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TNS groundcare stalwart retires

May 25, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Jane Carley

TNS groundcare stalwart retires: After 46 years with Kubota ground care machinery dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), machinery stalwart Laurie Brown is to retire. “I’ve now decided to practice what I’ve been preaching, by investing in a walk-behind Kubota W819R-Pro so I can continue to keep my lawn presentable during my retirement,” explains Laurie, who […]

GMA takes 3G pitches course online

May 25, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

GMA takes 3G pitches course online: Following a year of significant growth to its online resources, the Grounds Management Association launches its Level 2 ‘Effective Maintenance of 3G Pitches’ training course. The online course is designed to help participants understand how to effectively maintain a 3G pitch to provide a safe surface, whilst meeting performance […]

TNS groundcare stalwart retires

May 25, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Jane Carley

GMA takes 3G pitches course online

May 25, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

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TNS groundcare stalwart retires

May 25, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Jane Carley

TNS groundcare stalwart retires: After 46 years with Kubota ground care machinery dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), machinery stalwart Laurie Brown is to retire.

“I’ve now decided to practice what I’ve been preaching, by investing in a walk-behind Kubota W819R-Pro so I can continue to keep my lawn presentable during my retirement,” explains Laurie, who steps down from his role as branch manager of TNS Kennett, near Newmarket, Suffolk, in May 2021.

TNS groundcare stalwart retires

“I wouldn’t buy anything else, and based on the reliability and durability of Kubota equipment I’ve seen over the years, this is likely to be the only mower I’ll need,” he adds. “I’m proud to say that I have two customers who still use their G3 HST mowers that were bought new in the late 1970’s.”

“Japanese reliability is legendary and the machines are still serviceable; so it is down to us, as the supplying dealer, to deliver with aftersales and service,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some fantastic people along the way, and I’ll certainly miss the camaraderie from our suppliers, and our customers.”

Mr Brown has worked with Kubota since TNS became a ground care dealer in the late 1970’s supplying products up to 100hp. He says it’s been a journey that has also led to developing extremely enjoyable working relationships with customers.

“When you enjoy the job this much, it’s not a chore – it’s a way of life,” he says.

Having joined the business straight from school in June 1975 and worked his way up through the business, Mr Brown has spent time as regional aftersales manager, and enjoyed being branch manager of several TNS depots including Littleport, Melton and Hinderclay, before moving to Kennett four years ago.

“There’s no doubt that reliability has driven the success of the Kubota product, and customers do keep coming back because of the service and support we provide,” he says. “Over the years, when customers invest in TNS-supplied Kubota machinery, they also invest in the people who look after them. And I’m pleased to say it’s rewarded me with many long-term relationships with customers – I consider a lot of them to be good friends.”

Aside from taking care of his lawn and creating those sought-after green stripes, Laurie is looking forward to spending quality time with his family, and embarking on travelling with his wife, when it’s safe to do so.

“We do like cruises, and we’re looking forward to doing many more of them,” he says. “Though if I could do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

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GMA takes 3G pitches course online

May 25, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

GMA takes 3G pitches course online: Following a year of significant growth to its online resources, the Grounds Management Association launches its Level 2 ‘Effective Maintenance of 3G Pitches’ training course.

The online course is designed to help participants understand how to effectively maintain a 3G pitch to provide a safe surface, whilst meeting performance criteria and optimising its longevity. ‘Effective Maintenance of 3G Surfaces’ also helps participants understand the signs when a surface is coming to the end of its life.

GMA takes 3G pitches course online

With the role of grounds staff and volunteers diversifying, it is increasingly important for more individuals to understand how to maintain and extend the life of different types of playing surfaces. The course is suitable for both professionals and volunteers with basic experience, as well as others involved in sports facility management who wish to gain a better understanding of the maintenance and upkeep of these surfaces on varying budgets.

The course is available to purchase via the GMA’s website for a member and non-member rate. The association now holds seven online courses and aims to relaunch its Continuing Personal Development programme next year alongside its new website.

With restrictions now easing, the GMA hopes to reopen its face-to-face practical sessions that complement its online resources, such as its online courses and the Grounds Management Toolkit, later this year.

To sign-up to Level 2 ‘Effective Maintenance of 3G Pitches’ visit: https://bit.ly/3fKVzWG

Jason Booth, COO at the GMA commented:

“We have seen increasing pressures on grounds staff and volunteers like never before. Facilities are often understaffed, so groundspeople are expected to understand more about a range of surfaces and offer a helping hand across local networks. Contrary to belief, 3G surfaces are not low maintenance and they require a high level of knowledge to fulfil their lifespan.

“This course compliments our wider learning programme that focusses on grass pitches, helping grounds people gain relevant skills and best practices when dealing with 3G surfaces.”

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

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

TNS groundcare stalwart retires

GMA takes 3G pitches course online

TNS groundcare stalwart retires

GMA takes 3G pitches course online

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

TNS groundcare stalwart retires

TNS groundcare stalwart retires: After 46 years with Kubota ground care machinery dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), machinery stalwart Laurie Brown is to retire.

GMA takes 3G pitches course online

GMA takes 3G pitches course online: Following a year of significant growth to its online resources, the Grounds Management Association launches its Level 2 ‘Effective Maintenance of 3G Pitches’ training course.

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