Green-tech names Prostate Cancer UK as its chosen charity for 2026

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Green-tech names Prostate Cancer UK as its chosen charity for 2026: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping materials, has announced that Prostate Cancer UK is its chosen charity of the year for 2026.

Green-tech is committed to supporting meaningful causes and giving back to the communities it serves. Each year, a member of the Green-tech team nominates a charity for the business to support through fundraising and awareness activities.

Green-tech names Prostate Cancer UK as its chosen charity for 2026

Green-tech names Prostate Cancer UK as its chosen charity for 2026

For 2026, the chosen charity has been nominated by Roger Aimes-King, Account Manager in the John Chambers Wildflower Seed team. Roger selected Prostate Cancer UK, a charity dedicated to stopping prostate cancer from becoming a life-changing or life-limiting disease for men and their families.

Prostate Cancer UK funds world-class research, provides specialist support services and campaigns for improved diagnosis and treatment. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and the charity plays a vital role in raising awareness, encouraging early detection and supporting those affected at every stage of the disease.

The nomination has personal significance for Roger, who lost his father to prostate cancer 22 years ago. He comments, “This is a cause that is extremely close to my heart. Losing my father to prostate cancer had a profound impact on my family, and it is a disease that affects so many men today. By supporting Prostate Cancer UK, I hope we can help raise awareness, fund vital research and support other families facing similar challenges.”

The Green-tech team aims to raise over £1000 during 2026 through various fundraising events and initiatives. The announcement follows a successful 2025 fundraising year, during which the Green-tech team raised much-needed funds for St Leonard’s Hospice in North Yorkshire.

To find out more about Prostate Cancer UK, visit their website at https://prostatecanceruk.org/ or to make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/green-tech-prostate-cancer-uk

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GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

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GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit: GroundTech is proud to announce its appointment as the first UK distributor for the revolutionary Drop-Pit Ball Management System, developed by VDB Technics – an industry leader in automated driving-range technology.

Specifically developed to work in conjunction with robotic range pickers, GroundTech can now provide a fully automated, highly efficient and exceptionally reliable solution for collecting, washing, transporting and dispensing range balls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

Using the Drop-Pit with an autonomous collector such as the Echo Range Picker eliminates the need for manual collection, ball washing, transportation and dispenser loading.

With a capacity of 300 balls per cycle and 20,000 balls in a 24 hour period, the Echo RP-1250 will transfer the load into the Drop-Pit where they’re automatically washed and counted via the electronic control unit. A vacuum system then transports the clean golf balls to the dispenser ready for play. This sophisticated vacuum-transport design keeps the line clear, resulting in significantly less clogging than alternative automated systems.

“Our decision to partner with VDB Technics is not only based on the system’s performance, but for its practicality” explains GroundTech Director Marcus Glover. “Thanks to its modular underground wash zone, compact drop box and long-distance vacuum transport capability it is easier to install than comparative systems and seamlessly integrates with existing driving-range equipment. We’re excited to add Drop-Pit to our portfolio and further cement our status as a leading provider of automated golf course solutions.”

Lode Moies, Sales Manager at VDB Technics added, “We look forward to a long and successful partnership with GroundTech. Their strong market knowledge, professional approach and excellent service support make them the ideal partner to represent our Drop-Pit technology in the United Kingdom.”

For more information on Drop-Pit, or the autonomous Range Picker or mowers available from GroundTech, visit www.groundtech.co.uk

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The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

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The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026: The R&A’s Sustainable Golf experts will once again be present at BTME in Harrogate this January, with the introduction of The R&A Clubhouse, a dedicated space designed to support learning, discussion and professional development throughout the show.

Located alongside The R&A’s stand in Hall 4, The R&A Clubhouse will complement the existing exhibition presence by providing an environment for structured talks, informal conversations and shared learning opportunities.

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

Led by R&A professionals and industry specialists, The Clubhouse programme will run across the three days of the trade exhibition, offering practical insight, experience-led discussion and discussions on the key challenges facing modern golf course management.

As in previous years, The R&A will be represented by a broad team drawn from across the organisation, including Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and Education programmes. Specialists attending from Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and Asia-Pacific will be available throughout the week to engage with industry professionals, share experience and contribute to conversations around sustainable, performance-led course management across different environments and regions.

The R&A team will be based in Hall 4, providing a central point for visitors to find out more about the independent agronomy support available to golf venues and to speak directly with R&A agronomists and specialists working at both a strategic and practical level.

