Tag Archive for: Dorset

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

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Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.

Two student greenkeepers who had travelled the furthest proved victorious, with Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset claiming the top prizes.

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Following regional judging earlier in the year, 10 finalists were selected to contest the prestigious awards at Oulton Hall, where there was further examination of their abilities with a series of tests that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping industry.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Jack Vowell, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Farrington Park, by Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge. Jack is a former recruitment consultant who switched to greenkeeping five years ago and is a student at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Jack said: “It was such a strong field that when the runner-up’s name was read out I thought, ‘I’ve got no chance, he’s fantastic compared to me’ and so I was in complete shock when my name was announced as the winner. I just couldn’t believe it was me! ”

Jon Cole added: “The five main finalists were very impressive and they have done themselves and their clubs proud. They show that the industry is in extremely safe hands going forward. It was a closely run competition and everyone acquitted themselves well. Jack, however, showed a balance of professionalism and technical knowledge, which he knew how to deliver.”

Runner-up in the main category was Jack Wellings, Senior Greenkeeper at the JCB Golf and Country Club and a student at Myerscough College.

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Daniel Parker, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Knighton Heath, by David Timms, National Accounts Manager for Reesink Turfcare and young award judge. Daniel is a student at Sparsholt College.

Daniel said: “So many emotions were going around my head, I couldn’t believe it, but it’s brilliant. I phoned my dad as soon as I found out and he was with some family at home and they were all celebrating with me. I then spoke to my course manager and he and the rest of the team were completely thrilled. This award is as much for them as it is for me because we’re all part of a team.”

David Timms added: “The young finalists shone on the course walk, demonstrating a fantastic level of knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence. All the awards judges felt proud, pleased and privileged to be able to see the calibre of the next generation of greenkeeping in front of us. Daniel is destined for a long career in the industry and is a worthy winner of the Young award.”

Runner-up in the young category was Alex Fox, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa and a matchday groundsperson at Lincoln City FC and Wembley Stadium. Alex is a student at Bishop Burton College.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Congratulations to Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker, two very worthy winners, and huge thanks to our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for another truly inspirational Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finals here at Oulton Hall. It’s been a fantastic event with 10 wonderful finalists all trying their best. BIGGA exists to try and improve the world for greenkeepers and looking at what we’ve had in front of us today and over the last few months through the process, I think greenkeeping has a bright future ahead.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2025. More information including how to nominate a student greenkeeper and the extraordinary prizes on offer is available on the BIGGA website and the Reesink Turfcare website Students Awards | Reesink Turfcare.

You can also watch the moment the winners were revealed and view exclusive interviews with Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker on the BIGGA website.

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Baroness announce Lister Wilder as dealers for Dorset

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Baroness announce Lister Wilder as dealers for Dorset: Baroness UK have announced the expansion of the territory area for existing dealer partners Lister Wilder. Effective immediately, sales and support across the Baroness range will now be offered to customers in the Dorset area which will be serviced by the Lister Wilder Salisbury depot, which opened in late 2023.

The move marks a natural progression for the territory already covered by the longstanding Baroness dealer, adding the Dorset region to the counties of Gloucester, Wiltshire and across to Hampshire, Kent and London already under Lister’s remit.

Baroness announce Lister Wilder as dealers for Dorset

Baroness announce Lister Wilder as dealers for Dorset

Phill Hughes, Sales and Hire Director for Lister Wilder said, “We are delighted to have been appointed as Baroness dealers for Dorset following our move last year into the area with our new Salisbury branch. Having now sold and supported Baroness machinery for over 10 years, we believe we understand just what the golf and fine turf sports industry needs when it comes to purchasing and supporting this type of machine. The Baroness brand has grown significantly over this time, becoming a number one choice with customers who enjoy the low cost of ownership, extended re-grind schedules and outstanding quality of cut.”

“The Lister’s company logo ‘Sales with Service’ highlights the importance that we deliver good local support. We firmly believe this ethos has helped us to become both Baroness UK’s largest dealer and a key supplier to golf courses across the South. With this latest addition to our area coverage, we are looking forward to serving customers from the Kent coastline to the Bristol estuary with our network of branches providing on-site support and backup.”

Adam Butler, Baroness Sales Director added, “Expanding Lister Wilders already substantial area is yet another move to show continued growth and customer support throughout the UK – yes our machines are great but we must have equally great service to back them up! Lister Wilder’s track record in customer service is second to none and we’re very happy to be in partnership with a company that demands these high standards across the board. We also thank Highwoods for their superb efforts and all they’ve done for the brand in this area over the last few years.”

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A win for Dorset Soils & Aggregates

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A win for Dorset Soils & Aggregates: BALI Registered Affiliate, Dorset Soils and Aggregates, have been awarded the British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) prestigious award for Exceptional Affiliate Service.

Much excitement and anticipation was felt amongst the team as it led to the day they’d receive this respected award from the BALI adjudicators.

A win for Dorset Soils & Aggregates

This significant award ceremony was the 43rd annual BALI National Landscape Awards, held on Friday 6th December at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.  Sponsored by BALI Registered Affiliate, Green-tech, it was this glamorous event that saw the celebratory awards ceremony for the skills, hard work, quality, commitment and successes of BALI Registered members. This is the largest landscape Awards in Europe, being an association which recognises excellence in landscape design, construction and maintenance both in the UK and overseas, as well as awarding Affiliate customer service and employer excellence.

