Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot

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Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot: TIMBERSPORTS® is back with a bang at the Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern from 14-16 June 2024. Three days of action-packed competition will see Britain’s top athletes compete against each other for the British crown, as well as the opportunity to represent their country at world level. 

Competition for places in the British Pro Championship taking place on Saturday 15 June is so high that the first ever qualifier will take place the Friday before. The top six athletes from 2023’s Championship have earned automatic qualification, whilst the remaining athletes from last year’s competition will go head-to-head with newcomers to decide who will take the final spots in the main event. The action doesn’t stop there with 12 rookies (athletes under 25) competing in the British Rookie Championship and 11 women vying for victory in the British Women’s Championship on Sunday 16 June.

Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot

Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot

Fresh from finishing sixth at the World Rookie Championship in Milan, Jack Morris will be the one to beat in the Rookie Championship. Inspired by his older brother, Morris first competed in TIMBERSPORTS® in 2019 and his laser focus on fitness and training has seen him rise to the top of the British rookie ranks, where he finished first in 2022 and 2023. This will be Morris’s last year competing as a rookie as he moves up to the Pro level in 2025, and he’s aiming to finish on a high, but there will be plenty of other rookies with their eye on the podium so complacency is not an option.

In the British Women’s Championship, it’s all to play for this year, with previous champions Justine Narusa (2023 winner) and Zoe Penlington (2022 winner) returning as well as some exciting new talent looking to shake things up.  Libby Arrowsmith, the youngest competitor at just 17, has been focussed on a dedicated training regime and will be looking to better her third-place finish in 2023, whilst newcomer Rachel Ferrington, who has competed in many sports including jousting, is also looking to make her mark.

The Pro Championship will be another hard-fought battle, but Glen Penlington will be hoping to hold off his rivals to make it a hat-trick of national titles, after he won in 2022 and 2023. But 2014 champion Rob Chatley is also eyeing the top prize. Both athletes are GB TIMBERSPORTS® trainers and share their expertise with the less-experienced athletes at regular training camps throughout the year, but once the competition starts it’s every man for himself, and they will both be looking to get maximum points in all six of the competition disciplines. Between them, they hold three of the six national records, so the competition will definitely be fierce, and is sure to deliver edge-of-your-seat action.

The British Championship takes place from 14- 16 June at the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern. Tickets are available from the show website. The Pro, Women’s and Rookie Championships will also be livestreamed via the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® YouTube channel.

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Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme

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Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme: Plymouth City Centre embarked on a transformative regeneration project to revitalise the key areas of Old Town Street and New George Street.

The £1.6 million contract aims to deliver significant visual and environmental improvements, including 25 new semi-mature trees, new islands of greenery, and a sustainable urban drainage system that includes three rain gardens with ornamental planting.

Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme

Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme

The scheme focused on enhancing the urban landscape, promoting sustainability, and mitigating flood risks through innovative solutions. YGS Landscapes was appointed as the Landscape Contractor as part of this initiative. They turned to Green-tech, a leading provider of landscaping materials, to supply 160 tonnes of Green-tree Bioretention Soil to create the three rain gardens.

This major public realm improvement project involved the removal of existing surfacing, street furniture, and soft landscaping and replacing them with new hard and soft landscaping, new street furniture, and lighting. It also required the removal of contaminated material, underground obstructions, pre-war historical city features, and old utility systems to integrate with modern amenities and drainage systems.

Green-tree Bioretention helped to address the project’s sustainability and drainage needs. Designed to facilitate rainwater absorption, filtration, and plant growth, this specialist soil played a central role in the creation of the rain gardens. The scheme plays an important role in the city’s flood management strategy and its Climate Emergency Action Plan as the three rain garden tanks are capable of holding back 75.5 cubic metres of storm water.

Sustainable Urban Drainage systems (SuDs) are designed to protect streets from flooding. On this occasion, it entailed creating large holes in the ground that were reinforced and layered with material to act like a giant plant pot to hold rainwater which will irrigate the new plants and trees.

Green-tree Bioretention Soil uses the highest quality sands and green composts to provide an efficient permeability rate to avoid waterlogging on the surface area while holding sufficient nutrient levels and organic matter to support the vegetation used. The soil’s composition ensures the successful establishment of vegetation and the effective management of stormwater runoff.

The incorporation of Bioretention soil in Plymouth’s city centre regeneration yielded multiple benefits. Beyond its functional role in stormwater management, the green infrastructure enhanced the area’s visual appeal. Importantly the project demonstrates Plymouth’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

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Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

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Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event: The Howardson Group recently brought together over 100 delegates from their dealership network across the UK, Europe and the Far East, over a three week period which proved to be an invaluable opportunity for all involved.

Held at the picturesque Morley Hayes Golf Club in the Derbyshire countryside and Derby County Football Club’s training ground, the events showcased the company’s extensive portfolio of product groups, including Dennis, Hunter Grinders, Lloyds SISIS and Syn-Pro.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

The agenda for the event was packed with informative sessions, including sales and product training that delved deep into the benefits and features of the Howardson Group’s products for end-users. Attendees gained insight into future developments and had the chance to network and share experiences with other like-minded individuals.

One of the standout features of the event was its “hands-on” approach, allowing attendees to interact directly with the equipment. This approach, covering both new and existing key products, was aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Howardson Group product ranges.

Attendees were also invited for a behind-the-scenes factory tour, where all the products are manufactured, and gave them the chance to see first-hand some of the recent investments. The group were also given rare access to the All British Precision factory where components for the machines are meticulously produced on site in Kirk Langley.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Feedback from those who attended the event was overwhelmingly positive. Robert Snedden from Thomas Sherriff commented, “Brilliant, well-organised, and above all, slick. We have looked at 37 machines, spoke about them all and learnt a lot. The timing was perfect, the content was perfect, and I couldn’t fault it at all.”

