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Headland programme praised by Gillingham GC

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Headland programme praised by Gillingham GC: After previously suffering with the side effects of excessive thatch content, the Course Manager at Gillingham Golf Club has praised a programme from Headland Amenity for its role in transforming the health and presentation of the greens.

Together with a comprehensive cultural regime, the improvement in course condition has seen a reduction in disease activity and reduced reliance on fungicides, and saw Gillingham proudly play host to a Kent Golf Captains event for the very first time.

Headland programme praised by Gillingham GC

Headland programme praised by Gillingham GC

John Hunnisett joined as Course Manager just over a year ago, where he was faced with a course that lacked any definition – with multiple areas including bunker surrounds and tee banks left completely unmaintained. To make the transformation project even more challenging, the greens team consisted of three trainees and, 13 months on, John remains the only qualified greenkeeper out of the team of five. “I pretty much had to start from scratch in all areas” explains John. “I’d used a few Headland products previously but had the benefit of seeing a full Headland programme in action during a stint spent at The London Golf Club. It opened my eyes to a whole new range and so called in our Headland Technical Manager Andy Ward to help with the monumental task at hand.”

Soil analysis taken by Andy highlighted high levels of organic matter in the top 20mm which, combined with an increase in aeration, scarification and topdressing, has been improved with a new nutritional regime. “Our summer programme consists of Protec® Plus, TeMag™ Elite, Turfite® Elite and Ascoflex® Plus. This combination of products delivers a long-lasting, balanced supply of nitrogen together with maximising health and recovery following periods of heat and/or stress. We have received lots of positive comments from the members about the presentation, with many saying that the greens have never looked better!”

“In the autumn and winter we switch to Headland’s 20-20-30 tank-mix which is probably my favourite discovery and has made the biggest difference to the greens. The combination of reducing organic matter and enhancing plant health with monthly applications of 20-20-30 between September and March drastically reduced the amount of disease we registered – and what we did get was easily recoverable and didn’t lead to scarring.”

Headland’s industry-leading 20-20-30 tank-mix combines Liquid Turf Hardener, Turfite® Elite and Seamac® ProTurf Fe, proven to deliver enhanced plant strength and disease resistance when applied as part of a preventative approach. John continues, “The course emerged in the spring of 2022 healthier than ever, which was great as we entered preparations to host the Hampshire County Match at the end of June. Being selected for this for the first time was testament to just how far we’ve come, with the right products and the pure passion of my team.”

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Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud

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Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud: Toro’s latest irrigation technology unites with sustainability in the new Tempus Air, a solar-powered, cloud-based, battery-operated, remote-controlled, wireless control system offering flexible programming to take water automation to the next level.

Technology and sustainability form a symbiotic partnership as we see a solar panel power a nine-volt battery in a product where all its data and information are stored in the cloud. It is a perfect example of how, when the two work together, a cost-effective green solution emerges.

Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud

Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud

So, what’s the difference between traditional and air automation? Well, air is fully automated, moveable, scalable, precise and affordable, providing detailed feedback and information.

Robert Jackson, division manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, the UK distributor of Toro irrigation products, explains more: “Air automation removes some of the inevitable issues of traditional automation such as the expense, labour required, and time needed to install. It’s the no effort way to take control of your water. It’s an extremely stable and secure connection offering real-time connectivity, now proven in the field.

“Scalability is a key feature making this an affordable water delivery solution – Wi-Fi allows you to manage up to 30 modules and 3G manages up to 25. Field conditions can be remotely monitored, and you can programme by time, volume and rainfall. And being able to deliver water at the right time and place means there’s no water wastage.”

Tempus Air can also control the hydraulic valves, water pumps, pressure valve sensors and filters; you can link moisture levels, temperature, wind speed, so adding a lot of functionality as well as monitoring a wide set of field parameters for even more precise and efficient irrigation scheduling.

“Toro has designed a one-of-a-kind next generation system,” continues Robert. “It is entirely unique with nothing else like it on the market today. It’s fully app controlled so no control box or PC set up,” Robert continues. “The app itself is very intuitive and user friendly and Bluetooth connectivity is integrated to allow full control through the app via a smartphone, tablet or PC if you prefer – simply download and choose up to six stations, four independent programmes and three start times.”

In terms of the sprinklers that can be used, Robert explains: “As you may expect the connecting modules fit into Toro Infinity Sprinklers, the smartest, hardest-working sprinklers on the market – top accessibility to all the critical components and built for flexible expansion, it’s the perfect combination.”

Rob continues: “Combining all these features makes Tempus Air ideal for those looking for a sustainable and unique solution and where areas without electricity such as sports pitches, stadiums and training grounds keen to eliminate cables from the sidelines and professional landscaping projects. Remote management allows for control from up to 800 metres away and automated responses can be applied based on pre-set thresholds.”

To find out how the perfect combination of technology and sustainability can benefit your water regime and business’ bottom line, call Reesink Hydro-Scapes on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk for further information.

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Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA

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Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA: AriensCo, an industry leader in outdoor power equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Stiles as its new Vice President of Sales for EMEAA. Stiles, who has been with AriensCo for over 11 years, brings unparalleled expertise that will help drive AriensCo’s sales throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa while also ensuring continued growth in Asia Pacific and across UK business activities.

The new appointment highlights AriensCo’s continued investment in its operations and will help AriensCo continue to grow its commercial presence throughout EMEAA. This includes the acquisition of German professional mower manufacturer, AS-Motor, appointing Jochen Schneider as Executive Vice President of EMEAA and moving its CE zero-turn mower production to Oxford, United Kingdom.

Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA

Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA

Stiles, whose father worked at AriensCo for over 25 years, vacates his previous position of Director of Sales and Marketing for EMEAA – which he was promoted to in 2020. It was in this post that he demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the Ariens business in the UK, including the key differences between the UK, European and US markets, built lasting relationships within the EMEAA distributor networks and helped customers achieve their goals.

“Brad continues to be the driving force behind AriensCo’s remarkable growth throughout EMEAA,” said Jochen Schneider, Executive Vice President of EMEAA. “Having worked at AriensCo for over a decade he not only embodies our family values but is best placed to ensure our customers get the products and support they depend on.”

Stiles will report to Jochen Schneider, Executive Vice President of EMEAA and is eager to get to work, “For over a  decade I have witnessed AriensCo’s fast paced growth and now, in this new position, I can play an even greater role in keeping up that momentum. From strengthening current markets to reaching new ones, these truly are exciting times for AriensCo and all its customers, present and future.”

Regional sales managers in Germany, France and UK along with the export sales teams from EMEAA will report into Stiles.

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Dealers recognised by Reesink UK

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Dealers recognised by Reesink UK: Every year Reesink UK recognises its dealers whose performance in the three areas of Service, Parts and Skills reflect outstanding customer service standards, goals and considerations.  

Reesink awards those dealers achieving the best scores in keeping with its Service Level Agreement, which benchmarks great customer service, and the highest combined score across all three categories wins an overall Dealer of the Year for Excellence in Customer Support. In 2021 that much coveted award went to Lloyd Limited in Carlisle.

Dealers recognised by Reesink UK

Dealers recognised by Reesink UK

Lloyd Limited also won Gold for Excellence in Skills; while Cheshire Turf Machinery topped the bill for Excellence in Service; and Excellence in Parts went to Reesink Turfcare South East.

Reesink Turfcare South East also got a silver hat-trick for Excellence in Service, Excellence in Skills and Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence; and Reesink Turfcare Scotland took home silver for Excellence in Parts.

Lee Rowbotham, service and training manager at Reesink UK, says: “The Aftermarket Dealer Awards are how we thank our service locations for showcasing the high standards for customer service Reesink has. And illustrating to customers that our core customer service standards, goals and considerations reach them.”

Reflecting on the win, Simon Burton, group aftersales manager at Lloyd Ltd, says: “We’re delighted to have won two awards. It’s fantastic to know that our policy for maximising service personnel skills through manufacturer training is being recognised. With the support of our Reesink Product Specialist and Service Manager we have achieved the Aftermarket Dealer Award and this demonstrates the importance of working closely with Reesink and shows what can be achieved from a strong partnership.”

Peter Biddlecombe, aftersales manager at Reesink Turfcare South East says: “The annual awards are really important as they give an immediate indicator of current aftersales service levels and other areas to focus on accordingly. Receiving award/s is an achievement to be proud of and brilliant for staff members to recognise they’re doing a good job. It shows customers you’re a trusted company as an award winner and positions you as one of the best in the field.”

Mark Woodward, service director at Cheshire Turf Machinery, says: “The Toro Excellence in Service award is extremely important to Cheshire Turf Machinery and is our third accolade in succession. This is a testament to all our staff who work incredibly hard throughout the year maintaining consistently high standards and giving peace of mind to all our customers”.

Lee concludes: “Over the years, we have continually invested in our customer service and especially so in our after sales offering and to see that represented by the dealers so brilliantly means we are achieving in our goal to keep on improving the overall experience for all our customers.”

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Effective swale treatment by Terrain Aeration

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Effective swale treatment by Terrain Aeration: When Pennyfarthing Homes called on Land Products (Wessex) Limited to help resolve an ongoing problem, MD Roger Attrill knew exactly who to bring in. It may look to be not much more than a dried-up pond, but this swale plays an important role in the Alexandra Meadows estate in Lymington.

Swales should hold water briefly, then soak away, but this water was retained for weeks after rainfall since the site was completed two years ago as part of the Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS. This is effectively the housing estate’s holding pond to help stop downstream flooding following heavy rain and storm conditions. It was not draining as it should.

Effective swale treatment by Terrain Aeration

Effective swale treatment by Terrain Aeration

“Naturally occurring hard gravels underlying these swales have proved too slow to drain,” says Roger, “we took the opportunity to experiment with Terrain Aeration’s machinery which in a very short period improved permeability greatly.” Land Products provides a comprehensive soft landscaping and grounds maintenance service to Local Authorities, County Councils, the construction industry and commercial clients.

Having called on the services of Terrain Aeration they used their speciality of deep penetration aeration to relieve compaction. The principle works on the basis of penetrating the very hard subsoil with a probe and fracturing it with a blast of compressed air to a maximum of 20Bar (280psi). The process is repeated in spacings so the fissures created interlink and allow full drainage. In this instance, the effect could be seen immediately with a 50mm drop in the standing water in minutes. Within two days, the water had gone completely.

“I’m confident we can make the whole SUDS system work as planned with a bit more time.” Roger says. “I have worked with Terrain Aeration before when they treated compacted gardens for us and they did exactly what they said they would, very straightforward.” Increasingly, Terrain Aeration are called on by housebuilders and landscapers to treat gardens where during construction heavy machinery has compacted the sub soil around new-build properties.

Terrain Aeration 01449 673783 www.terrainaeration.co.uk

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