Tag Archive for: Events

Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial

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Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial: June was a great month for fundraising in support of Perennial, with nearly £10,000 raised by footballers and golfers showing off their skills at two inaugural events.

Eight teams took on the ‘Kick for a Cause’ five-a-side football tournament at Fulham FC Training Ground and 60 golfers teed off at Pyrford Lakes Golf Club, all battling all battling to be the winners in aid of the charity which supports everyone in horticulture.

Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial

Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial

Kick for a Cause

The grounds maintenance teams from Fulham and Reading FCs were joined by teams from supporting event partners Wildwood Machinery and ICL, along with Perennial Partner teams from Kingston Landscape Group, Wood Environmental Services, Neville Stein Horticultural Business Consultancy and Grange Travel Coach Hire, each entering teams of up to 12 players.

There were some close matches throughout the day, with each team giving it their all in the sweltering heat. The action-packed semi-finals saw Mow Money, Mow Problems (Fulham FC Grounds Maintenance Team) take on ICL and Royally Turf’d taking on KLG FC (Kingston Landscape Group).

The eventual winners were KLG FC with just a 1-0 win over host team.

Having shown off their skills on the pitch, the footballers enjoyed pizza and refreshments to celebrate their efforts, whilst continuing to raise further funds for Perennial through raffle ticket sales.

Following the event Stuart Mackley and Stanley Hayden from the Grounds Team at Fulham FC Training Ground said: “This was a great way to raise the profile of Perennial within the club and amongst the players and also raise funds for our industry charity. Whilst it was hot weather to play in, the teams took on the challenge with great enthusiasm and played their best games. We look forward to hosting the event next year.”

Thanks go to grounds care experts Wildwood Machinery and ICL who we welcomed onboard as supporting partners for this event.

Wildwood Machinery – Hampshire’s leading groundcare business – said “We were delighted to support Perennial for this inaugural event. Our team enjoyed the tournament and supporting people in the horticultural and groundcare profession.”

ICL also said “We were pleased to support Perennial and their Kick for a Cause initiative. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to promote wellbeing through sport and make a positive impact in the process.”

Charity Golf Day

Just two days after the footbal tournament the Perennial charity golf day, in partnership with Renson, took place at the stunning Pyrford Lakes.

Players were treated to a bacon butty and coffee before teeing off for 18 fabulous holes, followed by a BBQ on the clubhouse patio.

Fittingly the team from principal sponsors Renson UK took 1st prize in the team competition, with Renson’s Tina Mott winning the individual Stableford.

Perennial Partnership Manager, Phil Swainston commented, “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for taking part and supporting the inaugural Perennial Golf Day.  Everyone’s enthusiasm and generosity made the day a fantastic success and resulted in us raising over £3,500!”

Through ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising on both days, these fun and informal events provided networking opportunities and most importantly, raised vital funds to support Perennial so we can be there when needed.

Chief Executive of Perennial, Jamie Gault commented “At Perennial, our mission is to ‘Build Better Futures’ for horticulturalists and their families. We cannot continue without funding to support our vital work, so fundraising events like these, that help raise the profile of the support we offer, have an essential role to play. Thank you to those who instigated these events and supported Perennial through taking part, sponsorship and promotion. Don’t forget the charity is here for you, whether you need some guidance, feel a bit stuck or are facing one of life’s big challenges, we’re here for you.”

Visit perennial.org.uk/ways-we-help/ or call our helpline 0800 093 8543

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Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

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Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events: Green-tech, the UK’s leading landscaping and urban greening solutions supplier, is proud to announce its attendance at four key industry events throughout summer and autumn 2025.

With a firm commitment to supporting sustainable land management, innovation in amenity landscaping, and regenerative practices, Green-tech will be out in force at the following shows:

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

  1. Groundswell, Hertfordshire: 2nd & 3rd July
    Focused on regenerative agriculture, Groundswell provides a forum for farmers and growers to learn about regenerative farming systems’ theory and practical applications. The Green-tech team will be on hand to showcase a range of tree planting products and its John Chambers Wildflower Seed mixes to support biodiversity and sustainable farming.
  2. GLAS (Garden Landscape Amenity Sportsturf), Dublin: 17th July
    A flagship event for Ireland’s landscape and amenity sector, GLAS offers a fantastic opportunity for Green-tech to support and connect with Irish contractors, designers, and local authorities. They will highlight practical solutions for urban redevelopment, green infrastructure, wildflower establishment, and sustainable drainage, supporting healthier, greener towns and cities.
  3. The Agroforestry Show, Hertfordshire: 10th–11th September
    As interest in agroforestry continues to grow, Green-tech is excited to attend this unique outdoor event exploring the integration of trees into farming systems. Our presence will support knowledge-sharing on tree protection, soil improvement, and rural land enhancement.
  4. Water & Environmental Management Expo, NEC Birmingham: 17th–18th September
    This specialist event brings together experts in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), wastewater management, and environmental engineering. Green-tech will spotlight its portfolio of SuDS-compatible products, including the TreeParker and Mona Pluvia systems.

Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech, comments, “These events provide great opportunities to engage with the industry, listen to challenges, and offer practical, sustainable solutions. Whether it’s enhancing biodiversity in rural landscapes or supporting green infrastructure in urban spaces, we’re committed to helping shape a more resilient future for land management and development.”

Green-tech’s technical specialists and specification team will be available at the events to offer advice and support on everything from tree planting to urban greening strategies.

