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Wilcox Groundcare perfects bowling green preparations with Baroness

Wilcox Groundcare perfects bowling green preparations with Baroness

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Wilcox Groundcare perfects bowling green preparations with Baroness

When Harry Wilcox, founder of contractors Wilcox Groundcare, took on his first bowls contract in 2020, he knew having the right equipment would be critical. After evaluating the options, he found that nothing matched the cut quality of a Baroness LM66 hand mower. Six years on, and with two further bowls clubs on his books, the decision was made to invest in two more LM66’s – the trio now delivering precise, consistent and efficient mowing on all three sites.

Wilcox Groundcare perfects bowling green preparations with Baroness

Wilcox Groundcare perfects bowling green preparations with Baroness

With the assistance of a team of five, Harry looks after a vast and varied portfolio of amateur and professional sports clubs across north-west London, encompassing rugby and cricket alongside lawn bowls. To get the finesse demanded for a first-class bowling green, Harry consulted with Jon Ryan of dealers George Browns to explore the options. “It quite quickly became clear that the Baroness machine not only gave the best quality of cut and finish, but also the weight and width of the machine was ideal for cutting the green in less time than other hand mowers available” he says.

He specified the LM66 with an 11-blade cutting cylinder, additionally equipped with a front-mounted 94-blade groomer. “This combination is a gamechanger. In one pass I can groom and cut, all-but-eliminating the need to do additional verti-cutting.” Harry continues, “We’ve reduced the poa content on the green by grooming this out, and the amount of weed control we need to do has also reduced as nothing has an opportunity to grow and take hold.”

“We’ve taken this set-up that works so well and now have two further LM66’s, delivered in February 2026, all equipped with groomers at each of our bowling greens. This reduces the need to transport machines around, thereby lowering our chances of transferring weed seeds or diseases from green to green, as well as reducing our risk of knocking machines off cut or damaging them in transit. Each machine can then be fully configured to the needs of that specific site and green, maintaining that all-important consistency and quality with every cut.”

The LM66 from the Baroness pedestrian range is designed to provide the highest quality finish, with a solid build but a light footprint for its class. By utilising nickel-chrome-molybdenum alloy steel cutting cylinders and specially hardened, tipped bedknives, operators are ensured of samurai sword sharpness that keeps its cutting edge longer than any other mower in the market.

He adds, “In terms of maintenance, there isn’t much to say as I’ve not had a single breakdown in the six years I’ve had the mower! We just keep on top of the regular upkeep and in return, get a mower that performs perfectly every time.”

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Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

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Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

Krinkels UK has reinforced its commitment to sustainable grounds maintenance with a major investment in a fleet of Kress commercial battery powered equipment, supporting the upkeep of parks, open spaces across Westminster.

Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

The new fleet, including mowers, blowers and brushcutters, was delivered to the company’s base at Victoria Embankment Gardens. The setting provided a striking backdrop for a milestone moment, as operatives were introduced to the new equipment through live demonstrations and hands-on training sessions covering both the machinery and the Kress app system.

Krinkels UK holds a major contract with Westminster City Council, making performance, reliability and efficiency essential across all operations. For Assistant Operations Director Steve Morris, the investment reflects both day-to-day operational needs and a clear long-term plan.

“Wherever possible, our instinct is to move towards electric equipment,” he said. “That said, we have to be realistic about what we’re delivering on the ground. We need to know that any solution can meet our contractual commitments, whether that’s power, battery life, and the practicality of carrying enough batteries for a full day’s work, and ultimately whether it represents value for money for our customers.”

“It’s important to us that we deliver a high-quality service, but also that we do so in the most environmentally responsible way possible.”

Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

“This is a significant initial investment, but when viewed over the long term, it makes sense. It’s not just a financial investment, we’re investing in the future of the environment, and in the wellbeing of the public and our teams.”

“Westminster is a particularly important step,” added Steve. “Operating in the heart of London brings additional responsibilities, and there is a clear ambition to move towards fully electric operations as part of wider air quality improvements. This sits alongside broader goals around greening, biodiversity net gain, and the development of connected green corridors in response to the climate emergency.”

Built for professional use, the Kress commercial range delivers the power required for demanding urban environments, alongside long run times and fast charging that help keep downtime to a minimum. The consistent performance across the range ensures teams can work efficiently throughout the day, while low noise levels and reduced vibration improve operator comfort. In addition, the Kress app system provides valuable insight into battery performance and equipment usage, helping teams plan more effectively and get the most from their fleet.

