Tributes paid to Inverness groundsman

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Tributes paid to Inverness groundsman: Inverness Caledonian Thistle has paid tribute to their groundsman Tommy Cumming who has died.

Read the full article from Inverness Courier here

Tributes paid to Inverness groundsman

Tributes paid to Inverness groundsman

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Irrigation finance made easy with Reesink

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Irrigation finance made easy with Reesink: Helping make the numbers work when it comes to replacing an irrigation system is Reesink Hydro-Scapes with a finance solution offering 100 percent funding over 10 years.

Reesink’s financial partner, Novuna, works directly with customers to create a tailored and affordable asset finance solution to provide the security of knowing that the repayments will give the business the ability to budget and plan without disrupting cash flow.

Irrigation finance made easy with Reesink

Irrigation finance made easy with Reesink

Features include funding up to 100 percent of the project costs, transparency and support from a team who take the time to understand the business’ needs over a 10 year term, unique to Reesink and longer than the usual asset lending period.

Robert Jackson, division manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, says: “Responsible irrigation has never been more relevant, sustainability under pressure from ever-increasing temperatures and unpredictable seasons, or the pressure so noticeable to address old, inefficient systems. But it’s a big financial outlay and amid a cost-of-living crisis affecting businesses too, many may be thinking about how they can get the numbers to work to embark on one of the most expensive projects a club is likely to undertake.

“Buying irrigation on finance takes away two of the biggest headaches we find exist for those embarking on an irrigation installation: it means the full installation customers need is much sooner and there is a smaller upfront capital outlay.

“Anyone who has gone through the process will know that choosing and installing an irrigation system can be a lengthy one, phasing installations over years. Removing the headache that comes with financing the project means that you’re making the decision-making process a lot simpler and quicker and there is no need to phase in,” Robert says.

There are two ways for a business to purchase an irrigation system with Reesink on finance – it’s either leased or hired (hire purchase). Both are fixed costs and will not change during the life of the agreement, which makes accurate budgeting far easier.

Robert discusses the ease of the scheme: “Unlike an outright purchase, asset finance lets you pay for your irrigation system in monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payments, and with Reesink no minimum deposit is required – the first instalment is paid on signing. This helps customers spread the cost even further, while also demonstrating full confidence in a Toro installation and its backup support.”

As the first distributor in the UK to offer Reesink customers fixed term finance on its irrigation products, it has the most years of experience in this arena, making it the perfect partner to work with to keep businesses moving forward in 2023. So don’t get bogged down in the numbers, just call Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Trilo transforms the task of cut and collect

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Trilo transforms the task of cut and collect: Following BCP Council’s declaration of a climate and ecology emergency in 2019, the decision was made to review the management of some green spaces across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas.

With a subsequent reduction in the cutting of some verges and open land, a Trilo S20 with its large 20m3 hopper capacity was brought in to increase productivity as the cut and collect operation expanded – taking not just large quantities of meadow grass in its stride but also assisting with leaf clearance during the winter months.

Trilo transforms the task of cut and collect

Trilo transforms the task of cut and collect

The versatile Trilo S20 was purchased in May 2022 by Simon Woodall, Team Operations Manager for BCP Council and spearhead of a 30-strong team responsible for looking after all aspects of parks and housing grounds maintenance and landscape construction. “Our ecology programme included creating more grass meadows by leaving areas uncut to improve carbon sequestration and increase our biodiversity to support pollinators. We also reduced cutting on other green spaces such as verges to give plants a chance to flower, providing a valuable source of nectar and adding interest and colour to amenity areas” he explains.

“With this change to our cutting operation, we needed a machine that could handle large-scale cut and collect and found the Trilo was a perfect addition to our existing fleet of mountable cut and collect machines.” The S20 is the largest capacity model in Trilo’s multi-purpose S-Line range which, when fitted with a flail shaft, offers a cutting width of 2.1m and powerful vacuum collection of the clippings to leave a clean finish after every pass.

Following the delivery by Hunt Forest Group, the S20 was put straight into operation between August and October. “The size of this unit has transformed the task of maintaining our meadow areas” Simon explains. “Not only does it cut and collect in its own right, but we can use it to support the smaller tractor mounted and ride on machines which can cut in tighter areas then tip their arisings on the ground to be sucked up by the hose on the S20 – all done using the intuitive control box from the comfort of the cab. This in itself has increased productivity and reduced vehicle journeys to dispose of waste.”

