SALTEX to reschedule to March 2021

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SALTEX to reschedule to March 2021: In light of continued restrictions surrounding mass gatherings, combined with the unprecedented impact on all of us from Covid-19, the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Board of Directors has taken the unanimous decision to move SALTEX to early Spring 2021. This outcome has been guided by discussions with key industry bodies, as well as exhibitors.

Like everyone else, the GMA has continued to follow Government guidance, and the science involved, to guide its business during this unprecedented time. Despite early optimism, a decision has been made to move the exhibition to March 2021 – taking into account the best interests of all parties involved.

SALTEX to reschedule to March 2021

SALTEX to reschedule to March 2021

By acting now, it gives the sector an opportunity to re-group and recover ahead of the next trade show. SALTEX will be now held on 3 and 4 March 2021, and the GMA is also realigning the following year so that SALTEX runs in Spring 2022.

The GMA’s decision is based on ensuring the safety of everyone connected with such an event. The association believes this is the most responsible course of action – given current circumstances.

Speaking about the announcement David Carpenter, Independent Chair of the GMA stated: “We would like to reassure our community that personal wellbeing remains our top priority. It is a case of mixed concerns at the moment, but I am hugely optimistic because I believe that the rescheduling of SALTEX in November 2020 will result in a much stronger show in Spring 2021. The new date will enable even more people to visit and celebrate the innovation, technology and the passion that the grounds industry represents – including excellent networking opportunities, as well as focussing on new business needs.”

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA said: “This has been a difficult decision to make, and I hope all our exhibitors join forces with us to mark a return to more ordinary working conditions in the not too distant future. Professional and personal lives have been placed on hold, and that in turn will have a knock-on effect. We want to help ease that load at the moment.

“We’ve seen the grounds community come together and adapt during this challenging period, and we hope that exhibitors help us host something beyond a trade show – a celebration of what our industry can overcome when working together.”

The GMA also believes that holding the 75th SALTEX on 3 and 4 March 2021 will help all companies get the respite required to readjust to changing professional and personal circumstances. The organisation understands the impact of Covid-19 for many businesses and individuals within the grounds management industry.

Geoff Webb continues: “Next year, the event will provide a huge opportunity for our sector to regroup, reunite and celebrate. After this difficult period, the show will help to rekindle the economic activity of the industry. Until then, all our thoughts and support are with those facing the challenges posed by the spread of Coronavirus.”

GMA is pleased to be able to honour all existing bookings and has also secured the same halls at the NEC to minimise disruption for exhibitors. It is also in the process of contacting exhibitors with new payment terms, with later dates, and it is also working with companies that may require further assistance during this challenging period.

The GMA and its SALTEX partners are working closely together to assist businesses with the transition. The GMA can be contacted for further support via SALTEX@thegma.org.uk.

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Changes to Bobcat dealer network

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Changes to Bobcat dealer network: Bobcat has announced important changes in the company’s dealer network for South West England in the UK. TVE Hire & Sales Ltd (TVE), the Authorised Bobcat dealer based in Abingdon in Oxfordshire, has been awarded an expanded territory.

With the addition of the counties of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire to its current area, TVE will now be responsible for customers in seven counties, including Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Changes to Bobcat dealer network

Changes to Bobcat dealer network

John Christofides, Regional Sales Director, UK/Ireland, Nordics and Baltics for Bobcat EMEA, said: “Following the excellent results delivered by TVE in its first three years as a Bobcat dealer, with market share increases of up to 15% in its area, we are delighted to recognise this with the addition of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire to its existing area.”

Additional Caretaker Role for TVE 

TVE has also taken on a caretaker role providing continuity for sales, service and parts for new and existing Bobcat products in the counties of Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, in anticipation of new announcements to be made by Bobcat regarding these counties.

In its newly expanded territory and in its temporary caretaker role, TVE is responsible for sales and service of the market-leading range of Bobcat skid-steer, compact track and all-wheel steer loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers and attachments in the construction, agriculture, rental, landscaping and industrial markets.

Mat Jones, Sales Manager at TVE Hire & Sales Ltd, said: “We are very gratified that our performance since we became a Bobcat dealer has been rewarded with an expanded territory for sales, service and parts for all of the Bobcat range. Customers new and old in Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall can also be assured of full continuity in Bobcat service in our caretaker role for these counties.”

JJ Farm Services Now Responsible for Bobcat Telescopic Loaders for the Agricultural Market in Gloucestershire

In addition, Bobcat, as part of the company’s mission to expand its presence in the Agricultural sector, has appointed Cheltenham-based JJ Farm Services Ltd as the Authorised Dealer for the Bobcat range of telescopic loaders for the agricultural market in Gloucestershire.

Ewen Gilchrist, Network Development Manager UK & Nordics for Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said: “We have been very impressed with the results produced in its existing area by TVE over the last three years, so adding Wiltshire and Gloucestershire to their territory was an easy and logical decision. Customers in the rest of the South West can be assured of the best support from the company during its period as caretaker for their area. I would also like to welcome JJ Farm Services to the fold. We look forward to many years of working together with JJ Farm Services in the agricultural market.”

