Question Time At SALTEX

/in , /by

The Amenity Forum will once again be hosting its ever popular Question Time at SALTEX 2017. The event is modelled upon the BBC programme where a panel of people drawn from the sector respond to auQuestion Time At SALTEXdience questions on a range of topical issues concerning amenity management. Professor John Moverley OBE, Independent Chairman of the Forum, will act as ‘David Dimbleby’ and this year’s panel includes:

  • Jim Croxton, Chief Executive Officer, BIGGA
  • Will Kay, Managing Director, Languard
  • Mark Pyrah, Landscaper & Industrial Business Manager UK and Ireland, IICL
  • Tony Saunders, Area Manager & Professional Head of Environment, JSD Rail

If previous years are repeated, there will be a full house and a lively debate. There is certainly no shortage of issues to be discussed. It will take place at 2pm on the first day (November 1st) of SALTEX being held at the NEC in Birmingham.

John Moverley says ‘We are delighted to have been invited to once again host this popular event at SALTEX. The IOG are supportive members of the Amenity Forum and this Question Time allows opportunity at this important national event to discuss and debate key issues surrounding amenity management’

A key element in putting together a professional approach to amenity maintenance is by adopting an integrated approach ensuring all options are considered and the optimum management programme chosen for specific situations. A key date in the amenity calendar is Amenity Forum conference and the programme announced this year promises to be as topical and relevant as ever. This major conference has very much become the must attend event for all involved or having an interest in weed, pest and disease control matters in amenity. It also can appeal to a wider audience for those just wanting to understand more about this important and diverse sector.

The conference will be held on Thursday, October 12th, at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton on Trent. The title ‘Keeping Britain Moving’ has been chosen to align with the Forum’s ongoing and very successful campaign to communicate to the wider public the important and essential nature of weed, pest and disease management and why it impacts upon every UK citizen.

Delegate rates are again being kept as low as possible. The standard rate is £65 plus VAT but, for those who book early before September 1st, there is a special discounted rate of £55 plus VAT

To book your place contact admin@amenityforum.net

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Groundsmen Bowled Over By ICL Independent School Seminar

/in , /by

Groundsmen bowled over by latest ICL Independent School Seminar: Fifty groundsmen from independent schools throughout southern England and the Midlands were presented with a wealth of useful advice and information at the latest ICL seminar, which was held at Edgbaston Stadium – home to Warwickshire CCC and the Birmingham Bears.

Groundsmen bowled over by latest ICL Independent School Seminar

Aimed specifically at turf professionals working in the independent schools sector, the popular ICL Independent School Seminar is now in its fifth year.

Emma Kilby, ICL Area Sales Manager for the Midlands and West, who organised and ran the event welcomed delegates to the event with an outline of what they could expect from the day before handing over to Edgbaston Stadium Head Groundsman Gary Barwell to give an overview of the facilities which includes a total of 24 pitches – 17 of them being first class before giving delegates an insight into pitch preparation and their trials of an SIS hybrid pitch.

Henry Bechelet, ICL’s Technical Sales Manager was next, giving an informative and entertaining presentation on ‘Root Development Technologies’. Areas discussed included what affects turf rooting, the relationship between rooting and nitrogen and what products can help turf managers improve rooting before also speaking about the company’s commissioning of independent STRI trials where he revealed that the results conclusively showed that the use of Sierraform GT consistently increases root development.

Daniel Lightfoot, Syngenta’s Business Manager, was next to the stage to give an illustrated talk and demonstration of the company’s Greencast turf app and a fungicide update including the new regulations.

This was followed by Robert Jack from Dennis and SISIS who gave a presentation on the range of British manufactured turf maintenance machinery the company has to offer. Robert also discussed the recent STRI trials of the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid, where it proved to be a very effective tool in helping to manage the soil profile, creating better rooting, allowing water and air movement through the profile, keeping disease at bay and helping to reduce compaction.

Concluding the session, Daniel Lightfoot returned to give delegates a greater insight into Instrata Elite fungicide. Daniel explained that when Instrata Elite is applied, it quickly spreads and locks onto the wax layer of the plant surface which provides a protective barrier to the leaf and destroys any disease spores which are present at the time of application.

