SALTEX visitor survey

SALTEX visitor survey: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has launched an online visitor survey to help plan for and shape the future of SALTEX.

September marks four months since the GMA announced that SALTEX will be taking place in March 2021. In more ordinary times, organisers of SALTEX would be planning for the November event – the 75th anniversary of SALTEX – and getting prepared to host more than 9,000 people at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham – but, instead, are currently navigating unprecedented circumstances.

SALTEX visitor survey

SALTEX visitor survey

Behind the scenes, the GMA is working to monitor latest government guidance and safety measures to run the best event possible. No stone has been left unturned in the planning of SALTEX and the GMA has established a working group with significant experience in the events sector, as well as strengthened its external partnerships, which includes event partner the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO), the Events Owners Association (EOA), the Association of Event Venues (AEV), and the Event Suppliers and Services Association (ESSA).

Now, the not-for-profit organisation wants to hear directly from the industry to help support its event strategy with the view to deliver an excellent customer experience based on latest research and an understanding of expectations.

“We are in constant dialogue with our exhibitors and now we want to hear from the visitors that attend SALTEX,” said GMA CEO Geoff Webb. “By completing our short visitor survey, it will help us plan for the future and ensure that SALTEX is the event the industry needs to unite and celebrate the grounds sector.

“SALTEX is the industry’s show – it has been since 1938 – and therefore, the voices of all those who attend are the voices that count most of all.”

The GMA’s priority while planning SALTEX has been to continue supporting the industry, those that it works closely with, and to provide regular updates along the way. In the past months, the GMA has hosted regular webinars, held focus groups and conducted membership insight to help shape what’s right for the grounds management sector.

To complete the short survey, please click here

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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Reesink adds more specialist machinery

Reesink adds more specialist machinery: Reesink is the new distributor for AgriMetal blowers and collectors in the UK. A range of three low decibel three-point linkage mounted debris blowers and two high capacity collectors, recognised for their safe, efficient and reliable performance for sports, grounds and other turf customers, are now available from the agricultural and turfcare distributor in time for Autumn.

AgriMetal is a familiar brand for Reesink’s managing director David Cole: “I’ve worked with AgriMetal before and recognise it as a popular blower line with great reliability and features, so when the opportunity arose recently to bring it in under our newly formed Agricultural division here at Reesink we didn’t hesitate. Customers responded to the brand’s performance, build quality and competitive pricing in the past and I am sure will do so again.”

Reesink adds more specialist machinery

Reesink adds more specialist machinery

There are three leaf and debris blowers available. All are tractor mounted with the BW2500 requiring 25hp at the PTO, BW3500 35hp and BW4500, 45hp respectively. They have an aluminium rather than steel impellor which, because it requires less energy at full throttle, delivers a quieter, smoother and vibration free operation. This will have sure-fire appeal to golf courses and urban sports ground, for example, where it is important to keep noise pollution to a minimum.

The lightweight construction reduces the sudden loading on the driveline and helps reduce belt wear as the PTO is engaged. The large roller on which the blower rides lets you work in the worst conditions without marking or compacting the turf, particularly useful for sports surfaces, especially on turns. In fact, in contrast to the competition, the roller will often repair imperfections on the turf.

This low decibel series of tractor-drawn blowers has been designed for maximum productivity and minimum maintenance and are a worthy addition to any golf course, sports ground, paddock and orchard and the option to fit caster wheels, which allows the machine to switch to hard surface application, makes them a good option for public schools, colleges, universities and large estates for driveway clearing too.

Joining the blowers are two collectors, the Tuff Vac and Multi Vac. The Tuff Vac comes in two variants, PTO driven for use with a a 35hp+ tractor, or with its own 27hp engine allowing it to be towed by a smaller tractor or larger utility vehicle. The Multi Vac is pulled and powered by any 50hp or higher tractor.

The Tuff Vac delivers a simple but effective proposition in either version. A hydraulic counter rotating brush or rubber ‘finger’ rotor provides superior performance on hard to pick up materials such as straw and a whopping 50 percent more exhaust area than some competitive models means more vacuum and less clogging.

The addition of a wander hose kit for awkward areas and the standard heavy duty ‘finger’ rotor which can be optionally changed to a nylon bristle brush for hard surfaces means it’s a versatile little number.

Meanwhile, the Multi Vac has a large format design, greater holding capacity and a new brush system that is second to none in sweeping leaves and branch debris. The impeller RPM is reduced for a quieter operating level, reducing noise pollution, and two rotary blades turn at high speed to shred leaves and branches. A third rotary blade is located inside the pick-up head throat so preventing clogging. This exclusive internal shredder greatly increases the volume of debris that is packed into the hopper and prevents dust to deliver a cleaner job.

The pickup head rides on four large rollers to eliminate marking, compacting and scuffing of the surface and the new brush freely pivots so as not to damage the turf while throwing leaves and branches into the intake.

Steven Haynes, sales manager Reesink Agriculture, continues: “For those looking for a debris blower or collector, this range is competitive and worth a look. The products deliver high performance, excellent air flow and are not too noisy, while Reesink and its dealers brings customer support and finance to the party.”

