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‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

May 19, 2017/in Industry News, Press Release/by Scott MacCallum

‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back – Two KCOM groundsmen who claimed they were sacked over the state of the pitch have set up a crowdfunding page to take their bosses to an employment tribunal. Darrell Cook and Mark Harrison say they were dismissed a month ago by the Stadium […]

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

May 19, 2017/in Machinery, Press Release/by Val Graham

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines. Bolton Old Links GC’s championship course is poised for some significant grooming after taking delivery of four Wiedenmann UK machines. Delivered in March were a Whisper Twister blower, a Terra Spike GXi8 HD aerator, a 1.7m Terra Rake and a Super 500 three-in-one sweeper collector. “The board […]

‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

May 19, 2017/in Industry News, Press Release/by Scott MacCallum

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

May 19, 2017/in Machinery, Press Release/by Val Graham

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‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

May 19, 2017/in Industry News, Press Release/by Scott MacCallum

Darrell Cook and Mark Harrison say they were dismissed a month ago by the Stadium Management Company (SMC) for gross misconduct after claims the pitch, used by Hull City and Hull FC, had been deteriorating.

Darell, 55, says he was also told he was being sacked for working as a kit man for Hull FC while Mark claims he was told another reason for his dismissal was down to ordering too much grass treatment product. The third allegation Mark has made relates to allowing casual workers to turn up and repair divots in return for a match ticket. They were also told not to return.

Both men insist they did nothing to warrant their dismissal and were not given any warnings beforehand. They say they are not looking for compensation, they just want their jobs back.

Speaking to Hull Daily Mail, the two men said: “We don’t want the inevitable attention this may bring but we had no other option if we were to fight for the jobs we love and to clear our names.

“This is not just for us but for our wives, parents and children. We’re proud men who have always taken immense pride in our work.

“We wouldn’t normally be able to afford a legal challenge like this against such formidable opposition. There is no access to legal aid and we didn’t earn big salaries so we hope the people at SMC understand why we had no choice but to take this route.

“We look forward to the day we can hold our heads high again and get back to work providing both Hull City and Hull FC with a playing surface both clubs and their fans can be proud of.”

Darrell added: “This is a job I have done for 27 years and there was no indication anything like this was coming.

“Both myself and Mark have worked for the SMC for 16 years. We have never been in any trouble or had any reprimand so this came out of the blue.”

“The idea of crowdfunding has alleviated that worry a little. We are both well-known and I hope well-liked so we would like to think we’ll get some support.”

The two men say they are only seeking justice at the tribunal and have not issued proceedings.

“We want to clear our names. We actually want to get our jobs back and a tribunal can order that. We were proud to be involved with Hull City and Hull FC – we just want to get back to work and continue that association for many years to come.”

To visit the crowd justice page, please click here

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

May 19, 2017/in Machinery, Press Release/by Val Graham

“The board is very supportive of our work,” said Head Greenkeeper, Steve Hemsley. “Since 2013, a particular focus has been regular aeration. Four years down the line all our fine turf is considerably firmer and consistent so we’ve achieved what we planned. Now, as a few key kit pieces have become tired, the board has opted not just to replace them but found scope to invest with additional machines. Aeration to tees and greens is still crucial but there’s a wider programme of rough management and improving our fairways to pursue.”

With the help of dealers, Balmers GM and groundscare specialist, Andrew Meeks in particular, Steve Hemsley and his team of four thoroughly reviewed all options before deciding upon the right machines for task.

“Easily the Super 500 will make the biggest impact,” continued Steve Hemsley. “Already you can see an instant difference to several vast areas of unplayable rough. Rough can be good for definition but at the moment ours is just too thick and harsh. We need it thinner – and in time wispier – to bring it back into play. It doesn’t matter that we have undulations, the Super 500 follows the ground so we’ll cut and collect at every opportunity, dragging the Terra Rake through to clean it, removing hidden debris.”

The Terra Rake, known industry-wide as an ace scarifier, is also earmarked to target thatchy areas on the fairways and roughs.

“The fairways need to be far more free-draining. Extra scarification will help but that’s also where the new aerator comes in… The GXi8 is not just for the tees and greens, it’s pretty much able to access all areas. In the few short weeks we’ve had it, we’ve found it unbelievably quick, so it’s just the matter of picking the right time and getting out there.”

Bolton Old Links’ final machine, the Whisper Twister blower is another purchase with lots to do.

“Our course is on quite an exposed site,” continued Steve Hemsley. “We’re not troubled so much by leaves as we have mostly pines, but collecting windfall is constant. The blower will be able to round up debris and blow into the path of either the Terra Rake or the Super 500. What a difference that will make. Then it will be back on rough management duties or tidying up after we’ve scarified the fairways.”

“All our new Wiedenmanns are versatile and particularly efficient when working together. That’s in keeping with the spirit of our greenkeepers here. Job variety and rotation is important to us all. Everyone is being trained on all machines giving total flexibility for the work ahead.”

Andrew Meeks, Groundcare specialist at Balmers’ Burnley depot, Wiedenmann UK dealer for the area, who has a long standing relationship with the club said:

“We work with Steve and his team to maximise the productivity and lifespan of their machines. These new deliveries have come at the right time and their particular choices mean the course will instantly reap the benefit. Not only did they select Wiedenmann kit they signed preferred supplier agreement committing to a long term relationship between Balmers GM and Bolton Old Links GC. The addition of a new ProGator and HD200Select sprayer, John Deere 7700A Fairway Mower, John Deere 4049R Compact tractor and Lastec rough mower are testament to the club’s commitment to invest in the course both in the short and long term.”

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‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

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‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

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