Tag Archive for: Duo

GKB aeration duo making a real difference

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GKB aeration duo making a real difference: For Mike Powles and his team of six volunteer grounds staff at Walsham Le Willows Sports Club, the aim of their maintenance is simple: to keep the surfaces in the best possible condition all year round.

That task is now much easier thanks to the purchase of a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) and Combislit from GKB Machines – allowing the club to maintain consistently high-quality pitches, without reliance on external contractors.

GKB aeration duo making a real difference

GKB aeration duo making a real difference

Located in the heart of Suffolk the club is a hive of activity, with 24 football teams and eight cricket teams just a few of those making the most of the multi-sport facilities. While the team of volunteers can keep on top of the regular grass cutting and general site maintenance, historically, they relied on contractors to aerate the pitches twice a year. However, as Mike explains, this approach came with challenges. “Contractor availability rarely aligned with our schedule or the ideal ground conditions which meant that costs quickly mounted, but the results weren’t always as we’d hope.”

Looking for a more flexible and cost-effective solution, Mike attended SALTEX, where he said the GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) stood out straight away. “It looked solid and strong. You could tell it was built to last.” Despite torrential rain on demo day, the results were evident – leading to the purchase of a 1.6m model via Ernest Doe close to two years ago.

“We now have full control over where and when we aerate. If conditions are good, we get it on the back of the tractor and away we go” he says. “It’s lovely and straight forward to operate which is important for us as a volunteer team and has meant we’ve been able to get the DTA out more often which is paying dividend in terms of surface quality.”

Impressed by the performance of the DTA, the club returned to Ernest Doe earlier in 2025 to add a GKB Combislit to their fleet. “We attended a GMA event where the pitch advisor suggested we look at a slitter and, because the DTA has worked so well, we only looked at GKB.”

Together, the DTA and Combislit now give Walsham Le Willows year-round options for aeration, whether the upper surface needs opening or for when deeper penetration is required. Mike adds, “We’ve always been impressed with the service from Ernest Does, particularly Adrian Kersey who has been our point of contact for the last eight years. His support, together with that of GKB’s Tom Shinkins has got us up and running and, going into winter, the pitches have never looked better!”

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA: Two previous members of the GMA Young Board, now known as GMA NextGen, have been awarded their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative, recognising the contributions of past and present members of GMA NextGen.

The Pioneer Mark is a distinctive legacy number that symbolises the impact each member has made on the grounds management profession.

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Will Graves (#002) joined the industry in 2010 as an apprentice at Merchant Taylors’ School and became part of the first Young Board in 2011, later serving as Chair in 2014. He went on to join the ground staff team at Watford Football Club while also gaining experience at Wembley Stadium.

He said: “My time working with the Young Board of Directors was a real highlight of my career to date. We all worked hard to make a positive difference and increase opportunities for those both inside and outside of the profession. I am very grateful to both the GMA and Reesink UK for everything they did and continue to do to support the group.”

Harry Boxell (#022) served four years on the Young Board from 2016. He began his grounds management career at 16 and progressed through roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Godolphin, before taking on the role of Head of Grounds and Gardens at Embley Park in 2017. He is now Estates Manager, overseeing the 130-acre Grade II listed parkland.

Harry says: “I vividly remember driving down from Newmarket for the interview and being struck by the beauty of the buildings and grounds, while also recognising the potential for further enhancement.”

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from many inspiring individuals,” He added. “Some of my most memorable experiences were through my involvement with the Young Board of Directors. We met regularly and were fortunate to visit venues such as the Stade de France, Parc des Princes (home of Paris Saint-Germain), and several other prestigious sites.”

Jennifer Carter, GMA Director of Communications and Marketing, said: “The GMA would like to thank Will and Harry for their contributions during their time with the NextGen, formerly known as the Young Board.

“It’s really important that we recognise the contributions they have all made to the grounds management industry by awarding them with their pioneer marks. We’re excited to continue the legacy and are now looking to recruit the next generation of passionate individuals to carry the group forward.”

The duo join the ranks of respected NextGen alumni who have received their Pioneer Marks, which can be viewed here.

GMA NextGen are now welcoming new members under 35 who are ready to make a difference in the grounds management industry.