After the presentations, delegates were given a tour of the stadium by Gary Barwell. As well as getting a close look at the cricket wicket which would be played on later that evening, they were also shown some of the turf maintenance machinery which Gary and his team use on a daily basis.

Emma Kilby, who organised the event, believes that the day’s varied content had been what delegates were looking for and was delighted that the event had been so well supported.

“Today has been a fantastic event and it was good to get so many groundsmen attending,” she said. “These are professional groundsmen that produce surfaces for so many different sports. They come along to the event to learn and to network. It’s not just for the head groundsmen – it’s for all their staff who got an insight into the integrated turf management and agronomic support available.”

Mike Kemmett, Grounds Manager at Harrow School, said the seminar had proved extremely worthwhile and a great opportunity to network with other groundsmen from schools: “I’ve been for the last three events, and actually hosted last year’s event when I was at Haberdashers. It’s a great event to network and meet other people. I particularly found Daniel Lightfoot’s presentation on fungicides interesting as I now have a golf course to manage.”

James Pope, Grounds Manager at St Paul’s School in London commented: “I brought my assistant groundsman Tom Martin with me today. Today’s event was great to speak to other colleagues that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to speak to throughout the year and compare notes with. It was good to find out how Gary (Barwell) prepares his wicket. There are definitely a few notes that we’ve made and will take back with us and try to implement. It was particularly impressive how he logs all of his data.”

Summing up the general enthusiasm from the day, Cheltenham College Head of Grounds Christian Brain said: “This is the first ICL seminar that I’ve attended. I brought another member of staff with me and its’ been good to attend a first-class venue to see what Gary and his team do on a daily basis, which we’ve learnt a lot from to take back with us. It’s nice to hear about what is going on in the industry, the different products which are coming out and the different techniques to apply those products.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Jacobsen and AGCSA Deliver Successful Future Turf Managers’ Initiative

/in , , /by

The AGCSA, in conjunction with Jacobsen, held another Future Turf Managers’ Initiative, after the success of the inaugural event in Australia last year. With help from the NZGCSA, delegates from New Zealand were also selected to take part in this joint venture. The FTMI took place at the 33rd Australian Turfgrass Conference and Trade Exhibition at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort at Mudjimba Beach, Queensland.

The two-day educational event is aimed at up-and-coming course staff who are focused on making the career leap to Superintendent or Course Manager. Focusing on personal and professional development, the FTMI uses the expertise of respected course managers, cross-industry training specialists and industry experts to mentor and educate the next generation of industry leaders.

The event involved presentations on budgeting, an insight into the Australian job market, CV and cover letter writing and interview techniques. The speakers were Stewart Fenton, CEO of Royal South Yarra Tennis club and president of Golf Management Australia (GMA), Lee Strutt, Course Manager at the Royal Automobile Club, Jeff Blunden from the Golf Business Advisory Services (GBAS), and Susanne Macphee, a human resources management professional.

The mentors were of the highest calibre and were on hand to support the groups assigned to them. Mentoring at FTMI for the first time were Leon Hennessey, Superintendent at Cromer Golf Club, NSW, and Travis Scott of Riversdale Golf Club, Vic. Mentoring for the second time was Ben Tilley of Headlands Golf Club, Qld, and for the fourth time, after being involved in the FTMI in New Zealand was John Spraggs of Royal Wellington Golf Club, NZ.

The FTMI is the only programme available to industry professionals that provides lifelong skills to both men and women wishing to pursue a managerial career within turfcare. This year, both delegates from Australia and New Zealand took part in a joint FTMI held in Australia to further broaden networking opportunities. Commenting on the success of the event, mentor Leon Hennessey said,
“It has been a privilege to be a part of this unique event in Australia. I personally found it such a fulfilling experience to mentor a group of superintendents who are so passionate about the industry and furthering their careers.

