Turn up the music

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Turn up the music: Makita UK has expanded its accessories range with two new radios. The DMR301 and MR007G are the perfect job site companions – as well as outstanding output, they have also been designed to withstand tough site conditions. Even better still, the DMR301 can be used to charge Makita’s LXT and CXT batteries for added on site efficiency.

DMR301 Bluetooth DAB/DAB+ Job Site Radio

The new DMR301 DAB/DAB+ Job Site Radio is compatible with both LXT and CXT batteries and is the first job site radio in Makita’s line-up to offer battery charging (when powered by the mains using an AC adaptor).

Turn up the music

Turn up the music

Thanks to its dual power functionality, professionals can use the same LXT or CXT batteries to power their tools and accessories on site, as well as keeping batteries charged across the working day to maximise efficiency.

Furthermore, the DMR301 can also wirelessly connect to mobile devices (within a range of 10m) via Bluetooth and features two USB output ports for charging mobile phones. To ensure that it can withstand tough jobsite conditions, the DMR301 is dust and shower proof (IP64 rated) and includes elastomer bumpers and metal pipes for added durability. The swivel mount, soft bend antenna also minimises breakage and/or loss.

When powered using a 6.0Ah 18V LXT battery, the DMR301 will run for over 24hours for entertainment all day long and for those looking to unwind at the end of the working day, the DMR301 is even equipped with a built-in bottle opener.

MR007GZ02 DAB/DAB+ Job Site Radio

Just in time for Christmas, the MR007G DAB/DAB+ radio is now available in a special edition red finish. The MR007G is compatible with Makita’s LXT, XGT and CXT batteries and can also be mains powered using an AC adaptor jack. This radio is ideal for use on construction sites as it is dust and shower proof (IP65 rated) and includes elastomer bumpers.

The MR007G can be wirelessly linked to mobile devices (within a radius of 10m) via Bluetooth and includes a USB port for charging mobile devices on site.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “At Makita, we are dedicated to offering tradespeople a wide range of products that make working on site easier, safer and with these new products – more enjoyable. Customer feedback is at the heart of our product development and the new radios are testament to this – the option to charge batteries using our radios is in high demand and we are delighted to now offer this functionality with the DMR301.

“Spanning power tools, garden machinery products and a huge selection of accessories, the Makita range has something for everyone. What’s more, with our cordless products professionals can change between tools and tasks, and tools and accessories, effortlessly.”

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com

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New BASIS organic farming course dates

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New BASIS organic farming course dates: Organic certifier, OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers), in collaboration with independent awarding body, BASIS and agronomy advisers, Abacus Agriculture have announced 2022 dates for the newly launched Foundation Award in Organic Farming, following a successful pilot.

Next year’s Harper Adams University accredited level four courses will take place over three days on 18 – 21 January at Stoneleigh Park; Warwickshire, 19 – 22 April at the Great Yorkshire Showground; 19 – 22 July at the Bath and West showground and 27 – 30 September, venue to be confirmed.

New BASIS organic farming course dates

New BASIS organic farming course dates

“We received really positive feedback after the trial in the autumn,” says Steven Jacobs, OF&G business development manager. “Farmers and advisers have a strong appetite to build their knowledge of organic systems and we’ve been taking enquiries for the course already and anticipate good uptake.”

The Foundation Award provides a comprehensive introduction to organic farming and organic legislation; to primarily crop and livestock production, soil management and conversion planning.

George Fletcher, who co-manages Berkswell Cheese, completed the pilot course and notes that with the rise of input costs associated with conventional agriculture, he was looking to make his business more financially sustainable. “The course taught me about practical techniques to help reduce expensive fertiliser and spray use and the clear advantages of bringing livestock into my crop rotation.”

Ian Knight, farm adviser and director at Abacus Agri, adds that this training is not only for those considering organic conversion. “The course is relevant across the agricultural sector. The key principles of organic farming and a natural biological approach to soil, crop, livestock and human health apply to every sustainable farming business and forms the direction of government policy and grant support for agriculture.”

BASIS’ head of business development, Greg Hopkinson explains what candidates should expect from the training and assessment for this course; “At BASIS we are really excited about supporting the organic sector through this new qualification. Candidates will need to combine the onsite training they receive with independent study before taking a written exam which will assess the knowledge they have gained.”

Designed to be a stepping-stone towards more advanced certifications in the future, the Foundation Award provides a comprehensive introduction to organic production which will be complemented by additional courses in the future. To learn more about the Foundation Award in Organic Farming visit www.ofgorganic.org or www.basis-reg.co.uk/training.

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Turkeeper.com ‘Information Technology’ award

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Turkeeper.com ‘Information Technology’ award: Kevin Scarce of TurfKeeper.com received the award in the Information Technology category at this year’s SALTEX Innovation awards.

The latest innovative feature, as presented to the GMA judging panel, is the downloadable TurfKeeper ‘Beacon’ App, which serves as a as a true “Push Notification” app. Any tasks that are added, edited or completed on the Turfkeeper online management system sends notifications to the intended recipient in the field. Machinery maintenance alerts warning of impending due maintenance are also sent out via the push notifications. It is now TurfKeeper’s vision to further expand the ‘Beacon’ app with further functionality.”

Turkeeper.com ‘Information Technology’ award

Turkeeper.com ‘Information Technology’ award

TurfKeeper is a complete online management resource which allows its users to plan, execute and diarise daily, weekly monthly work schedules and in return gain extremely insightful real time data reports on labour hours used in specific areas, cost of maintenance, stock usage etc. Stock control, machinery management, detailed NPK tracking and budget control and Health and safety are all included in the one stop shop solution.

