Oxford GC encouraging Covid vaccine

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Oxford GC encouraging Covid vaccine: An Oxfordshire golf club is doing its bit to encourage young people to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations by offering free membership for a year to one lucky player.

Oxford Golf Club will include all student and Colt members who can prove they have been double vaccinated by Christmas Day in the one-off draw which will entitle the winner to a year of free golf.

Oxford GC encouraging Covid vaccine

Oxford GC encouraging Covid vaccine

The historic course, located on Hill Top Road in Cowley, Oxford, is running the competition after NHS England data revealed only 70% of all 18 to 29-year-old’s living in the UK had received their first jab by August 12.

It hopes the prize, worth up to £1,225, will encourage its Student and Colt members, aged up to 35 to get vaccinated. On top of a year’s worth of free golf membership includes free function room hire, reciprocal golf at selected UK courses, up to 15% bar discount and the chance to win Oxford United tickets.

Steve Greenwood, General Manager at Oxford Golf Club, said: “Oxford has been at the heart of the UK’s vaccine rollout, which is responsible for the freedoms we are so privileged to currently have. Being vaccinated means you are not only protecting yourself, but also those around you.

“We appreciate it is a personal choice and some people have concerns, but as a community-based club we felt it was our duty to help raise awareness of the benefits of getting vaccinated and encourage youngsters to do so.

“The team were talking about what we can do, and we decided to be bold and do something to really help make a difference. It should appeal to our younger members, but at the same time also help spread this important message.”

Oxford Golf Club Professional Joe Pepperell backed the club’s giveaway and said getting the jab is quick, simple and stress-free.

He said: “My experience of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination was excellent. In minutes, I booked my jab online and, on the day, I was in and out within half-an-hour.

“The pandemic has truly underlined the importance of taking care of our own physical and mental health. Right now, there is no better way to protect your physical health by getting the jab.

“Golf has been a lifeline to many people in the last year with participation levels reaching a new peak as players of all abilities enjoy our great sport in a fun, outdoor, environment.

“Being outdoors and enjoying exercise is proven to be one of the biggest contributors to boosting our mental wellbeing. We’re lucky to be located so close to the city centre yet provide our community with 18 quality holes set in picturesque green surroundings.

“Our location means we have a lot of student members from the city’s universities and colleges, which is another factor in why we felt it was important we played our part in the vaccination education campaign.

“It’s a fantastic prize and I would like to wish everyone who is eligible to enter the best of luck.”

Founded in 1873 Oxford Golf Club was the original club of Oxford University and to this day features an 18-hole course designed by legendary golf architect Harry Colt.

Further information about the club’s free membership draw to student and colt members is available via admin@oxfordgolfclub.net.

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300 acres, one gold service

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300 acres, one gold service: With 300 acres of grass to maintain, there was no doubt that Glenbervie Golf Club in Scotland, needed the support of the Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure maintenance plan.

Paul Todd, course manager at Glenbervie Golf Club, opted for the scheme to ensure the club’s large fleet of Toro mowers and machines remained in premium condition in order to maintain the pristine standards the club and its members were accustomed to.

300 acres, one gold service

300 acres, one gold service

Paul comments: “Our course can experience some pretty wet weather so our fleet needs to remain in excellent working condition to face the challenges presented by the elements.

“With a site of 300 acres of mature parkland, reliability and quality of cut are key factors. We implement a full PGR programme across all areas of the course and the Multi Pro 5800 sprayer had been vital for allowing us to do this effectively and efficiently.

“Our excellent relationship with Reesink ensures that we minimise down time and maximise the efficiency of the fleet. If we have any problems I know I can expect to see a Reesink representative on the same day. The quality of the scheme is second to none and it doesn’t matter if we need new parts, routine servicing or repairs, it’s taken care of.”

With Gold, Silver and Bronze package options, Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure maintenance scheme gives customers ultimate flexibility to select a service level that fits with their budget.

Paul and his team opted for the Gold package over five years ago and they still reap the financial benefits of signing up to the scheme. Paul continues. “I always know where we are in terms of cost and that’s enormously reassuring. Knowing that the package is so comprehensive means I can be confident I won’t be hit with big maintenance bills.”

Working with Rab Wilson at the Reesink Livingston branch in Scotland, Paul feels totally reassured. Together they have built up a good rapport which Paul cites as one of the most important aspects of the scheme: “I know I can count on Rab and his team to respond quickly if we have any problems. It’s a very good one-to-one service and having people you can rely on is vital to us. It’s a really good relationship – I can’t fault it.”

Rab comments: “The plan provides ultimate reassurance to customers such as Paul who maintain a very large fleet all year round. We take the stress out of arranging new parts and electrical components, servicing, breakdown support and machine health checks.

“Labour, parts and consumables are all included, so this comprehensive package of support provides a manageable upkeep programme which we take care of. It leaves customers like Paul with more time to focus on their day jobs and perfecting the golf course which his members value so much.”

Call 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk to find out more about Reesink ReAssure maintenance plans.

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ISEKI announce roadshow

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ISEKI announce roadshow: ISEKI UK & Ireland are excited to be heading out to meet existing and new customers in September and October this year in conjunction with their local dealers on the ISEKI 2021 Roadshow!! 

On show will be the full range of ISEKI compact tractors and mowers exhibiting at a variety of sites across, England, Scotland and Wales, offering people the fantastic opportunity to come and ride ‘n’ drive the machinery.

ISEKI announce roadshow

ISEKI announce roadshow

It is the perfect time to pop along, meet with the ISEKI staff and try out all of the ISEKI products.  Every location will have plenty of space to truly test out the machinery with full and professional demonstrations offered throughout each day.