The R&A Clubhouse programme begins on Tuesday 20 January with a focus on Excellence in Agronomy – Performance Delivered Sustainably, exploring how course teams can balance performance expectations with long-term sustainability. On Wednesday 21 January, the theme turns to International Insights into Sustainability and Greenkeeping, drawing on global perspectives and shared experiences from across the industry. The programme concludes on Thursday 22 January with Championing Leadership of Golf Courses, supporting collaboration and understanding between course managers, club leaders and decision-makers.

Richard Windows, Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy Services at The R&A, said: “BTME provides an invaluable opportunity to bring the industry together and encourage open discussion around the issues that matter most to golf courses. The R&A Clubhouse has been designed to facilitate meaningful learning, with contributions from our own specialists and wider industry experts, allowing attendees to gain insight that is both relevant and practical.”

Daniel Lightfoot, Director – Sustainable Golf at The R&A, added: “Having colleagues from across Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and our education programmes together in Harrogate allows us to support a wide range of conversations. By combining R&A expertise with industry-led discussion in the Clubhouse, we hope to provide a forum that encourages shared understanding and informed decision-making.”

BTME 2026 takes place at Harrogate Convention Centre, with the trade exhibition running from 20–22 January 2026. You can find out more on each of the clubhouse activities here: https://www.btme.org.uk/attendees/what-s-on/feature-areas/the-r-a-clubhouse.html

For more information on The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, or to arrange a meeting with the team at BTME, please contact sustainableagronomy@randa.org

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026: Two John Deere turf dealerships are expanding their areas of responsibility later this year.

Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare will extend their respective geographies from 9 July 2026 when Balmers GM leaves the John Deere dealership network.

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Part of the Ripon Group, Ripon Ground Care has been selling and servicing John Deere machinery and technology since 1982, with 13 branches located across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Teesside.

For over 40 years, the company has supplied equipment for industries such as golf and sports turf, local authorities, contractors, caravan parks and similar environments.

Similarly, Turner Groundscare has over 30 years’ experience and offers a full range of premium John Deere equipment across Cheshire. The company has an excellent reputation for its servicing and customer support.

“With decades of experience between them, John Deere is proud to have both Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare taking over operations in the Lancashire and West Yorkshire areas,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf.

“Over the next six months before this transition takes effect, we will put everything in place to ensure a seamless transfer for John Deere customers who will be dealing with Ripon Ground Care or Turner Groundscare in due course.

“We would also like to thank Balmers GM for their hard work and years of service with John Deere.”

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA: Two previous members of the GMA Young Board, now known as GMA NextGen, have been awarded their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative, recognising the contributions of past and present members of GMA NextGen.

The Pioneer Mark is a distinctive legacy number that symbolises the impact each member has made on the grounds management profession.

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Will Graves (#002) joined the industry in 2010 as an apprentice at Merchant Taylors’ School and became part of the first Young Board in 2011, later serving as Chair in 2014. He went on to join the ground staff team at Watford Football Club while also gaining experience at Wembley Stadium.

He said: “My time working with the Young Board of Directors was a real highlight of my career to date. We all worked hard to make a positive difference and increase opportunities for those both inside and outside of the profession. I am very grateful to both the GMA and Reesink UK for everything they did and continue to do to support the group.”

Harry Boxell (#022) served four years on the Young Board from 2016. He began his grounds management career at 16 and progressed through roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Godolphin, before taking on the role of Head of Grounds and Gardens at Embley Park in 2017. He is now Estates Manager, overseeing the 130-acre Grade II listed parkland.

Harry says: “I vividly remember driving down from Newmarket for the interview and being struck by the beauty of the buildings and grounds, while also recognising the potential for further enhancement.”

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from many inspiring individuals,” He added. “Some of my most memorable experiences were through my involvement with the Young Board of Directors. We met regularly and were fortunate to visit venues such as the Stade de France, Parc des Princes (home of Paris Saint-Germain), and several other prestigious sites.”

Jennifer Carter, GMA Director of Communications and Marketing, said: “The GMA would like to thank Will and Harry for their contributions during their time with the NextGen, formerly known as the Young Board.

“It’s really important that we recognise the contributions they have all made to the grounds management industry by awarding them with their pioneer marks. We’re excited to continue the legacy and are now looking to recruit the next generation of passionate individuals to carry the group forward.”

The duo join the ranks of respected NextGen alumni who have received their Pioneer Marks, which can be viewed here.

GMA NextGen are now welcoming new members under 35 who are ready to make a difference in the grounds management industry.

If you’re passionate about shaping the sector’s future, express your interest here. 

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