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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket: Hybrid cricket pitches have been installed at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, the first in what is expected to be a series of major projects across India in 2024 and beyond.

Completed by international sports pitches specialist SISGrass in partnership with Indian fine turf specialist company Greater Ten, the work represents the start of a drive towards improved playing surface quality and consistency at both amateur and professional levels, opening the nation’s most popular sport up to millions more people.

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass’s investment in India follows a decision by the International Cricket Council to permit the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competition. After widespread success installing hybrids across English cricket grounds, the SIS team chose India as its next region of development. Paul Taylor, a former England international and SIS’s International Cricket Director, says the decision made sense for several reasons.

“India is home to millions of cricket fans, players and professionals who play almost all year round,” says Taylor. “This huge demand puts pressure on facilities, which can make it difficult for people to access good quality pitches in their local area. Our hybrid system will create far more opportunities for people to participate in the sport, guaranteeing a higher-quality of play at every level of competition.”

The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017. It injects a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums. This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play, helping to prolong the life of pitches, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with only 5% of polymer fibre used. This ensures the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained.

Speaking about the installation, Mr. R.P. Singh, Hony. President, HPCA, said, “The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket, and we believe SISGrass’s technology will be game-changing.

“Maintaining top-notch practice pitches is crucial for player development, as traditional surfaces struggle under the demands of rigorous training schedules. SISGrass’s integration of natural grass with synthetic fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface, ensuring players are prepared for competitive play. We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket, not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation.”

Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for T20 and 50-over competitions, and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time. The Universal machine in India will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play.

The first machine of its kind, the Universal has already proven effective in the UK, having been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England. These include Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, among many others. The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete, making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved.

Richard Gould, CEO of ECB, added: “Hybrid pitches have played an important role in enabling some venues to manage an increased amount of cricket during the English summer as the fixture list across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket has grown.”

The introduction of hybrid pitches represents an important moment for India’s national game, which has championed T20 cricket through the IPL. These shorter formats have been one of the main drivers behind the development of hybrid surfaces, with more intense periods of play making it harder to prepare all-natural surfaces in time for top-level competition.

“Cricket is often associated with tradition but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress,” adds Taylor. “Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces, helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country. But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket, giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums. Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels.”

HPCA has already installed SISAir – another specialist technology business that forms part of the wider SIS Pitches portfolio. SISAir is a sports pitch aeration system that optimises root zone growing conditions, creating stronger and more durable grass. During heavy rainfall, SISAir will also remove excess surface water using a series of pipework installed underneath a playing surface. The technology is used widely across major stadia, including Galatasaray’s Rams Park.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/sports-pitches/hybrid/installation/cricket

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Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

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Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the City Category Award at the prestigious Wales in Bloom 2024 Award Ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating bloom group’s achievements across Wales.

Wales in Bloom is a national element of the RHS Britain in Bloom Competition, working in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement through gardening projects whilst supporting and enhancing their local communities, parks, and green spaces.

Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

A voluntary organisation, Wales in Bloom, plays a crucial role in encouraging communities to take pride in their surroundings. By supporting the RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood” campaign, which this year attracted 130 entries from across Wales, Wales in Bloom reinforces its mission to “Help Communities Grow” by inspiring voluntary efforts to improve local environments.

OAS is honoured to support such an important initiative, recognising the significant impact that Wales in Bloom has in fostering community spirit and enhancing the natural environment. The City Category Award, sponsored by OAS, was presented at the Wales in Bloom Annual Award Ceremony 2024, held in Abergavenny on Friday, 13th September. The ceremony was hosted by Abergavenny in Bloom, and OAS co-presented the award alongside Peter Barton-Price, Chairman of Wales in Bloom.

Peter Barton-Price, expressed his gratitude for the support of OAS, stating, “We are delighted that Origin Amenity Solutions sponsored the Wales in Bloom Main City Category Award this year.  Their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission. The support of companies like OAS is invaluable in helping us achieve our goals.”

OAS also supplies Euroflor Flower seed mixes, which have been incorporated into numerous neighbourhood schemes throughout Wales, creating colourful and visually appealing green spaces and promoting biodiversity. This collaboration with Wales in Bloom reflects OAS’s dedication to supporting initiatives that enrich local communities and contribute to the overall well-being of the environment.

Wales in Bloom continues to work in partnership with the RHS, voluntary sectors, bloom and environmental groups, the tourism sector along with industries such as Transport for Wales to promote sustainable practices and community involvement. The City Category Award, sponsored by OAS recognises the outstanding efforts of cities across Wales and highlights the importance of collective action in creating vibrant, biodiverse, and sustainable communities.

For more information on Wales in Bloom and how your group could get involved email campaign@walesinbloom.org for further details.

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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the UK’s leading organisation for the grounds management industry, has seen a 43% rise in uptake of its training compared to this time last year.

This follows a challenging season for many sports. Over the past 12 months, the GMA saw enquiries related to flooding surge, coinciding with increased rainfall that was up 147% on the long-term average in some parts of the country.

In the North East of England, football clubs needing support because of water-logged pitches were up 244%. And 80% of rugby union clubs have had drainage issues this year compared to 50% last year.

Jason Booth, chief operating officer of the GMA, says: “We know last year was a tough season for many. More extreme weather means the challenges in our industry are getting greater. It’s time to focus on knowledge and skills to get ahead of the game so it’s essential clubs invest in their pitches and grounds teams.

