Tag Archive for: Days

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

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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Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has run its second successful event looking at the current UK research into Microdochium management on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd November.

The informative trial days were held at the state-of-the-art OAS Turf Science & Technology Centre in Dunmow, Essex.

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

OAS Research & Development Director Geoff Fenn comments, “We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to our ‘Microdochium Trial Days’.  We initially marketed this as a one-day event, but the places filled up incredibly quickly, so we extended this to a second day, which again was full in no time. In total, we hosted almost 200 delegates over the 2 days.”

The informative event offered delegates the opportunity to visit several stations around the research centre, discussing products and best practices to manage Microdochium and maintain healthy turf over the Autumn/Winter period.

Geoff Fenn discussed the importance of collecting data to optimise application timings. Discussions included growth ratio, clip volume, nitrogen inputs, and potassium inputs. The new OAS Agronomic Tracker to record this information is now available – use the QR code below. If you need any support on how to use this, please contact OAS on 0800 138 7222.

Agronomy and Technical Manager, Kelly-Marie Clack presented the 2022/23 trial results of adopting the 20-20-30 + Mantle programme using UK Growth Potential to build an IPM plan. Kelly discussed how to integrate the new biocontrol, Harmonix from Envu, into programmes successfully. Elsewhere, Trials & Digital Platform Manager Angus Finlayson demonstrated the positive results of using OAS Dewcure, penetrants, and robotic dew removal, to reduce leaf wetness.

OAS Product and Sales Manager Kevin Scarce gave an overview and demonstration of TurfKeeper, the company’s web-based portal that gives turf industry professionals a fully integrated operations and management solution. The system provides complete control and transparency over staff management, task planning, machinery management, inventory control, chemical applications, and budgeting. He explained how information can be recorded in Turfkeeper.

Dr. Deidre Charleston, Research Manager from the microbial arm of OAS delivered a workshop on building a suppressive soil to support your disease management plan.

Finally, Phil Logan from Envu and Origin Amenity Solutions Technical Manager for Chemicals Peter Corbett spoke in detail about the latest technologies in biocontrols. They discussed managing disease and the benefits of Harmonix Turf Defense, exploring a Preventative versus Curative approach to turf management.

Geoff concludes, “OAS is fully committed to continuous improvement within the industry, exploring new product solutions; testing, and producing data for the market. These trial days are a prime example of this, and the team and I are delighted with how successful they have been and the positive feedback we all received.”

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NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild: UK’s biggest nature challenge is proven to boost health and wellbeing.

The Wildlife Trusts and the Greener NHS programme at NHS England are encouraging people to go wild for wellbeing this June by participating in the UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild.

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

The month-long initiative invites people of all ages to connect with nature in an easy and accessible way every single day throughout the month of June.

Spending time in nature is proven to benefit people’s mental and physical health. Evidence shows that people who connect with nature every day are more resilient, experience reduced social isolation and loneliness, and have better all-round health and happiness.

As part of the NHS’ 75th Birthday celebrations the Greener NHS programme at NHS England is partnering with The Wildlife Trusts to shine a light on the great work of colleagues from across the NHS who have created, maintain, and make the best use of green spaces for the benefit of patients, staff and the environment.

Greener NHS will be showcasing NHS gardens and green spaces that support biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide health benefits for staff and patients, both physically and mentally – across the NHS estate.

Dr Amir Khan, NHS doctor and vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“Being in and around nature is so important for our health and happiness, whether that’s exercising outdoors, breakfasting in the garden, or lying in the park and enjoying the birds. I am delighted the NHS is encouraging people to get outside this June. Taking time each day to pause and purposefully observe and enjoy nature can do wonders for our wellbeing, while motivating us to do our bit to help wildlife. I urge people right across the British Isles to get involved in 30 Days Wild this year!”

Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer, NHS England, says:

“The NHS was founded to provide high-quality care for all, now, and for future generations. We are joining 30 Days Wild to celebrate the hard work and commitment of NHS staff, past and present who have created and cared for green spaces and gardens in hospitals, GP surgeries, outpatient facilities and across our NHS estate. These spaces improve health, aid patient recovery and support staff wellbeing, while improving biodiversity and air quality. We’d like to encourage all NHS organisations, staff and volunteers to get involved and make the most of your green spaces for 30 Days Wild.”

Charlotte Church, singer and environmentalist, says: 

“The more time I spend in nature, the more obsessed I become with it! 30 Days Wild is such a wonderful idea, it’s an easy way to spend a bit of time connecting with nature every day in June and there are so many options. Whether it’s stargazing, watching a flower bloom or listening to the soothing sound of the wind rustling through tree branches, it’s about finding things you enjoy and resting your mind. I’m looking forward to tuning in to birdsong and cold-water swimming. So, sign up and invite your friends and family to join in the fun too!”

A survey of nearly 1,000 participants in 30 Days Wild last year has found that people’s favourite activities were:

  • Watching wildlife, over 90% of people
  • Listening to birdsong (85%)
  • Taking a meal or drink outside (81%)

Other popular ‘acts of wildness’ were planting wildflowers (76%), exercising outdoors (71%), identifying wildflowers (70%) and visiting somewhere wild (65%).

