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Artificial Pitch Burnt By Vandals

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Artificial Pitch Burnt By Vandals: Kelty Hearts’ artificial pitch has been burned, seats have been vandalised days after being installed, and youngsters have been seen on the roof of the club’s new stand.

The damage to the community facilities could see the club, which turned senior last year, lose its SFA licence because of regular pitch testing.

Artificial Pitch Burnt By Vandals

Police are now patrolling the area around New Central Park in a bid to stamp out the problem.

Meanwhile, the club is going to be footing the bill for CCTV, something it says it can ill afford.

Treasurer George McTrusty said the spate of vandalism had been wrecking improvements almost as soon as they were completed.

“We’re building a new stadium and they are trying to destroy the seats as they are getting installed, and they’ve been burning the pitch.”

The park with a 3G pitch, a community asset that is open to the paying public, is witnessing trespassing and vandalism on almost a daily basis.

This week has seen burn marks left across the main and children’s pitches.

Council community use team manager for Cowdenbeath Sarah Roxburgh said: “It’s incredibly disappointing that this enjoyment is being spoiled by a thoughtless minority who are determined to cause costly damage.

“We will be working with the club and police to help tackle this issue and make sure the park is a safe place for all to enjoy.”

Fife Council has invested £665,000 in the park for the whole community.

Local councillor Alex Campbell expressed his disgust at the behaviour of a minority of youths.

He said the club serves the community, from five-year-olds to 75s, and it was sad that so many local people worked really hard to deliver facilities for the community and “these vandals come along and destroy such a fantastic project”.

He added: “It is totally and utterly unacceptable that some youths are causing this mayhem.”

Police Scotland inspector Gavin Cameron said: “The abuse of these facilities is hugely disappointing for the community, and we are working closely with Kelty Hearts FC to tackle this issue.

“We are carrying out patrols in this area and I would urge people to please report any anti-social behaviour or damage being caused while it is happening so we can respond quickly and appropriately.

“We want local children and young people to enjoy their summer holidays and to make use of facilities like this sensibly and responsibly.

“Parents and guardians have a vital role to play by ensuring they know where their children are, and reminding them that such behaviour as we have seen here is not acceptable.”

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Rugby Club Devastated By Pitch Fire

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Rugby Club Devastated By Pitch Fire: A Swansea rugby club’s bosses are “devastated” after one of their pitches was set alight in a suspected arson.

The second pitch belonging to Vardre RFC, based in Clydach, was badly burnt during the fire on Sunday.

Rugby Club Devastated By Pitch Fire

South Wales Police are investigating the fire after Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue service were called at about 13:30 BST.

The club spends up to £5,000 a year over the summer to fertilise and reseed the pitches.

“We are worried that it will affect our season and prevent players from all ages enjoying the sports they love,” the committee said.

By the time fire crews arrived, the committee said the pitch was “completely burnt.”

“We are extremely proud of the quality of our pitches,” a spokesman said.

“These facilities are used by the mini, junior, youth and senior section of not only Vardre RFC, but Clydach FC as well.

“The second team pitch is also our only floodlit pitch so is vitally important in the season when the evenings are darker, and we require the floodlighting to train.

“It’s completely heartbreaking and frustrating when so many good people volunteer their time and effort to improve facilities and provisions for the local community and a mindless, selfish few continually vandalise the Vardre RFC playing facilities.

“Currently, we are unsure how long and how much it will cost to get the pitch back to its original state.”

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Limmo Peninsula Enhanced By Wildflower

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Limmo Peninsula Enhanced By Wildflower: Hampshire-grown wildflowers have recently commuted to London, playing their part in the regeneration of Canning Town as part of London’s ambitious Crossrail project.

A beautiful wildflower meadow supplied by wildflower experts Wildflower Turf Ltd is now capping a maintenance and escape shaft for the Elizabeth line on the Limmo Peninsula.

