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Aqua-Zorb Delivers Results

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Aqua-Zorb Delivers Results: The Course Manager at the highly exclusive Birch Grove Estate in Sussex, Pete Smith, has reported ‘phenomenal’ results from using Sherriff Amenity’s Aqua-Zorb wetting agent to bring his fairways back to life.

Situated in 1200 acres of undulating Sussex countryside, lies Birch Grove Estate. It is the former home of Sir Harold Macmillan, former Prime Minister, and visitors to the house have included Sir Winston Churchill, General Charles De Gaulle and, just a couple of weeks before his assassination, John F Kennedy.

'Phenomenal' Results From Aqua-Zorb

While these extraordinary visitors would have no doubt enjoyed the luxuries and stunning views afforded by Birch Grove, they would not have had a chance to play a round of golf on the magnificent 18-hole course in the grounds.

It wasn’t until 1986 when new owner and Asian businessman, Larry Yung, gained planning permission to build the course on the provision that it was to be purely for private use. Work eventually began on the Donald Steel designed course in 1994, and it was completed in 1996. However, for reasons unknown, Yung began to lose interest in his course and for next few years it was maintained as a 9-hole course with barely any golf played on it.

This all changed in 2011 when the current owners purchased Birch Grove and decided to return the course to its former glory. Having played a part in the original construction, Pete Smith – experienced greenkeeper and then course manager at the Cavendish Club, was brought in to reinstate the course.

Following a highly successful renovation, the 18-hole course is now 7,000 yards long, with the greens and tees constructed to USGA specification. The course remains ‘purely by invitation only’ and a maximum of 150 rounds of golf are played a year on it. It could be argued that Birch Grove Estate is the most exclusive golf course in the country.

Pete along with two other full-time greenkeepers tend to the course and no stone is left un-turned. So when his fairways started to take a turn for the worse, he was quick to find a solution.

“We have irrigation on the greens, tees and approaches but we don’t have fairway irrigation and I have never really used a wetting agent on them,” says Pete. “However, this year has been ridiculously dry and it got to the stage where in early July I was starting to look at the fairways thinking that they are actually going beyond dormant. We were starting to lose large parts of the fairway where we have not had any irrigation or any rainfall.

“So after speaking Joseph Dormer (Amenity Specialist for Sherriff Amenity), he suggested using the Aqua-Zorb Liquid as a curative effect and we thought we’d give it a go.”

Aqua-Zorb Liquid from Sherriff Amenity is a concentrated non-ionic turf wetting agent that will enable water to move faster and deeper into the soil profile. One application can last all season and it is renowned for treating the cause of Localised Dry Patch. Aqua-Zorb can also improve drainage, alleviate compaction, reduce the quantity of irrigation required, suppress the formation of dew and greatly improve the quality of the sward.

Upon applying Aqua-Zorb it is recommended that the operator should immediately irrigate with a minimum 3mm of water, or spray during rainfall – which, with no fairway irrigation, Pete relied on. However, what he thought would be a passing shower actually turned out to be far much more.

“Without fairway irrigation I was reliant on rainfall so I waited until it started raining before applying the Aqua-Zorb. It ended up absolutely chucking it down – literally the last couple of fairways I was spraying the product on were virtually flooding with surface water sitting on them. I ended up with about 16mm of rainfall which is pretty much four times the water volume that is required. At the time I was convinced that, due to the heavy rain, it wasn’t going to work. I believed it would just wash off and I thought I had just wasted all of the product.

“But coming back two days later I was amazed to see the fairways ‘greening up’ – the results were truly phenomenal. The proof, bizarrely that it worked, was that I missed a couple of areas, and you could clearly see where I had applied the wetting agent and where I hadn’t. At the time of spraying, I thought it wouldn’t matter if I left a 2ft line between my spray widths because it I felt it would leach and move with the heavy rain water that was coming down.

But it didn’t, it just stayed there and that actually gave me the evidence that the Aqua-Zorb had actually done an amazing job. I said to Joseph that it must have been like super glue!

“I will absolutely, un-questionably, use Aqua-Zorb in the spring next year as my six month fairway wetting agent. I will put it down with 100% confidence because I know how heavy that rainfall was. It was quite incredible seeing the results from this year and I know I won’t have to worry anymore about my fairways burning off or be concerned about losing them if we have another dry spell.”

As well as being a fan of Aqua-Zorb, Pete was also quick to praise the customer service he receives from Sherriff Amenity’s Joseph Dormer.

“Customer service is excellent – Joseph is relatively new in his role and having previously been a greenkeeper he is extremely knowledgeable. I know that he is always on the end of the phone for any back-up or agronomy issues.

