BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund

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BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has accepted a generous donation from Origin Enterprises after staff at the agri-services organisation selected the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund as one of its charities of the year.

Origin Enterprises is the parent company of Origin Amenity Solutions, a BIGGA Premium Partner, and employees nominated the benevolent fund for a donation of £1,200 as part of a ‘Spring into Action’ campaign.

BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund

BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund

The Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund is the official charity of BIGGA. It exists to assist current or past members and their dependents, to provide financial support and practical help during difficult times.

Speaking at SALTEX, where he accepted the donation on behalf of the association, BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We all hope never to need the support that a benevolent fund can provide, yet we also know that times are tough for many. If a grant or offer of support can relieve some of the burden and help as a family tries to get back on track, then any small donation can prove priceless. The heartfelt thanks of everyone at BIGGA goes out to our colleagues at Origin Amenity Solutions for this wonderful gesture.”

Origin Amenity Solutions Commercial Director Andy Russell added: “I am delighted that we were able to make this donation to such a worthy cause. Working with, and giving back to the community, is high on our agenda and this is a charity that aligns closely with our values.

“Our teams around the business have been challenged to Spring into Action with a series of fitness-based activities. We had colleagues swimming, running, walking, planting trees, and cycling – anything they chose that got them moving and raised much-needed money for the benevolent fund.”

Head to the BIGGA website for more information about the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund.

Donations for the benevolent fund are accepted via the membership renewal form, directly to BIGGA HQ or via the JustGiving website.

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OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

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OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has joined forces with photographer Richard Pinches and Grounds Maintenance contractor Groundtel Ltd to create a giant poppy in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The giant poppy has been painted on Mills Meadow in Henley-on-Thames to launch the 2023 Poppy Appeal. It has been drawn by OAS’s robotic line-marking machine and then filled in by hand using a backpack sprayer using IMPACT paint.

OAS supports the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal

OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

The idea came from drone operator, Richard Pinches, who was commissioned by Henley Town Council to photograph a King’s Cypher that was painted in the same location for the King’s Coronation in May.  Richard has been a keen supporter of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and poppy collector ever since the death of his father in 2016.

Simon Hughes, Line Marking Sales Manager for Origin Amenity Solutions explains, “Richard approached me for help, and we were only too delighted to donate the necessary machinery, paint, and time needed. I programmed the GPS-guided robotic line marker to paint the poppy outline and then Danny Perkins from Groundtel Ltd. infilled using our IMPACT paint in white, red, and black.

The ability to mark out custom logos and designs is the latest feature on the TinyLineMarker Pro X robotic line marker distributed exclusively in the UK by Origin Amenity Solutions.

The robots are designed to spray ready-to-use paint technology such as the IMPACT range. To give an idea of the efficiencies, the machines use as little as 1.1 litres of paint per standard-sized football pitch and eliminate the messy, time-consuming inconsistencies associated with dilutable concentrate paints. With significant time and money-saving benefits robotic line markers are increasingly valued as a smart investment.

Simon Hughes adds, “This revolutionary feature has been heavily requested, and we are delighted with how well received it has been. It is fantastic to see how our customers are using it and I’m delighted with how well the poppy has turned out. It looks stunning.”

Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it’s best known, marks the day that World War One ended in 1918. A two-minute silence is held across the country at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have died in any conflict.

Book a free demonstration of the TinyMobileRobot Pro X by visiting www.tinymobilerobots.com/field-marking-robot/tinymobilerobots-uk/

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC: EFL League Two Club, Morecambe is celebrating the condition of their pitches after adopting the Grow-In Programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Head of Grounds Rob Davidson comments, “I am over the moon with this year’s pitches. I am incredibly proud of the results.”

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Rob joined the club in 2021 following the renovation period and during the first year he struggled to keep coverage on the shaded area of the pitch.

During a visit to Origin Turf, Science and Technology Centre, Rob had the opportunity to review the research data comparing tetraploid and diploid grass seed mixes.

For his first renovation Rob selected R140 grass seed mix from the R range because of the tetraploid content. He remarks, “Since using R140 at the stadium we have seen improvements in coverage, density, colour and over all turf health, especially in the shaded areas of the pitch. The germination and establishment could not have been better this year.”

“Visiting the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre has given me additional confidence in the products and the technical support offered by the Origin team has been excellent. With support from Origin, we have tailored the OAS Grow-In plan to suit the pitch requirements. Having a structured Grow-In programme has allowed us to get the best out of the products with a limited budget.”

It’s not just about the products through. Rob adds, “Working with OAS has allowed me to enhance my education and understanding of the products I use and how to get the best from everything I apply. Their events also provide networking opportunities and a chance to meet with peers and form relationships, which I believe is an important part of our industry.”

Rob has used the OAS Grow-In Programme for his second year at the club. The Grow-In programme is borne from extensive R&D at the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre. It is a two-step approach which comprises a mix of products to be applied at renovation and at emergence.

The mix for application at renovation stage includes an organic soil amendment – a composted cow manure and Humic Acid soil conditioner, Tricure AD™ Granular – a residual wetting agent, and Mycorrhizal Inoculant – a microbial inoculant.

At emergence, the programme uses an organo-mineral fertiliser and biostimulants that feature nitrate nitrogen and molasses providing early carbohydrates and instantly available nitrogen to promote growth and enhanced plant health.