Limmo Peninsula Enhanced By Wildflower

Overlooked by high-rise developments and next to the River Lee, the peninsula was Crossrail’s primary worksite for their eastbound tunnel boring machines, and the area adjoins Canning Town Tube and Docklands Light Railway station. Working with landscaping partner Turney Landscapes Ltd, Wildflower Turf Ltd was commissioned by CSJV – the Costain Skanska Joint Venture responsible for the turning the former construction site into the permanent Elizabeth line access shaft – to provide a biodiverse solution that will provide local workers and Canning Town residents alike with a temporary landscape that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically-friendly.

Turney Landscapes installed 2,600m² of Wildflower Turf Ltd’s Roof Turf in March and April of this year, across and down the sloping 8-metre-high exit shaft. Despite the challenging landscaping conditions, the turf is already flowering with the wildflower meadow providing a spectacular display of colour.

Steven Turney, Director at Turney Landscaping Ltd said, ““Working on such a large-scale and time-critical site as the Limmo Peninsula, it is crucial that our suppliers are able to adapt to many and varied requirements.” Turney continued, “The team at Wildflower Turf Ltd assisted us to ensure that this project was delivered on time and in budget, and the wildflower meadow is a dynamic addition to the local area.”

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Don’t Get Held Hosta(ge) By Slugs

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Don’t Get Held Hosta(ge) By Slugs: Hostas are loved by many gardeners, as they have the most amazing foliage that can offer both dense ground cover and interesting structure to pots. They are resilient and easy to grow, thriving especially well in light to medium shade. They also often have beautiful fragrant flowers, making them a real asset to any garden.  

Growing hostas is easy, as they do not require much fussing, and will grow on any fertile, moisture-retentive garden soil. A bit of organic matter can be added to soil where there is not much shade and the earth is dry, but once they have fully established, after around five years, they will need little to no interference from the gardener.

Don’t Get Held Hosta(ge) By Slugs

The main problem, as any gardener will agree, when it comes to hostas, is the fact that slugs adore them. They can be entirely decimated early on in the season if preventative measures are not taken.

A great, and easy, way to make sure that your hostas are protected, is by watering on nematodes. As nematodes are able to travel through the soil, to where the newly hatched and young slugs dwell, they are able to attack them before they are even in sight, unlike slug pellets. A regular regime of using Nemaslug every six weeks is the most effective way to keep slugs at bay throughout the growing season, and will help to ensure that your hostas survive another year!

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Wheelbarrow Effort Cut By Makita

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Wheelbarrow Effort Cut By Makita:

  • In-wheel Brushless motor drives up to 3.5 km/h (2.2 m/h)
  • 130kg max load up to 12° incline
  • Adjustable chassis with pipe frame or bucket frame option

Wheelbarrow Effort Cut By Makita

AT LAST – Makita has harnessed the impressive power of the incredibly successful 18v Brushless motor to reduce the back-breaking task of pushing a fully laden wheelbarrow across a rocky, bumpy building site, a muddy commercial garden or rough pasture towards a favourite fishing lake!

In fact, designed principally to reduce the physical demands in the construction industry the new Makita DCU180Z will prove popular in many operating fields.  Capable of carrying 130kg of blocks on the tubular frame, or similar amount of ballast in the barrow bin option, this power-assisted wheelbarrow has the Brushless motor integrated into the front wheel to ensure the maximum possible traction to the heavily ribbed agri-tyre.  This barrow has two forward speeds: Hi up to 3.5 km/h, Lo 1.5 km/h, and powered reverse of 1.0 km/h and will climb a 12° maximum incline.  Main braking is provided by the front disc brake controlled by the hand lever on the steering handles. The wheelbarrow weighs just 32.5kg, is ready to work with handles that can be adjusted to three height levels for operator comfort and also fold for easy storage.  The detachable rear trailing wheels with kick down brake can be adjusted from a width of 480mm to 760mm which further improves stability and reduces operator effort.

Powered by any of the Makita 18v LXT Lithium-Ion batteries used to power Britain’s number 1 professional power tool range, the new Makita DCU180Z power-assisted wheelbarrow has soft start to ease the load away; constant speed control; twin LED driving lights and locking brake lever for maximum site safety.  For site security an individual ignition lock key is provided.  Previous walk-behind powered site platforms can cost several thousand pounds but the new Makita powered wheelbarrow will prove particularly attractive in relation to price competitiveness and rugged performance.