The 2022 survey has also revealed:

  • Over 74% of people said 30 Days Wild improved their mental health
  • Over 76% of people said 30 Days Wild improved their relationship with nature
  • Over 81% of people said 30 Days Wild motivated them to do more to protect nature

Research by The Wildlife Trusts and University of Derby in 2020 revealed that people’s health improved by 30% after taking part in 30 Days Wild. Over three million people have taken part in 30 Days Wild since it began in 2015.

Free activity packs provide inspiration about different ‘acts of wildness’ to do each day throughout June. Register at www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild

5 July 2023 marks 75 years of the National Health Service (NHS). Treating over a million people a day in England, the NHS touches all of our lives. When it was founded in 1948, the NHS was the first universal health system to be available to all, free at the point of delivery, and since 1948, the NHS has always evolved and adapted to meet the needs of each successive generation.

From Britain’s first heart transplant in 1958, to Europe’s first liver transplant in 1968, the world’s first CT scan on a patient in 1971, to the world’s first test-tube baby born in 1978 – the NHS has had many historic firsts. In October 2020, the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero, in response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change.

Visit www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs to find out more about the Greener NHS, and follow them on twitter to see all the 30 Days Wild action – @GreenerNHS

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Irrigation demo days a success

Irrigation demo days a success: Origin Amenity Solutions has seen an overwhelmingly positive response to its free irrigation demonstration day events, which have been held at golf clubs throughout the UK since August 2022.

Rain Bird is a leading global manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. As the UK distributor for Rain Bird Golf, Origin Amenity Solutions is committed to education and training of greenkeepers throughout the UK to develop their knowledge on how the Rain Bird irrigation systems operate, and how they can improve their grounds maintenance processes and water conservation.

Irrigation demo days a success

Irrigation demo days a success

Starting at Stocks Golf Club in Hertfordshire in August 2022, the Irrigation demo days have been attended by over 100 delegates across six demonstrations, with more scheduled events throughout October.

The events feature live demonstrations of a range of Rain Bird sprinklers in action, as well as informative presentations on the wider RainBird range and the benefits provided.

Irrigation system hydraulics are covered, as well as how to operate an efficient and cost-effective irrigation system when working to a tight budget.

Irrigation Product Manager, Peter Robin, and Irrigation Sales Engineer, Richard Jones, deliver the events together. Peter demonstrates the RainBird sprinklers in action as well as fielding questions and showcasing the DAB Pump Sets, whilst Richard talks through the Rain Bird software for PC driven irrigation controllers.

In addition to the informative presentations and demonstrations, all attendees are awarded three CPD points.

Peter Robin, Origin Amenity Solutions Irrigation Product Manager, comments; “These events are something we’ve been asked for on numerous occasions and I am delighted to be able to deliver them at regular intervals. Attendance has been superb and feedback positive. I am pleased we can help build people’s knowledge on the Rain Bird Golf range and demonstrate the benefits. We have a few more events still to be delivered but I am expecting the same high turnout, so Richard and I look forward to these and building on this momentum.”

For more information or to register for a free event call 0700 138 7222 or visit www.originamenity.com

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Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022

Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022: The UK’s largest outdoor sports and grounds maintenance tradeshow took place on 6th & 7th July at The Three Counties Showground, and it was stunning turnout. Over 55 exhibitors from across the industry headed to the expo to provide live demos to visitors in attendance over the two-day event.

One of the highlights of the event was the first sustainability summit in partnership with Bio-Circle. With sustainability becoming a hot priority, SAGE has provided a vital launchpad for collaboration across the groundcare and similar industries on sustainability projects.

Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022

Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022

The new forum GRASS (Groundcare, Resources and Sustainable Suppliers) has been formed with industry experts and manufacturing personnel joining force to provide free advice and guidance on sustainable practices across the industry.

Head of Environmental and Sustainability Stadia Projects at Bio-Circle, Mark Tomlinson led discussions to give valuable insights regarding the future of sustainability solutions and products. GRASS now provides a point of contact for everyone in the industry to ask questions and get support for their sustainability projects, and we are excited to see it grow over the next year.

A networking event to remember

On Wednesday afternoon everyone made a beeline for the networking event, where drinks were flowing from the open bar. Entertained by some amazingly talented music artists, people had the chance to let their hair down and meet their industry colleagues in a fun atmosphere, within the luxury facilities of The Three Counties Showground.

Perks and prizes

The free event was so beneficial for everyone in attendance, with free training courses taking place, as well as competitions and free perks and product discounts.

Following the success of the event, planning has already started for SAGE 2023 and next year’s event should be even bigger and better with support growing annually the future for SAGE is massive.

This year’s exhibitors have benefitted greatly from being able to meet prospective customers face-to-face and build relationships with people in an outdoor environment. Two days of live demos, has enabled exhibitors to boost their marketing strategies, we look forward to welcoming them back in 2023, as well as many more.

