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Boosting everyone’s game

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Boosting everyone’s game: Over the two days, SALTEX has proved that it was the place to be for anyone connected to the groundscare industry looking to boost their game.  Visitors were enthusiastic about the wide range of exhibitors, technical insight on show and networking opportunities available.

Thousands of visitors from 58 countries streamed through the doors of SALTEX and enjoyed two days of examining the latest innovations on the market and attending a string of inspiring Learning LIVE sessions.

Boosting everyone's game

Boosting everyone’s game

Callum Allsopp, Senior Sports Turf and Grounds Manager at Leicester City Football Club was taking part in a Learning LIVE session on ‘Managing Up’ whilst also making the most of his time at the show to seek out new products to bring to his club.

“SALTEX comes at the right time to help us start planning for the remainder of the season and also next season. We attend with the primary objective of seeing the lay of the land in terms of new innovations and technology and looking at what we can take back and implement at the stadium and training grounds. This year’s show was so worthwhile, and we come away with so much to consider for next year.”

Not only did SALEX deliver for the thousands of engaged visitors, but it also hit the right notes with exhibitors who found that the crowds were filled with people who were serious about doing business.

“With multiple new innovations we decided to use SALTEX as our main launching platform”, says Trimax Mowing System’s Global Brand Manager, Caroline Shaw. “The show saw a constant flow of visitors throughout the two days and proved to be the perfect channel for us to catch up with customers and generate new leads. We will definitely be back next year!”

As the 2023 show came to a close, GMA Chief Executive Officer Geoff Webb said: “The atmosphere across both days was brilliant — it’s great to see the international appeal of SALTEX continue to grow year on year.

“The industry has turned out in force and we have had some great feedback. Visitors have welcomed our new initiatives and applauded the Learning LIVE sessions which we are very proud of. The inaugural Community Sports Zone has been a great success – with both exhibitors and visitors seeing real value and insight.

“SALTEX this year was all about Boosting Your Game and, in doing so, SALTEX has also boosted the industry. Through supporting all attendees in boosting everything from your knowledge, skills, sales, surface and network, our industry will leave SALTEX stronger and more connected.

“Thanks to everyone – visitors, exhibitors, and speakers – for making SALTEX possible. We’re already looking forward to welcoming the industry back to SALTEX in 2024.”

SALTEX will return to the NEC in 2024 on 30-31 October.

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Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX

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Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX: New kid on the block Monty Miracle made its debut at this year’s Saltex.

The exterior cleaning product is proven to eliminate black spot, algae, lichen and other organic stains on most external hard surfaces including stone, wood, plastic, concrete resin and coated metals. It is already being used within a number of grounds across the UK, having launched to the trade just this year following its patent approval.

Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX

Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX

Peter Beaumont, director, said: “We’ve had the pleasure of speaking to some of the best in the business at Saltex, which is great as we are looking to build on our successful entry into the groundskeeping trade over the last few months.”

Perfect for pathways, walls, seating, decking, fencing and steps, Monty Miracle completely neutralises following the cleaning process and is fully degradable so it can be hosed off safely – essential when a quick clean across a range of materials is needed.

The product was created by Martin Beaumont, who combined his experience of working with English Heritage and Shell to produce the perfect chemical cleaner: kinder to a wide range of surfaces, with better, longer lasting results. Easier and quicker to use, it needs no aggressive jetwash or scrubbing, taking just 10 minutes to break down organic stains before rinsing with water.

Peter concludes: “Aggressive jetwashing can erode sealant and remove the surface layer of stone, leaving it exposed and vulnerable to further damage and decay – far from ideal in high traffic, exposed areas like sports grounds which can have several steps and paths! Our alternative is proven to offer a simple, gentle, more effective solution that is so much quicker – and we have a range of five-star reviews and excellent online sales figures to prove it.

“We were delighted at Saltex, it was so busy both days with really interesting guests and delegates.”

https://montymiracle.co.uk

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Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

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Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment: Cheshire West and Chester Council has cited communication as one of the key factors behind Duncan Ross Ltd.’ successful pitch refurbishment, which has seen an out-of-use football pitch turned into a ‘billiard table for rugby.’

For John Seiler CMLI, Landscape Architect at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, this is the best quality pitch that he has worked on over his 19-year period with the council. The transformation was much needed, with the 40-year-old surface left unused for many years due to drainage problems.

Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

Thriving local rugby club, Northwich RUFC, who play on the Moss Farm Leisure Complex, wanted to use the pitch for their first 15, and after a competitive tender process, John began working with Duncan Ross Ltd for the first time.

“This was my first time working with Duncan Ross Ltd, and I’ve been very impressed,” John said.

“Communication was vital to the success of this project because of the challenges we faced. One of the drainage issues was the outlet, which was blocked. We had to collaborate with the other landowners to gain access to the blockage, and what could have been potentially very challenging felt easy because Duncan Ross Ltd handled it so well.

“Duncan and Joe Ross ran the site, and their expertise and attention to detail were extremely good. They were both very approachable, professional and easy to get on with, which made an enormous difference.

“When running landscape contracts, we need to know what’s going on, and we can’t be on the site 24 hours a day. So, we need to have that level of trust, openness and transparency with regard to each work stage.

“They were also taking pictures of every stage of the process. So, from the grading, drains, and slitting works, they also had drone footage, which was fantastic for us and PR on the site.

“As a landscape architect having worked on many landscape and sports pitch contracts, I really value that close working relationship with a contractor.”

Investigation work revealed that the pitch’s drainage outlet was severed and blocked. Working with the landowner opposite, Duncan Ross addressed the issue and began installing the new outlet and carrier drains before constructing the pitch.

