New sales manager for Reesink E-Vehicles

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New sales manager for Reesink E-Vehicles: Darren Clewes is the new sales manager for Reesink e-Vehicles.

As the only distributor in the sector with a division entirely dedicated to only sustainably powered vehices, it needed an experienced manager to take it forward and ensure its growth which is where Darren comes in.

New sales manager for Reesink E-Vehicles

New sales manager for Reesink E-Vehicles

With a focus on electric and sustainable transport options, the e-Vehicles division of distributor Reesink UK, is home to innovative, award-winning, rapid-charge lithium-ion phosphate battery-powered passenger buggies and utility vehicles.

The enviromentally friendly fleet management journey is one nearly all turfcare customers are on in some shape or form, with buggies certainly at the forefront for golf clubs and leisure venues.

Darren brings 25 years of turfcare experience to the role and is a familiar face in golf. “When I realised I wasn’t going to make it as a golf pro, I delved deeper into alternative career options in the sector and I was amazed by the size and extent of it,” he says. “The opportunities, possibilities and options hooked me in.”

Specialising in sales early on, he says he’s visited “all golf clubs in the North of England” in his roles with Tacit Turf Equipment, Collier Turfcare and Allett Mowers, and it was his role with Eco Bunker that gave him his first experience of innovative and sustainable turfcare solutions.

“Through my role of Sales Manager for Eco Bunker I got a taste of working in this relatively new area and it sparked my interest, so when the role came up at Reesink e-Vehicles it instantly appealed. I could see how beneficial electric transport options were for the sector by then and I was eager for a challenge on a national level.

“To join a relatively new division brings the ambition to grow it. There’s a huge amount of potential within the dealer network and I can see the untapped areas of the market.”

The recruitment process for the role was competitive, exhaustive and essential to ensure the right candidate took on the role says Reesink’s Managing Director, Alastair Rowell: “This is one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry and a great opportunity to reach customers – new and existing – with our range of innovative solutions. Darren demonstrated he had the experience, insights and relationship management skills to continue the strong start for the division.”

Darren is now position and can be contact via Reesink head office on 01480 226800.

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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader: The Bernhard Academy, a global leader in turf care education, has announced the appointment of Barry Drennan as Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management workshops.

Coinciding with Drennan’s appointment, the Bernhard Academy has unveiled its new, innovative ‘Bernhard Academy Pathways’ for 2025. These structured learning tracks are designed to empower turf professionals by enhancing their skills across technical, agronomic, and managerial disciplines.

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Barry Drennan joins the Bernhard Academy with more than 35 years of global experience in turf management, having started his career as a greenkeeper in 1987 and qualified as a golf course mechanic in 1991. He has since worked with leading brands such as Toro and Bernhard and Company, operated businesses specialising in golf equipment sales, hire, training, and service, and supported major tournaments including the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup.

Under Drennan’s leadership, the Bernhard Academy is introducing a range of new technical workshops for 2025 to form the core of its Technical and Equipment Management Pathway:

  • Basic Machinery Maintenance for Turf Professionals (NEW)
  • Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Part 1 & Part 2 (NEW)
  • Grinder Refresher and Abrasive Wheels Training (NEW)
  • Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques

The Bernhard Academy Pathways for 2025 offer comprehensive development opportunities, by combining numerous different workshops to create dedicated pathways for four different end goals:

  1. Leadership and Management Pathway
    1. Aspiring Manager
    2. Confident Manager
    3. Successful Manager Part 1 & 2
    4. Inspirational Leader
  2. Technical and Equipment Management Pathway
    1. Abrasive Wheel Safety Certificate
    2. Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
    3. Basic Machinery Maintenance
    4. Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Level 1 & 2
  3. Agronomy Pathway
    1. Basic Agronomy
  4. Bespoke Programmes
    1. Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers
    2. Customised training solutions tailored to client needs

Commenting on his new role, Barry Drennan said: “I’m delighted to join the Bernhard Academy at such an exciting time. I look forward to contributing my experience to provide valuable training in technical and equipment management skills to the industry.”

Sami Strutt, Education Director added: “We are delighted at the appointment of Barry Drennan. His knowledge, experience and skills have been fundamental in the development of the Technical and Equipment Management Pathway, which forms one of the three pillars of the Bernhard Academy. Barry’s enthusiasm and boundless energy will create an enjoyable and productive learning experience. The new pathways and workshops we are introducing will provide amazing opportunities for turf professionals to advance their careers and to shape the next generation of industry leaders.”

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk, where you can view more information about workshops and educational pathways.

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ICL appoints Simon Barnaby

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ICL appoints Simon Barnaby: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Barnaby as National Key Account & Business Development Manager UK & Ireland – Stadia.

Simon brings over 25 years of expertise in the sports turf industry, having held a variety of high-profile roles across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, including Agronomist for STRI, Technical Manager for Syngenta, and Technical Manager for Scotts.

Most recently, Simon has been involved in global turf consultancy projects, delivering world-class solutions for prestigious clients and events.

