Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

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Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising: A unique JCB tartan tractor has rolled off the production line at Staffordshire’s JCB Landpower factory honouring Scottish rugby legend and motor neuron disease (MND) campaigner Doddie Weir.

The Fastrac 4220 iCON wrapped in Doddie’s own design tartan livery was welcomed off the Cheadle production line by son Angus Weir, ready to report for fundraising duty with the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Scottish and British and Irish Lions international, Doddie, who died of MND, aged 52, in 2022, founded the charity to fund research with the vision of ‘A world free of MND’. So far, more than £11 million has been committed to vital research in his name and the Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight against the cruel disease.

The Doddie iCON Fastrac is the brainchild of Doddie’s schoolfriend and Director of Crop Services in the Scottish Borders, Douglas Stephen, who joined Angus for the unveiling. Douglas operates a number of Fastrac tractors, and approached his JCB Dealer, Kelso-based Scot Agri to build a special edition machine in support of the Foundation.

The blue and yellow tartan tractor will make starring appearances at major agricultural shows and rugby games north of the border over the coming months raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The grand tour will begin at the Royal Northern Spring Show, Inverurie on February 28th before moving on to the Fife, Northumberland, Royal Highland, Border Union,  Perth Shows and many other agricultural events over the summer.

Angus Weir said: “It has been fantastic to be here to unveil the new Doddie tartan tractor.  Dad would have absolutely loved it and I’m sure it will turn a lot of heads, raise a lot of smiles, and help continue his fundraising legacy.”

For Douglas Stephen it was an emotional day. He added: “Our Doddie was born into a farming family, was part of the farming community and loved tractors. He was also always accustomed to wearing big, bright, garish tartan suits, so this is right up his street. What JCB has done is beyond all expectations and they have really pulled out all the stops. Doddie was a great friend who is sorely missed and this will help us to keep his memory and MND legacy alive.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Director of Fundraising and Communications, Paul Thompson added: “We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with JCB and expect it to raise a great deal of awareness of both motor neuron disease and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The Fastrac looks brilliant, and we can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when nine tonnes of tartan tractor arrive at one of our events.

“When the tractor was unveiled, it was a real lump in the throat moment. Doddie was a farmer and loved his tractors, so we know that this collaboration would have meant a lot to him.”

JCB Territory Manager Sam Taylor said: “For JCB it is an honour to support the incredible work of the ‘My Names’5 Doddie Foundation’. Doddie Weir was an icon, not only in the way that he played his rugby, but also in the way he handled his MND diagnosis, setting an example of bravery, and inspiring others to take up the fight.

“The JCB Doddie iCON Edition Fastrac is a great example of teamwork – bringing together an amazing charity, a valued JCB customer, our brilliant dealer network, designers, and production team. We hope it will raise greater awareness of the condition and fund more groundbreaking research to find a cure for MND.”

Anyone interested in supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can donate at https://justgiving.com/page/doddietheicon

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Kubota appoints Ian Lauder

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Kubota appoints Ian Lauder: Ian Lauder has been appointed as Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and groundcare dealer manager for Scotland and the north of England.

Having gained an apprenticeship as a technician and developed a background in electronics, Ian’s early career took him through the electronics industry before taking on the role of territory manager for a golf and turf care dealership. It was a career path that led him to join a turf machinery manufacturer.

Kubota appoints Ian Lauder

Kubota appoints Ian Lauder

“Working at dealer and manufacturer level has given me a great insight into many aspects of the machinery business,” said Ian. “So, when the chance came to join Kubota, it was an opportunity I had to grab with both hands.”

Ian adds that the Kubota business has so far provided him with many opportunities to apply his existing knowledge, and also to further develop his expertise through the agricultural sector.

“There is growing demand from the industry for Kubota tractors and equipment, and with a desire from the company to be a major player in these markets, it’s a great time to be working for such a premium manufacturer,” he said. “It is a brand that is certainly being noticed.”