In mid-September 2023, a month after seeding, John describes the pitch as looking “absolutely beautiful.” Whilst he has been impressed by the communication and finished product, he also thinks Duncan Ross Ltd.’s high-quality machinery has heavily contributed to an outstanding product.

“The level on the pitch is absolutely incredible. It really is the best pitch I’ve worked on,” John said. “The rugby club are extremely grateful and have been blown away with the result, but so much of that is down to the professionalism of Duncan Ross Ltd and the machinery they use.

“It’s all absolutely first-class. For every single aspect of the various stages of the works, they have the equipment from laser-levels to trenchers to get the best results. What it also meant was they got the job done quickly. Because of the nature of the weather and having such a wet summer, it made it difficult, and potentially could have been very difficult, but because of the machines they had it enabled them to get the job done and to a high standard.”

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BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers

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BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner Bernhard and Company have selected 10 association members to engage in one of the sports turf industry’s most prestigious learning opportunities. 

A BIGGA Premium Partner, each year Bernhard and Company invites 10 BIGGA members to attend the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, this year taking place in Phoenix, Arizona.  A spot on the delegation marks out a candidate as among the most dedicated and talented ambassadors for the golf greenkeeping sector.

BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers

BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers

With experiences designed to elevate the careers of those in attendance, the delegation is a week-long educational trip that features site visits as well as seminars, networking events and educational demonstrations. The successful delegates will also be invited to convene at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January, where they will meet former participants in the programme, many of whom have gone on to great success in their careers.

The BIGGA members selected for the 2024 BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard and Company are:

  • Robert Acheson, course manager, Thonock Park Golf Club
  • Harry Cannon, head greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
  • Stephen Davey, head greenkeeper, Queenwood Golf Club
  • Michael Gibbons, course manager, Disley Golf Club
  • James Hampson, deputy head greenkeeper, Llanymynech Golf Club
  • Stuart Imeson, owner and course manager, Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course
  • Fraser Jardine, deputy head greenkeeper, Trump Turnberry
  • Richard Ponsford, course manager, Clevedon Golf Club
  • Luke Sheldon, head greenkeeper, Beau Desert Golf Club
  • Richard Stephens, course manager, Vicars Cross Golf Club

Head to the BIGGA website to find out more about each of the delegates.

Michael Gibbons is course manager at Disley Golf Club. Reacting to being selected, he said: “Having spoken to numerous former delegates, it’s clear the BIGGA Delegation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Being able to soak up all the US has to offer is an incredible personal opportunity but it could also be career-defining. The learning and networking opportunities will be second to none and I hope to get all that I can out of the experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to be one of the greenkeepers picked for it and cannot wait to get going in January.”

Fraser Jardine is deputy head greenkeeper at Trump Turnberry. He spoke of his pride at being selected as part of the team representing UK greenkeeping on a global scale and added: “I can’t wait to get over to Phoenix to meet people in the industry from around the world. I’m looking forward to learning about new technology and sharing ideas and techniques with others that I can bring back home with me. Thanks to BIGGA and Bernhard and Company for such an incredible, prestigious opportunity.”

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show runs from 29 January to 1 February 2024. As part of their duties, the delegates will attend the BIGGA stand during the conference, speaking to visitors about the association and UK greenkeeping.

For more information about the exclusive career development opportunities available to BIGGA members, head to the BIGGA website.

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total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system

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total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system: More cricket clubs and schools could reap the benefit of year-round, all-weather coaching thanks to an exciting new innovation from the cricket pitch experts at total-play Ltd.

One of the first non-turf cricket pitch suppliers to win England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) code of practice status, total-play has developed no less than six ECB approved non-turf pitch system designs over the years; installing artificial match pitches and state of the art training facilities at hundreds of sites nationwide.

total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system

total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system

The new ‘Cricket Shield’ system has again been developed in partnership with the ECB; effectively providing a ‘cricket dome’ that can be erected over new or existing cricket practice net facilities to effectively create an indoor practice facility at a fraction of the cost. The first installation of this exciting new system launched on Friday, 20th October at Bradford Park Avenue cricket ground as part of a pioneering £1.5m community inclusion project funded by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in partnership with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

The new, ten-lane facility features two 40mx20m covered domes with a state-of-the-art lighting system, elite cricket surface and a retractable netting system allowing for both training and matchplay. MD at total-play, David Bates says:

“I have been in discussion with the ECB for three years about ways to boost participation, particularly in urban centres. Indoor cricket facilities are prohibitively expensive – anything upwards of £5 million pounds – so the idea of converting outdoor nets to be suitable for all-weather use was an attractive one. Bradford Park Avenue was the perfect pilot site for the new system – the existing nets we installed 7 years ago were seeing huge use from across the community.

“The new facility will be a real game-changer and will increase capacity by offering a weather-proof centre for nets at all times of the year. It’s been amazing to work on this project alongside the other stakeholders and see vision become reality. We hope all the teams and groups who use the Bradford Park Avenue nets thoroughly enjoy their new facility, and look forward to rolling out Cricket Shield to other sites and help other clubs and schools reap the benefits.”

While the Bradford Park Avenue development is on a huge scale, Cricket Shield is scalable; with bespoke systems designed to meet individual clients’ needs and can be installed alongside as part of the development of completely new facilities of retro-fitted to existing natural or artificial surfaces. David says:

“With the inaugural installation now under our belts we look forward to seeing the Bradford Park Avenue system start to be used by the community and to starting work on more Cricket Shield projects in 2024, alongside some great straight practice facility and match pitch installations that are already in the pipeline. It looks set to be another busy year!”

For more details, head to www.total-play.co.uk or email info@total-play.co.uk

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