ICL appoints Simon Barnaby

ICL appoints Simon Barnaby

In his new role, Simon will lead ICL’s efforts within the UK and Irelands stadia and training grounds, working closely with clients to deliver innovative solutions tailored to high-performance environments.

Ed Carter, Business Manager, commented, “Simon’s extensive technical and industry knowledge makes him an exceptional addition to the team. His proven track record in delivering world-class results ensures ICL will continue to excel in supporting our stadia customers. We are thrilled to welcome Simon and look forward to the impact he will bring to the business.”

Simon expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to join ICL and work with such a respected team in the industry. This role gives me the chance to use my experience to help clients achieve their goals and push forward the innovative solutions ICL is known for.”

In this role, Simon will collaborate with ICL’s technical teams, distributors, and key industry bodies to drive growth and innovation in the stadia sector.

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

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Edgmond Bowling Club Wins Best Kept Green in Shropshire

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Edgmond Bowling Club Wins Best Kept Green in Shropshire: Edgmond Bowling Club has been awarded the title of Best Kept Green in Shropshire 2024, a competition sponsored by leading turf maintenance brands Dennis and SISIS.

The accolade marks a milestone for the club, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and highlights the dedication and skill of its greenkeeper, Peter Leath.

Edgmond Bowling Club Wins Best Kept Green in Shropshire

Edgmond Bowling Club Wins Best Kept Green in Shropshire

The Best Kept Green competition was launched in 2021, in response to the remarkable efforts of bowling clubs and their greenkeepers during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative, supported by Dennis and SISIS, aims to improve the standard of greens across the county, recognising the hard work of greens teams and providing them with valuable feedback to enhance their maintenance programmes. Each year, the competition grows in popularity, with a record number of clubs entering in 2024—a testament to the ongoing improvements in bowling greens throughout Shropshire.

Peter, a greenkeeper with 47 years of experience, joined Edgmond Bowling Club just before the pandemic and quickly found himself responsible for the care of the green, which was in need of attention. Reflecting on those early days, he recalls, “The green was in quite a bad condition. During Covid, I spent a lot of time managing to feed it and improve its health.”

Drawing on his greenkeeping background, Peter implemented a rigorous maintenance routine, including verticutting and aerating the green, to encourage healthy growth. He also invested in a SISIS Supaturfman, using it up to 16 times a year. His efforts have paid off, with Edgmond’s green now widely praised for its smoothness and playability. “There have been a lot of really positive comments about the green,” Peter said.

Edgmond Bowling Club’s win this year, tied on points with Cleobury Mortimer but edging ahead thanks to a perfect 10/10 score for the roll of the woods, is a fitting tribute to its 50th anniversary.

Peter’s attention to detail is key to the green’s success. He spends around 240 hours a year maintaining it, mowing three times a week in the summer and continuing regular care even through the winter months. His advice to other greenkeepers? “Make sure your mower is adjusted correctly, and cut the grass consistently. It makes all the difference.”

Phil Scott, Chairman of the Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association, praised Peter’s work and spoke about the growing success of the Best Kept Green competition. “We started these awards to recognise the often-overlooked work of greenkeepers in our county. Since the competition began, the standard of greens in Shropshire has improved dramatically.”

DLF’s Stuart Yarwood, a well-known expert in the industry and a key supporter of the Dennis/SISIS educational seminars, was part of the judging panel. He visited the top ten greens and provided invaluable advice to clubs on how to further improve their playing surfaces.

Looking to the future, the Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association, in collaboration with Dennis and SISIS, plans to continue supporting greenkeepers with initiatives such as forums, educational days, and factory tours. “We’ve set up new initiatives to keep the momentum going. We’re already planning to take all the greenkeepers who entered this year to the Dennis and SISIS factory for a tour, and we’re looking at adding new categories like ‘Most Improved Green’ or ‘Best Newcomer’ for next year,” Phil explained.

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 X @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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Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration

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Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is thrilled to announce that renowned TV presenter and journalist Sarah Stirk will host the BIGGA Celebration, held on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in January.

Best known for her work with Sky Sports, where she has been a leading voice in golf coverage since 2012, Sarah will guide the evening’s festivities. The BIGGA Celebration highlights the incredible achievements of BIGGA members over the previous year, including the unveiling of the prestigious BIGGA Awards winners.

Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration

Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration

With a career spanning roles at Sky Sports, the BBC, Setanta and Sky News, Sarah has covered DP World Tour and PGA Tour events and interviewed some of the biggest names in golf. A 7-handicap golfer herself, Sarah also champions women in leadership roles within golf, having launched the Women’s Leadership Summit supported by The R&A.

Sarah said: “I’m delighted to be presenting the BIGGA Celebration at BTME in January. It’s an honour to celebrate the incredible work of BIGGA members and I look forward to a fantastic evening in Harrogate.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Sarah’s experience and passion for the game make her the perfect host for this landmark event. We’re excited to welcome her to BTME and encourage all attendees to join us for an unforgettable evening in Harrogate’s historic Royal Hall.”

BTME is one of the golf industry’s most influential events and runs for three days at the Harrogate Convention Centre, offering unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. Both BTME and the BIGGA Celebration are free to attend, with registration available at www.btme.org.uk

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