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GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

January 10, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary: On 10 January 1934, eleven original founders joined W H Bowles BEM, head groundsman of Eton College, at the London Stone Pub on Cannon Street in the City of London to form the National Association of Groundsmen. The purpose of the association was to improve the status of groundsmen and […]

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

January 10, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Drew Craythorne

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters: STIHL has launched a new range of brushcutters, the most powerful battery powered brushcutters in its AP System, offering unrivalled power and efficiency to professional users. The FSA 200 and FSA 200 R boast a power output up to 60% higher compared to the FSA 135, giving the […]

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

January 10, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

January 10, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Drew Craythorne

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

January 10, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary: On 10 January 1934, eleven original founders joined W H Bowles BEM, head groundsman of Eton College, at the London Stone Pub on Cannon Street in the City of London to form the National Association of Groundsmen.

The purpose of the association was to improve the status of groundsmen and the standard of groundsmanship across the UK and, since then, the association has worked hard, and adapted, to suit the needs of the ever-changing grounds management industry.

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

Since its formation, the National Association of Groundsmen developed with the changing needs of the sector. In 1938, the organisation hosted its first Annual Exhibition, now known as SALTEX, at the Hurlingham Club which has continued to grow despite an eight-year hiatus during the Second World War and a two-year break during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first National Association of Groundsmen qualifications were launched for the industry in 1953 and have developed along with changing practices and technological advances into the comprehensive suite of GMA training courses and qualifications, reconised by the Department for Education’s prestigious matrix Standard, on offer today.

The organisation itself developed, becoming the Institute of Groundsmanship in 1969 and changing again in 2020 to become the Grounds Management Association.

Along with the creation of its renowned trade show, SALTEX, and development of top-class education to advance the industry’s skills, the organisation has worked hard over its 90-year history to support and raise the profile of the sector. This has included launching the Industry Awards in 2008, creating the GMA’s Young Board of Directors in 2011, and hosting the first Schools into Stadia event in 2015 to introduce young people to careers in the sector.

For nine decades the GMA remains the leading not-for-profit membership organisation representing grounds managers, grounds personnel, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape, and amenity facilities in the UK.

With the association reaching such a significant milestone, the GMA will be undertaking a number of celebratory activities throughout the year, including:

Introducing a commemorative brand to celebrate the association’s formation.
Launching a new website – a new engaging and user-friendly platform that will optimise users’ and GMA members’ digital experience.
Launching refined membership packages to simplify and improve the GMA’s offerings to individuals, organisations, and businesses working across the grounds management sector.
Delivering a new GMA Ambassador programme, that aims to better represent all corners of the sector to help raise profile of the industry.

Commenting on the GMA’s 90^th anniversary, Geoff Webb said:

“The National Association of Groundsmen was formed by key individuals working in the industry to raise the profile of the sector and improve the standard of its work across the nation.

“Over 90 years, the association has adapted and evolved with the changing world and now, the UK grounds management sector is seen as the world-leader when it comes to sports turf management. This achievement has been made possible through 90 years of support for the sector, including 77 SALTEX exhibitions, industry-leading educational resources, advice and support for sports clubs across all levels through the PAS programme, and more.

“With support from key sporting National Governing Bodies, the Grounds Management Association as it is now called, has grown into a key part of the nation’s enjoyment of sport and our ethos of ‘making sport possible’ has never been more relevant than it is today.

“We thank everyone who plays a part in this hard-working and essential industry, from volunteers and professionals to businesses, and will be marking this year with a number of developments that will benefit the sector, including a new membership offering and website coming later this year, as well as a series of activities throughout the year.”

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STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

January 10, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Drew Craythorne

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters: STIHL has launched a new range of brushcutters, the most powerful battery powered brushcutters in its AP System, offering unrivalled power and efficiency to professional users.

The FSA 200 and FSA 200 R boast a power output up to 60% higher compared to the FSA 135, giving the brushcutters a comparable performance to the petrol-powered FS 361 C-EM clearing saw. This level of power not only ensures efficient and versatile cutting, but also gives landscapers and contractors a genuine alternative to powerful petrol models.

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

Available in bike handle and loop handle models, the FSA 200 provides professional users with enhanced precision through its infinitely variable speed control. With three speed settings, users can tailor their cutting experience for different materials, maximising battery life and overall efficiency.

The professional AV system of the FSA 200 enables long durations of use with minimal vibration, promoting comfortable operation. This comfort is further enhanced by the hard-wearing clamping screw, facilitating easy folding of the handlebar for convenient transport.

The loop handle brushcutter features a quick-release handle clamp, allowing easy adjustment to accommodate users of varying heights. This adaptability ensures maximum comfort during extended use.

Powered by a brushless EC motor, the FSA 200 delivers robust performance, especially when tackling thick materials. The efficiency of the tool is enhanced by the automatic blade detection feature, increasing the maximum RPM when a grass blade is in use to ensure optimal cutting performance.

To contribute to an extended lifespan, the brushcutter incorporates a mesh air filter that provides optimal motor cooling. Not only does this feature enhance durability, but it also facilitates easy cleaning, maintaining consistent performance over time.

Versatility is a key feature of the FSA 200, offering compatibility with a wide range of cutting attachments. Users can achieve longer working times with metal blades and PolyCut blades compared to traditional mowing lines, providing flexibility for various cutting needs.

When equipped with the Smart Connector 2 A, the FSA 200 allows users to gather detailed information such as working time and speed setting history. This smart feature provides valuable insights for optimal tool management, enhancing overall efficiency and the user experience.

For more information on the FSA 200 and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary: On 10 January 1934, eleven original founders joined W H Bowles BEM, head groundsman of Eton College, at the London Stone Pub on Cannon Street in the City of London to form the National Association of Groundsmen.

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters: STIHL has launched a new range of brushcutters, the most powerful battery powered brushcutters in its AP System, offering unrivalled power and efficiency to professional users.

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