Obituary – John Shepherd

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Obituary – John Shepherd: It is with great sadness we announce that John Shepherd has passed away after an 18 month battle with cancer. John fell asleep peacefully for the last time with his family at his side on Sunday 2nd February 2020.

John was a close friend and colleague to me and many people in the irrigation industry. He was always positive and had a smile looking for the best solution for customers.

Obituary - John Shepherd

Obituary – John Shepherd

John started his career, after studying at Myerscough College, at Turf Irrigation Services (TIS) Ltd and this is where we met for the first time. John was a Technical Sales Engineer/Designer and I was a junior in the drafting office preparing design and as laid plans for projects undertaken by TIS. He always had time to spend with me. Indeed without the kind opportunities, education and experience given to me by Robin (Hume) and John I would not be where I am today. The irrigation and indeed turf industry seems large to many on the outside, however, it is actually a small and personal industry.

John once told me that when he started working for TIS he was conscious of his stammer and that he spoke to Robin about this. Robin responded in saying “People recognise me for my size and people will recognise you for your stammer”. Indeed Robin once told me that people would recognise me for my red hair, something which many still do, and I know many will always remember John’s stammer.

In his career John also spent many enjoyable years working for Hunter Industries as a Technical Sales Manager in EMEA [Europe, Middle East & Africa] before returning back to his roots to finally setup his irrigation design company, Irrigation Project Management [IPM], and working closely with myself at RHA.

Football was a passion and often a topic of conversation with many who knew him.  He was an avid supporter of Preston North End with a season ticket and seat on the nose of Tom Finney.

John is survived by his wife Nicholette and two children Chrissie and Joseph. His funeral will be held at Crewe Crematorium on the 27th February at 13.45 followed by a wake at the Hunters Lodge in Crewe. All are welcome to celebrate John’s life. John requested no flowers, and that any donations made in his memory will go to Macmillan Cancer Care and Help for Heroes.

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Witham Hall invest in Rotobrush

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Witham Hall invests in a Rotobrush: Home to full sized Astroturf, grass cricket wicket, a nine-hole golf course and an all-weather wicket, there was no better match than the GKB Rotobrush for Witham Hall Preparatory School.

Alex Exton, Groundsman at Witham Hall Preparatory School explains that the GKB Rotobrush perfectly fits their needs. “It is a compact and efficient machine that it is perfect for what I wanted it for.” He continues, “This machine was affordable to which was a big appeal. It’s rare you can get such an impressive machine for such a great price.”

Witham Hall invests in a Rotobrush

Witham Hall invests in a Rotobrush

As your synthetic sport pitches get used, dirt becomes apparent. From moss and algae to general wear and tear, this ultimately can affect the technical characteristics and authentic appearance of the turf. The GKB Rotobrush restores this by tackling persistent contamination. Alex explains, “We use our GKB Rotorbrush to clean our Astro. Due to the size of our grounds it can take a while however this machine is the best of the best!”

The GKB Rotobrush enables you to brush deeper and more effectively where needed. Thanks to the rotating brush disc that is provided with extra rigid bristles, your artificial pitch maintenance can be taken to the next level. When the functioning of normal brushing and cleaning stops, the GKB Rotobrush continues. Alex Exton said “The GKB Rotobrush gets so close to the edges of the Astroturf, especially where the carpet meets the fence kickboard and also on the artificial for the cricket.”

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617.

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Belchim announce new biocide

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Belchim announce new biocide: The amenity sector is set to benefit following the recent approval of a new product for the professional biocide market.

Enclean, containing 500g/l of the active ingredient Nonanoic acid, has just received registration and will strengthen and expand Belchim Crop Protection’s product range into the amenity sector says Belchim Amenity Specialist William Weld.

Belchim announce new biocide

Belchim announce new biocide

“Enclean has been greatly anticipated. It’s a natural plant origin biocide specifically designed to remove algae from a wide range of hard surfaces including: pavements, greenhouses (outside), patios, roofs, wooden decking and fence panels. Enclean’s active ingredient Nonanoic acid is extremely effective, non-corrosive and quickly degrades into natural elements. It offers good operator safety and has no environmental hazard classification.

It also has a very low dilution requirement making it one of the easiest biocides to use;  “1 litre of formulated product will cover the same area as 5 litres of most other surface cleaners” he adds.

Enclean comes in 1L packs, with a dilution rate of one pack per 14L of water offering users 550m2 of coverage from a single 15L knapsack sprayer using an Evenspray red 0.4 nozzle (4 times the coverage of most other biocides under the same operating conditions) claims Mr Weld.

“Enclean will help to simplify the application of surface cleaners whilst delivering excellent results on algae. It should be available for use via Belchim’s amenity distribution partners from the beginning of March” he concludes.

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Real savings with Toro’s Reels+

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Real savings with Toro’s Reels+: It’s possible to make real and significant savings with Toro Reels+.

Everything you need for replacing your cylinders is included and comes pre-assembled and with the bearings already pressed on with required low-drag flock seals and spacers, you can save approximately 15-20 minutes of installation time per cylinder.

Real savings with Toro's Reels+

Real savings with Toro’s Reels+

Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink Turfcare, the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland of Toro Parts, says: “Anytime Toro customers see the plus symbol next to Toro Reels, they know they’re getting a fully-integrated cylinder assembly. Demand in the marketplace and customer feedback has been a key driver behind this product, which allow technicians to streamline their operations.”

The additional bearings, seals and spacers are sold at a discount from the individual part retail price, making a very real and positive contribution to your business’ bottom line, too.

Michael continues: “This makes a very real saving at the point of purchase, but the savings don’t stop there. Less time and labour means your mowers are back in action faster, saving money and resources.”

Plus, having all the parts professionally assembled at the factory removes the guesswork for technicians and by ensuring the recommended bearings are utilised increases the product life of the cutting units, as Michael explains: “Toro Reels+ guarantee a fit which matches the exact engineering specifications of the mower. And as you might expect, a perfect fit produces a perfect cut. Spending less time on maintenance and increasing the product life of the cutting units means there’s more time to focus on providing the best turf care possible.”

Make sure your business benefits from the muitiple plus points of easier machinery maintenance with Toro Reels+ and Reesink by visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk today.

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PSP signs new agreement

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PSP signs new agreement: The Professional Sprayers People (PSP) are pleased to announce they have signed a long-term distribution agreement with Guarany Industries, South America’s leading manufacturer of professional backpack and manual spraying equipment.

Guarany, a Brazilian company based in Ito near Sao Paolo, have a 95-year track record of supplying the professional spraying market with a range of innovative equipment which goes beyond liquid spraying to granule application, soil and stem injection and dust and mist distribution. The range also includes a vast array of accessories which boost the utility and versatility of backpack and handheld sprayers.

PSP signs new agreement

PSP signs new agreement

PSP have an exclusive agreement to distribute the products across the UK, Ireland and Europe and have appointed Melanie Breillat as Business Development Director to take the company forward. Melanie has a background in horticulture and sales and is a fluent French speaker.

Says Director Ivan Zytynski:

‘We are excited to bring Guarany’s range of sprayers and applicators into the UK and Europe. They put professional sprayers’ needs first with some completely unique products to combat a range of issues faced by greenkeepers, groundskeepers, horticulture specialists and serious gardeners.

“We have been lucky enough to find Melanie Breillat to lead the business. With her knowledge of the UK and French farming and horticulture sectors, in addition to impressive business credentials, she understands what professional sprayers need and the current problems, such as leatherjackets on golf courses, that they are dealing with.”

To find out more about the range, call:

Melanie on 01273 400092.
Or visit www.prosprayers.co.uk.

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