The digital jobs white board feature offers a unique way of outputting planned tasks, daily notes, fixtures and direction of cut etc. onto a large screen TV for staff to view. As well as being Cloud based and viewable on all devices, it updates in real time from anywhere.

Kevin Scarce is the Sales Manager for TurfKeeeper.com

www.turfkeeper.com

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Staffordshire FA and Campey continue partnership

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Staffordshire FA and Campey continue partnership: Following on from a successful working relationship with Campey Turf Care over several years, including the development of a formal partnership in 2020, Staffordshire FA is delighted to extend our partnership with Campey Turf Care for the 2021/22 Season, as the Association’s recommended equipment supplier.

One of the key strands of the Staffordshire FA grass pitch improvement strategy, is to support our clubs and grounds persons to be able to invest in quality equipment to maintain their playing surfaces, and for several years now, Campey Turf Care have developed an excellent reputation and relationships with many clubs across Staffordshire.

Staffordshire FA and Campey continue partnership

Staffordshire FA and Campey continue partnership

As the Football Association and Football Foundation continue to invest in the ongoing improvement of grass pitches, there has never been a better time for grassroots clubs to embrace the support and resources which can enhance their playing surfaces, and subsequently improve the experience of their members.

Gareth Thomas, Partnerships & Communications Officer: “Staffordshire FA have been actively working to improve grass pitches across the county since 2012, and we continue to be very encouraged by the positive impact our programme is having. However, there is still plenty of work to do with over a thousand pitches across the county, and we can only achieve our objectives by working together with various key partners across the industry.”

“Campey Turf Care have played a key part in supporting Staffordshire FA and our member clubs during that period, not only with the supply of quality equipment, but also via valuable education and aftercare with our clubs and volunteers, and support with the educational workshops we deliver.

He continued: “Grassroots football clubs can access support via the Football Foundation ‘Pitch Power’ process, which in turn provides clubs with a detailed report and recommendations from our Regional Pitch Advisor at the Grounds Management Association. Included within each Pitch Power report is a section on recommended equipment, which clubs can then access 75% funding for, via a grant from the Football Foundation.”

“On receipt of their Pitch Power report, clubs across Staffordshire regularly ask us where they can access quality equipment to invest in; having a trusted partner like Campey Turf Care really assists the County FA and our clubs with that process, and we look forward to developing the partnership and supporting more of our clubs in 2021/22 and beyond.”

John Campey, Director at Campey Turf Care, commented: “We are delighted to extend our involvement with Staffordshire FA for the coming season. Working together we have provided a vital link between manufacturer/supplier and those in the field. Combining our innovation and expertise in product design with education and hands-on experience from grassroots clubs is a powerful step in achieving best practise at every level.”

For further information on the Staffordshire FA grass pitch improvement strategy and how your club can benefit from the programme, please contact: support@staffordshirefa.com

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The Grove invests in stars of the future

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The Grove invests in stars of the future: The Grove, Hertfordshire’s ultimate country escape, today announces two important promotions within its green-keeping team to continue its long-running heritage of developing the golf industry’s stars of the future.

Since opening in 2003 a host of young talent have crafted their skills at the Top 100-ranked venue, under the leadership of Golf Course and Estate Manager, Phillip Chiverton, who has been at the forefront of The Grove’s green-keeping operation for 20 years.

The Grove invests in stars of the future

The Grove invests in stars of the future

The latest green-keepers to rise through the ranks of the young team are 27-year-olds Sam Reid and Callum Herbst.

Sam is The Grove’s new Head Green-keeper, with immediate effect, and Callum is promoted to Deputy Head Green-keeper. Both joined The Grove in 2012, Herbst as an apprentice, and Reid as a casual worker, while studying at Buckinghamshire University.

Reid’s rise to Head Green-keeper status has seen him help prepare the championship course for The British Masters in 2016, achieve an R&A Greenkeeper Scholarship in 2018, and work with the course’s world-renowned architect, Kyle Phillips, during an extensive bunker redesign and rebuild project in 2020.

Herbst’s journey has included being a Toro Student Green-keeper of the Year finalist, along with work experience during the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow in the USA, and at the French Open at Le Golf National.

Commenting on the promotions, Phillip Chiverton, said: “In Sam and Callum we have two certain agronomy leaders of tomorrow. The Grove has always invested in young talent and we have a rich history of coaching green-keepers through the early stages of their careers.”

A consistent development programme with scope for continual internal promotion has seen many of The Grove’s young stars go on to secure senior industry roles at other world-renowned golfing destinations, including Trump International Golf Links in Scotland, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, San Roque Club in Spain and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, UAE.

“While our day-to-day objectives always remain keeping The Grove in pristine condition all-year-round – something our customers consistently recognise us for – it is also important we offer the next generation of green-keeping stars a platform from which to succeed and prosper. Seeing young talent develop at The Grove and then go on to prosper in all corners of the globe is hugely rewarding.”

The Grove proudly covets its position as a premium open-to-all leisure facility and one of the UK’s Top 100 golf resorts, just 18 miles from central London.

It’s 18-hole parkland golf course, the only venue in the UK to have hosted a World Golf Championship event in 2006, won by Tiger Woods, continues to receive critical acclaim and was recently ranked within Europe’s Top 100 Modern Courses, by Golf World.

The World Golf Awards has also named recognised The Grove as ‘England’s Best Golf Hotel 2021’.

The Grove’s 18th-century Mansion houses 26 rooms, suites and lounges decorated with a 21st-century spin on vintage glamour. There’s also the thoroughly modern West Wing with a further 189 deluxe, superior and family rooms. Many of these rooms have balconies/terraces looking over the immaculate Formal Gardens.

For further information: www.thegrove.co.uk

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