“Through December and January we then used the S20 to assist with leaf collection within the larger parks in our area, and will certainly be using it more for this function in future.” He concludes, “With Trilo you’re also assured of excellent build quality and excellent service from specification right through to installation. It’s the full package and has already proven itself to be a fantastic investment.”

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Mansfield Sand gets the game on

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Mansfield Sand gets the game on: Paul Loader, Site Co-ordinator for Worcestershire FA, believes that MM40 from Mansfield Sand has helped to prevent several games from being cancelled due to bad weather.

An ambitious site move recently signalled Worcestershire FA’s commitment to providing a space for football to develop in the county. The new state of the art site, situated at Claines Lane, Worcester, now plays host to several local football teams including Worcester City FC.

Mansfield Sand gets the game on

Mansfield Sand gets the game on

With the new facility up and running, the games quickly came thick and fast, and the turf naturally received a lot of wear and tear. There was, however, a key ingredient missing from the pitch according to Paul.

“This pitch is clay based so when it is wet it takes a long time to dry out. Also, the pitch doesn’t have any drainage and therefore an application of sand was recommended by a company I work quite closely with.

“It was something we had never properly used before, so we decided to go ahead with it.”

It was at this point that Paul turned to Mansfield Sand.

Mansfield Sand is a company with history and pedigree – in fact, its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. It has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

Paul applied 90 tonnes of MM40 which is sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands. MM40 is a medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces.

Mansfield Sand gets the game on

Mansfield Sand gets the game on

This product was applied in May last year, and Paul has seen the benefits.

“The sand has made a huge difference,” he said. “Since applying it I have been able to get the majority of games on, even throughout the winter and that is what it is all about. Without the sand I would have lost possibly 8 or 9 games based on previous years.

“I have noticed that the ground is a lot firmer, and more stable and flatter with a lot less bobbles. Ultimately, we are always looking at how we can make the site better and this sand has certainly signalled a big improvement.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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You’ll never look back with an ISEKI

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You’ll never look back with an ISEKI: A brand-new ISEKI tractor has not only saved Osterley Cricket Club a significant amount of time and money, but it has also helped its ground rating climb into the top three rankings.

Established in 1940, Osterley Cricket Club, in Southall, specialises in cricket, football and social gatherings. Somewhat of a hub for the local community it boasts 2.2 hectares of grounds. This consists of two cricket pitches which convert to seven football pitches during the winter.

You’ll never look back with an ISEKI

You’ll never look back with an ISEKI

Nadeem Chowdhry, Chairman of Osterley Cricket Club, explained why the Club was in the market for a new tractor.

“We started looking for a new tractor because we were using an old ride-on mower and a 1960’s cylinder mower which had all kinds of hydraulic issues,” he said. “It was an important decision and so we did a lot of research.

“We selected ISEKI because of the brand’s renowned build quality and ease of use. After deciding on the brand, we then spoke to several dealers and the one that stood out was RT Machinery. They understood our challenges, they pin-pointed the ISEKI tractor for us, and the presale and after sale service was phenomenal.”

Based on RT Machinery’s recommendation, Nadeem decided that the ISEKI TLE3400 was the perfect fit. The TLE3400 is ISEKI’s premium economy tractor. This 38 horse-power tractor has a three-speed hydrostatic transmission and a lift capacity of 1000 kg. It is supplied with agricultural or turf tyres as standard. An optional front loader is also available. Ideal on the farm, an estate, or sports pitches, it is an all-round tractor for all those tasks that just need doing – from muck scraper to harrow or mower to loader, it’s capable of doing it all.

According to Nadeem, Osterley Cricket Club has not looked back since purchasing this unique tractor.

“It used to take our groundsman two whole days, to cut, stripe and tidy up – but since purchasing the ISEKI tractor this has been reduced to just two hours,” he said. “The cost of running it, on fuel alone, is six times cheaper as well.

“This tractor is fantastic to store because it is compact, and it is so versatile. We use it with lots of different attachments such as a grass cutting deck, a verticutting unit, a scarifier and all sorts of other attachments.

“Everyone at the club suddenly wants to help and have go on it because it is so easy and so comfortable to use – it is hard getting people off it!

“In fact, a lot of other nearby clubs have seen our ground rating go from near the bottom of the table to the third best and have been asking how we have managed to do it. We tell them that is down to the ISEKI tractor.

“Ultimately, it has made a huge difference to our club, because everyone really enjoys playing on this gorgeous, lush outfield, and it is all because of this tractor. I would tell any sports club that has grass to look at ISEKI – they will never look back.”

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