Tag Archive for: All

J All Bent to the rescue

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J All Bent to the rescue: When previous attempts to get a practice putting green back into play at Vicars Cross Golf Club in Cheshire had failed, in stepped new Golf Course Manager Richie Stephens, armed with the J All Bent mixture from Johnsons Sports Seed.

A few short months from seeding, and with some favourable assistance from mother nature, the USGA spec green was in business – with the programme then implemented on the construction of a new chipping green that enjoyed similar success!

J All Bent to the rescue

J All Bent to the rescue

Upon joining Vicars Cross just over 12 months ago, Richie was tasked with the completion of the putting surface which had been out of action for close to two years. Keen to unlock the solution, he spoke to DLF’s Stuart Yarwood. “I’ve known Stuart for years and his greenkeeping background means he gives not only technical advice, but the right advice for our situation as he understands the challenge having been in our shoes” Richie says. “We opted to overseed with a 100% bent mix in the form of Johnsons J All Bent.”

The blend of three top-rated browntop bent cultivars in J All Bent delivers a hard-wearing, visually-striking sward, equipped to cope with close cutting and a range of environmental stresses. Its reduced reliance on chemical inputs makes it a popular choice for clubs pursuing a fast but sustainable greens strategy.

“We got it in the ground in May, we were fortunate with the weather and it came through really well. In August we then built a chipping green which overran the original schedule and meant we didn’t get seed until mid-November. Despite this, we still saw fantastic strike before Christmas, even coverage and strong visual impact. The speeds we’re achieving on the putting green is now comparable to what we’re achieving on our regular greens.”

The other 18 greens are overseeded annually during summer renovations with J All Bent, a programme introduced by Richie to try and promote an increase in the bent populations across the site. Elsewhere, it’s PM45 Tee and Fairway Plus from DLF’s Masterline range. “We use this on areas off the greens which has proven very successful.”

“The club, the players and my team have all noticed how far the surfaces have come on since we introduced the DLF mixtures and we’re definitely coming out of winter in a stronger, better position than we have before.”

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Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

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Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work: This summer, Brian Dunne, celebrates 20 years as Course Superintendent at Adare Manor Old Course GC in the southwest of Ireland.

He has built a long-established relationship with local Wiedenmann dealer Seamus Weldon, at nearby Killarney.

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

“We go back years; they’ve always been there for us,” he said. “When we purchased a new blower back in 2008 or thereabouts, Michael Weldon pointed us in the direction of a Wiedenmann Whisper Twister. It was new to the market, and we were among the first to buy.

“You can’t fault it. Aside from a new belt and some wheel bearings, it’s never missed a beat. We’d be lost without it.

“From October to December, it’s out every day of the week on leaf clearance duty. Our course is lined with beech and oak trees so there’s plenty of work. One of the team on our small tractor blows the leaves into lines and our collector follows behind. It has dozens of tasks; we use it to dry off the fairways or tee boxes, it helps year-round with presentation and tidying and, of course, when we’ve had storms, it’s come into its own.”

“We used to bring contractors in to help with deep aeration on our fairways. It was always a struggle to book the right week: and balance weather and the needs of golfers. It was also getting very expensive.

“I asked Michael if he could source a second-hand aerator so we could do the job ourselves. He came back with a beautifully refurbished Wiedenmann Terra Spike XP, and we haven’t looked back.

“Your own machine makes such a difference.  We try to do our fairways twice a year. We just pick when the conditions are right and do two or three at a time. We’ve got twelve acres in total, as well as walkways and tee boxes, so it takes us around a week and a half normally to do all the split sessions.

“We were out in late January and with 20 mm diameter tines down to 250 mm. In some choice places known to hold water, we went a little deeper, so around 300 mm and we might revisit these more frequently.

Brian’s team, three at present, with a vacancy about to be filled, takes on two summer workers to help them cope. The friendly parkland club is constantly busy, its history and dramatic setting, marking it out as not your typical golfing experience, so enjoys lots of visitors.

Very few clubs can boast anything as spectacular as Desmond Castle (1200 AD) which nestles in the background of the 1st and 15th greens. Move to the centre of the course and the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey (1464 AD) let you know you’ve arrived somewhere extraordinary.

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TradeHelp – supporting all trades in 2023

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TradeHelp – supporting all trades in 2023: TradeHelp announces plans to further grow its 15,000 strong network, having extended the free benefits to now support trades of all types.

Originally launched in 2014, TradeHelp has fast become the leading network for tradespeople, primarily supporting SMEs in the heating and plumbing industry with free software and special offers negotiated via a Buying Group.

TradeHelp - supporting all trades in 2023

TradeHelp – supporting all trades in 2023

Now, following a period of exciting progression, with developments to the leading mobile app and the addition of new industry partnerships, the door has been opened for even more trades to benefit from the TradeHelp network.

The free app, along with free desktop log-in, has an abundance of tools enabling trades to manage their businesses from the office, at home or on the road.  With personalised quote and invoice templates, customer and appointment management, electronic forms and works records – to name just a few of the benefits and features – companies can provide professional documents and save time at the touch of a button.  And more importantly, at no extra cost to them.

TradeHelp has also negotiated discounts and special offers with partners including Toolstation (5% off and quarterly prize draws), Trade Direct Insurance (up to 20% off), Trade Marketing (10% off), Enterprise Van Hire (10% off), Atoa Instant Bank Pay (0.5% fees and £40 cashback) plus many more. All ideal for smaller businesses.

