The Scots Turf Show a success

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The Scots Turf Show a success: The 1st of March 2023 was the date everything changed for Turf Professionals in Scotland. The first Scottish turf event for almost 15 years, opened its doors at Hamilton Park Racecourse, and the visitors began to pour in an hour before official registration had even opened.

Connecting the industry

The trial show was devised by 17 of the industry’s most influential companies, to give something back to the Scottish turf community and to connect with the Industry, by providing a local turf event, accessible to a vast swathe of groundsmen and greenkeepers from all areas of sport, that had never had the opportunity to attend a local industry event.

The Scots Turf Show a success

The Scots Turf Show a success

David Roxburgh – Head Groundsman – Rangers Football Club

“Something needed to happen here in Scotland, I think it’s been great. The fantastic turnout here hasn’t surprised me because I think Scotland has been desperate for something like this. It needs a big show, and I think this could possibly be the forerunner of something great.”

The number of registered visitors had risen above the target of200with 287 attending on the day.

The itinerary of early morning bacon rolls, and coffee was a welcome diversion while the visitors signed in and was followed by an introduction to the idea behind the show by Alan Thomson of AllGrass and Richard Heywood of Campey Turf Care Systems. The guests were immediately engaged with two 20 minute speakers, Gary Smith senior agronomist from the STRI, quickly followed by Joe Shaw from SIS Pitches, before heading out into the spring sunshine for the outdoor exhibition area.

After a couple of hours of interaction with the exhibitors, the group enjoyed a lunch in the hospitality suite overlooking the magnificent race track at Hamilton Park. Then it was back to the marquee for two more short seminars, one from Kelly Marie Clarke agronomist from Origin and finally an introduction to Hamilton Park itself by Ashley Moon, Managing Director of Hamilton Racecourse who said, “We are delighted to welcome the Scots Turf Show to Hamilton Racecourse and work alongside such excellent partners”.

It is important to the companies behind this event to gauge the response of the visitors going forward, with a view to expanding the event significantly next year.

Barry McCulloch – Course Manager Caldwell Golf Club commented “It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time and hoping that it did happen. It’s been good to come along and support the event. The venue they have picked is probably one of the best areas in Scotland because it’s very easily accessible, you can come from all over the country. You just have to look at the numbers that showed up today to see why it’s a great venue. 50% of my workforce has never been to a turf show, so that is another reason we came along today. It’s good for the younger guys to come and see some of the machinery and get a different perspective of things.”

Jim Dawson – Head Groundsman – BT Murrayfield

We would usually have to travel to events down South to see machinery or even have a chat with other groundsmen. So, today has been good for networking. I’ve met a lot of people here, from football to rugby, golf and horse racing.

I think this could take off. We are all very positive about the event, and I’m very happy for them to be talking about expanding it. I like having the option to attend the seminars, then getting to see some of the machinery in action and meeting the reps as well.”

Alan Thomson from AllGrass is absolutely delighted with the response on the day. As one of the main drivers he explains “From a concept back in 2019 over a McDonald’s Coffee to seeing the reality of such a fantastic event. Don’t get me wrong we are not reinventing the wheel here but simply putting it on a different path and a path that can continue to build excitement for the Scottish and beyond markets. ‘Connecting the Industry’ this is something that Richard and I believe we can do and hopefully with the many ideas for the future we can achieve this.”

So, The Scots Turf Show appears to have been an overwhelming success and looks like it may be here to stay.

Save the date – 6th March 2024

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A glimpse into the future at Dennis and SISIS Seminar

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A glimpse into the future at Dennis and SISIS Seminar: Dennis and SISIS recently hosted their popular cricket pitch maintenance seminar where 200 delegates had the opportunity to enhance their understanding of future hopes, needs and goals.

Hosted at St Albans School Woollam Trust, the seminar was designed to help attendees plan and adapt their maintenance programmes in an ever-changing environment. It brought together an audience consisting of cricket groundspersons representing grass roots, contractors, schools, local clubs, and international test venues.

