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Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

May 29, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group: After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Andy Walker, Field Support Manager at the Howardson Group, is set to retire, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected figures. Andy’s journey began in 1976 when, aged just 16, he walked into […]

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

May 28, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Turf Equipment Technicians Conference. The dedicated one-day event is designed to support and celebrate the vital role of turf equipment technicians, equipment managers, and professionals in greenkeeping and grounds maintenance. Taking place on Tuesday, 23 September, […]

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

May 29, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

May 28, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

May 29, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group: After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Andy Walker, Field Support Manager at the Howardson Group, is set to retire, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected figures.

Andy’s journey began in 1976 when, aged just 16, he walked into the SISIS factory on a whim. When asked if he’d been sent from the job centre, he quickly said yes – even though he hadn’t. As luck would have it, the real candidate’s taxi never turned up, and Andy landed a one-month trial. It didn’t take long for him to “cut the mustard,” and he soon secured a permanent role.

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

From humble beginnings on the shop floor, Andy’s ambition quickly became apparent. A chance conversation with a manager at a nearby engineering site led to an opportunity in the design engineering department, where Andy thrived. While working full-time, he also completed a five-year engineering course at Stockport Technology College and was later promoted to department manager.

In 1983, Andy took a new path into sales – a move that would define much of his career. After twelve years, he stepped into the role of Product Evaluation Manager, using his deep technical knowledge to test and refine new equipment before it went to market. By 2009, he had taken on the title of Field Support Manager – a role in which he became a true ambassador for both the Dennis and SISIS brands.

When SISIS was acquired by the Howardson Group in 2011, Andy welcomed the change. “It was the best thing that could have happened,” he said. “Dennis and SISIS complement each other perfectly. It was a natural fit, and we’ve only gone from strength to strength since.”

Andy’s career has taken him across the globe – from the UK’s bowling greens to Premier League football stadiums, and everywhere in between. He’s delivered product demonstrations, led mower seminars, and worked with clients from grassroots clubs to government ministers. He’s visited every continent – highlights include a visit to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and a memorable trip to Alcatraz during a stateside demo tour.

One of his proudest achievements was working closely with Manchester City FC. As a lifelong City fan, being part of that project was a personal and professional highlight. “It was a lot of back and forth, a lot of tweaking and testing, but we got there. They ordered over 20 machines.”

Beyond the travel and product launches, it’s the people that have made the journey worthwhile. “It’s a lovely industry to work in,” Andy reflected. “You meet such a range – from people at local bowling greens to heads of sports facilities all over the world. And I’ve been lucky to work with some great colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends.”

Among those he’s closest to is Ben Lloyd, who Andy’s worked alongside for over 20 years. “I’ve probably spent more time with him than anyone else in recent years. We’ve shared some graft, plenty of laughs – and I’ll leave it at that!”

But when asked who deserves the biggest thank you, Andy’s answer is simple: his wife, Linda. “She’s the one who made it all possible. In the early years, I’d be away for three months of the year. With two young daughters at home, she held everything together. I owe her everything.”

As he steps into retirement, Andy plans to thank Linda properly – starting with a tour of the British coastline in their caravan, followed by road trips through France and Spain. “It’s time for our own adventure,” he says.

Andy leaves behind an incredible legacy – 49 years, countless miles travelled, and a lasting impact on turf care both at home and abroad.

“I never dreaded going to work. That’s the truth of it. I’ve had a blast.”

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

May 28, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Turf Equipment Technicians Conference. The dedicated one-day event is designed to support and celebrate the vital role of turf equipment technicians, equipment managers, and professionals in greenkeeping and grounds maintenance.

Taking place on Tuesday, 23 September, at the Bernhard Academy located within Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill, this industry-focused conference is officially endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO) and aims to deliver specialist education and training tailored to the unique needs of turf equipment professionals.

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Conference Programme Highlights

The importance of being sharp – A presentation by Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, highlighting the importance of education in supporting the dedication of turf professionals.
Cutting Unit Adjustment – Led by Stuart Hall, Customer Services Manager for Bernhard and Company, and former Equipment Manager, offering hands-on tips and techniques.
Electrics Fault-Finding Masterclass – Hosted by Barry Drennan, Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management at Bernhard Academy.
Effective Communication Techniques – An interactive session led by Phil Helmn, Programme Leader for Agronomy, Leadership, and Management.
Manufacturing Facility Tour – An inside look at the process behind Bernhard’s market-leading grinders.
2025 US Open Insights – A special session with James Breeze, recipient of the Bernhard Academy Technical Support Volunteer Initiative, discussing his experiences at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, hosted by Phil Helmn.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy emphasised the importance of education in industry growth: “At the Bernhard Academy, we’re committed to investing in professional development and working collaboratively to advance the turf industry. This conference not only provides vital training but also presents invaluable networking and shared learning opportunities.”

The TETO leadership team added: “We’re thrilled to see Bernhard Academy acknowledge the critical contribution of equipment technicians. This event underscores the value that skilled and educated team members bring to turf care. By endorsing this conference and encouraging our network of technicians to attend, we hope to establish this event as a regular fixture in the industry calendar.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company commented: “This conference presents a key milestone in our mission to build sustainable learning pathways. Skilled technicians are essential to delivering the elite-level surfaces expected in today’s sports world. It’s vital we continue attracting and training new talent to ensure the industry’s long-term success.”

All attendees will receive:

Voucher to complete an online Abrasive Wheel Certificate (IIRSM-certified, aligning with HSG 17 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974)
Certificate of Attendance
BIGGA CPD Credits

BIGGA members are eligible for £50 discount. To claim your code, email hello@bernhardacademy.co.uk with your name and membership number.

For more information, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/turf-equipment-technicians-conference

To find out more about the wide range of agronomy, technical, mechanical, and leadership programmes on offer at the Bernhard Academy, visit: www.bernhardacademy.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.

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

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