Tag Archive for: For

Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

/in , /by

Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club: The Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club located in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately experienced some of the worst damage in the history of the club at the end of October 2023 brought on by Storm Ciaran.

Of course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie was not alone as Scottish golf clubs up and down the east coast of the Home of Golf nation also suffered damage.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Unfortunately, Storm Ciaran flexed its muscles menacingly at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links, as the accompanying photographs taken of the opening two holes sadly reveal the extent and seriousness of the damage caused.

Of course, it was not the first storm to leave its mark on Scottish golf courses and it certainly will not be the last. It is for this reason the club set up a ‘Coastal Erosion’ sub-committee at the end of 2022.  As well, the club had been in discussion prior to Storm Ciaran with Scottish Water, the local Highland Council and Nature Scotland in seeking to identify ways and finance to protect the course from the likelihood of storm damage.

“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said Mike MacDonald, General Manager at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.

Our sub-committee will strive to seek the much-needed financial support where possible.  However, it is pleasing to single out local MSP Kate Forbes for her support and understanding as Fortrose and Rosemarkie works to seek these funds needed to restore the course to its pre–Storm Ciaran picture postcard outlook.

Of course, the club has not been idle working tirelessly to bring the club to a point whereby it can now commence work from today – Monday, 26th February 2024 – in looking to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the storm and, at least try to restore the proud boasting a recorded history back to 1793 back to near its former picture postcard glory.

This initial work to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour (around 110 metres to cover both tees and the areas around the tees) is estimated to cost £140,000 plus VAT.

At Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club we also need to be not only be conscious of our proud members, our many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come but we also also are very conscious of  members of the public in being able to gain access to the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the dolphins, walk their dogs or simply enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.

From a golfing perspective, access to areas between the 1st and 2nd tees also is a strong priority going forward but without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult.  By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public. Without their financial guarantee, no work in this regard can proceed.

As well, it is estimated the associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into tens of thousands of Pounds.

“It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so”, said Mike.  “All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.

We really hope that as a golfer and/or member of the public that you will be able to support us! Thank you so much for your consideration and donation if you are able to do so where we have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page!

https://gofund.me/e82cd493

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

/in , /by

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising: A unique JCB tartan tractor has rolled off the production line at Staffordshire’s JCB Landpower factory honouring Scottish rugby legend and motor neuron disease (MND) campaigner Doddie Weir.

The Fastrac 4220 iCON wrapped in Doddie’s own design tartan livery was welcomed off the Cheadle production line by son Angus Weir, ready to report for fundraising duty with the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Scottish and British and Irish Lions international, Doddie, who died of MND, aged 52, in 2022, founded the charity to fund research with the vision of ‘A world free of MND’. So far, more than £11 million has been committed to vital research in his name and the Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight against the cruel disease.

The Doddie iCON Fastrac is the brainchild of Doddie’s schoolfriend and Director of Crop Services in the Scottish Borders, Douglas Stephen, who joined Angus for the unveiling. Douglas operates a number of Fastrac tractors, and approached his JCB Dealer, Kelso-based Scot Agri to build a special edition machine in support of the Foundation.

The blue and yellow tartan tractor will make starring appearances at major agricultural shows and rugby games north of the border over the coming months raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The grand tour will begin at the Royal Northern Spring Show, Inverurie on February 28th before moving on to the Fife, Northumberland, Royal Highland, Border Union,  Perth Shows and many other agricultural events over the summer.

Angus Weir said: “It has been fantastic to be here to unveil the new Doddie tartan tractor.  Dad would have absolutely loved it and I’m sure it will turn a lot of heads, raise a lot of smiles, and help continue his fundraising legacy.”

For Douglas Stephen it was an emotional day. He added: “Our Doddie was born into a farming family, was part of the farming community and loved tractors. He was also always accustomed to wearing big, bright, garish tartan suits, so this is right up his street. What JCB has done is beyond all expectations and they have really pulled out all the stops. Doddie was a great friend who is sorely missed and this will help us to keep his memory and MND legacy alive.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Director of Fundraising and Communications, Paul Thompson added: “We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with JCB and expect it to raise a great deal of awareness of both motor neuron disease and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The Fastrac looks brilliant, and we can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when nine tonnes of tartan tractor arrive at one of our events.