A glimpse into the future at Dennis and SISIS Seminar

A glimpse into the future at Dennis and SISIS Seminar

Following an introduction by Howardson Group Area Sales Manager Robert Jack, Met Office Presenter Aidan McGivern produced a theoretical weather forecast for 2050 and revealed what conditions we could expect to see in the UK if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. By showing what the weather could look like by 2050 at certain times of year, Aidan helped delegates relate to how different their experiences might be under a changing climate.

In the next section of the seminar Tony Hanson (Environmental Solutions International), Andrew House (Environment Agency), and George Warren (Anglian Water) utilised their wealth of experience to offer invaluable advice on how to reduce the impact of water restrictions on sports surfaces.

Turf Consultant Alex Vickers then delivered a presentation on the topic of rootzones in a changing climate. As ever, Alex entertained the audience while explaining this important subject in a relatable way.

Christian Spring, Principal Scientist at the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute), was up next to explore the potential pests and diseases groundspersons can expect to encounter in the future.

The halfway point provided delegates with a complimentary lunch and a chance to speak to seminar sponsors – Cricketworld.com, Stuart Canvas, SIS Pitches, DLF and MM Seeds, RT Machinery, Boughton Loam, Grounds Training, Mansfield Sand, Origin Amenity Solutions, Turf Tank, White Horse Contractors and Turf Matters.

As the audience settled back down, Dr Iain James, Head of Facilities Services for the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), took to the stage to discuss what sustainability means for grass roots clubs. Karl McDermott, Head Groundsperson at Lords, and Vic Demain, Head Groundsperson at Durham CCC, then proceeded to investigate the difference in cricket pitch preparations between the north and south.

The day concluded with a Q&A session in which attendees could ask the expert speakers for advice about their own projects or any issues that they may have.

Commenting on the seminar, Nick Lockhart, Cricket Professional/Head of Grounds at Felsted School said: “It was informative, thought-provoking, and of great interest. It has given me a lot of things to think about for the future, in terms of climate change, irrigation and pest control. There is no doubt that this seminar will have helped a lot of people today.”

As well as soaking up the education, Andy Moody from Moody Grounds Maintenance felt it was a great networking opportunity. “Over the years I have been to a few of these Dennis and SISIS events and I always encourage the people that work for me to come along as well. Sometimes we can be very lonesome people in the grounds maintenance industry, so days like this are a great opportunity to meet other likeminded people.”

There was one presentation, which struck a chord with Christian Brain, Head of Grounds at Cheltenham College: “The speakers were brilliant and there were some really good topics which gave us a look into the future to find out what is coming our way. Looking at water issues going forward was particularly beneficial for me. The site we’re on doesn’t have a great deal of irrigation, so that is a real concern. Therefore, looking at what we can potentially do going forward to try and solve those issues, was a real highlight for me.”

Turf Consultant Keith Kent said: “I’ve come to the seminar today because I have always found the Dennis and SISIS events to be so good. I’m working at Loughborough University at the moment and I’m carrying out some cricket pitch maintenance, which is something I have never done before after spending my entire career in football and rugby. There have been some entertaining and stimulating speeches today and it has been well worth the journey.”

A vide of the day can be viewed – https://youtu.be/QggZT7aXl-o

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest Dennis and SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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Well-Being and Recruitment Day a success

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Well-Being and Recruitment Day a success: On Tuesday 28th February 2023, Carnoustie Golf Links and The Rookery played host to its very first Recruitment Open Day, in parallel with a Health and Well-Being Open Day – another first of its kind at the Links.

Between 11am and 3pm residents from the local area were welcomed to Links House to explore the recruitment opportunities available at the Links, including roles in Guest Relations, Merchandise, Golf Operations and Restaurant Waiting Staff. The informal day was designed to give everyone a chance to meet some of the senior management team, explore the facilities and learn more about the roles.

Well-Being and Recruitment Day a success

Well-Being and Recruitment Day a success

Furthermore, over 32 local mental health and well-being services and charities were on site in The Rookery to share a wealth of information with everyone in attendance.

