Norwich Install Hunter Irrigation

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Norwich Install Hunter Irrigation: Norwich City Football Club is reaping the benefits of the latest Hunter Industries irrigation technology after new systems were installed at both the Carrow Road Stadium and the Club’s training ground; the Lotus Training Centre.

The system, which was purchased through KAR UK – a distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, consists of a variety of G995, I-40 and I-80 rotary sprinklers, ICV valves, an ACC2 controller with Wi-Fi, a Roam remote and the ST1600 system for synthetic turf.

Norwich Install Hunter Irrigation

The Lotus Training Centre Grounds Supervisor, James Randell explained that the new technology was much needed: “We had to change our old irrigation system because we just didn’t have enough stations. Previously we used to get by but when we launched the Lotus Academy there was no doubt about it that we needed to upgrade.

“We spoke to KAR UK about the situation and Mike McDonnell (KAR UK Sales Manager) came to visit and advised on what would work best for us. The systems were installed in April last year and we’ve noticed some huge improvements.”

As James says, Norwich City FC has just seen the completion of a £5m project which saw the construction of new state-of-the-art Academy facilities at the Lotus Training Centre. With the addition of new natural and synthetic pitches along with the increasing demand for better quality playing surfaces, it was imperative that the club invested in a superior irrigation system.

With this in mind the club opted for the most technologically advanced commercial rotor on the market – the all-new Hunter I-80 gear-driven rotor.

Engineered specifically for sports turf, the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 meters. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides total top serviceability (TTS) via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring for no-dig easy maintenance.

“We had 32 I-80’s installed and they are phenomenal,” said James. “Prior to these being installed we couldn’t get the grass to grow around the pop-ups. But with these new I-80 heads, with the nozzles and the spray pattern, they are a lot better and the growth this year has been amazing.”

With the I-80’s working wonders on the pitches at the training centre, James has also been blown away with the results from using the ACC2 controller which is ideal for delivering advanced water management to meet the demands of large-scale commercial projects and the Roam remote – which eliminates the need to go back and forth to the sprinkler controller.

“The controls are very easy to use and the remote allows you, no matter where you are onsite, to activate any of the sprinklers at any time. If for example, one of the coaches wanted to irrigate one of the pitches just before the players came onto the pitch then we can easily do that at just the click of a button.

“Overall, this new system has signalled some huge improvements. It has given us greater flexibility, is more accurate and because it is more accurate, we have seen a lot less water wastage. We have really enjoyed the Hunter Industries experience and KAR UK has provided an excellent service – they are always on hand to offer advice and are incredibly reliable.”

Hunter Industries is distributed in the UK by KAR UK. For more information, please visit www.karuk.com or www.hunterindustries.com.

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Gordon Moir To Take Top Post

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Gordon Moir To Take Top Post: Former St Andrews Links Trust director of greenkeeping Gordon Moir is in line to land a prestigious post in the industry where he made his mark.

The 60-year-old has accepted the nomination to become vice president of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association in 2020, with a view to becoming president the following year.

“I was absolutely delighted to be asked to be president of BIGGA,” said Moir, who retired from his position at St Andrews Links last December after a career that saw him involved with the hosting of more than 37 championships, including five Opens.

“To be honest, it was something that I really hoped would happen and I’m glad that my retirement has enabled me to accept this opportunity.

“I’ve tried to stay involved with the greenkeeping industry since retiring and so I’m really proud to be offered the chance to represent the association in this way and meet people from all over the country who I haven’t seen for a year or who I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Moir has previously served on the BIGGA National Board and is a former chairman of the association’s Scottish Region.

“There is so much available to members of BIGGA, such as getting involved with the various support teams or the numerous networking opportunities, and it can open up so many doors in your career,” he added.

“The association has done so much for me and I look forward to being the one talking to members and spreading that message.”

l Scotland are joint second after the opening round of the European Senior Men’s Team Championship at Rungsted Golfklub in Denmark.

Ronnie Clark led the way for the Scots with a two-under-par 70, the best round of the day along with Dane Bjorn Norgaard, and was backed up by an equally impressive 71 from Stewart Henderson.

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Tributes To Stalwart Willie Duffy

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Tributes To Stalwart Willie Duffy: Stenhousemuir Cricket Club paid tribute to one of its greatest stalwarts Willie Duffy, who died last Friday, aged 83.

Willie joined the club in 1952. He was a steady medium paced swing bowler. He had some spectacular success such as the occasion when he took six wickets against Watsonians at Myreside and when he accounted for Scottish batsman Hamish More in the Masterton Trophy Final.

He became 2nd XI captain in 1972. He later became a dominant president of the club until his retirement in 2001 and was very proud of the club’s successes. He looked after the ground so well that he was honoured by Cricket Scotland as Groundsman of the Year.

Willie Duffy was the heart and soul of the club. He was just always there. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see young players doing well, unless it was enjoying a convivial afternoon in the bar with all the regulars.

It is difficult to put Willie Duffy into words. He simply was Stenhousemuir Cricket Club and will be really sadly missed. Our thoughts go out to his widow, Molly, so long Captain of the Tea Ladies, and all other family at this time.

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Twickenham’s New Head Groundsperson

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Twickenham’s New Head Groundsperson: The RFU has appointed Jim Buttar as Twickenham Stadium’s head groundsperson, a role he began on 2nd September. 

Jim has over 20 years’ experience in grounds maintenance. He was head groundsman at Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane for 11 years and deputy head for three years during which time he was awarded the Institute of Groundmanship (IOG) Premier League Groundsman of the Year two years in a row.

He more recently worked as an International Sports Turf Development Manager for Pro Pitch. This role saw Jim provide consultancy to leading sports associations and organisations in the delivery of major events and tournaments including the UEFA Champions League Final in 2018 and 2019, the Euro 2020 host venue in Budapest plus the FIFA Club World Cup and Asian Cup 2019.

Jim brings a wealth of experience, particularly around new technologies and the effect of pitch surfaces on player performance and recovery.  Jim will use his extensive knowledge of pitch maintenance to support grassroots rugby clubs via the Rugby Groundsmen Connected network.

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Luke Perry Joins The IOG

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Luke Perry Joins The IOG: The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has appointed Luke Perry to the newly-created position of SALTEX & Events director, and he will be primarily responsible for the growth, development, management and delivery of the IOG’s annual SALTEX exhibition.

A batchelor in politics, Luke will be based at the IOG’s Milton Keynes HQ in a role that embraces full accountability for SALTEX sales, services, performance and profitability, as well as future strategy while maintaining a high level of client and team satisfaction.

Luke Perry Joins The IOG

Commenting on his new role, Luke – who has a wealth of experience gained through formulating sales strategies, creating partnerships, and determining and achieving business opportunities for a range of exhibition and media companies – says:

“I am excited to be joining the IOG with the aim of contributing to the ongoing success of such a flagship event. I look forward to utilising my experience of over 20 years in the exhibition industry, and to getting to know my colleagues at the IOG as well as IOG members and those throughout the groundscare industry.”

IOG chief executive, Geoff Webb, added: “Looking to build on the success of SALTEX, Luke’s appointment will considerably extend our in-house expertise – not only in delivering SALTEX but also with a view to providing a schedule of year-round events for members. His appointment also assists the development of other existing IOG products and services and will help us continue to deliver excellent benefits to our membership.”

Luke will report to Geoff Webb and will work alongside the IOG’s head of member services – communications & events, Karen Maxwell, who is a key conduit between the IOG and its existing contractors, Events For You and Fusion Media, which between them run SALTEX’s  sales, marketing and PR activities.

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