-East England has been achieved with the support of specialist contractor Microsite, who planted 7,500 trees across the 8.24 hectare site.

Microsite proves planting pedigree

Microsite proves planting pedigree

The project is located at Emmaus Youth Village in Consett – just 15 miles from Durham and Newcastle city centres. Supported with a grant from the Government’s Trees for Climate fund, administered by North East Community Forest, the woodland has been developed to promote biodiversity, education and community wellbeing, as well as serving as a flagship for future local environmental efforts.

Microsite, an environmental and ecological land management company, was contracted to establish the planting scheme, based on a concept by Southern Green Landscape Architects. The site boasts a new community orchard, native broadleaf woodland, open space habitat, wildflower meadows, shelter belts, in-field trees, and ponds.  With publicly accessible walking paths and wildlife areas, residents and visitors will benefit from connecting with nature and each other, further enhancing the village’s community spirit.

Emmaus Youth Village is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and managed by the Youth Ministry Trust Charity.  The site already features purpose-built lodges, an auditorium, and a restaurant-style dining area for up to 90 guests, along with expansive outdoor spaces ideal for group activities, conferences, and community gatherings.

Increasing native woodland coverage and connecting people with nature is central to Microsite’s mission, with a focus on ecological approaches and long-term planning for the benefit of future generations.

“The new community woodland, orchard and wildflower meadows are designed to maximise the ecological, social and economic value of this important community land asset at Emmaus Youth Village,” explained Peter Holder, Chief Executive of Microsite.

“Combining carefully selected species creates a symbiotic relationship for a self-sustaining system, as well as providing a platform for introducing local people to the many benefits of connecting with natural environments and their local community.  Economic benefits include an uplift in land value, improved customer experience and the creation of future carbon credits, not to mention the produce from the orchard!

“I’d like to thank the project stakeholders – North East Community Forest, Youth Ministry Trust, the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, and Southern Green Landscape Architects – for the opportunity to be involved in such a fantastic project,” Peter added.

Since community involvement is a cornerstone of the project, events were organised throughout the planning process so that local organisations could contribute.  These included a corporate volunteer day for local firm David Gray Solicitors, and activities led by OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Services) for local school children and Emmaus service users.

Microsite will maintain the site for three years until trees are fully established.  The company has also registered the site for carbon credits, which can be purchased by companies as part of carbon offset activity.

A video of the project is available to view and download at: https://vimeo.com/1185540224/22f6f50f9c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci 

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STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

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STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

STIHL has revised the Smart Connector 1, a digital solution designed to help professional users keep track of their tools, servicing schedules and daily usage across their fleet.

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

Suitable for petrol, electric and battery-powered machines, the Smart Connector 1.1 attaches directly to tools and records operating hours automatically. The new feature on the latest version of the Smart Connector 1.1 brings it in line with the Smart Connector 2.0, which can store the operating time that day, as well as previous days until the connector can communicate with the STIHL Connected App. No longer holding the total working time over a number of days, this removes the need for users to upload data daily. Data is transmitted via Bluetooth to the STIHL Connected app and online portal, giving businesses greater visibility of how their equipment is being used and when it needs attention.

For contractors managing multiple machines across teams or sites, the system provides a clear overview of total working time and daily operating history. With automatic prompts, this enables more proactive servicing and helps reduce the risk of unexpected downtime.

The Smart Connector 1 also supports location awareness, allowing users to quickly check which tools are nearby and identify any that may be missing. An integrated LED display can be activated remotely to help locate specific machines more easily.

Compact in design at just under 5cm in diameter, the unit is quick to mount and unobtrusive in day-to-day operation. It offers a battery life of approximately 12 months, with a replaceable battery to minimise disruption.

Through the STIHL Connected portal, users can arrange servicing with their nearest STIHL Approved Dealer and review maintenance requirements in advance, helping streamline workshop planning and improve machine availability.

The Smart Connector 1 arrives as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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