“When the tractor was unveiled, it was a real lump in the throat moment. Doddie was a farmer and loved his tractors, so we know that this collaboration would have meant a lot to him.”

JCB Territory Manager Sam Taylor said: “For JCB it is an honour to support the incredible work of the ‘My Names’5 Doddie Foundation’. Doddie Weir was an icon, not only in the way that he played his rugby, but also in the way he handled his MND diagnosis, setting an example of bravery, and inspiring others to take up the fight.

“The JCB Doddie iCON Edition Fastrac is a great example of teamwork – bringing together an amazing charity, a valued JCB customer, our brilliant dealer network, designers, and production team. We hope it will raise greater awareness of the condition and fund more groundbreaking research to find a cure for MND.”

Anyone interested in supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can donate at https://justgiving.com/page/doddietheicon

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup

/in , /by

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup: Season Cup, Riyadh’s showpiece football tournament featuring Messi and Ronaldo, was made possible thanks to the world’s first fully indoor hybrid pitch built in 21 days by global sports surfaces specialist, SIS Pitches.

The competition forms part of the Riyadh Season, a festival featuring both live sport and entertainment in the capital, funded by the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund. All Season Cup games take place at the Kingdom Arena in front of 24,000 fans. During the competition, the stadium received two Guinness World Records. The first for being the largest covered football stadium; the second for having the largest seating capacity for an indoor covered stadium.

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh's Season Cup

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup

Setting the stage for the cup’s major fixtures, including Al Nassr vs. Inter Miami, was a major challenge for SIS Pitches. Construction and development of the elite indoor sports venue started in late 2023, giving the business a much shorter window to install and prepare a playing surface fit for top-level competition.

However, this short window was only one part of the challenge. SIS also had to ensure the natural turf grew strong enough to properly secure the small percentage of synthetic fibres stitched into the arena’s surface, as is standard for hybrid pitches of this type. This process was made harder by the arena’s fully indoor design, which has no windows or roof for sunlight to enter. The SIS team worked around this by using ultraviolet growing lights to prepare the pitch in time.

Sela, the developer responsible for the arena, requested a game-ready playing surface in just three weeks, much shorter than the typical window for a major development of this type. This aligned with the pace of construction for the wider stadium, which was completed in just 60 days.

Speed and resilience were key. SISGrass, the solution specified by SIS, merges natural turf with a small percentage of polymer yarn. Already used by many of the most recognisable names in sports, this mixture is injected by the company’s patented electric stitching machine, providing a more consistent and resilient playing surface. SIS’s machine is capable of covering 1300m2 metres per day with a 90mm shallow stitch, making it ideal for quick installs like that requested by Sela.

SISGrass is much harder-wearing than an all-natural pitch, and is proven to accommodate more playing hours while also being less susceptible to wear or damage. This was particularly important for the Kingdom Arena, given the small window groundspeople have to prepare between entertainment and sports events.

The stadium is home to Saudi Professional League team Al Hilal. It will also host several other major sporting events in the coming months, including two heavyweight championship boxing fights. The Kingdom Arena is similar to New Zealand’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, which is also indoors, though the latter is fitted with a transparent roof allowing sunlight to enter. Riyadh’s stadium is therefore the first fully indoor facility to be completed.

David Ball, Managing Director at SIS Saudi said “This project had an incredibly challenging timeline but our team was able to mobilise quickly, delivering a high-quality playing surface fit for what arguably football’s two greatest ever players. We knew the arena was going to be used for other sports and entertainment, so the pitch had to be capable of accommodating short turnarounds between events. SISGrass was a natural choice in this respect, having already proven itself the best option for groundspeople across the world.”

Based in Riadyh’s Boulevard City development, the Kingdom Arena boasts all the facilities expected from a modern stadium, fitted with a state-of-the-art air monitoring system and 20 skyboxes.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/pitches/hybrid-pitch-sisgrass/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

/in , , /by

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024: Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering extraordinary opportunities for industry professionals.

Expansion and Overwhelming Rebookings

The excitement surrounding GroundsFest 2024 is evident, with the event witnessing a significant expansion. An astounding 90% rebook rate speaks volumes about the confidence exhibitors have in this groundbreaking event. Many 2023 exhibitors including Overton UK, Toro UK, Ariens Co, Kress UK, Turfix, Husqvarna, PSD Groundcare, and Cramer, plus many more, have opted for significantly larger stands, a testament to the growing influence of GroundsFest in the industry landscape.