For further information on the range, call Reesink Agriculture on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or visit reesinkagriculture.co.uk

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Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors

Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors: Rain Bird is making the challenge of managing golf course irrigation easier with the introduction of its new 702/752 Series Rotors.

With the game of golf enjoying a popularity boom, greenkeeping teams are working round the clock carrying out the necessary maintenance to optimise playability and presentation. These new rotors replace Rain Bird’s current 700/751 Series electric and IC Valve-In-Head (VIH) rotors and are designed to offer faster, easier adjustments with fewer parts, reducing maintenance and inventory.

Rain Bird Golf's new rotors

Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors

“We always try to keep the challenges that golf courses are facing in mind,” said John Kivi, senior product manager for Rain Bird Golf. “These new rotors are one more example of how we’re continuously innovating to drive efficiency.”

The 702/752 Series Rotors offer flexibility and numerous time-saving benefits, including 75 percent faster nozzle changes using a simple screwdriver. The new self-adjusting stator eliminates the need to change stator configurations when changing nozzles, delivering consistent rotation speeds that optimise performance for all 702 and 752 Series nozzles. Like all Rain Bird rotors, the 702/752 offer top-serviceable arc adjustment, pressure regulation and easy access to serviceable components.

The Rain Bird 702 is a full-circle rotor with a radius of 59 to 77 feet (18.0 to 23.5 metres) available in two models: electric and IC (integrated control). Also available in electric and IC models, the Rain Bird 752 full and part-circle rotor has a remarkable radius of 19 to 84 feet (5.8 to 25.6 metres) – the largest range of throw available in a golf class rotor, making it a truly all-in-one rotor. It features Rain Bird’s Rapid-Adjust Technology for easy arc adjustments with the turn of a screw, as well as MemoryArcÒ, which retains two part-circle arc settings so that rotors can be shifted from full to part-circle operation in mere seconds.

“We developed these new rotors to provide the kind of flexibility, uniformity, dependable coverage and efficiency that golf course professionals need, perhaps now more than ever before,” Kivi said.

For more information, visit rainbird.com/golfrotors. Rain Bird Golf products are available to purchase in the UK from Rigby Taylor – irrigationsales@rigbytaylor.com or call 0800 424 919.

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‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association and Partner ICL have revealed the five recipients of the fifth ICL Scholarship, with a greenkeeper from the Scottish island of Jura able take advantage of a new online format.

Restrictions relating to COVID-19 and concerns for the health of potential attendees have led to BIGGA’s annual education conference being hosted as an entirely online event, meaning this year’s scholars will enjoy a new learning experience from the comfort of their own homes.

‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

The new platform will allow Laura Sayer-Hall from Ardfin Golf Club to access BIGGA’s renowned education programme online, saving her a 700-mile, 18-hour round trip from her home in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

The successful BIGGA members chosen for the scholarship are:

  • Laura Sayer-Hall, assistant greenkeeper, Ardfin (Scotland)
  • Neil Gilham, course manager, Reigate Hill (Surrey)
  • Jamie Wright, greenkeeper, Sunningdale (Surrey)
  • James Matthewman, deputy head greenkeeper, Maesteg (Wales)
  • Chris Low, deputy course manager, Olton (Warwickshire)

The ICL Continue to Learn 2021 Scholars will receive a package including:

  • An all-access pass to Continue to Learn Virtual education conference in January 2021
  • Six online workshops, which is the equivalent of two one-day workshops
  • An invite to BTME 2022 including two nights’ accommodation
  • A ticket to BIGGA’s National Regional Conference, taking place online on 10 November 2020.

Ed Carter, ICL’s UK Sales and Development Manager, said: “ICL is delighted to sponsor such a worthwhile scheme, enabling BIGGA members to undertake Continuing Professional Development, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were once again impressed by the calibre of the applicants and had a tough time shortlisting to select the final five. We’re delighted to welcome the five members to our growing community of ICL Scholars.”

Sami Strutt, BIGGA’s Head of Learning and Development, said: “The ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship enables five BIGGA members to continue their quest for professional development and we feel this is even more vital in these unprecedented times. Education is the cornerstone of BIGGA and the ICL Scholarship provides a fabulous opportunity to gain new knowledge and learn new skills.”

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Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations

Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations: Bernhard Company has appointed Patrick Collins as its new director of finance and operations.

Patrick Collins, who joined Bernhard in September, will oversee finance and operations at Bernhard Company’s manufacturing plant, based in Haverhill.

Bernhard's new Director of Finance and Operations

Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations

He has worked in a variety of industries, and his financial experience in manufacturing companies such as Telefonica UK Ltd, BWI UK Limited and   Honda UK will bring valuable experience to the team. Patrick is a keen golfer, and he also coaches Rugby and Cricket; his interest in sports will be a great asset to Bernhard Company in him understanding our industry.

Bernhard and Company Chairman, Stephen Bernhard, said: “Patrick joins us at a challenging time, we are all very excited to welcome him into the business, his skills and experience will reinforce our ambitious strategy.”

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