Whether you are looking for a versatile sub compact 23hp tractor to assist with numerous jobs around your premises, right up to a 67hp tractor perfect for helping to maintain golf courses and sport turf to the highest standard with lift capacities up to 1,680kg there is a machine to suit your needs.  Alternatively, you can jump on and test the unbeatable range of ISEKI mowers, from the renowned cut and collect SF and SXG range, to the fearsome SRA brushcutters, capable of cutting anything it can push over, from overgrown brambles right up to saplings.

ISEKI Roadshow dates so far….

7th & 8th Sept     AYLESBURY RT Machinery, Brackwell Farm

9th Sept                CHESHIRE Sharrocks, Woodside Golf Club, Crewe

21st Sept               NORTH WALES Llyn ATV, Glasyfrn Parc, Y Ffor

22nd Sept             SURREY Ernest Doe Power, Staines Rugby Club

23rd Sept              READING John Day Engineering, Depot

28th Sept              CORNWALL Nigel Rafferty Groundcare, Royal Cornwall Showground

29th Sept              DEVON MST Group, Bicton College

30th Sept              DORSET ABA Groundcare, Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

5th Oct                  TURRIFF, SCOTLAND Balgownie, Turriff Showground

4, 6, 7 & 8th Oct  SCOTLAND Gammies

11th Oct                EDINBURGH Fairways GM Ltd

12th Oct                GLASGOW Fairways GM Ltd

13th Oct                NEWCASTLE Rickerby

14th Oct                COUNTY DURHAM Rickerby, Knotty Hill Golf Club

18th Oct                REDDITCH TH White

19th Oct                LINCOLNSHIRE Chandlers Farm Equipment, Belton Depot

20th Oct                OXFORDSHIRE Turney Group

21st Oct                 EAST ANGLIA Ernest Doe & Sons, Tewin Bury Hotel, Welwyn

ISEKI staff and dealer staff will be there at every roadshow date to show you around the machinery and answer any queries.  Food and refreshments will be available each day, plus some goodies for everyone that attends.

Commenting on the roadshow plans David Withers, Managing Director explained; “As we start emerging from our COVID induced shells it is great to start reconnecting with people in a safe outdoor environment and having the chance to show off our lovely new products to customers old and new around the country, I hope we will see great turnouts and look forward to getting back out there again”

For more details please visit www.iseki.co.uk/isekiroadshow2021, call ISEKI on 01473 599266 or contact the local dealer holding the event.

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STIHL launches clearing saw

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STIHL launches clearing saw: STIHL has enhanced its extensive clearing saw range with the launch of the new FS 561 C-EM, the most powerful model the manufacturer has produced. Offering landscaping professionals and groundskeepers greater performance and durability, as well as the power to clear any obstacle, this new product boasts a number of new features. 

STIHL’s new FS 561 C-EM clearing saw offers a powerful and precise performance, with a best in class cutting diameter of 560mm, increased storage and improved visibility. Designed to tackle the toughest clearing jobs, this model features a new gearbox design offering a revised gear ratio with improved sealing and bearing performance. With 2.8kW of power at the users fingertips and a 38mm reinforced shaft, this new model makes it ideal for clearing large areas quickly and efficiently.

STIHL launches clearing saw

STIHL launches clearing saw

Designed with the user’s comfort in mind, the FS 561 C-EM has a more robust clutch housing,  making it the perfect tool for heavy usage and long run times. With a new and improved anti-vibration system, STIHL ErgoStart and a revised ergonomic bike handlebar allowing the machine to be easily guided, this model is excellent for mowing through grass or shrub or clearing forest stands.

The FS 561 can be used with a wide range of STIHL cutting attachments, which can be fitted easily and quickly.  Combined with the high power output and increased cutting diameter, work with the new clearing saw can be done efficiently and precisely.

The FS 561 C-EM not only has a redesigned gearbox and a more ergonomic design, but it also has an easy starting process and stop button, a WoodCut 225-24 circular saw blade, and an ADVANCE PLUS forestry harness for optimal comfort.

A STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 electronic engine management system is standard on this new model, which optimises ignition timing and fuel metering in all operating modes. External factors such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality are also taken into account, resulting in consistent engine performance, a consistent maximum speed, and excellent acceleration.

For more information on STIHL’s range of clearing saws, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Double Jake arrival boosts presentation

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Double Jake arrival boosts presentation: Head Greenkeeper, Andy Kirk, at Shotts Golf Club had good reason to smile when dealer Fairways GM delivered both a new Jacobsen GP 400 ride-on reels mower and a Jacobsen AR331 side-shifting rotary mower in April.

“Thanks to Bob Marshall and the team from Fairways GM, it was ‘new toy’ day,” he said, “but importantly, I knew they would instantly make a difference and save a whole lot of time.”

Double Jake arrival boosts presentation

Double Jake arrival boosts presentation

Andy, himself only joined the North Lanarkshire club in July 2020, after a spell as Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Crowwood and ten years previously at Gleneagles.

“Arriving in a pandemic was different but you get on with it. We had a very busy winter putting in much needed drainage and more of the same will happen this winter.  Steadily things are going in the right direction.

“The GP400 is massively improving the quality of the surfaces of the tees and approaches.  It’s upped the presentation level while cutting everything to a great standard quickly, so we’re winning on lots of fronts.

“Same with the AR331. Presentation with it is first class.  I use it frequently for striping off tees, then following around the edges of the greens with its tighter cut.  It’s got lots of applications. Where it comes into its own is cutting the tee bankings, a task done fortnightly.  We’re only a team of three so anything that saves us time is crucial. We can get around them all comfortably and safely in a morning where as before, with strimming and hand tools, that would have been a day and a half.  It just frees us up for other duties to make progress elsewhere.”

Fairways GM and Shotts GC enjoy a strong relationship with the club already benefiting from many Jacobsen machines within their fleet.

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