The format really worked; there was never a dull moment, and the delegates were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to network with peers from Australia and New Zealand, and have first class speakers on hand to pass on their wealth of knowledge. I would definitely urge anyone who wants to take the next step in their career to apply for the FTMI, it prepares you for everything you’ll face as a course manager.”

Speaking at the close of the event, Jacobsen’s Marketing Manager Karen Proctor, said,
“It has been another fantastic FTMI in Australia! The delegates were engaged throughout the two days, and it was touching to hear some of the positive feedback from all involved. I would like to thank the AGCSA and NZGCSA for working with us to make the event possible, it’s an initiative we are extremely proud to be a part of.

We have been given some great news that several of last year’s delegates have already been promoted to course manager since attending FTMI, and we are confident that many more will share the same success as a direct result of attending this fantastic educational event.”

Simone Staples, AGCSA Events and Education Manager added,
“We are delighted once again that Jacobsen has supported FTMI in Australia. It’s becoming the number one educational event within the industry for those wishing to make the step up to course manager, and the results are already showing. The AGCSA is pleased that there is so much enthusiasm for educational and networking opportunities within the industry, and we very much look forward to working with Jacobsen on this event again next year.”

This year’s delegates were: Luke Nowlan, Mathew Soles, Thomas Bickerdike, Brittney Goldsworthy, Ryan Pantic, Brenton Clarke, Tim Hoskinson, Simon Work, Jason Berkhout, Jacob Burridge, Rob Arestia, Matt Pollock, Danny Adams, Nick Launer, Garry Kunz, George Flynn, Alex Yates, Connor Scott, Kiel Stechman and Lance Morrin.

These delegates join a cohort of more than 160 greenkeepers from around the globe, who have graduated from the Future Turf Managers Initiative during the past five years.

For more information, visit: www.jacobsen.com/europe

Campey Turf Care Systems Conquer Europe

/in , /by

Campey Turf Care Systems conquer Europe with 2017 Renovation Tour: The Campey Turf Care Renovation Tour ended in Rotterdam, Holland, with the highly successful 7 week event educating turf professionals on renovation best practise.

Campey Turf Care Systems Conquer Europe

There was an average of 60 groundsmen and greenkeepers across each event, giving Campey a strong platform to educate using cutting edge technology to demonstrate the difference a well-executed renovation can make on all sports surfaces.

The tour wouldn’t have been the success it was without the participation of the Campey dealers, who put in a great amount of effort to organise each day, including the newly appointed dealer for Holland and Belgium, Jean Heybroek, who participated in their first tour.

Campey product specialist, Brian O’Shaughnessy, oversaw the dates in Poland and the Czech Republic for the company, and outlines the importance of visiting countries who may otherwise miss out on the opportunity to see this machinery at work.

He said: “There’s increasing pressure within the industry for teams, regardless of size, to have a high quality pitch. All you have to do is watch games on television and look on social media to see the scrutiny these men are under.

“So, by touring the machines around Europe as well as the process of renovating, we can demonstrate the difference that can made over the course of a season by starting in the right way. The events across Europe have been well received and we had a great response from the attendees.”

The demonstrations were delivered using a host of machines including the Koro® FIELD TOPMAKER® with Universe® and Terraplane® rotors, the award-winning GT Air Inject Air2G2, the Imants ShockWave and Rotoknife, the Koro® Recycling Dresser, Raycam Speedresser and Dakota range of spreaders as well as the Vredo Compact seeder.

The date in France, arranged with the help of dealership Hydraparts, also featured presentations from grounds manager at Stade de France, Tony Stones, and grounds manager at Southampton Football Club, Andy Grey. Both men gave an extensive insight into the renovation programmes at their respective venues, making the presentations the perfect accompaniment to the live demonstrations.

These events are fantastic at educating through demonstrations, but they also give participants the chance to learn from each other through networking and presentations, something that product specialist, Ben Taylor saw during the days in Belgium and Holland.

“Getting turf professionals together has led to a great exchange of ideas,” Ben explained. “As much as the demonstrations provide a linear plan for renovation, speaking to others who are local to that area can also give valuable insight on specific issues.

