Tag Archive for: Announced

Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced

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Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that its annual awareness campaign, #GroundsWeek, is returning from 18 – 24 March 2024. 

The campaign, now in its fourth year, recognises the work of turf care volunteers and professionals in the UK, with a focus on inspiring new recruits to consider a career in the industry.

Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced

Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced

Research carried out by the GMA over recent years has highlighted a potential employment crisis, with a lack of new recruits entering the industry and a significant number of existing workers leaving. It’s not all doom and gloom, however, as research carried out in 2023 revealed that more young people are working in the grounds management sector than in previous years.

Grounds staff under the age of 35 now make up 27% of the workforce compared to 19% in 2022. There has also been an increase from 3% to 5% in the number of grounds managers aged 24 and under, and an increase in the percentage of grounds managers stating that they became involved in grounds management due to apprenticeships from 13% to 16%.

The number of people who became involved in the grounds sector ‘by accident’ has also reduced from 13% to 10%. The GMA’s ‘Sport’s Hidden Profession’ report in 2010 recorded that nearly 20% of grounds staff became involved by accident, therefore significantly more people are now making a conscious decision to pursue a career in grounds management. This change highlights that the grounds care sector is becoming increasingly recognised as a viable career route which other GMA initiatives, like the Grounds Management Framework, support by providing a key path of development for those looking to progress in the sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says:  

“A key part of our role advocating for the industry and our members is laying the foundations for new talent to enter the sector. It’s hugely encouraging to see, after three years and lots of hard work introducing the sector to new audiences, that the number of young people entering the sector is starting to rise.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but initiatives like #GroundsWeek can have a really important role in encouraging more people to consider working in our wonderful industry.

“To help raise awareness and make as much noise as possible, we’re encouraging grounds staff and sports clubs across the country to engage with the campaign online and celebrate the vital contribution of grounds staff in making sport possible.”

To find out more about #GroundsWeek, keep up to date with all the latest content by following the GMA on social media:

You can also contact the GMA to find out how you can get involved by emailing communications@thegma.org.uk.

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Professional spray tech, Dan Waring, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY). Managing all the turf and amenity spraying at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter, he was praised for his meticulous attention to detail and adoption of new technologies to assure accurate application.

Dan’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (23 January 2024), along with the competition’s other finalists, Conrad Cavill of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon and Bryan Ramsey of Complete Weed Control, Scotland South East.

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Having worked for six years at JCB Golf, Dan has been the full-time spray tech for the past three seasons. One of the keys to his success has been continuous professional development, including  a year in the US on the Ohio State programme with an intensive focus on application skills.

He also regularly completes on-line sprayer training courses and tailoring the latest spraying technology and innovations from the agricultural sector to be adopted for amenity application. Working closely with course manager, Callum Wark, Dan’s role has been integral in using accurate application to deliver a full spectrum of conventional and biological plant protection products and nutrition, designed for a successful Integrated Turf Management approach to overall plant health and turf quality.

“I would urge all sprayer operators to undertake as much training as possible, to gain more knowledge on the products being used and the application technology,” he advocated. “That will enable people to be more confident in what they are doing, and give the spray tech’s role the credit it deserves.”

One of his top tips would be to lay out all the products required for the following day’s spraying, in the order they will be mixed, before leaving – so they can be methodically checked again and then added to the tank quickly and efficiently. He will also half fill the tank with clean water and pressure test for any visual leaks, before adding any chemical.

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help maintain the amazing playing surfaces that sport has become used to enjoying all year round,” he added.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Dan for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager, advocated the awards reflect the importance of an Integrated Turf Management (ITM) approach to responsible and sustainable turf and landscape maintenance.

“The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications are essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry,” he advised.

“The ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and for everyone to learn from their experience.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced

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First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced: Nathan Lewis from Lewis Garden Machinery is the proud winner of a range of battery-powered Pellenc equipment – a GroundsFest registration prize that added an extra layer of excitement to the spectacular event.

The inaugural GroundsFest proved to be a huge success, captivating visitors with the largest display of outdoor machinery demonstrations in the UK, free educational sessions, live music performances, and the opportunity to engage in hands-on practical training.

First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced

First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced

Amidst the countless opportunities at GroundsFest, every participant who registered and attended the event had a chance to win some exceptional prizes. The first prize was a battery-powered Rasion Basic lawnmower and a Selion telescopic polesaw from Pellenc.

Weighing less than 25 kg, the Rasion redefines working conditions for green space professionals. Its ultra-manoeuvrability, easy transport, and unmatched power ensures impeccable cut quality for various mowing tasks. With a reach of up to 14.76 ft, work can be carried out with the Selion polesaw without a carrying harness because of their lightness.

They are ideal for use in noise sensitive areas and powerful enough for forestry work.

The Pellenc prizes were won by Nathan Lewis from Lewis Garden Machinery, a well-established and reputable family business specialising in garden and landscape maintenance since 1987. The company, known for its bespoke maintenance schedules, has built a large portfolio of domestic and commercial clients through continued investment in equipment and improved work practices.

