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Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

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Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

It is with immense sadness that Campey Turf Care announces the passing of our Company Secretary and Accounts Manager, Neil Armstrong, at the age of just 43.

Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

Neil passed away on Saturday 29 August following an incredibly short illness, having been diagnosed with brain cancer only days earlier.

His sudden illness and passing have come as an enormous shock to everyone at Campey Turf Care. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Neil’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Neil was part of Campey Turf Care for 16 years and, in that time, became an integral and much-valued member of the company. As Company Secretary and Accounts Manager, he played a vital role in the day-to-day running of the business, and we came to rely enormously on his knowledge, experience and support.

But after 16 years together, Neil was far more to us than his job title. He was a colleague, a friend and a cherished part of the Campey family.

His contribution to the company was considerable, and his familiar presence will be greatly missed, not only by everyone at Campey Turf Care, but also by the many customers, suppliers and friends across the industry who came to know him.

Richard Campey, Chairman of Campey Turf Care, said:

“Neil’s passing has come as a tremendous shock to us all. At only 43, and after such a sudden illness, it is incredibly difficult to comprehend.

“After 16 years with Campey Turf Care, Neil was so much more than a colleague. He was someone we trusted and relied upon enormously, but, more importantly, he was our friend and a very important part of the Campey family.

“He shared so much of the company’s journey with us, and his absence will leave a huge gap. He will be very sadly missed by everyone here and by the many people who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with Neil’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.”

Neil gave Campey Turf Care 16 years of dedication and friendship. To lose him at just 43 is devastating, and we will remember him with enormous affection and gratitude.

He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Funeral and cremation service to be held at Macclesfield Crematorium on Wednesday 30th September at 12.15pm. 87 Prestbury Road, Macclesfield SK10 3BU.

Those wishing to attend are warmly invited to join the family and please kindly meet at the Crematorium and afterwards at the Cavendish Golf Club, Watford Road, Buxton SK17 6XF. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Neil are gratefully appreciated, to the NorthCare Charity – The Critical Care Unit at Salford Royal Hospital.

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STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

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STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

STIHL GB has welcomed more than 70 dealers from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to a dedicated launch event ahead of the formation of STIHL UK and Ireland in January 2027.

STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

Held at Shamrock Lodge in Athlone, the event gave prospective STIHL dealers the opportunity to learn more about the company, meet key members of the STIHL team and discover the extensive support that will be available to them from next year.

Following welcome refreshments, dealers received a full introduction to STIHL through a series of presentations led by STIHL GB Managing Director Kay Green and colleagues from across the business.

The morning sessions provided an overview of the STIHL brand, its product portfolio and its approach to working in partnership with its network of specialist dealers. This was followed by a buffet lunch, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the STIHL team and discuss the plans for the Irish market in more detail.

During the afternoon, dealers heard more about the comprehensive support they can expect from STIHL, including dedicated technical services, product and business training, and Commercial Solutions support. The STIHL marketing team also outlined its plans for supporting the brand and dealer network across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

To conclude the event, attendees visited the STIHL On Tour mobile showroom, which travelled to Athlone for the occasion. The interactive showroom gave dealers a first-hand look at a wide selection of upcoming STIHL products and innovations.

Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, said: “The launch event was an important opportunity for us to meet dealers from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, introduce them to the STIHL team and share our plans for the future.

“Our specialist dealer network is critical to the STIHL business, providing customers with expert advice, exceptional service and trusted aftersales support. As we prepare for the formation of STIHL UK and Ireland in January 2027, we are committed to building strong relationships with our new dealer partners and providing them with the training, technical expertise, marketing activity and commercial support they need to succeed.

“It was fantastic to see so many dealers in Athlone and to experience such enthusiasm for STIHL and the opportunities ahead. We look forward to working closely with them as we establish and grow the STIHL dealer network across Ireland.”

For more information visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

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A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

For  more than four decades, the name John Greasley has been synonymous with quality golf course construction throughout the United Kingdom. From championship golf course remodeling and complex drainage installations to new course construction, the company has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and technical expertise, delivering projects at many of the country’s most prestigious golf clubs.

A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

In 2026, that legacy entered an exciting new chapter.

Premier Turfing Limited acquired the staff, operational assets, specialist machinery and on going work previously undertaken by John Greasley Limited, leading to the formation of Premier Golf Limited-a dedicated golf contracting business that will continue serving the golf industry with the same experienced people, specialist knowledge and commitment to quality that customers have relied upon for generations.

While this marks a new chapter, the relationship between the two businesses is far from new. Over the past twenty years, Premier Turfing has worked alongside John Greasley Limited as a trusted subcontractor on numerous golf course construction, drainage and renovation projects throughout the UK. During that time, both companies developed a strong working relationship built on shared values, quality workmanship and mutual respect.

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Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

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Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

When Chris Marker, Course Manager at Waterlooville Golf Club, began looking for new hand mowers as part of the club’s machinery replacement programme he had already heard plenty about Baroness and the quality of cut their machines could produce. Two years on, he says their trio of LM66 mowers for tees have not only lived up to the hype – they’ve exceeded expectations.

Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

Chris has been at Waterlooville for 11 years, overseeing a demanding, tree-lined parkland course maintained by a team of seven greenkeepers. To ease some of the pressure on the busy team, the club sought a new fleet of hand mowers to replace the existing tees set-up which consisted of older, narrower mowers. “We demoed all makes and models, looking for something that would cover more ground without compromising cut quality or presentation” he explains.

“I’ve known Luke Collins of Baroness for a long time and obviously he was keen for us to give the LM66’s a try. I was intrigued as I’d heard a lot about the cutting cylinders on these machines, so we gave them a go to see if they actually lived up to their reputation.”