“Increasing knowledge and developing understanding is the whole point of the tour and I’m very proud to say that we’ve been able to do that, and as a result I’d like to think we will see the pitches in these areas improve in the near future.”

For more information, visit: www.campeyturfcare.com

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Celebrating Public Parks

/in , /by

Celebrating Public Parks And Revaluing Their Contribution To Community Health And Wellbeing

  • National Have a Field Day 8th July  to demonstrate public support for parks 
  • Visit your local park this weekend – you’ll feel happier anCelebrating Public Parks And Revaluing Their Contribution To Community Health And Wellbeingd healthier as a result 

Have a Field Day on Saturday 8th July is a celebration of the UK’s parks and green spaces. Charity, Fields in Trust is working with local communities to demonstrate the many ways we value our parks. From carnivals, sports competitions, musical performances and community picnics, thousands of people will be attending hundreds of events in local parks across the country which showcases exactly how much we love our local parks and green spaces.

Fields in Trust, the charity behind Have a Field Day, was founded on July 8th, back in 1925 with a clear aim to ensure that everyone – young or old, able or disabled and wherever they live – should have access to free, local outdoor space for sport, play and recreation. However, financial pressure on local authorities means that our parks and green spaces are increasingly under threat and many could be lost forever to building and redevelopment.

The recent Communities and Local Government Parliamentary Inquiry reported on the public benefit that parks contribute to preventative public health, mental well-being and community cohesion; yet parks could still be lost to building development as they are not a statutory service for local authorities. Funding cuts mean green spaces are less well maintained and they are under threat due to pressure on land for housing and retail developments. Nearly 92% of local authority parks departments have experienced budget cuts in the past three years. This is in the face of three-quarters of park managers reporting increased visitor numbers (State of UK Public Parks 2016).

New research for Fields in Trust indicates that more trips to more parks more often is good for the health and wellbeing of the UK. Visiting every day produces the highest wellbeing scores but our new research suggests the optimum use of green space is at least once a week as this gives us 65% of the health and wellbeing benefits rated across the four Office of National Statistics indicators. The completion of this research will identify a robust economic and monetary value for these health benefits in order to make the case to local councils and governments to maintain our parks.

But health and economic value aside, deep down we all know that parks and green spaces are incredibly valuable and that’s why across the UK communities are coming together at Have a Field Day events to showcase the many ways parks are enjoyed by local communities. For example, Birkenhead Park, the first publicly-funded civic park in the world, is launching a new family programme; several parkrun volunteers are recognising the importance of their local park for running; in Wales thousands will attend a community carnival in Pontypool Park; The winner of the UK’s Best Park Award 2016, Rouken Glen, near Glasgow, is hosting Children’s Nature Activities allowing youngsters to explore water beasties. And a series of neighbourhood picnics have been organised by members of the 38 Degrees campaign group who are also completing a petition asking councils to protect these much-loved community spaces. On Wimbledon’s middle weekend community tennis is being celebrated in Bounds Green, north London, where there is also football training and an Australian Rules football tournament.

Fields in Trust Ambassador, author Bill Bryson said: “Britain has the comeliest, most enchanting, abundant and often venerable parks and green spaces of any country I know. Wherever you are, you are never more than a few minutes from woods, greensward and fresh air.  How splendid is that?  I am delighted to see them celebrated by Fields in Trust.”

Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, said “Our parks and playing fields are used by whole communities from pre-schoolers to retired adults.  Research helps us understand how a local park can contribute to its neighbourhood but the real value of a green space is determined by the local community who use it for play, sport and recreation. Each of the thousands of parks playing fields and playgrounds across the UK is valuable to the neighbourhood that it serves. Fields in Trust believe we should re-value our green spaces as resources which contribute to public health, mental wellbeing and community cohesion, not simply view them as a drain on council finances for upkeep. If you Love Your Local Park we encourage you to get together with neighbours on 8th July and celebrate our precious parks and playing fields.”

All planned events are listed on the Fields in Trust website. From picnics to sports matches and  community carnivals look up your local event and join in – or get a group of friends together for a picnic to demonstrate how you #LoveYourLocalPark.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.