New ‘Work Now, Pay Later‘ Finance for UK Customers

Like all other Bobcat dealers in the UK, TVE Hire & Sales and JJ Farm Services have extended Bobcat’s Retail Financing solutions to include the new ‘Work Now, Pay Later’ campaign providing a very attractive 180 day deferment for the first finance payment, to underpin the purchase of new Bobcat loaders, mini-excavators and rigid frame telehandlers.

Bobcat sees this offering as an extra support to help customers working through these unprecedentedly difficult times and will run this offer in parallel with existing 0% solutions.

For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com

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Greenkeeper threatened by golfer

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Greenkeeper threatened by golfer: The manager of one of the top golf clubs in Edinburgh has expressed shock at a greenkeeper being “threatened” by a golfer.

The incident happened on Thursday at Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club in the heart of the city.

Like all courses in Scotland, it remains closed due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

But, in common with a number of venues, it has seen frustrated golfers starting to turn up, mainly to practise, without permission.

“We have been advised this morning of an incident which has just occurred at the course,” Merchants club manager Melanie Dobie said in an email to members.

“A member of our green staff, while carrying out his duties, was threatened by a golfer.

“This individual, who claimed to be a member, was practising on the putting green at the first tee and our green staff told him the course and all practice facilities were closed and he should refrain from playing. Our staff member was then verbally abused and physically threatened by a club. This behaviour is totally unacceptable and no one should have to experience this when carrying out their duties.”

The incident came a few hours after the police were called to nearby Mortonhall Golf Club following a report of people playing there.Mortonhall club manager Alan Mackay said: “I have been in touch with police on a regular basis about the amount of ‘traffic’ on the golf course at times, which has been ridiculous.

“The police were called again last night as a member who was out walking took a picture of people golfing.

“By time they arrived, they had gone and were then called out to another incident.”

Many golf courses around the country are being used at the moment by non-golfers for daily exercise.

Mackay added: “80 per cent of people are very courteous in where they walk on the course.

“But there are some who have no disregard in how much hard work the green staff have put in to making the course look as good as it does.”

People have also been spotted practising in bunkers at the Braids, one of the Edinburgh Leisure courses.

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Greenkeeper banished beard for NHS

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Greenkeeper banished beard for NHS: Reay Golf Club greenkeeper James Macadie wanted to do something special to raise money for the NHS – so decided to take part in his very own “Covhead Challenge” by having his beloved beard shaved off.

James (69) had been sporting his beard since the early 1970s and only once before shaved it all for charity, in 1984.

It was decided that the banishment of the beard would take place on Thursday, May 7, just before the weekly Clap for Our Carers, and a JustGiving page was opened.

His wife Irene (69) did the shaving of both head and beard in the front garden at their home in Reay, while other family members – daughter Yvonne Morris, son-in-law Cammy Morris and two granddaughters, Ashleigh and Natasha – did their best to raise awareness of the event.

They said: “NHS staff and volunteers are doing amazing work right now in caring for Covid-19 patients. Together, we wanted to show our respect and gratitude as they work tirelessly in the face of the virus and make sure we look after them, to ensure they can keep doing their vital work.

“For many, James and his bearded face was a familiar sight to see around Reay and helped keep him warm in the winter months while out on the golf course. So you can imagine the shock when it was all gone!”

Their efforts have resulted in £2420 being raised for the NHS. James and the family say they are keen to thank all who have supported the challenge and made donations.

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Elgin pitch in to thank NHS

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Elgin pitch in to thank NHS: Elgin City’s Borough Briggs pitch displayed a special message to the heroes of the NHS thanking them for their efforts during the Covid-19 crisis.

Club director and groundsman Cecil Jack came up with a unique way for City to express their gratitude by marking a huge love heart and the words “Thank you NHS” in the centre of the park.

The club then recruited local firm Rotorworx Aerial Media and Andy Innes Aerial Photography to take drone pictures of the markings, which then went down a storm on City’s Facebook page.

Jack teamed up with fellow ground helper and former director Jim Farquhar to do the design.

“I was thinking what we could do on the pitch so I phoned Jim and asked him how good he thought he was with the wheelbarrow and the pitch lining,” he said.

“Jim said his grandson had been doing something at the school with a heart so we concocted a plan and then we decided what to do from there.

“It was quite a fun thing to do.”

Club secretary Keiran Carty organised the drone photography to ensure the finished product could get the best exposure from high above the stadium.

“The NHS have been absolutely fantastic with any experiences I have had and I think everyone agrees with that,” Jack added.

“They do a great job and you find that out in times like these so we just wanted to do a small gesture to show our thanks.

“It would have needed a lot more writing to include the other essential workers but their work was very much in our thoughts as well when we did this.”

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