Jim Clarke from Jim Clarke Fine Turf Machinery said, “I’ve really enjoyed the event and seen a lot of machinery that we wouldn’t have normally seen. It has been a great experience.”

Andy Melville, Commercial Director at GGM Groundscare, highlighted the value of hands-on training, stating, “The event has been very useful, very informative. It is great to physically see the machines in action. It gives you the opportunity to see what they can actually do, rather than just look at a brochure and read some specification.”

Overall, the event was a resounding success, providing attendees with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a first-hand experience of the Howardson Group’s impressive range of products. With such positive feedback from attendees, the Howardson Group looks forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to support and empower their dealer network.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Toro and Reesink working with the R&A

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Toro and Reesink working with the R&A: The idea behind the R&A’s Golf It! initiative was to create a space that introduces people to and promotes the game of golf while proactively giving back to the local community through an apprenticeship programme sponsored by The Toro Foundation.

“The R&A’s original idea was to provide a facility where people in inner city Glasgow could play golf,” says Andy Brown, senior manager of global business development and relationships at The Toro Company. “But we realised there was also the opportunity to introduce the concept of greenkeeping as a possible career choice via an apprenticeship scheme, too.”

Toro and Reesink working with the R&A

Toro and Reesink working with the R&A

Developed by the R&A in 2020 to make golf as welcoming and affordable as possible, the facility has grown into a multi-layered experience for all the family with pitch and putt, adventure golf, putting greens and a driving range, and a greenkeeping team was needed to upkeep the venue to the highest of standards.

Andy continues: “Toro was approached to become a founding partner which we agreed to in conjunction with Reesink UK. Toro provides the turfcare machinery and irrigation system required to maintain the playing surfaces at the facility and Reesink provides the support and training via its Livingston branch in Scotland.

“But taking our involvement one step further, we are now sponsoring two apprentices every year for five years. There are currently four apprentices in place and they’re doing very well in their education and getting lots of experience. They’ve had the opportunity to go to America and were on the tournament team for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Florida this March.”

Russell Smith, general manager of Golf It!, says: “Community is everything at Golf It! and we’re incredibly proud of our two first recruits Anton Sheilds and Lucy Millar. They see this as the life-changing career opportunity it is and have grabbed hold of it, embraced everything we are trying to achieve and surpassed every goal and expectation.

“It’s has been the same with Toro, they bought into the concept of Golf It! immediately and their support in delivering our goals has been invaluable. We’re thrilled they partnered with us on our apprenticeship scheme, actively funding two roles a year for five years.

“Toro machines keep our course and range pristine, and they are helping us create a bright future for young people in our immediate area. This is what partnerships SHOULD be about – teaming up to make the world a better place for those who may face limited opportunities otherwise.”

Bordering the Seven Loch Wetland Park, Scotland’s largest urban heritage and nature park, the initiative is keen to promote sustainability, making Toro a natural partner.

Andy says: “The R&A, like Toro, is extremely focused on sustainability, so part of our commitment was to get as many hybrid and electric machinery options onto the site to reduce its carbon footprint print and provide an irrigation system that would manage its water effectively.”

This is just the start for the Golf It! initiative, as those involved consider how it can be rolled out across the country to benefit more local communities.

To find out more about Golf It! and Reesink and Toro’s involvement visit https://www.golf-it.com/ or to discover more about how sustainable machinery options might benefit your club contact Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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John Deere’s unique open day

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John Deere’s unique open day: John Deere has announced a unique open day for those planning to leave the military in search of a new career.

On 13 June the company will invite servicemen and women to its UK & Ireland headquarters in Nottinghamshire for a special event designed to shine a light on technician roles working throughout the brand’s dealership network.

John Deere's unique open day

John Deere’s unique open day

The John Deere Military Hiring Programme Insight Day provides an opportunity to see first hand some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional turfcare equipment which requires skilled, dedicated technicians to service and maintain.

There will be networking opportunities with representatives from the John Deere business as well as dealers, and presentations will set out how fulfilling the role can be.

Allan Cochran, Training Centre Manager, said: “We launched the John Deere Military Hiring Programme in the UK and Ireland last year and are starting to see those who have been through the training start new careers at our dealers.

“We strongly believe in the pool of talent resettling from successful careers in the military. We have thousands of examples worldwide demonstrating that they have the ideal skillset to slot seamlessly into technician roles.

“There’s nothing like seeing the machinery up close and speaking directly to those who already work in the businesses to get a sense of what your future career could look like, so this day is a great opportunity to explore the people, the place and the product.”

Presentations will explain the scale and purpose of John Deere, including its values behind the mission to sustainably help feed and clothe a growing population. Those attending can see what it is like to work within the brand’s family from those who have already completed a resettlement.

The Military Hiring Programme is a worldwide initiative to support resettling servicemen and women. Those who apply are connected to an individual within John Deere who has already made the transition before being put through a raft of free training to prepare them for a career as a technician.

Allan said: “Much like modern military vehicles, our agricultural and turf products are packed with state-of-the-art technology. You could be working on a fully electric walk-behind golf greens mower or one of the world’s largest combine harvesters – there is huge variety and fulfilment in roles based all around the UK and Ireland.

“I urge anyone who is looking for a new career away from the military, or those who have already left, to sign up for this event and see for themselves what a future with John Deere looks like.”

Click here to sign up for the event for free.

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