Rob reports, “The addition of the liquid mix applied at emergence alongside the C-Complex 14.2.5 has given us a quick grow response. Cutting schedules have commenced earlier and cutting frequency has meant third leaf stage has been reached quickly to allow for Primo Maxx applications. The biostimulant applications and organo-mineral fertilisers, supported by Verti-drain aeration has promoted a healthy root system.”

Andy Merry, Key Account Manager from OAS said ‘it has been great working with Rob over the last few years. His professionalism and communication with the club has established a trusting relationship, enabling the renovation work required to produce a surface that performs. Rob is enthusiastic and committed to providing pitches of the highest quality using modern techniques and technology. He has improved the standards across all pitches and produced surfaces that play well and look impeccable. It has been a joy to see the results.”

For further information or to discuss a future Grow-In programme for your club contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries: The search is on to recognise the UK’s most professional sprayer operators in the sports turf, amenity and landscape management industries. The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The finalists and winner will be announced and presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME in January 2024, with prizes worth over £500. All ASOOTY applicants will also be entered into a competition to win one of five Syngenta Sprayer Calibration & Application Kits.  BASIS CPD points for participating in the awards have been applied for.

The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications is essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry. ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience.

Along with assessing operators’ skills of spray application and use of products, the ASOOTY awards also now reflect the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to any issues involving turf and landscape maintenance.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2023 awards at SALTEX (1-2 November), Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, said: “Sprayer operation is a key factor in the success of every application, including elements of nozzle choice, water volume and fine tuning the sprayer to more effectively hit the intended target.

“However, for the best possible results, today’s professional sprayer operators must also fully understand the wider aspects of why an application is being made, and what other integrated options they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.

“Knowing when not to spray is in many ways as important as the techniques to actually make an application,” he advised.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector through an initial on-line question form. Lewis explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, however the entry form will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the challenging issues around application across the sports turf, amenity and industrial land management industries, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application,” he added.

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Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors

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Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors: Rain Bird is committed to ensuring that natural and synthetic pitches as well as other sports and leisure surfaces remain healthy, playable and can be easily managed with the emphasis on water conservation.

This has resulted in a range of sports turf irrigation packages and now the new 11000 Series Rotor range brings new levels of irrigation efficiency. It is complemented by 952 Series rotors, advanced controllers and a proven management system.

Rain Bird's new 11000 series rotors

Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors

Building on the experience and performance of the company’s renowned tough golf course rotors, the 11000 Series addresses issues such as wind drift, water saving and the need for distribution uniformity  – all without the higher operating pressures of many other irrigation rotors. Able to cover longer distances with their full 32 metre radius, these rotors facilitate irrigation over larger areas and as such they are ideal not only for use on large pitches but can also be considered for larger commercial landscape irrigation projects.

Specifying 11000 Series Rotors can reduce the number of heads needed to irrigate a typical pitch by up to 40% compared with traditional rotor solutions. That means lower investment costs with fewer components and less piping as well as faster installation times and lower maintenance costs. The rotors cover throw radii from 21.3 to 32 metres and operating pressures typically of 5.0 bar, within the 4.1 to 6.9 bar range. 30-345º, reversing, part-circle modes are included as well as a non-reversing, 360º full-circle mode – all in a single body. With a minimally exposed surface, they protect players when competing on a pitch. There is an optional opposing nozzle for enhanced close-in watering.

To address wind drift and prevent water wastage, the rotor produces larger water droplets. This also helps to ensure maximum efficiency and uniform coverage. The Seal-A-Matic™ (SAM) check valve prevents wasteful low-head drainage. Nozzles are pre-installed and can be adjusted with a standard screwdriver.

A 1.5” ACME threaded inlet simplifies installation, with optional swing joints available for superior flow and performance. Rather than having to laboriously unscrew the top of the rotor for maintenance and adjustments, the new Snap Ring action is faster and easier. Optional features include a sod cup or rubber covers in green for synthetic turf or purple for non-potable water use.

Meanwhile, Rain Bird’s latest 952 Series Rotors complement for the 11000 Series. Suitable for pitch side installations, full 360º as well as part circle irrigation versions, adjustable from 30º, are available. These have a similar throw radius to ensure head to head coverage across a complete pitch alongside the 11000 Series.

A new self-adjusting automatic stator modifies water flow to control rotation speed and ensure consistency. Rapid Adjust technology provides easy arc adjustments with the turn of a screw. The MemoryArc® feature retains two part-circle arc settings, so users can move between full and part-circle operation in seconds. Different nozzles can be accommodated and changed quickly.

For the complete top of the range sports turf irrigation package, Rain Bird offers the ESP-LXIVM controller for flexible programming and featuring a smart Solenoid module for real time diagnostics with simplified troubleshooting. Wireless communication through a network cartridge means that the controller can be used with the IQ4 central control platform.

Users, including groundsmen and contractors, can remotely control installations from a smartphone. Irrigation programs can be managed and quickly adjusted in accordance with any training requirements whilst intelligent scheduling based on local weather forecasts will save water. Alerts and alarms covering flow monitoring and other operating conditions enable any emerging problems to be detected and addressed quickly.

For more information about Rain Bird 11000 Series Rotors, visit rainbird.com/products/11000-series. For information on sports turf packages, contact Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, plongman@rainbird.eu  www.rainbird.eu

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