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‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

November 9, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) today announces that SALTEX Operations Director, Derek Walder, also known as ‘Mr SALTEX’, will be the third inductee into its industry Hall of Fame. This latest honour, the most significant gesture of appreciation the GMA can award, follows Derek’s Institute of Groundsmanship […]

New Technical Manager at AGS

November 8, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Becky Nelmes

New Technical Manager at AGS: Advance Grass Solutions is very pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Logan to the role of UK Technical Manager. A former greenkeeper with a First-Class BSc (Hons) Degree in Turfgrass Science, Phil brings a wealth of agronomic and practical skills to support the growing AGS in field team and […]

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

November 9, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

New Technical Manager at AGS

November 8, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Becky Nelmes

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

November 9, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) today announces that SALTEX Operations Director, Derek Walder, also known as ‘Mr SALTEX’, will be the third inductee into its industry Hall of Fame.

This latest honour, the most significant gesture of appreciation the GMA can award, follows Derek’s Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and is being awarded to Derek as an acknowledgement of an illustrious career in the industry spanning more than half a century.

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

Derek’s career has seen him involved in many corners of the groundscare sector, including 26 years as the grounds manager at Wimbledon Football Club’s training site during a legendary period in the club’s history which involved working alongside the notorious group of Wimbledon players known as the ‘Crazy Gang’.

Derek first got involved in SALTEX operations in 1970 as one of many members dedicating their own time in order to ensure SALTEX was a success. His time involved in SALTEX has seen him deal with many important moments in the show’s history, like when the show moved from outdoor venues to an indoor one and, most recently, the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring the safety of visitors at this year’s show. This year, marks his 40^th delivery of the annual trade exhibition.

His induction into the GMA’s Hall of Fame means that Derek is just the third inductee, joining legendary grounds managers, the late Eddie Seaward MBE, former Head Groundsman at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club and Steve Braddock, Head of Grounds Management at the Arsenal Football Club training centre. His award represents the many crucial roles being played behind the scenes that keep the sector, and its events, running.

GMA CEO, Geoff Webb, commenting on Derek’s latest honour, says:

“Our Hall of Fame recognises outstanding contributions to the industry and Derek’s achievements go far beyond turf management by bringing together the groundscare sector successfully under one roof year on year. Derek has shown unswerving dedication to the success of SALTEX, and this award is richly deserved.”

On receiving his honour, Hall of Fame inductee, Derek Walder, says:

“There’s no ‘i’ in ‘team’; I am surrounded by a great bunch of people who consistently commit 100 per cent to the show. I’ve been delivering SALTEX for a long time, but at the end of the day we’ve got a good team and that’s what makes it a success.”

An in-depth feature on Derek, and his journey in grounds management which led to his induction into the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame, was published in the Winter 2021 edition of the GMA’s member magazine, Grounds Management, a preview of which you can read by clicking here.

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

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New Technical Manager at AGS

November 8, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Becky Nelmes

New Technical Manager at AGS: Advance Grass Solutions is very pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Logan to the role of UK Technical Manager.

A former greenkeeper with a First-Class BSc (Hons) Degree in Turfgrass Science, Phil brings a wealth of agronomic and practical skills to support the growing AGS in field team and lead the technical department into the next phase of development.

New Technical Manager at AGS

Sam Honeyborne, MD at AGS said ‘’Phil’s appointment is an exciting one for our business. It’s very unusual to find a candidate with both a high level of technical ability coupled with senior management commercial experience. He has coordinated many turf grass research trials during his time at the STRI which will enhance and develop our current, exclusive range of products. We very much look forward to working with Phil.’’

Formerly, Phil worked at Barenbrug as Sales Manager for Ireland and Northern England.

Phil Logan said ‘’I’m very excited to be joining AGS. Their growth in recent years has not gone unnoticed and I see this as a great opportunity to influence and support future success. They have built a reputation on sustainable agronomic principles, that align with my own ethos, with a very sound product portfolio.’’

Advance Grass Solutions is a leading provider of agronomy services, products and customer

support throughout the UK, with loyal customers from lawncare and small bowling clubs to Ryder Cup venues and Premier League football clubs.

AGS supplies a UK exclusive range of high-quality products including: Growth Products, Sustane Natural Fertilizers, Polyon controlled release technology, in addition to well-known UK based suppliers such as Barenbrug and Aquatrols. Their staff hold industry recognised qualifications such as BASIS and FACTS alongside honours degrees in turfgrass, soil science and ecology disciplines.

Phil Logan BSc (Hons) / phillogan@advancegrass.com / Tel : 07774 416429

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)

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

New Technical Manager at AGS

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

New Technical Manager at AGS

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) today announces that SALTEX Operations Director, Derek Walder, also known as ‘Mr SALTEX’, will be the third inductee into its industry Hall of Fame.

New Technical Manager at AGS

New Technical Manager at AGS: Advance Grass Solutions is very pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Logan to the role of UK Technical Manager.

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