“Not a lot of people are aware of actually how good this product is but Joe has looked into it, researched it and is confident in it. He hasn’t pushed it onto me – he simply came to me in a time of trouble and found me a solution. I took his advice and I’m pleased I did!”

For further information, please contact Sherriff Amenity on 01638 721 888 or visit www.sherriffamenity.com

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Wheelbarrow Effort Cut By Makita

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Wheelbarrow Effort Cut By Makita:

  • In-wheel Brushless motor drives up to 3.5 km/h (2.2 m/h)
  • 130kg max load up to 12° incline
  • Adjustable chassis with pipe frame or bucket frame option

Wheelbarrow Effort Cut By Makita

AT LAST – Makita has harnessed the impressive power of the incredibly successful 18v Brushless motor to reduce the back-breaking task of pushing a fully laden wheelbarrow across a rocky, bumpy building site, a muddy commercial garden or rough pasture towards a favourite fishing lake!

In fact, designed principally to reduce the physical demands in the construction industry the new Makita DCU180Z will prove popular in many operating fields.  Capable of carrying 130kg of blocks on the tubular frame, or similar amount of ballast in the barrow bin option, this power-assisted wheelbarrow has the Brushless motor integrated into the front wheel to ensure the maximum possible traction to the heavily ribbed agri-tyre.  This barrow has two forward speeds: Hi up to 3.5 km/h, Lo 1.5 km/h, and powered reverse of 1.0 km/h and will climb a 12° maximum incline.  Main braking is provided by the front disc brake controlled by the hand lever on the steering handles. The wheelbarrow weighs just 32.5kg, is ready to work with handles that can be adjusted to three height levels for operator comfort and also fold for easy storage.  The detachable rear trailing wheels with kick down brake can be adjusted from a width of 480mm to 760mm which further improves stability and reduces operator effort.

Powered by any of the Makita 18v LXT Lithium-Ion batteries used to power Britain’s number 1 professional power tool range, the new Makita DCU180Z power-assisted wheelbarrow has soft start to ease the load away; constant speed control; twin LED driving lights and locking brake lever for maximum site safety.  For site security an individual ignition lock key is provided.  Previous walk-behind powered site platforms can cost several thousand pounds but the new Makita powered wheelbarrow will prove particularly attractive in relation to price competitiveness and rugged performance.

The DCU180Z is a body only machine which is available with a choice of optional accessories which includes the pipe frame set and bucket frame set.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.  Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk

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SALTEX Reveal Visitor Profile

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SALTEX Reveal Visitor Profile: After an independent audit confirmed a record-breaking attendance at the NEC for SALTEX 2017, the show’s visitor survey has now revealed a fascinating insight into the 8,909 people who attended.

With over 300 exhibitors and more show features than ever before it is perhaps no surprise that an incredible 89 per cent of SALTEX 2017 visitors rated their overall SALTEX experience as being either very good or excellent.

SALTEX Reveal Visitor Profile

The majority of the visitors were aged between 31 and 60 and represented a wide variety of businesses and organisations – with sports clubs, local authorities and schools, colleges and universities leading the way.

In further exploring the type of sports or recreation facility that the visitors were responsible for maintaining, football led the way closely followed by golf, parks, cricket, rugby and tennis.

More than 70 per cent of visitors held a senior position within their respective companies and over 80 per cent of them were either solely responsible or contributed to the purchasing process.

Almost 60 per cent attended SALTEX with a view to buying and 40 per cent said that they placed orders on the show floor.

In terms of product categories they were interested in:

  • Machinery, power and hand tools – 84 per cent
  • Seeds, turf, aggregates and treatments – 49 per cent
  • Sports surfaces, facilities and equipment – 43 per cent
  • Arboriculture and horticulture – 40 per cent
  • Landscaping and materials – 38 per cent

Primarily, attendees came to search for innovations and new products while 84 per cent said they attended due to the number and mix of exhibitors. 67 per cent said they attended SALTEX with the main objective of networking; 74 per cent said the location of the show was a determining factor in their decision to attend and nearly 50 per cent of attendees made use of their visit for training and educational opportunities.

Whatever their reasons for attending, an overwhelming 92 per cent of SALTEX 2017 visitors said that they were successful in meeting their objectives.

SALTEX continues to attract an international audience and a large proportion of European visitors attended from countries such as Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Czech Republic and Spain. Further afield, visitors from Sri Lanka, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia also made the journey to the NEC.

Located in the centre of the country and easily accessible by car, train, bus and even aeroplane, it was no surprise that visitors attended from every corner of the UK. In particular, the counties of Warwickshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and London recorded a huge number of visitors.