Ian Harwood, Sales Director at Groundserv, the supplying dealer, has seen growing demand for high-performance battery solutions.

Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

Krinkels powers Westminster parks with Kress fleet

 

“We carry out demonstrations for a wide range of customers and people often say they’ve trialled other battery powered brands that haven’t quite ticked every box,” he said. “With Kress, it’s the combination of battery charging times, reduced downtime and the power of the machines that really stands out.”

For Kress UK, seeing its equipment in action across one of the capital’s most iconic landscapes is a proud moment.

“It’s amazing, a real privilege,” said Vince Jenkins, National Account Manager at Kress UK. “We’ve worked with Krinkels for around two years, supporting that transition from petrol to battery. Westminster is a prestigious and beautiful location, so to see the Kress fleet in operation here for the 2026 season is fantastic. It’s been a pleasure working together.”

As Krinkels continues the transition, Westminster marks an important milestone in the shift towards cleaner, quieter and more efficient grounds maintenance in the heart of the capital.

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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GGM Group Celebrates Successful Customer Innovation Events

GGM Group Celebrates Successful Customer Innovation Events

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GGM Group Celebrates Successful Customer Innovation Events

Industry-leading manufacturers, customers and trade media come together to explore innovation, collaboration and to celebrate a landmark partnership milestone of 50 years in partnership with Kubota.

GGM Group Celebrates Successful Customer Innovation Events

GGM Group Celebrates Successful Customer Innovation Events

GGM Group is celebrating two highly successful Customer Innovation Events held recently at its Knottingley Service Centre and Leigh Sports Village, bringing together customers, leading industry manufacturers, and members of the trade press for two days of innovation, networking and equipment demonstrations.

The events provided customers with a unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the industry’s most respected manufacturers, gaining first-hand insight into the latest developments in grounds maintenance, turf care and associated technologies. Attendees were able to explore new equipment, discuss emerging industry trends and discover practical solutions to industry challenges, designed to enhance operational efficiency and performance.

The strong attendance from customers across the arboriculture, sports turf, local authority, contractor and amenity sectors highlighted the growing demand for innovation and collaboration within the industry. Representatives from the trade press were also in attendance, helping to share insights and developments from the events with the wider grounds care community.

Chris Gibson, GGM Managing Director, said:

“We are delighted with the success of both Customer Innovation Events. Bringing together our customers, manufacturer partners and industry media created an excellent platform for sharing knowledge, demonstrating new technologies and discussing the future of our industry.

The positive feedback we received from attendees reinforces the importance of these events in helping customers make informed decisions and stay ahead of industry developments.

The events also provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate our remarkable 50-year partnership with Kubota, a milestone that reflects the strength of our relationship, shared values and commitment to delivering exceptional products, service and support to customers across the industry.”

The events also reinforced GGM Group’s commitment to supporting customers through innovation, expertise and strong manufacturer partnerships, ensuring access to the latest equipment and solutions available in the market.

GGM Group would like to thank all customers and members of the press who attended and contributed to the success of both events. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our manufacturer partners for their continued support and active participation, which played a key role in delivering engaging demonstrations, valuable industry insights and an exceptional experience for all attendees.

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RHS Badminton Flower Show to feature largest ever show garden

RHS Badminton Flower Show to feature largest ever show garden

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RHS Badminton Flower Show to feature largest ever show garden

RHS Badminton Flower Show adds to its horticultural line up with the RHS’ largest ever Feature Garden, created by award-winning designer Tom Stuart-Smith, and a planted exploration into the human mind designed by singer Will Young with plantsman and broadcaster Jamie Butterworth.

RHS Badminton Flower Show to feature largest ever show garden

RHS Badminton Flower Show to feature largest ever show garden

Measuring 2,400m2, The Julia Rausing Garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith is the largest garden ever seen at an RHS Show and will be a celebration of the life and philanthropic work of Julia Rausing. Fresh from his gold medal winning garden at RHS Chelsea, Tom is now taking on the challenge of the largest garden at an RHS Show, equivalent in size to nine Wimbledon tennis courts, with its huge scale enabling meandering paths for visitors to be fully immersed in its planting.