The DCU180Z is a body only machine which is available with a choice of optional accessories which includes the pipe frame set and bucket frame set.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.  Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk

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Les Malin Promoted By Etesia

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Les Malin Promoted By Etesia: Les Malin has been appointed as the new managing director of Etesia UK with immediate effect, in what is his third successive promotion.

After starting his career in the farming industry at the age of 16, Les moved into the groundscare industry in 1993. He joined Etesia UK from Amazone in 2000 as area manager and was appointed general manager in 2006. He quickly became an influential figure within the company and in 2014 he was promoted to operations director – a move which saw him become the company’s first ever UK director.

Les Malin Promoted By Etesia

Following the retirement of Etesia SAS president Patrick Vives In December, the board and shareholders unanimously decided to promote Les to the position of managing director.

“Les is someone that we can absolutely rely on so this promotion allows me to take more time out and enjoy retirement!” said Patrick.

Throughout his tenure at Etesia UK, Les has seen the company grow into one of the most innovative manufacturers in the groundscare industry. What started as an unknown company with just one product, Etesia now boasts an extensive dealer network throughout the UK and has added to its wide portfolio of products after becoming exclusive distributors of Pellenc battery-powered tools in 2010 and the Oeliatec environmentally-friendly weed control range in 2017.

Les has been instrumental in helping the UK become Etesia’s third largest market behind its homeland France and Germany – which certainly is an achievement considering that Etesia now has a presence in over 40 countries.

Commenting on his promotion Les said: “It’s an achievement and an honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to prove myself.

“My aim is to try and help the business continue to grow and show the shareholders that we can do what we need to do and make it work for them.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk

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New Cultivars Previewed By Limagrain At BTME

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New Cultivars Previewed By Limagrain At BTME: Visitors to the Limagrain stand (C39) at BTME 2018 can expect a sneak peak of two new innovative cultivars for the golf market whilst also having a chance to win tickets to a top international sporting event.

Ahead of their spring launch, two new cultivars from Limagrain UK will be showcased for the very first time at the show. Big things are expected of Aporina and Caldris when these exciting new cultivars are added to Limagrain’s grass seed mixtures.

New Cultivars Previewed By Limagrain At BTME

Aporina is Limagrain’s new Slender Creeping Red Fescue. It is a very dense, superb all-round cultivar that performs well in both a golf green environment and fairways and tees. In both areas, Aporina has very good disease resistance and will be introduced into a number of Limagrain’s golf green mixtures – MM8 and MM10 and golf fairway mixtures – MM13 and MM22.

Caldris is a new Chewings Fescue which has very similar attributes to Aporina in that it performs extremely well in both golf greens and golf fairways. Caldris will be introduced into Limagrain’s main golf green mixtures and the non-Ryegrass fairways and tees mixtures.

Visitors to the Limagrain stand will also be able to find out more about how the MM mixtures can significantly improve golf courses. For a number of years, greenkeepers and course managers have been reaping the benefits by choosing the MM brand. All the varieties in the MM mixtures are thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) – ensuring that the finished product will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.

For greens, the traditional Chewings Fescue / Browntop bent mix, MM11, remains a popular choice in many cases and can be used from spring to autumn. It is ideal for new constructions and overseeding existing swards. A slight variation of which is MM10; both mixes are fine leaved, disease resistant and make good, dense putting surfaces. Where it is difficult to maintain fescue in the sward or where levels of wear are greater, many choose to use MM9 – a three way Browntop bent mixture – in late summer/early autumn for best results. For links style courses, sustainable golf or for early season overseeding, MM8 may well be the solution – a three way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance and minimal fertiliser requirements.

If you are looking for a mixture ideal for tees then the all ryegrass MM50 should be considered. It is capable of rapid establishment and fast recovery from divot scarring. For large tees where play is less intense, MM22 is a viable option. Where damage and wear are minimal, use MM12 or MM13, both are suited to ‘Links style’ courses, are drought tolerant and have low maintenance requirements.

