One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

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One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

At Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), building long-term relationships with facilities is just as important as supplying the right products. That partnership approach is on full display at Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Association, where Groundsman and General Manager Matthew Jordan relies on OAS as the club’s sole supplier of grass seed, nutritional products and line marking paint to maintain 10 busy grass courts through an intensive playing season.

One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

Cromer LTA is a bustling multi-sport and community venue, offering accessible facilities and coaching for a range of racket sports together with supporting local groups including yoga, chess and running clubs. With around 500 members including 120 juniors, the facilities are open year-round – with the grass courts hosting the brunt of the action between mid-April and the end of September. “For us, maintaining consistently high-quality playing surfaces is essential and it’s something that is much more achievable with the reliable results we achieve with an OAS programme” explains Matthew.

“It’s something that we’ve developed over a number of years, working closely alongside our OAS Area Sales Representative Mark Keysell to establish the right products and gather the practical guidance we need to make informed decisions. We have budgets to work to and really appreciate that Mark respects this and structures a plan that delivers both value and long-term results.”

Keeping the courts fit for daily play in addition to a packed tournament schedule which includes a British Tour event, county championships and junior and senior tournaments begins with the right grass seed, and for that Matthew opts for R9 100% dwarf ryegrass. “This hard-wearing mix is ideal for tennis. After a fairly heavy renovation, we sow R9 at the conclusion of the grass court season and let this establish throughout October.”

Matthew then turns his attention to a winter nutrition programme consisting of Multigreen 15-0-22 to maintain plant health through the colder months before kickstarting spring growth in February with an application of Cold Start Boost-R 11-5-5. “This product really get’s the grass moving, enabling us to gradually lower the heights and increase the frequency of mowing to get us down to 8-10mm when the season starts” he adds. Supporting performance during the busiest periods is H-Cote 22-3-8, which forms part of a wider site programme which includes selective weed controls, Enclean hard surface biocide and Tri-Cure granular.

For Matthew and the team, having one trusted supplier simplifies operations and provides confidence throughout the year. “It’s now at the point where this programme is tried and tested, but it’s great to have Mark on hand with help, advice and guidance when needed.” He concludes, “It’s thanks to this partnership that our grass courts are as good as they are.”

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Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

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Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group has appointed James Kimmings as its new Digital and Online Analyst, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing its digital presence and supporting its continued expansion.

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

James joins Replay after almost four years at Pitchcare, where he gained extensive experience across journalism, social media management, videography, content creation, magazine production, video editing and digital communications.

At Replay, James will be responsible for growing the company’s digital footprint through website development, search engine optimisation (SEO), content creation and social media, while supporting the sales team with digital marketing activity designed to increase leads and raise the company’s profile across the sports turf, landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors.

James studied Sports Business Management at Northumbria University before completing a Master’s degree in Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. During his studies he gained valuable experience with a local newspaper and radio station before beginning his career at Pitchcare in 2022.

He was attracted by the opportunity to take on a new challenge in a role created specifically to support Replay’s future growth.

“What really appealed to me was the opportunity to build something from the ground up,” he explained. “Replay has ambitious plans for its digital presence, and this role gives me the chance to help shape that journey from the very beginning.

“It’s exciting because there’s so much potential. I can bring together everything I’ve learned over the last four years and apply it in a way that’s focused on growing the business and creating new opportunities.”

One of James’ biggest motivations is seeing measurable growth from his work.

“I’m looking forward to establishing some baseline figures and then watching the website traffic, enquiries and digital engagement grow over time. That’s something that’s really exciting because it’s a much more commercially focused role, where you can clearly see the impact of the work you’re doing.”

Having spent his entire professional career in the turf industry, James is also pleased to remain part of a sector he has come to know well.

“The people make this industry what it is,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of interviewing countless greenkeepers, grounds staff and industry professionals over the last few years, and they’re passionate people who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.

“I’m grateful to have stayed within the industry because it’s a fantastic community. Replay may have maintenance at the heart of its business, but it’s still very much part of the wider grounds sector. I’m excited about the challenge ahead, looking forward to working with the team and helping Replay continue to grow its digital presence.”

Replay Group welcomes James to the team and looks forward to the expertise, creativity and enthusiasm he brings as the company continues to strengthen its digital offering.

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.co.uk

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Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

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Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

Cobra has announced the much-anticipated arrival of its new Fortis Stadium 34 machine, a powerful new professional cylinder mower designed specifically for semi-professional and professional sports turf environments. Engineered for football pitches, cricket squares, golf facilities, bowls greens and sports academies, the new model marks a major step forward for Cobra as it fully enters the professional sports turf category.

Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

The Fortis Stadium 34 represents a significant evolution for Cobra, bringing together modern turfcare technology with the experience and heritage of Henton & Chattell’s 95 years in the garden machinery industry. Designed to deliver precision cutting, versatility and long-term reliability, the machine is aimed squarely at grounds teams seeking professional performance with practical affordability.

To meet the evolving needs of modern grounds teams, Cobra is launching the Fortis Stadium 34 in two configurations; a Honda-powered petrol model for proven performance, and an EGO battery-powered model offering the same 34” cut with reduced noise, zero emissions at the point of use and lower running costs – ideal for stadiums where sustainability and noise control are priorities. Offering both power options provides facilities with the flexibility to adopt battery technology at their own pace while maintaining operational reliability. For large pitches and extended mowing sessions, the Fortis Stadium 34 can be fitted with an optional premium trailer seat, helping to reduce operator fatigue while maintaining precise control.

At the heart of the Fortis Stadium 34 is a precision-engineered cylinder cutting system, designed to deliver the immaculate striped finish and consistent cutting performance required on sports surfaces. Whether maintaining football pitches, cricket outfields, golf approaches or bowls greens, the Fortis Stadium 34 provides the control and accuracy grounds professionals demand.

The mower is fully compatible with the Fortis Turf Management Cartridge System, enabling operators to quickly switch between interchangeable lawncare cartridges. This allows grounds teams to carry out a wide range of essential turf maintenance tasks with one machine, including aeration, scarification, verticutting and brushing — keeping playing surfaces in peak condition throughout the season.

The launch of the Fortis Stadium 34 signals Cobra’s strategic move into a key segment of the professional turf market: the mid-tier professional user. This includes organisations such as grassroots and championship football clubs, universities, sports academies and professional grounds maintenance contractors. These facilities often require professional-grade turf equipment but seek a more accessible alternative to elite stadium machinery.

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, discusses how by combining professional capability with competitive pricing, Cobra is positioning the Fortis Stadium range as a new challenger within the sports turf sector: “Our new Fortis Stadium mower bridges the gap between traditional professional turf capability and practical operational flexibility — ideal for grounds teams transitioning from petrol to battery or needing both. We have designed them with the operator in mind, giving ultimate control and comfort during long mowing sessions with precision cutting and all while keeping budgets in mind”.

The move into professional sports turf reinforces Cobra’s commitment to developing equipment that meets the needs of modern grounds teams, while maintaining the brand’s reputation for delivering performance, reliability and value.

For more information on Cobra visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

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Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

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Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Renfrewshire’s Kilmacolm Golf Club is already reaping the benefits of electric mowing following the arrival of a new Jacobsen Greens Mower ELiTE 360 supplied by Fairways GM.

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Delivered in May, the battery-powered mower is the first Jacobsen machine purchased by Course Manager John Dale for the club, although he was already familiar with the brand from previous roles elsewhere.

Together with Fairways GM’s Jonathan Rae and Stuart Cameron, John explored the available options before selecting the ELiTE 360. As part of the process, he sought the views of fellow course managers who had already introduced Jacobsen electric technology into their fleets.

“I spoke to several and the feedback was consistently positive,” he explained. “Jacobsen was already well established in the electric mower market and everyone was impressed with the performance and cut quality.  After the demonstration, I had no hesitation.”

The ELiTE 360 has quickly become an important part of the club’s maintenance programme, particularly because of its exceptionally low noise levels.

“Both our large practice putting green and a chipping green are close to neighbouring houses, traditionally, I’ve been reluctant to work in those areas too early in the morning because of the potential disturbance. The ELiTE 360 has completely changed that. It’s so quiet that we can prepare much earlier, which really helps us make the best use of the day.”

With a team of five maintaining the course and greens cut six times per week, consistency and presentation are essential.

“Our members expect high standards and one feature I particularly like is the ability to adjust the cut rate,” he continued. “It’s very straightforward to make changes depending on conditions or upcoming competitions. If we’ve got a Friday competition, it’s easy to alter the settings to achieve exactly the finish we want. It gives us another level of control.”

Battery performance has also exceeded expectations. “We’re comfortably getting more than 36 holes from a charge, which covers everything we need for two days. With fuel costs continuing to rise, electric technology makes increasing sense from an operational perspective.”

To support the purchase, Kilmacolm Golf Club also opted for a full-service agreement with Fairways GM.

“The machine has been fantastic so far and having the backing of a full-service contract gives us additional peace of mind,” concluded John Dale.

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