“The GMA’s unique suite of training and qualifications are designed to help groundspeople advance their knowledge and skills – including courses specifically geared towards the new challenges faced in winter sports, like football, rugby league and rugby union.

“Our training is designed with the help of industry experts and supported by national governing bodies, including The FA, ECB, RFL and Sport England. We’re also the only industry association to be accredited by the Department of Education’s matrix Standard.

“As well as in person training, there are also plenty of online courses, perfect for busy professionals and volunteers who want to enhance their turf maintenance knowledge from anywhere.

“Grow your knowledge today, head over to our website and check out the training and qualifications we’ve got available.”

Discover the wide range of easy-to-access, high-quality training courses on the GMA website: https://thegma.org.uk/learning/training

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Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management

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Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management: BASIS is pleased to announce the launch of its new online course series, ‘The Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management’. In the realm of amenity management, embracing sustainability is not merely a trend—it’s a necessity. 

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including esteemed former Amenity Forum Chair John Moverley, this self-paced, four-part course offers an in-depth exploration of essential topics such as policy, biodiversity, water and air pollution management, and integrated approaches. All modules are available via BASIS Classroom, providing a comprehensive and flexible learning experience for professionals in the amenity sector.

Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management

Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management

The Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management Online Learning Package

The course is divided into four key modules. Each module can be purchased individually, and participants who complete all four will receive access to a fifth module—a FREE online toolbox kit. This bonus module includes relevant case studies, guides, and the opportunity to take a BASIS-certified assessment.

By enrolling in this course, participants will gain essential knowledge and insights to advance their professional growth. Here’s why individuals at all levels of the amenity sector should consider enrolling:

  1. Understanding Policy & Sustainability in the Amenity Sector Navigate the complex landscape of policies, legislation, and guidance, gaining essential insights from the UK National Action Plan to codes of practice. Participants will build a strong foundation crucial for delivering sustainability.
  2. Building Biodiversity for Amenity Environmental Management Managing amenity areas goes beyond aesthetics; it involves ensuring balanced ecosystems. This module covers habitat management, biodiversity, net gain, and sustainable soil and water management, with expert input from Dr Christian Spring.
  3. Managing Water and Air Pollution in the Amenity Environment As environmental concerns grow, so does the need for effective pollution management. This course provides tools to identify and mitigate pollutants, emphasising sustainable alternatives and evaluating practices through Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
  4. Planning Integrated Approaches in Amenity Situations Effective weed, pest, and disease management are critical components of amenity management. This module explores integrated approaches and the pillars of successful implementation, enhanced with practical examples and expert insights.
  5. Sustainable Amenity Practice in Action – Case Studies, Assessments & Certification FREE upon completion of the first four modules. This final module ties everything together with relevant case studies, toolkits, and an online assessment, leading to a BASIS certification and additional CPD points.

Through these modules, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices in the amenity sector. Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and implementation of sustainable management practices, this course caters to a diverse audience, from seasoned industry veterans to newcomers, including landscape managers, groundskeepers, and environmental consultants. No previous experience or qualifications are required to complete this course.

For further information and to enrol in the course, visit basis-classroom.co.uk/courses/amenity and see the full series. BASIS Professional Register members will have access to the first module through their membership.

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Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK

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Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK: UK distributor, BOSS ORV has introduced the new Paxster eCompact Air, a Norwegian, electric, and stylish alternative to traditional utility vehicles. Paxster is the leading Norwegian manufacturer of compact electric vehicles and the eCompact Air continues the tradition of its utility series, offering both new and refurbished models with up to 110 km (68.3 miles) of range.

It follows over a decade of Paxster’s commitment to innovation in electric vehicle technology, providing small, efficient vehicles used for delivering post and parcels to thousands of homes. This latest model retains all the excellent features of its predecessors but introduces a bolder, more robust design.

Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK

Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK

“We understand that design matters, whether the vehicle is for work or personal use. That’s why we’ve crafted a stylish design without compromising the versatility and high-quality features,” says Aleksander Säfvenbom, CEO of Paxster AS.

Described as rugged elegance with an eco-smart design, the eCompact Air offers quiet efficiency with the electric vehicle’s silent drive. A maximum power of 7.48 kW from battery type LiFePo4 combines with a 2×4 RWD drivetrain featuring enhanced traction. It has a crisp, responsive feel with a snappy performance that’s smooth yet energetic and perfect for everyday driving and task completion. The ride is comfortable with a fully adjustable seat, excellent side support, and built to withstand rough use in all-weather conditions. Access is easy, with no barriers to negotiate. The ergonomic handlebars feature minimal switches and there are optional heated grips. Homologated for road use, the eCompact Air has LED front lights for optimal illumination. There’s plenty of storage area with a spacious cargo bed, versatile front trunk, and lockable side pockets.

“This latest addition to the Paxster range we offer in the UK is incredibly versatile,” says BOSS ORV MD Phil Everett. “They’re tough little vehicles suited to work anywhere from horticulture, groundscare, construction and equestrian to agriculture, estates, and leisure.”

In the field, the eCompact Air can be used to power tools and equipment, delivering up to 3000 watts of onboard electricity. Hitch systems front and rear allow for a variety of attachments and there is a wide range of accessories available. Paxster vehicles come with a three-year commercial warranty and a five-year battery warranty. There is a special launch offer, with a saving of £2,620.00 on orders before 1st October 2024.

For more information you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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