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Kubota best in all events

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Kubota best in all events: With 200 acres of grass to care for and a packed programme of events ranging from Truckfest to the International Antiques Fair and the Festival of Motorcycling, East of England Arena and Events Centre needs reliable, productive machinery.

After a round of demonstrations aimed at updating their fleet, the grounds team has chosen a Kubota M5112 tractor, RTV-X1110 utility vehicle and ZD1211 zero turn mower, supplied by dealer Irelands Farm Machinery.

Kubota best in all events

Kubota best in all events

The main tasks for the 110hp M5112 are mowing the large expanses of grass used for exhibition space and parking, plus general haulage, head of maintenance Dean Wyers explains.

“We have also purchased a 4.6m Spearhead Multicut mower from Irelands, and the combination gives us the output we need to keep the extensive grass areas tidy. The Kubota tractor handles the mower really well, and it’s very comfortable to drive, with great visibility.”

Next on the shopping list was a ride-on mower, essential for cutting tighter areas.

“We had a front mower before but were interested in a zero turn to work around the many lamp posts, stand pipes and electricity boxes on the site. The ZD1211 is a huge improvement, so much quicker, but with a very good quality cut,” he comments. “It’s also durable enough to cope with the debris that can be hidden in the grass after an event and very easy to check and clean with its flip up deck.”

To get around the huge site and move tools and materials, the 24hp RTV-X 1110 has proved a great choice. Mr Wyers points out.

“It’s very good to drive and comfortable due to its all-round suspension – I’ve already clocked up some miles in it, and it’s proving economical on fuel. We do a lot of towing for which it gives plenty of power, and it can also be fitted with a specialist sprayer which we find very useful for weed control around fencelines.”

The RTV has a hydraulic tipping bed as standard, which he suggests will be handy for moving materials such as soil for ground repairs in the show season. The East of England Arena and Events Centre has specified a full cab with heater, for protection from the elements.

“We demonstrated one with a ROPS, but it is a very open site so we do appreciate the cab,” he comments. “It’s very roomy and easy to access.”

An onsite workshop means that most of the machinery maintenance is kept in-house, and Mr Wyers praises the ease of service access on all three machines, while Irelands are close at hand for back-up and parts should they be needed.

“The Kubota machines are robust and well made,” he says. “Reliability really is key for us as we can often have just two days turnaround to get the site looking pristine for the next event, and we’re confident that they will provide this.”

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Updating events to be run online

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Updating events to be run online: At the start of each year the Amenity Forum run a series of free updating events for all involved or with an interest in amenity management.

These normally take place at venues across the UK and have been very well received. Given the current restrictions, opportunity to run these in the traditional way has been lost but the Forum are going ahead with them but online. The same technology will be used as for the Forum’s very successful conference held in October.

Updating events to be run online

Updating events to be run online

The format will be very similar to normal, with the programme starting at 10.15 and concluding by 12.30pm. There will be opportunity for questions and all the current issues will be covered. 2021 sees the UK fully depart from the EEU bringing with its new regulations on plant protection products. The UK is also issuing a new national action plan relating to amenity management in 2021. Just these two items present challenges and opportunities. The events also give opportunity to catch up on new developments and innovations and what is required to meet the Amenity Standard, set to become a requirement in future.

Whilst the content of each event will be broadly the same, each will have a particular nation focus. The dates are given below, and each event is free to attend but pre-registration is required. If you would like to register or receive further information, please contact admin@amenityforum.net Full programmes for each event will be available early in 2021.

February 9th            England

February 11th      Wales

February 23rd         England

February 25th     Northern Ireland

March 4th             Scotland

Professor John Moverley OBE, Independent Chairman of the Forum, said ‘As I often say, what happens in amenity management impacts upon every UK citizen every day seeking to provide safe and healthy spaces fit for purpose. The importance of this has never been more apparent in the last year. Our Updating events are always popular and relevant, but this year is set to be more than ever. There is much change around and how we address this will be vital’

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Amenity Forum’s updating events

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Amenity Forum’s updating events: 2020 is set to be a year of much challenge and change for all operating across the important and diverse amenity sector. This is especially true for all aspects of amenity management and especially in terms of weeds, pests and disease.

The Government are conducting a full review of the National Action Plan which sets requirements and targets for the sector in terms of achieving best practice. There is also set to be a full review of pesticide policy and increased pressures for a planned integrated approach. Government plans set challenging targets for the environment and climate change.

Amenity Forum's updating events

The Amenity Forum is once again hosting a series of free half day Updating events across the UK aimed at all those involved in or with an interest in amenity management. Full details and locations can be obtained by emailing admin@amenityforum.net Pre-registration is requested for catering and administrative purposes.

Once again, a representative from the Chemicals Regulations Division of HSE will update delegates on policy issues and this will be followed by a presentation from the Forum Chairman on current initiatives in the sector and how we should best respond to policy and related changes. There will also be a networking opportunity focussing on how the sector might best communicate to the public and key stakeholders on the nature and importance of its work.

At each event a guest speaker will then provide his or her views to the title of ‘Integrated Management in practice’. The event will conclude with a presentation from the host organisation.
These events are possible thanks to generous support from Weedfree, a valued member of the Forum. Also, each event is hosted by an individual member for which the Forum is very grateful
Professor John Moverley OBE, Independent Chairman of the Forum, said ‘As I often say, what happens in amenity management impacts upon every UK citizen every day seeking to provide safe and healthy spaces fit for purpose. Our Updating event is always popular but this year is set to be more than ever. There is much change around and how we address this will be vital’

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