In recent years, Lewis Garden Services has made significant investments in battery equipment, particularly suitable for noise-sensitive areas such as offices, nursing homes, and hospitals. The addition of the Pellenc Rasion and Selion to the company’s machinery fleet aligns seamlessly with their commitment to providing an efficient, sustainable, and affordable service.

Ecstatic about the prize, Nathan admitted that winning was the perfect way to conclude his first memorable GroundsFest experience, emphasising the outdoor demonstrations, the wide variety of exhibitors, and the lively performance by the Queen tribute band as particular highlights.

Anticipation now builds for the announcement of the second registration prize winner, which will be announced soon.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

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Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced: Trench Bowling Club has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Best Kept Green in Shropshire, sponsored by Dennis and SISIS.

It’s been a good year for Telford based Trench Bowling Club. Not only has 2023 seen the club celebrate its centenary year but they have also been awarded the Best Kept Green in Shropshire. Trench finished top to pip Whixall, Edgmond and Tilstock by just two points.

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

As well as being the secretary and the bar coordinator, David Evans is the man largely responsible for maintaining the green. He’s been part of the club for nearly 60 years and after retiring in 2013, he decided to take full-time responsibility of the green.

“I’ve learnt greenkeeping as I’ve gone along,” said David. “It must be in the genes because my father was a keen gardener and always took a great deal of pride in his lawns. Also, over the years I have been involved in bowls, cricket, and golf. I always took an interest in what the greenkeepers or groundsmen, were working on. The Dennis and SISIS bowls education days we have recently attended have also been very informative. These are a big help to people in my position to not only show what equipment is on the market but also to gather advice on maintenance tips.”

Trench Bowling Club came second in the competition in 2022 and David revealed why he believes they landed the trophy this year.

“I’ve managed to significantly reduce the thatch since we bought a new Dennis FT510 mower at the start of the year. I think this was the missing link because it has really helped me to improve the surface of the green. The verticutting cassette has thinned the grass out and eliminated the thatch and we’ve had lots of compliments from members and visiting teams about the playability of the green. Over the last couple of years, we have installed new gutters, which has vastly improved the overall presentation of the green and the green surrounds. I’d like to think that this also went some way towards winning this award, as the construction of the new ‘boxes’ and the installation was all carried out ‘in house’ by our members.”

With David spending most of his time at Trench Bowling Club, and his wife and daughter sharing the responsibility of the treasurer role, it is very much a family affair. However, the modest David was quick to acknowledge the hard work and dedication from everyone else who works at the club.

“As a family we put a lot of time in, but we’ve got a great committee that runs the club and there are so many other brilliant people that help out. I certainly can’t take all the credit. This award is for everyone at Trench.”

Further information about the range of bowls maintenance products available from both manufacturers can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

For more news, reviews, and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest Dennis and SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery.

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

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GroundsFest’s festival plans announced

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GroundsFest’s festival plans announced: Organisers of GroundsFest have revealed more details about the festival which is taking place at the event.

The festival, which starts at 5pm on the first day of the event (20 September), will feature live music and street food stalls and will allow exhibitors and visitors to unwind, have fun and continue to network.

GroundsFest’s festival plans announced

GroundsFest’s festival plans announced

The live music line-up is being headlined by Supersonic Queen – the UK’s most authentic Queen tribute band. Performing regularly in UK and International theatres and festivals, Supersonic Queen have been touring for over a decade and are known for their uniquely dynamic recreation of Queen’s iconic live performances.

DJ Mikey B is a first choice DJ for many high-profile events throughout Birmingham, Bristol and London and has entertained at various professional football clubs.

Dem, a solo singer/guitarist, will also be taking to the stage as well as some other well-known local bands and artists including Jazzcat, Kitty Bella and Toby Marriott.

There will be a fabulous array of street food stalls with various options such as wood fired pizza, Greek gyros, hog roast, a noodle bar, tacos, curry, crepes, ice cream, donuts, and many more. A range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available.

The festival finishes at 10pm and FREE shuttle buses will be running regularly throughout the evening to take attendees back to their accommodation in the nearby towns of Coventry, Warwick, and Leamington Spa. The shuttle buses will also be available the morning after on 21 September for attendees to return to GroundsFest.

Commenting on the festival at GroundsFest, Marketing Director Chris Bennett, said:

“At GroundsFest we want to keep exhibitors and visitors together for a longer period of time. Attendees will be coming to the event to do business, to network, and to learn, and that is why the festival will start once GroundsFest finishes. The festival will be held in a separate area to all the exhibitor stands meaning that no machinery or equipment will be accessible while the festival is on.

“The whole reason we decided to include the festival within GroundsFest was because of the research we conducted. An overwhelming number of people within the industry felt that a trade show would benefit from something which would allow more networking opportunities.

With some great live music and a selection of good food, we’re hoping that the festival will bring the industry together for a memorable evening.”

Event Director Christopher Bassett answers more festival questions here.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.  

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