The day was deemed highly successful with over 130 guests in attendance. This event is one of the many outreach initiatives that Carnoustie Golf Links run. The most notable being its Community Benefits Programme which has donated over £250k+ to local good causes to date.

Services & Charities that attended on the day:

Alzheimer Scotland;
Andy’s Man Club;
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership;
Angus Independent Advocacy;
Angus Voice;
ANGUSalive;
Carnoustie Medical Group Patient Representative Group (provisional);
Change Mental Health;
Citizens Advice Bureau;
Communities Team (Carnoustie, Monifieth & Sidlaw) Angus Council;
Community Action Team Angus; Scottish Fire and Rescue Service;
Cruse Scotland Bereavement Support;
Department for Work and Pensions;
Dundee & Angus College;
Flourishing Well;
Golf Memories/Cycle Without Age;
Hear Me;
Macmillan (ANGUSalive);
Manna Project, Carnoustie Baptist Church;
Mental Health & Wellbeing and Substance Use, Public Health Directorate NHA Tayside;
Nature Prescribing;
New Solutions;
Penumbra;
Police Scotland;
REACH Across;
Re-Engage;
Royal British Legion Scotland;
Skills Team, Angus Council;
Skilz;
Suicide Prevention / MH &WB;
Tayside Council on Alcohol;
Voluntary Action Angus;

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Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

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Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A: Royal Liverpool Golf Club will host The Open for the 13th time in July and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the team of almost 50 greenkeepers, gathered from all over the United Kingdom, who will be on hand to support the home greenkeeping team for the duration of the championship.

Each year The R&A requests the assistance of BIGGA members in the staging of the event. Every full BIGGA member who has been with the association for at least two years is eligible to apply for a place on the Volunteer Open Support Team and those who are selected are given incredible access to golf’s oldest major, supporting every match with bunker raking duties.

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

Rory McIlroy was victorious the last time Royal Liverpool hosted The Open, in 2014, when BIGGA members raked the course’s 82 bunkers a total of 945 times. BIGGA members were even busier in 2006, when Tiger Woods claimed the Claret Jug and the team raked 1,092 bunkers across the four days of the championship.

In January, previous members of The Open support team were given the opportunity to stand beside the Claret Jug as it made an appearance at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, the annual trade show and education programme that provides incredible learning opportunities to those working in golf greenkeeping and sports turf management.

BIGGA is delighted that this years’ Volunteer Open Support Team will feature a large number of first-time team members as a place on the team is inspiring and showcases to greenkeepers what they can achieve through continuing professional development and by engaging with the numerous exclusive opportunities made available to members of BIGGA. Throughout the tournament the team members will be provided with accommodation, subsistence and uniform for the event.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “The team at Royal Liverpool has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of St Andrews, who last year created a truly historic championship. Yet I’m confident that the team led by Links Superintendent James Bledge, who is preparing to host his first Open Championship, will set a world class stage for what is sure to be an exciting event.

“I’m thankful to The R&A for once again inviting so many BIGGA members to participate in The Open support team, particularly given we have so many first time members this year. Is there a better way of inspiring the next generation of greenkeepers and showcasing what can be achieved in your career with a lot of hard work and dedication, than an up-close look at the world’s greatest major championship? I’m thankful on behalf of the BIGGA members who have been selected and I’m proud to be able to invite them to represent the entire association on this global scale.“

The 151st Open takes place from 20 to 23 July 2022. Applications for the BIGGA Volunteer Open Support Team for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon will open later this year.