The garden’s design is inspired by the pastoral setting at Badminton Estate and frames views over the lake and back to Badminton House. A central terrace and fountain will be surrounded by a flower garden in which woodland edge planting will be set amongst multi-stemmed trees with a dry meadow of drought tolerant perennials. This inner area will be enveloped by a wildflower meadow with lime trees and a wild beehive.

Tom Stuart-Smith said: “It is an honour and a joy to design a garden to celebrate the legacy of Julia Rausing, whom I knew well. She loved gardens, and this is a tribute to her work supporting garden projects and causes across health, welfare, and the arts. Her generosity is reflected in a design where visitors are welcomed into the heart of the garden and can experience its beauty up close. After the show, the herbaceous plants will be sold to raise funds for Horatio’s Garden, a wonderful charity that has been supported by the Julia Rausing Foundation.”

Creating his first exhibit at an RHS Show, Will Young has collaborated with Jamie Butterworth to design Out of the Shadows, an exhibit interpreting Carl Jung’s ‘shadow self’, or the part of ourselves we keep hidden from the world, through planting. The exhibit will be formed by three planted cubes showing the journey from introspection and isolation to openness and the embrace of possibility.

Across the three cubes, shade loving plants gradually give way to airy grasses and flowers as light is let in. The first cube represents the hidden parts of out psyche with dense, layered planting creating a quiet atmosphere of seclusion. The second cube portrays a transitional garden with dappled shade and lighter planting, symbolising where the shadow self meets our conscious persona. The final cube follows a light, naturalistic planting scheme where shadows start to lift and new perspectives emerge.

Will Young said: “I’d been looking at Jungian shadow work for some time and thought it was fascinating and could translate so well into planting and a garden installation. I’d like people to see how density and shade can be beautiful and as a metaphor, encourage people to look into their own psyche as beauty often hides in the dark.”

Jamie Butterworth adds: “It’s a pleasure to be working with Will at RHS Badminton this year to deliver a planting installation full of amazing plants that visitors can incorporate in their gardens at home.  Working side-by-side in the garden, or outside space, sharing knowledge and discovering new planting combinations together is one of the best things we can do, it strengthens not just our mental health but our bonds of friendship too.”

Joining the line-up of show features is Perfume Pavilions by Nicholson’s Garden Design, a sensory garden celebrating botany as the source of scent and perfume. The garden will feature lavender, honeysuckle, daphne, and phlox to immerse the space in scent whilst also entertaining the other senses with rustling leaves, flavour packed herbs, and colourful blooms.

These feature gardens and exhibits join a host of award-winning gardens, expert growers and nurseries, floral installations, talks stages, and live music.

RHS Badminton Flower Show runs from 8-12 July 2026 and tickets are available online at rhs.org.uk/badminton

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Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

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Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Bernhard Academy is delighted to officially welcome Matt Axton to the team as Programme Leader for Technical Training and Advisory, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Academy’s technical education offering.

Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Following the announcement of his appointment earlier this year, Matt has now officially started his role with Bernhard Academy, bringing with him extensive international experience in managing and maintaining golf course machinery fleets as well as leading technical teams.

With a career spanning leading venues including The Belfry, Copt Heath Golf Club and The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club, alongside international roles in Bahrain and Qatar, Matt’s expertise further strengthens Bernhard Academy’s commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant training for turf professionals.

Matt also brings significant experience in equipment management, dealer support and industry collaboration, having played a key role in developing the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), helping create a strong community focused on knowledge sharing and professional development.

Speaking about officially joining the organisation, Matt Axton said:

“I’m incredibly excited to officially begin this journey with Bernhard Academy. The opportunity to support the industry through practical technical education is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m looking forward to helping professionals develop their skills and confidence at every stage of their careers and to raise awareness of equipment management as a rewarding career path.”

As Programme Leader for Technical Training and Advisory, Matt will lead the delivery and continued development of Bernhard Academy’s growing technical training programmes, supporting turf professionals, equipment technicians and organisations across the industry.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, commented:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Matt to the team. His technical expertise, industry knowledge and passion for supporting others make him an outstanding fit for Bernhard Academy. We are excited about the impact he will have as we continue to grow our technical education offering and support the future of the industry.”

Matt’s arrival comes during a period of continued growth for Bernhard Academy, with increasing demand for technical, leadership and management education across the turf industry. The Academy remains committed to creating accessible, practical and forward-thinking learning opportunities for professionals around the world.

To learn more about Bernhard Academy and its educational programmes, visit Bernhard Academy.

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