Commenting on the appointment, agricultural and ground care sales manager Tim Yates said: “This is a great opportunity to continue building on the growth already achieved in both agricultural and ground care markets across Scotland and the north of England.”

“With recent expansion of our dealer network, and many more new products coming to market including a compact telehandler and battery-powered loaders, we’re in a great position to deliver growth for Kubota and our partners.”

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Say hello to the Toro Vista

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Say hello to the Toro Vista: Toro is entering a new market with its first ever range of passenger vehicles. Titled the Vista, this is the moment customers have been waiting for as now their customers get to experience first-hand the quality and smooth ride of Toro, too.

Jon Cole, divisional business manager – Reesink Turfcare, says: “With the unveiling of the Vista, there’s now a dedicated transport option from Toro. It’s designed for comfort and work, and made to move everyone and everything, with the quality customers would expect from Toro in a passenger vehicle.”

Say hello to the Toro Vista

Say hello to the Toro Vista

Toro has a stellar track record of utility vehicles that are both reliable and efficient people transporters as well as work horses, and with the Vista that legacy continues but with an emphasis on comfort.

A sturdy frame design stems from decades of success with Workman utility vehicles and is specifically designed to carry passengers and cargo with ease. It’s paired with spacious seating for four, six or eight passengers, ample storage, cargo-enabled fold-down rear seats, independent suspension, and an ergonomic design to ensure a comfortable ride and plenty of legroom.

There are several accessories available to further enhance the comfort of the Vista, including an optional canopy for weather protection, a folding windscreen, and even a lightweight cargo bed for luggage.

Coming with two HyperCell batteries and Toro’s proprietary lithium-ion battery technology, no special charging station is needed, the battery-powered model comes equipped with an on-board 900W smart charger – a convenient charging solution that gives the Vista the capability to plug into any standard electrical socket.

Brought to the UK by distributor Reesink, it’s time to say hasta la vista to old transport buggies and hello to new innovation from Toro.

Learn more about Toro’s new Vista line, by calling distributor Reesink 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

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Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists: Agrovista Amenity is delighted to announce the addition of two highly skilled professionals to their team. Charlie Seager and Matt Davis, both Amenity Specialists, bring a wealth of experience and passion for the industry to their respective roles.

Charlie Seager: Proud to be a part of Agrovista Amenity

Charlie will be based in the areas of Grimsby, Sheffield, Peterborough, Leicester, and Nottingham, and has an extensive background in sports turf management. His journey began as a volunteer groundsman at his local cricket club, where he discovered his love for the work. Charlie’s dedication led him to prestigious roles at Rugby School and Warwick School, which gave him experience in managing a 190-acre parkland area, a 9-hole golf course, cricket pitches, and rugby pitches. Charlie also brings knowledge of complete pitch reconstructions.

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Reflecting on his decision to join Agrovista Amenity, Charlie shares, “I saw the job advertised and having dealt with the company in the past I had some really good relationships with people at Agrovista. I thought it was a great opportunity to move into a new role but allow me to stay within the industry. I’m proud to be part of one of the industry’s leading company’s and to be able to offer quality products and advice.”

His goal at Agrovista Amenity is to replicate the support and knowledge he once received from his own Agrovista representative, Mark Allen. “Being able to advise and support people in the industry, just like Mark did with me, is how I want to succeed,” says Charlie.

Actively involved in local cricket and rugby clubs, Charlie and his partner enjoy walks with their dog and share a love for live music events.

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Matt Davis: From Greenkeeping to Amenity Specialist

Matt Davis, the Amenity Specialist for Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge, has had a remarkable journey in the industry. Starting his career with an apprenticeship at Brockett Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire, Matt quickly climbed the ranks to become a course manager at the age of 27. After serving at Arkley and Hazlewood golf courses, he spent 18 years at The Cambridgeshire.