If you’re passionate about shaping the sector’s future, express your interest here. 

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Agrovista’s new line-marking duo sets new standards

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Agrovista’s new line-marking duo sets new standards: Agrovista Amenity has introduced two new innovations to support grounds teams with accurate, efficient pitch marking: the Max-Line line-marking paint range and the exclusive PaintMaster Pro RLM01 robotic line marker. Together, they provide a simple, reliable solution for achieving professional results across a wide range of sports facilities.

Max-Line: Superior line-marking performance

Max-Line is Agrovista Amenity’s latest line-marking paint range, developed to deliver exceptional coverage, durability, and visibility. Designed for both conventional and robotic line-marking systems, the paint is formulated to deliver crisp, long-lasting lines that withstand play and weather conditions.

Agrovista’s new line-marking duo sets new standards

Agrovista’s new line-marking duo sets new standards

David Mitchell, Line Marking Business Development Manager at Agrovista Amenity, explained the thinking behind the new range:

“What we wanted to do was create a line-marking offer that is simplified but effective, covering all the bases while looking forward to the latest paint formulation technology.”

David highlighted how ranges within Max-Line have been designed with robotic markers in mind:

“With our nozzle technology, you can mark out a full-size pitch using under three litres of paint. That means a robotic marker can complete multiple pitches without having to constantly stop and refill, which is exactly what grounds teams need.

“We’ve also moved away from the throwaway plastic nozzles, which when blocked are difficult to clean and gone to stainless steel nozzles that can be stripped down, cleaned, and reused. If you don’t lose it, you’ve basically got a nozzle for life. It’s all about making the process sustainable, easier and more reliable for the customer.”

PaintMaster Pro RLM01: Exclusive to Agrovista Amenity

The PaintMaster Pro RLM01 is available exclusively through Agrovista Amenity in the UK.

Compact and intelligent, it sets a new benchmark for robotic line marking, combining centimetre-level GNSS positioning with simple, intuitive controls.

Key features include:

High precision: Dual GNSS positioning and optional laser kit deliver centimetre-level accuracy, even under trees or near stands.

Smart efficiency: A 0.5 kWh battery marks up to 8 full-size football pitches, with the option to extend to 16. Quick battery swaps allow continuous operation.

Smart control: Cloud-based software with real-time monitoring, multi-device management, automatic field switching, and remote app control.

Built around you: Portable design, quick-change paint refills, simple maintenance, and finance options.

Optional attachments, such as a handheld point marker and laser kit, further enhance flexibility, making the RLM01 suitable for football, rugby, athletics, and multi-sport facilities.

David believes it is a genuine step forward for grounds teams:

“For me, this robotic line marker represents the next step. It’s compact, easy to use, and incredibly efficient. Grounds teams can set it up quickly, let it get on with the job, and focus on other tasks — that’s where the real value lies.”

He added that its affordability also makes it stand out:

“We’ve been able to bring this robot to market at a much more accessible price point. I’ve already got customers, including contractors and local authorities, who are choosing to buy two machines instead of one because it makes sense for their budgets and doubles their productivity. In addition, we also offer finance and lease options that can be individually tailored to help fit within budgets.

“Recognising the importance of after-sales support we have partnered with XDC Autonomous Solutions who have considerable knowledge and expertise in the line marking robotics industry. XDC provide our customers with a comprehensive installation, training and support package via their UK based customer service team.”

A complete pitch-marking solution

By pairing the high-performance Max-Line paint with the cutting-edge PaintMaster Pro RLM01, Agrovista Amenity is offering grounds teams a package that saves time, reduces effort, and improves cost-effectiveness — all without compromising on quality.

“Our objective was to make life easier for grounds teams,” David concluded. “Max-Line gives them a reliable paint system that works brilliantly with both manual and robotic machines, while the RLM01 makes robotic marking more affordable and accessible than ever before. Together, they offer a solution that’s simple, efficient, and built around the customer.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.amenity.agrovista.co.uk

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Kirkcaldy GC’s Jacobsen duo

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Kirkcaldy GC’s  Jacobsen duo: Kirkcaldy Golf Club’s greenkeeping team have seen an instant lift in course presentation thanks to the arrival of two Jacobsen machines — an LF570 fairway mower and an AR522 rotary mower.