Dorset Soils and Aggregates are a national supplier of soft and hard landscaping materials, ranging from specially blended soils, to their flagship Wessex® Coolfresh turf to a vast range of both porcelain and Indian sandstone paving. The business began in 1998 and has since expanded year on year to now consist of 3 different branches, a recycling yard/ distribution centre and head office. Their three branches are based in Ferndown, Dorchester and Bournemouth, all of which have inspirational display areas created by their landscaping customers and a friendly team of customer advisors with many years of training and experience behind them.

Dorset Soils and Aggregates stand for two things: unbeatable prices and the highest levels of customer service. This was consistently demonstrated to the BALI adjudicators and led to the success of winning this highly respected award. As the South’s leading supplier of landscaping materials, this company could give examples of regular, returning customers that gave outstanding testimonies to the business, highlighting their ability to source any required products from around in the world, along with their friendly and knowledgeable manner.

The staff members possess over 75 years of experience in the landscaping and building industry between them, ensuring Dorset Soils and Aggregates are able to give the best possible service from start to finish. Offering an inviting and friendly atmosphere for both the trade and DIY enthusiasts; their customer advisors are always on-hand to offer advice, source products at the best prices, arrange fast and efficient delivery and guarantee the customer received a good experience.

This was the second year the Awards were successfully delivered in-house by the team at BALI’s Landscape House. Events Project Manager Leah Brookes, who attended the 2018 Awards and project managed the 2019 event said, “It has been an immense pleasure managing the BALI Awards 2019. From attending the event last year, to meeting and working alongside the expert adjudicators, to managing the whole entry process and advising members on their submissions. To see the fruition of a year’s work come together on this special day and celebrate together with each and every member is fabulous. I send my heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and thanks to all our sponsors, adjudicators and stakeholders for their continued support of the prestigious National Landscape Awards.”

Sport and lifestyle presenter Mark Durden-Smith played host for the afternoon’s proceedings in front of over 1,000 BALI VIPs, members and guests, including Adam White MBALI, President and Fellow of the ‘Royal Chartered’ Landscape Institute and BALI Registered Designer; Chair of the Society of Garden Designers, Sarah Morgan; Rod Winrow, Chairman of the Association of Professional Landscapers; Sue Biggs CBE, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society and Gerald Bonner, President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIOH).

This is a great accolade for Dorset Soils and Aggregates and gives them the recognition and credit that each member of staff has worked so hard to achieve. This year, BALI saw a record-breaking amount of first-time entries; receiving a total number of 145 entries to go through, making it even more impressive that Dorset Soils and Aggregates secured the Exceptional Service Award.

Paul Miller, Managing Director: ‘Well done to all our staff for helping achieve this prestigious National Award – twenty-one years in the making. We’ve come a long way since one man and a transit tipper!’

www.sandandgravel.uk.com

A full list of award-winners and a description of the winning schemes is available on the BALI Awards website here.

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Dorset Soils & Aggregates’ Premium Products

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Dorset Soils & Aggregates’ Premium Products: At Dorset Soils and Aggregates, we offer unbeatable prices for the trade and a service you can rely on. Supplying an extensive range of building and landscaping materials to the trade and domestic customers, including local councils, sports clubs and the National Trust.

Visit our stand, K190k, at Saltex for an exclusive chance to view our premium landscaping materials, featuring our well-established Wessex® range as well as our mulches and gravel. We invite you to take a look at our samples and chat to our friendly experts, Sally and Paul to discuss any of your requirements.

Dorset Soils & Aggregates’ Premium Products

Wessex Coolfresh Turf

Our flagship Wessex ‘Coolfresh’ Turf is featured in award-winning gardens at The Chelsea Flower Show and can be seen at many high-profile attractions such as The Tower of London, The Natural History Museum and Kew Gardens. Our turf is grown on fertile soils, using seeds selected from the Sports Turf Research Institute’s list of highly-rated cultivars. Our Wessex turf is non-netted and cultivated at around 15 months old, meaning it’s well-established when laid. Our unique ‘Coolfresh’ system involves the turf going through a unique chilling process during the delivery, ensuring the turf rolls are kept cool throughout to maintain optimum freshness.

Wessex Dutch Tree Sand

Often referred to as ‘Amsterdam Tree Sand’ our Wessex Dutch Tree Sand is blended from selected local graded silica sands and organic compost, which allows tree pits to remain free draining, whilst being able to maintain heavy footfall and vehicle movements without compacting. This material has been used in many large projects locally including the prestige Poundbury development in Dorchester, Dorset. Our Dutch sand is screened to 10mm with a typical PH of 8- 8.5; please call the office to discuss or request a sample.

Wessex BS3882 10mm Soil

Our Wessex 10mm is a 70/30 blend of high quality local British Standard topsoil and PAS 100 green compost. Our Wessex 10mm soil is tested in accordance to a BS3882: 2015 – A copy of our test analysis is available on request. The PH for this is between 7.5-8.5 and is not treated with any additives.  Particle sizes run from a 10mm down and is suitable for general landscaping uses including turf laying and seeding.  If you need any advice or you need a soil to meet a certain specification please call the office and we will be pleased to advise you on this and discuss samples.

Bunker Sands

Our Bunker Sand is perfect for Golf courses, often building sands and coarse aggregates are used which can cause waterlogging which makes the bunkers unusable. Our Bunker Sand is specially washed and graded to give the best combination possible ensuring time spent in the bunker is enjoyable and worthwhile. This material can be sold loose or in bags which means that greenkeepers and maintenance can use the material when needed and can be held in stock undercover.

Silica Sand

Our Silica Sand is a High-graded, sub-angular grained Sand which is perfect for either equestrian use, leisure or construction applications. This sand is also ideal for use on horse ménages. We can supply this loose or bagged please ask for more details. Samples can be provided upon request and further information can be given from our friendly sales team.

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