Here are the BIGGA members who will be assisting the home greenkeepers for the duration of The 151st Open:

  • Aaron Allibon, first assistant, Orsett Golf Club
  • Jake Austin, first assistant, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
  • David Ball, senior greenkeeper, Thetford Golf Club
  • Adam Barton, greenkeeper, Conwy Golf Club
  • Andy Bate, greenkeeper, Hesketh Golf Club
  • Jamie Blake, head greenkeeper, Broadway Golf Club
  • Paul Boozer, head greenkeeper, Sheerness Golf Club
  • Tom Bromfield, first assistant, Trentham Golf Club
  • Daniel Bungay, greenkeeper, Hockley Golf Club
  • David Collins, head greenkeeper, Lickey Hills Golf Club
  • Aaron Cross, assistant greenkeeper, Thorndon Park Golf Club
  • William Curran, deputy course manager, Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
  • Marcus Davies, assistant greenkeeper, Wentworth Club
  • David Duke MG, superintendent, Golf & Country Club Seddiner See
  • Daniel Evans, head greenkeeper, Maesdu Llandudno Golf Club
  • Tom Evans, course manager, Wexham Park Golf Centre
  • Paul Fowkes, deputy head greenkeeper, Scraptoft Golf Club
  • Paul Gater, first assistant, Caldy Golf Club
  • Richard Goddard, deputy course manager, Ashridge Golf Club
  • Lee Greveson, course manager, The Manor Golf Club
  • Craig Hempseed, estate manager, Mortonhall Golf Club
  • Rob Jones, deputy course manager, Enville Golf Club
  • Richard Keith, assistant greenkeeper, Ferndown Golf Club
  • David Leach, first assistant, Ruddington Grange Golf Club
  • Sam Ludlow, assistant greenkeeper, Luffenham Heath Golf Club
  • Adam Lund, head greenkeeper, Dinsdale Golf Club
  • Benn McLeod, first assistant greenkeeper, Musselburgh Golf Club
  • Scott McTaggart, course manager, Sandyhills Golf Club
  • Jake Messenger, assistant groundsman, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
  • Ashley Millar, deputy head greenkeeper, Churston Golf Club
  • Danny Millar, deputy head greenkeeper, Rudding Park Golf Club
  • Darren Miller, first assistant, Farnham Golf Club
  • Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
  • Ryan Oliver, assistant greenkeeper, Hornsea Golf Club
  • Peter Pattenden, greenkeeper, Carden Park Golf Club
  • Steven Penman, deputy head greenkeeper, Thornton Golf Club
  • Scott Rigby, head greenkeeper, Gathurst Golf Club
  • Luke Sheldon, head greenkeeper, Beau Desert Golf Club
  • Curtis Small, greenkeeper, Stover Golf Club
  • James Stratford, greenkeeper, Broome Manor Golf Club
  • Craig Surgeon, head greenkeeper, Kirkcaldy Golf Club
  • Mark Tyson, deputy course manager, Oakmere Golf Club
  • Ken Ward, head greenkeeper, Harrogate Golf Club
  • Sam Wilkinson, deputy course manager, Ponteland Golf Club
  • Ryan Williams, first assistant, Caldy Golf Club
  • Lewis Whatsley-Parsons, greenkeeper, Queenwood

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New addition to the GroundsFest team

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New addition to the GroundsFest team: GroundsFest has welcomed the experienced Millie Genner to the team.

Millie has been working as a sales manager in the landscaping and horticulture sectors for over five years. She will be working alongside Jessica McCabe on The Landscaping Zone – an entire hall within GroundsFest dedicated to those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector.

New addition to the GroundsFest team

New addition to the GroundsFest team

Millie’s appointment signals the huge support the event has received to date and accommodates the strong demand for exhibitor space. Over 75% of the floorplan has already been accounted for, and potential exhibitors continue to register their interest due to the exciting event concept and the cost-effective stand prices.

Millie, who is also a social media influencer and enjoys travelling, said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the event come together. It’s so exciting to be working on something new with an amazing team of such talented people.

“One of the main reasons for wanting to work on GroundsFest is because I believe that the industry is ready for an event of this kind – it is long overdue in fact. The feedback so far has been incredible and thousands of landscaping and groundscare professionals will be in attendance. GroundsFest is the future and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest is set to spotlight the latest landscaping technologies, solutions, and innovations, and will be a must-attend feature for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facility managers and many more.

Millie can be contacted on 07746667128 or millie.genner@groundsfest.com

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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