Head Greenkeeper Callum White, who joined the Fife club in April 2024 from nearby Charleton GC, says the pair have already changed daily routines for himself, deputy Mark Hood and trainee Finn Wallace.

Kirkcaldy GC’s Jacobsen duo

Kirkcaldy GC’s Jacobsen duo

“We’ve had them since April, just as the warm weather arrived,” says Callum. “They’ve slotted into our programme perfectly, and the improvement to presentation was immediate.”

Securing reliable mowing equipment was one of Callum’s first priorities on taking up the post. Familiar with Jacobsen’s reputation for quality of cut, he turned to Fairways GM Area Sales Manager, Mike Lindsay, who was able to highlight two refurbished models about to land. The club committee quickly approved the deal.

One of Callum’s main aims was to raise the standard of the rough — both in quality and appearance.

“The Jake cut is very precise and much healthier for the grass than what we had been using. I also really wanted to show definition across the course and have the ability to stripe,” he explains.

Deputy Course Manager Mark Hood has taken ownership of the AR522, which has proven indispensable. “On our steeper holes — notably the 1st and 17th, which play straight up and down — that 4WD is essential. Without it, you simply wouldn’t get up there.”

It now takes Mark around three days to cut the rough each week at 39 mm. “It’s so much faster than what we used before, and it keeps the finish more uniform. Our golfers really appreciate the upgrade as it speeds up play.”

Callum manages the fairways himself with the LF570, delivering a healthier, more precise cut. Fairways are also cut weekly at 12 mm, taking around 1.5 days to complete.

“We haven’t had much rain in four weeks, so they’ve dried out, but once they get moisture they really bounce back — and the machine shows that improvement immediately.”

The reaction from members has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everyone is really pleased with the progress we’re making. The close, crisp finish gives better playability and really enhances presentation.”

Kirkcaldy is a fine example of a classic parkland course — and it has a special place in golfing history as the final course designed by Old Tom Morris.

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Duo crowned TIMBERSPORTS® champions

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Duo crowned TIMBERSPORTS® champions: Zoe and Glen Penlington from Wales took the top spot amongst the UK’s best logger sport athletes over the weekend, with Zoe winning the first ever STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® British Women’s Championship and Glen being crowned the 2022 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® British Pro Champion.

Both events took place in front of a sell-out crowd at the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern, where extreme sports fans watched the top male and female TIMBERSPORTS® athletes from all over Great Britain compete in a head-to-head race against time across challenging disciplines. In the British Pro Championship, the male athletes compete against each other across six disciplines, and the female athletes in the British Women’s Championship compete in three.

Duo crowned TIMBERSPORTS® champions

Duo crowned TIMBERSPORTS® champions

Using axes, two-metre crosscut saws and chainsaws, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® pushes each competitor’s skill and endurance levels to the absolute limit, where they are awarded maximum points for the fastest time in each discipline.

In the landmark women’s event, the high-octane action brought the best out of all the athletes in a close competition, with Zoe beating her closest rival Justine Narusa by only four points. The event was decided in the final heat, the Underhand Chop, where Zoe recorded the fastest time to take the title. A delighted Sarah Cox took third place to complete the podium. In similar fashion, the men’s event was also decided in the final heat, with Glen holding his nerve against Graham Turner (2nd place) and John Lewis (3rd place) to secure victory.

In addition, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS British Rookie Championship also took place over the weekend, with Jack Morris, also from Wales, claiming first place.

Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing at STIHL GB, said: “We were very excited to introduce the first British Women’s Championship and it was great to see the crowds come out in force to cheer on all the athletes. After several TIMBERSPORTS® events behind closed doors, all the athletes have been training extremely hard to put on a great spectacle for the TIMBERSPORTS® fans and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

“Glen is a worthy winner after a dominant display and we’re especially thrilled for Zoe who will go down in history as the first STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® British Women’s Champion.”

Zoe said of her victory: “I’m very proud to be the overall winner in the inaugural STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® British Women’s Championship, and then to watch my brother also win the men’s competition was the icing on the cake.

“All the women put on a fantastic display and we hope this will encourage more women to get involved in the original extreme sport.”

To find out more about the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series please visit https://blog.stihl.co.uk/timbersports/

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