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Influx of New Business

GroundsFest continues to attract industry giants and emerging players alike, with over 40 new companies already committed to the event. Brands such as STIGA, Redexim, Milwaukee, Ventrac, Trimax Mowing Systems, Amazone, GKB, Wessex, Ferris, Spider, Jensen Woodchippers, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, EZGO, Wiedenmann, Avant Tecno, Hustler Turf Equipment, Ambrogio UK, Rat Barrow UK, BARBIERI SRL, Aebi Schmidt UK, and Bowcom, plus many more, have taken large areas dedicated to equipment demonstration, which underlines the event’s significance as a premier platform for companies to showcase their innovations and solutions.

Expanding Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone, catering to professionals involved in outdoor planning and design, promises to be even more expansive in 2024 with a blend of returning exhibitors and new additions like Crowders Nurseries, Wildflower Turf UK, Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs), Warrington & Rose, Stabilia UK, and Soluform. The Landscape Zone will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and technologies in landscaping.

An Un-Rivalled Variety of Exhibitors

One of GroundsFest’s distinguishing features is its innovative integration of outdoor machinery demonstrations with indoor exhibits, attracting diverse audiences from various sectors. This unique approach ensures an unparalleled experience for visitors, who can explore a wide array of exhibitors ranging from groundscare and landscaping to commercial vehicles and play equipment. GroundsFest is the only UK event of its kind which offers such a variety of exhibitors.

Reinvigorating Industry Trade Shows

GroundsFest goes beyond traditional trade shows, offering attendees a truly comprehensive experience. From a live music festival to exclusive retail discounts and free LANTRA approved training, plus its cost-effective pricing structure for exhibitors and camping facilities – GroundsFest has reinvigorated the trade show landscape.

The New Go-To Event

GroundsFest 2024 is poised to build upon its successful first edition, offering industry professionals a revolutionary and indispensable platform to connect, learn, and thrive. As it defies industry norms and sets new benchmarks, GroundsFest has emerged as the largest one-stop shop for groundscare and landscaping professionals in the UK.

GroundsFest 2024 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 10 and 11 September 2024.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views. 

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced

/in , /by

Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that its annual awareness campaign, #GroundsWeek, is returning from 18 – 24 March 2024. 

The campaign, now in its fourth year, recognises the work of turf care volunteers and professionals in the UK, with a focus on inspiring new recruits to consider a career in the industry.

Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced

Dates for #GroundsWeek 2024 Announced

Research carried out by the GMA over recent years has highlighted a potential employment crisis, with a lack of new recruits entering the industry and a significant number of existing workers leaving. It’s not all doom and gloom, however, as research carried out in 2023 revealed that more young people are working in the grounds management sector than in previous years.

Grounds staff under the age of 35 now make up 27% of the workforce compared to 19% in 2022. There has also been an increase from 3% to 5% in the number of grounds managers aged 24 and under, and an increase in the percentage of grounds managers stating that they became involved in grounds management due to apprenticeships from 13% to 16%.

The number of people who became involved in the grounds sector ‘by accident’ has also reduced from 13% to 10%. The GMA’s ‘Sport’s Hidden Profession’ report in 2010 recorded that nearly 20% of grounds staff became involved by accident, therefore significantly more people are now making a conscious decision to pursue a career in grounds management. This change highlights that the grounds care sector is becoming increasingly recognised as a viable career route which other GMA initiatives, like the Grounds Management Framework, support by providing a key path of development for those looking to progress in the sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says:  

“A key part of our role advocating for the industry and our members is laying the foundations for new talent to enter the sector. It’s hugely encouraging to see, after three years and lots of hard work introducing the sector to new audiences, that the number of young people entering the sector is starting to rise.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but initiatives like #GroundsWeek can have a really important role in encouraging more people to consider working in our wonderful industry.

“To help raise awareness and make as much noise as possible, we’re encouraging grounds staff and sports clubs across the country to engage with the campaign online and celebrate the vital contribution of grounds staff in making sport possible.”

To find out more about #GroundsWeek, keep up to date with all the latest content by following the GMA on social media:

You can also contact the GMA to find out how you can get involved by emailing communications@thegma.org.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.