Matt’s decision to join Agrovista Amenity was driven by a desire for change and challenge. “Two years ago, I couldn’t see myself doing anything other than greenkeeping, but then I had a change of thought. It was now or never to try something different, and I wanted to challenge myself,” shares Matt.

Thrilled to be part of a larger team, Matt highlights Agrovista’s commitment to staff development and investment. “The fact that the company is willing to invest heavily in its staff is amazing – the training is brilliant and there is always an end goal.”

In his role, Matt aims to become the go-to expert, earning respect for providing sound advice. He is keen on obtaining additional qualifications and progressing within the company.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his young family, is a fan of football and boxing, and engages in DIY projects at his cottage.

With the addition of Charlie Seager and Matt Davis, Agrovista Amenity is further strengthening its commitment to excellence in the turf and amenity industry. The company looks forward to the valuable contributions both professionals will make to their team and the clients they serve.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup

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SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup: Season Cup, Riyadh’s showpiece football tournament featuring Messi and Ronaldo, was made possible thanks to the world’s first fully indoor hybrid pitch built in 21 days by global sports surfaces specialist, SIS Pitches.

The competition forms part of the Riyadh Season, a festival featuring both live sport and entertainment in the capital, funded by the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund. All Season Cup games take place at the Kingdom Arena in front of 24,000 fans. During the competition, the stadium received two Guinness World Records. The first for being the largest covered football stadium; the second for having the largest seating capacity for an indoor covered stadium.

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh's Season Cup

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup

Setting the stage for the cup’s major fixtures, including Al Nassr vs. Inter Miami, was a major challenge for SIS Pitches. Construction and development of the elite indoor sports venue started in late 2023, giving the business a much shorter window to install and prepare a playing surface fit for top-level competition.

However, this short window was only one part of the challenge. SIS also had to ensure the natural turf grew strong enough to properly secure the small percentage of synthetic fibres stitched into the arena’s surface, as is standard for hybrid pitches of this type. This process was made harder by the arena’s fully indoor design, which has no windows or roof for sunlight to enter. The SIS team worked around this by using ultraviolet growing lights to prepare the pitch in time.

Sela, the developer responsible for the arena, requested a game-ready playing surface in just three weeks, much shorter than the typical window for a major development of this type. This aligned with the pace of construction for the wider stadium, which was completed in just 60 days.

Speed and resilience were key. SISGrass, the solution specified by SIS, merges natural turf with a small percentage of polymer yarn. Already used by many of the most recognisable names in sports, this mixture is injected by the company’s patented electric stitching machine, providing a more consistent and resilient playing surface. SIS’s machine is capable of covering 1300m2 metres per day with a 90mm shallow stitch, making it ideal for quick installs like that requested by Sela.

SISGrass is much harder-wearing than an all-natural pitch, and is proven to accommodate more playing hours while also being less susceptible to wear or damage. This was particularly important for the Kingdom Arena, given the small window groundspeople have to prepare between entertainment and sports events.

The stadium is home to Saudi Professional League team Al Hilal. It will also host several other major sporting events in the coming months, including two heavyweight championship boxing fights. The Kingdom Arena is similar to New Zealand’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, which is also indoors, though the latter is fitted with a transparent roof allowing sunlight to enter. Riyadh’s stadium is therefore the first fully indoor facility to be completed.

David Ball, Managing Director at SIS Saudi said “This project had an incredibly challenging timeline but our team was able to mobilise quickly, delivering a high-quality playing surface fit for what arguably football’s two greatest ever players. We knew the arena was going to be used for other sports and entertainment, so the pitch had to be capable of accommodating short turnarounds between events. SISGrass was a natural choice in this respect, having already proven itself the best option for groundspeople across the world.”

Based in Riadyh’s Boulevard City development, the Kingdom Arena boasts all the facilities expected from a modern stadium, fitted with a state-of-the-art air monitoring system and 20 skyboxes.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/pitches/hybrid-pitch-sisgrass/

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