And the result? “The quality of cut is outstanding. They stay on cut incredibly well meaning, not only do we have a wider more productive unit, we’re saving further time in terms of initial set-up and not having to continuously re-adjust the cut” Chris says.

Today, the trio of Baroness LM66’s are in use three times a week to maintain the tees, collars and aprons, with the team impressed by more than just the cut performance. “The simplicity of operation is another big plus with these machines, together with their balance and reliability.” He adds, “They’re bulletproof – probably the machines that require the least amount of maintenance and upkeep in the shed.”

The positive in-field experience has also been backed by strong aftersales service from both Luke, and Mark Carter from local dealer Lister Wilder. “They’ve both been on hand to answer any questions we’ve had. Being able to speak directly with the manufacturer is a nice thing and just brings further confidence in our purchase and in the brand.”

Chris concludes, “These machines have really opened our eyes to the possibilities with Baroness and, with the cut being so good, they’ve definitely put themselves in contention when we come to review some of our other cutting equipment in the future.”

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Origin Green-Tech supports Dilton Marsh Village orchard project

Origin Green-Tech supports Dilton Marsh Village orchard project

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Origin Green-Tech supports Dilton Marsh Village orchard project

Dilton Marsh has a rich but largely forgotten orchard heritage, with historic orchards once scattered throughout the village. Over time, many of these orchards disappeared, resulting in the loss of the area’s landscape character, biodiversity value and local heritage. The Village Orchard Project was developed to help restore this connection, creating a network of fruit and native trees that benefits local people, wildlife and the wider landscape.

Origin Green-Tech supports Dilton Marsh Village orchard project

Origin Green-Tech supports Dilton Marsh Village orchard project

The vision was inspired by Marlborough Community Orchard’s successful “An Orchard in a Town” initiative, combining a central community orchard with additional planting opportunities throughout the village to create a connected mosaic of trees that celebrate local heritage while enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience.

A review of green spaces across Dilton Marsh identified several locations where additional trees could strengthen existing habitats and provide continuity as mature trees age and eventually decline, reinforcing existing boundary hedgerows with standard trees and creating new informal lines of trees along field boundaries to enhance village open spaces and pollinator areas.

The village playing field was selected as a key planting location, providing space for tree establishment while creating an accessible community asset and an important ecological link between habitats within the village and the surrounding countryside.

The planting scheme included a selection of local heritage fruit trees and rare species of conservation interest, including Roundway Bonum Magnum, Bedwyn Beauty, Corsley Pippin and Wiltshire Monster, alongside Wild Cherry, Perry Pear, White Mulberry and the rare Devon Sorb Apple.

THE CHALLENGE

The project required newly planted trees to establish successfully within publicly accessible locations where they would be vulnerable to accidental damage and browsing animals during their early years.

Protecting the young trees while providing the right conditions for healthy establishment was essential to maximise survival rates and ensure the long-term success of the scheme.

With the planting forming part of a community landscape project, the tree protection measures needed to provide a robust and durable solution that would support the trees throughout their establishment period while requiring minimal maintenance.

ORIGIN GREEN-TECH INVOLVEMENT

Given the public nature of the site, robust protection measures were incorporated from the outset. Origin Green-tech supplied heavy-duty timber stakes and galvanised welded wire mesh tree guards to protect the newly planted heritage fruit trees and native species throughout the project.

Selected for their strength, durability and suitability for public spaces, the products provide essential protection during the critical early years of tree establishment. The tree guards help protect against browsing animals, accidental damage and impact, while allowing light and airflow to reach the developing trees.

Working alongside mulch mats and organic woodchip mulch supplied by project partners, the tree protection system helps create favourable growing conditions by reducing weed competition, improving moisture retention and supporting healthy root development.

By supplying reliable tree establishment products, Origin Green-tech has helped provide the newly planted orchard with the best possible start, supporting successful establishment and long-term landscape performance.

ORIGIN GREEN-TECH PRODUCTS USED

Heavy Duty 1.8m timber stakes were supplied to provide secure support for the newly planted trees during establishment. The stakes help maintain tree stability, reducing movement caused by wind and allowing young root systems to develop successfully. Strong root establishment is essential for long-term tree health, resilience and successful growth.

Galvanised Welded Wire Mesh Tree Guards were selected to provide durable, long-term protection for the young trees within publicly accessible areas. Manufactured from galvanised welded steel mesh, the guards help protect against browsing animals, accidental impact and damage from routine maintenance activities.

The open mesh design allows maximum airflow and light penetration, supporting healthy tree development while avoiding restriction as the trees mature. Their robust construction makes them particularly suitable for community spaces where long-term protection is required.

Together, the tree stakes and guards provide an effective establishment system, helping maximise tree survival and reducing the risk of early losses. By protecting the trees during their most vulnerable years, the products support the creation of a thriving orchard landscape that can be enjoyed for generations.

IMPACT AND OUTCOME

The Village Orchard project brought together the Parish Council, local volunteers and community partners and demonstrated how relatively small interventions can provide lasting benefits when local communities become actively involved in shaping and caring for their green spaces.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful tree planting can deliver lasting environmental, heritage and long-term community benefits. As the trees mature, they will provide increased blossom, nectar and fruit resources for wildlife, create additional nesting and foraging opportunities for birds and insects, and improve habitat connectivity throughout the village.

Through careful tree establishment, the scheme will create a valuable green space for residents, provide opportunities for environmental education and contribute to a more resilient landscape through increased tree cover, carbon storage and improved biodiversity.

The project has begun to restore Dilton Marsh’s identity as “A Village in an Orchard”, creating a legacy that will provide benefits for generations to come. Origin Green-tech is proud to have played a part in helping create a healthier, greener landscape for future generations.

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