Martin Jones, Managing Director of TradeHelp, explained: “We are delighted to be able to support even more tradespeople across the UK, with additions to the software and support from multi-trade merchants and business service partners. With the current economic climate and cost of living increases, there is no better time for businesses to make additional savings. This is where we can help.

“From electricians to builders and locksmiths, TradeHelp offers something for everyone, with no cost or commitment.  Our members simply take advantage of what works for their business. It’s been a great success within the heating and plumbing sector so far and we look forward to continuing this with other trades into the future.”

To join the free TradeHelp Network, visit tradehelp.co.uk or download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.

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Corvus partners Godstone All Terrain

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Corvus partners Godstone All Terrain: Boss ORV, the UK distributor of Corvus Off-Road Vehicles has announced a new partnership with Godstone All Terrain Ltd. Established in 2020 Godstone has already built a wide customer base in the South East of England covering the broad area of Surrey, Sussex and Kent with a showroom in South Godstone, Surrey, just 15 minutes from Junction 6 of the M25.

They offer an extensive range of 2wd and 4wd quad bikes and utility vehicles for farm and off-road use, and now, with the Corvus Terrain UTVs, road legal 2wd and 4×4 utility vehicles. These are approved to EU T1a standards and equipped with automotive safety windshield glass, three-point belts, indicators, headlamps and brake lights, horn, mirrors and windshield wipers. The latest model in the range is the new 100% electric Terrain EX4 which includes these features.

Corvus partners Godstone All Terrain

Corvus partners Godstone All Terrain

In addition to offering expert sales advice, Godstone has fully equipped onsite workshop facilities with a team of trained and experienced technicians able to undertake servicing and repairs at, they say, competitive rates. The workshop is equipped with the latest technology and specialist tools to service and repair any UTV and ATV, old and new. They also offer a Major Fault Diagnostic where they look at any faults on any quad, ATVs or UTV and advise what will be needed for repair to the vehicle.

“We now have Corvus coverage and expert support in the Surrey and Sussex areas,” says Boss Managing Director, Phil Everett, “and extend a big welcome to Graham, Karen, Nikki, David and all the team at Godstone All Terrain Limited. We all look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”

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All signs point to Agrovista Amenity

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All signs point to Agrovista Amenity: From fertilisers to furniture, advice to analysis – Truro Golf Club claims that Agrovista Amenity is one of its most trusted suppliers.

Located in the Cornish countryside, this 18-hole, par 67 parkland course stretches a total of 5,372 yards. It is a tight course with surprising slopes which presents a challenging test for low handicap players and enjoyable golf for all.

All signs point to Agrovista Amenity

All signs point to Agrovista Amenity

Head Greenkeeper Dominic Gibbard, who oversees the greenkeeping team, is proud of Truro’s thriving membership and claims that two-way relationships with reputable suppliers, such as Agrovista Amenity, are essential.

“David Bevan, (Amenity Specialist for Agrovista Amenity) is one of my most trusted reps because I know he has been there and done it,” he said. “He’s worked on some very good golf courses around the UK and in Europe, and whenever I have a question or have any ideas, he is usually the first guy I talk to. He always gives me impartial advice and I respect this approach.”

Therefore, when Dominic thought that the time had come to upgrade Truro’s course signs, he enlisted the help of David.

“Course furniture is so important, because they offer nice, finishing touches around the course,” said Dominic. “Golfers notice things like signs and benches, so we have taken our time to really find the right product.”

Immediately David got in touch with British Manufacturing Solutions (BMS), which is a family run business specialising in professional golf course products, signage, flags and more. David arranged for some samples to be sent down to Truro Golf Club and Dominic opted for signs from BMS’ Noroko range

Unlike real wood, Noroko from BMS, never needs treatment or painting. Made from recycled plastic it is UV resistant so the authentic alternative wood-like look will remain for many years. Furthermore, Noroko is able to withstand any weather or temperature change.

“We’ve got a sign on each tee, and we’ve also got the matching tee markers,” said Dominic. “They are durable and really set the course off. We have had lots of great comments from the members.

“It is another integral product David has recommended.”

Dominic singled out four of these integral products for praise: E² PRO phosrite – a liquid fertiliser, Bullet Recharge – a sustainably sourced, zinc, manganese, copper and sulphur fertiliser recovered from recycled alkaline batteries; Humimax – a liquid humate product derived from a naturally occurring source and Biomass Sugar – a product which stimulates growth of both leaf and root.

“I normally use E² PRO phosrite and Bullett Recharge after my autumn maintenance and these would be applied monthly until the end of February. These two products have helped to harden the plant through winter and have significantly supressed disease which we have always been susceptible to. I like the fact that the Bullett Recharge is made from recycled batteries, which is environmentally friendly and is something we are trying to do more at Truro Golf Club.

“Our soil analysis results have shown a rise in some of the trace elements that these products have helped to introduce. These are making the plant stronger and healthier, and there is a very decent colour too.

“In the summer, we really like the Humimax and Biomass Sugar because they support my use of compost teas and biology,” continued Dominic. “These two products, which we apply from April through to September, are good building blocks that give the plant energy.

“From the Biomass Sugar and the Humimax we’ve seen better root development; better root mass and the plant is more resilient to drought. I see a real noticeable boost to the plant as soon as I start using these in the spring.

“The results prove these products are working on our site. It really is the full package we get from David and Agrovista Amenity.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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