SALTEX 2018 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 31 October and 1 November, and 92 per cent of SALTEX 2017 visitors concluded the survey by indicating that they will be returning.

To view show highlights and key interviews please visit www.youtube.com/MyIOG

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

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Racing With Polaris

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Racing With Polaris: Polaris UK & Ireland is pleased to announce their continuation as title sponsors of British Side by Side Championship Racing in 2018. What started in 2011 with Polaris Dealer Martin Fletcher and racing Polaris RZRs has become the fastest growing sport and leisure racing in the UK. It is now the premier racing championship for all makes and models of SXS.

“Polaris and SXS Racing have had a fantastic relationship since UTV racing began in the UK, and that is set to continue this season,” says Colin Martin, Race Director, “as the UTV market has come alive, so the motocross style of Side by Side racing has grown, attracting entrants from widely diverse backgrounds.” SXS racing runs over three race formats, Short Circuit Racing, Endurance Racing and Youth.

Racing With Polaris

“Polaris is passionate about Sport and Leisure and the Polaris British Short Circuit Racing Championship has grown year on year,” says Richard Coleby, Polaris District Sales Manager, “and the BSCC attracts people from all over the country. We’re proud to be at the forefront of the development of the sport.” What’s certain, whether you’re a motocross veteran or looking to get into motorsport as a first timer, there is a home with Polaris British Short Circuit Racing which runs on the motocross style and format. The classes mean there is something for everyone in the Championship: 1000cc Rookie, 1000cc Expert, Open-Class Rookie, Open Class Expert.

Endurance racing against the clock had grown one-hundred percent since 2016 when it opened to all makes and manufacturers, though it has to be said the dominant vehicles have been the Polaris RZRs, which sends out the challenge to all comers. In 2016 the Youth Class was introduced with a predominance of the Polaris ACE 570 single seaters as the springboard for young drivers to get into the sport. The future looks good for SXS racing with European links already opened up with the Polaris European Invitational at Kettering in 2017, SXS Racing in Bastogne, Belgium in July this year and the Belgians coming to the UK to challenge in the autumn. There are plans ahead for different race formats, expanding the sport with European counterparts and growing the youth market, which could see future world champions in the making across all types of motorsport.

Polaris Britain 0800 915 6720

www.polaris-britain.com

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Win Dedicated To Ex-Groundsman

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Win Dedicated To Ex-Groundsman: Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe dedicated the club’s win over Stoke to long-serving club stalwart John Harriss who passed away last month at the age of 88.

A minute’s applause was held in memory of John, who joined the club staff in 1970 and became head groundsman and then referee liaison officer.

Ex-Cherries bosses Harry Redknapp and Sean O’Driscoll, together with a host of former players, joined mourners at his funeral at a packed Bournemouth Crematorium on Tuesday.

His wife Deirdre, son Shaun, daughter Nicky and grandchildren Rich, Rachael and Clare were guests of the club at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

John, who spent 37 years tending the pitch at Dean Court, died at home just hours after watching on television as Cherries toppled Premier League big guns Arsenal on January 14.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “The minute’s applause was very emotional for me because immediately you think of John and all the memories come flooding back.

“Every week, without fail, he was there by our side, cheering on the team and always knowing what to say whether you had won, drawn or lost. His outlook and reaction to me personally never changed.

“Then, you go back to the days when you were an apprentice and trying to make your way in the game. You look for people to support and help you and he was one of the people who did. I have never forgotten that and never will.

“He has an incredible family and it was really nice to share this moment with them. I saw them during the week and we spoke about stories of John and shared memories with them.”

Perhaps fittingly, the Harriss family looked on as Cherries wrote another chapter in the club’s record books by extending to seven games their unbeaten run in the Premier League.

And like most of John’s 79-year association with the club, it was eventful as Cherries mounted a stirring second-half comeback to take the points.

Goals from substitutes Joshua King and Lys Mousset cancelled out Xherdan Shaqiri’s early opener as victory saw Cherries climb to ninth place in the table.

Discussing the game, Howe said: “Mentally, it was a big challenge for the players. We beat Chelsea on Wednesday and then played again on Saturday.

“After the high of Chelsea, we didn’t start well and it is not easy to respond in the right way. But we have a really good feel about the group at the moment.

“There is a good team spirit and a lot of quality. That was highlighted by the fact the two substitutes came on and made such an impact.

“Would we have come back earlier in the season? – I’m not so sure.

“But the fact we are in the middle of this run and producing performances, you have it in the back of your mind that you can.

“It is reminiscent of times gone by when we have had the spirit to come back from losing positions and that is a great quality to have. We have done it a lot in this run and the challenge for me is to maintain and harness that and try to improve it if we can.”

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