For fairways, adaptability is the key attribute because soil conditions, light and shade, contouring and wear will vary markedly in different areas of the course. Choose low maintenance, drought tolerant mixtures with creeping varieties where wear levels are low, such as MM12 or MM13 and select ryegrass mixes, such as MM22, on high divot or intense wear areas.

A selection of Limagrain’s greens and fairways mixtures will be on display on the stand for all to see, these include MM22, MM13 and MM10.

In addition, Limagrain will be running a free prize draw to win tickets to a top international sporting event in the summer.

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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Troon Appointed By Gold Creek

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Troon Appointed By Gold Creek: Troon International presence expanded in Australia as Gold Creek becomes the latest addition to portfolio.

Troon International, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce its latest appointment; to provide full golf course management services to the semi-private Gold Creek Country Club, Canberra. Utilising Troon and its industry-leading expertise, the venue is set on increasing the quality of its offering, on and off course, to members and visitors.

Troon Appointed By Gold Creek

The 18 Hole Championship Course, designed by Australian legend Bruce Devlin, is ranked amongst the top five courses in the Canberra area – the most liveable city in the world. Renowned as one of the finest courses in inland Australia, Gold Creek continues to evolve, under the leadership of Course Superintendent, Simon Snedden with some of the best greens in the country.

Boasting some of the most premium facilities in the region, the championship course is complemented by a driving range and clubhouse with extensive catering facilities, swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasium and a child day care centre.

“This appointment presents an exciting opportunity for us to partner with an established club in a thriving region of the world,” commented Mark Chapleski, President – Troon International. “We are delighted to be working with the team at Gold Creek and to marry our expertise with the team’s knowledge and experience to enhance the development here in Canberra and offer new and existing members as well as visitors, an experience to rival the very best.”

Troon’s involvement will ensure the property delivers on its potential, in its offerings both on and off the golf course.

Mr John Konstantinou, Director and owner of Gold Creek has been vocal in his support of the Troon appointment. He said: “I believe Troon Golf can provide Gold Creek, together with its members, a golf facility that will further establish us as one of the best in the ACT, offering club members not only quality playing surfaces and superb course conditions but also the plethora of benefits that come with having Troon Golf on board.”

For more information, visit http://www.goldccc.com.au/

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Racecourse Groundstaff Recognised By National Award

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Racecourse Groundstaff Recognised By Receiving National Award: Groundstaff at Warwick Racecourse are celebrating after winning the Jumps category in the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Racecourse Groundstaff Awards 2017.

The judges, made up of an industry-wide panel including representatives from the RCA, Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and National Trainers Federation (NTF), recognised the outstanding achievements of the groundstaff throughout the 2016/17 season.

Racecourse Groundstaff Recognised By National Award

The Jockey Club racecourse became an all-jumps track in 2014 with a five-year plan to become one of the UK’s leading small jumps courses.

Judges said: “The effort and expertise required to integrate the flat course into the chase course at Warwick helps them stand out in this category and this outstanding achievement will benefit the course hugely in years to come.

“As well as investment in equipment through the replacement of six furlongs of running rail, they have shown a commitment to people which is above and beyond what is required.”

Meanwhile Jane Hadley, clerk of the course at Warwick, said she is proud of the achievements of Warwick’s groundstaff this year.

She said: “Led by head groundsman Guy Woodward, the team managed an ambitious drainage and levelling project last summer, and then coped with the resulting reduced track width through the 2016/17 season, without losing a fixture.

“They produced the racing surface in such good condition that we were even able to accommodate a transferred fixture in the spring.

“Through this year they have worked further on the integration of the old flat track, and can now provide a surface with three running lines over fences and up to eight running lines over hurdles, ensuring that we provide optimum conditions throughout the season.

“Their efforts have been appreciated and applauded by our trainers and jockeys, and this recognition from the RCA is very well-deserved.”

Warwick Racecourse was also a finalist for the Community and Corporate and Social Responsibility Award at the RCA Showcase Awards 2017 for its work on the St Mary’s Lands Masterplan.

It was in recognition of being at the forefront of developing a plan to manage, enhance and promote the common land that is home to Warwick Racecourse and other community assets.

A new entrance to Warwick Racecourse and the common land is currently being created, marking the first step of the masterplan.

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