Businesses that are interested in exhibiting at SAGE 2023 can sign up for the early bird offer which will be released shortly, Click here to register your interest today.

Make sure you are following us for all upcoming news there is exciting plans to be released.

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Campey to host Tee Renovation Days

Campey to host Tee Renovation Days: Campey Turf Care Systems in occasional conjunction with Germinal Seeds, are hosting a series of Tee Renovation Days throughout the country next month and are delighted to invite anyone with a professional interest, to come and see the complete process in one day.

Starting on April 4th at East Brighton GC, moving on to Eastbourne Downs GC, Kings Norton, Renfrew, Seascale, Knotty Hill, Greetham Valley, Huyton and Prescott, Wilmslow and Greenway Hall Golf Club, Campeys, leaders in innovative equipment in all areas of turf maintenance, will be at ten different Golf venues in total, providing an opportunity to see the very latest techniques in renovation specific to Golf Tees, and to introduce some alternative methods that may not have been considered in a golf course setting before.

Campey to host Tee Renovation Days

Campey to host Tee Renovation Days

Each day will start at 9am with Campeys providing refreshments and bacon rolls before the day begins. A full team of experts will be on-hand to guide the visitors through the processes and to listen to any ideas, or particular issues, that you may be experiencing at your own club.

A full list of the venues and dates can be found on the Campey website www.campeyturfcare.com/tee

For catering purposes, Campeys is respectively asking that attendees register on-line via the website or by scanning the QR code on the official invite.

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Campey announce renovation days

Campey announce renovation days: Campey Turf Care Systems is set to host free to attend tennis and cricket renovation days in Sutton Upon Derwent on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th September 2021.

The first event takes place at Sutton Upon Derwent Tennis Club and the second at Woodhouse Grange Cricket Club. Each day starts at 9.30 am, and attendees will see the latest sports turf machinery in action. The live renovation demonstrates how the Koro® FIELD TOP MAKER® with patented UNIVERSE® Rotor, Campey Uni-Scratch, Vredo Seeder and more can be used to maintain and renovate tennis and cricket surfaces.

Campey announce renovation days

Campey announce renovation days

Using the KORO FTM in tennis and cricket is becoming increasingly popular, and Sutton Upon Derwent Tennis Club has already seen the outstanding results that can be achieved, as volunteer groundsman George Hobson explains.

“I first met Ben Taylor from Campey at Wimbledon’s Grass Court Seminar in August 2019, and they had machinery on the courts there including the Koro® FTM® which looked amazing. So after meeting Ben, I asked him if he knew of anyone who had a Koro® in our area because it would be interesting to see what price they’d charge to help us out. Campey very kindly came back and said they would do a renovation demo day on the tennis courts, so that’s how it started.

“The tennis courts at the club have never really had a renovation, so the thatch was like a sponge. The quality of the courts wasn’t there because of that, but the Koro® did the job we needed to take the thatch away, and the use of the Vredo seeder and Uni-Scratch® prepared the seedbed perfectly to allow for very high germination rates.”

As well as the machinery side of maintenance other speakers will be presenting on their own specialist subjects including;

Phil Blackwell – Director – SISPitches / SISGrass
Neil Stubley – Head of Courts and Horticulture – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Danny Negus – Head Groundsman – Devonshire Park
Dan Lightfoot – Business Manager UK & Ireland – Syngenta
Andy MacKay – Pitch Advisor – England & Wales Cricket Board

To register your interest for either day, visit https://t.ly/p5fy and fill in the online form.

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Campey Announce Golf Demo Days

Campey Announce Golf Demo Days: Campey Turf Care Systems have confirmed they will be holding two golf demonstration days at Clitheroe Golf Club (30th April) and Prestbury Golf Club (2nd May).

Starting at 8.30am and finishing at 2pm, both days will include practical machinery demonstrations, environmental management, cylinder grinding and an introduction to Consolidate Turf.

Campey Announce Golf Demo Days

Campey machines will be joined by Trimax Mowing Systems, Walker Mowers, Dennis Sisis and New Holland for the machinery demonstration portion of the day and James Hutchinson from BIGGA Ltd will open with a talk on golf course ecology.

Connor Huffman from Reel Sharp will be providing practical advice and best practice when it comes to cylinder grinding with the afternoon ending with Gary Robertson and Tony Kvedras of Consolidate Turf giving a talk on Consolidate products.

Campey product specialists will be at the events to through the latest techniques for aerations, scarification, seeding and grass cutting. The Koro Fieldtopmaker, Air2G2 Air Inject and Vredo Compact overseeder are just three of a number of machines taking part in the practical demonstrations, each showing their industry leading results in their discipline.

Campey Announce Golf Demo Days

Campey machines will also be on show at the BIGGA North-West Spring Golf Day on 1st May 2019 at Warrington Golf Club where aeration, scarification, seeding and grass cutting best practice will all be covered.

To RSVP for either event email info@campeyturfcare.com

For more information, visit: www.campeyturfcare.com

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