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In Memory of Adrian Masters

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In Memory of Adrian Masters: It is with the most profound sadness that Origin Amenity Solutions, along with many in our industry, remember our friend and colleague, Adrian (Ade) Masters, who passed away on Thursday, 26th June 2025, after a short illness.

Ade’s journey, and contribution to the sportsturf industry encompassed working with Whitemoss, Maxicrop and Countrywide Amenity, after which he became an integral part of the Headland Amenity Sales team, later transitioning into OAS.

In Memory of Adrian Masters

In Memory of Adrian Masters

A much-loved and highly respected member of the OAS team, Ade dedicated almost 19 years to our business, over which time, he built strong relationships with many customers and colleagues, always upholding his values of trust, professionalism and care.

As Technical Sales Manager, Ade brought real understanding and experience to his role, but also humour, warmth, and an unmistakable passion for people. Whether working with colleagues, customers, or industry partners, he developed friendships that went far beyond business. He always took the time to connect, support, and brighten the day of those around him.

Ade’s impact stretched across our business and far beyond it. The outpouring of messages on the OAS LinkedIn page from friends, customers, and industry peers is a powerful reflection of how widely he was known and how deeply he was appreciated. Many speak of his infectious laugh, his integrity and unwavering positivity, and not least, his singing! His rendition of ‘American Pie’ was legendary and enjoyed by so many in the social times that surrounded trade shows, conferences and company events.

Andy Russell, Commercial Director at OAS, shared this personal tribute, “Ade had a special gift for connecting with people. He could walk into a room and light it up with his warmth, energy, and humour. He was a valued colleague, a trusted friend, and someone you always looked forward to seeing. It’s incomprehensible that he has been taken from us so soon and will be missed more than words can express. I’ll miss the smile in his voice and the honesty in everything he touched. Thank you for your support and friendship and for being you. Rest in peace, Ade.”

Professionally, Ade was a true ambassador, not just for OAS but for the whole industry. Personally, he was a loyal friend, a trusted teammate, and a person who made a difference simply by being himself. His absence will be felt profoundly, but his memory will remain ever-present in the stories we share and the lives he touched.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with Ade’s family, friends and all who knew him. He will be forever missed and never forgotten. With deepest sympathy from all at Origin Amenity Solutions.

In tribute to Ade and in support of others affected by cancer, we are raising funds for Cancer Research UK via JustGiving. If you would like to contribute, please visit –
www.justgiving.com/page/origin-amenity-solutions Every donation is a step towards earlier diagnoses, more advanced treatments, and better outcomes for families facing this devastating diagnosis.

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Come and see the amazing slope capabilities of Ventrac

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Come and see the amazing slope capabilities of Ventrac: At Grounds Fest 2025 Price Turfcare, Ventrac distributor for the UK & Ireland will be demonstrating, live, the amazing 30 degree slope capabilities of the Ventrac 4520 compact tractor. Their specifically designed exhibition vehicle has multiple slopes so you can see for yourself what the Ventrac can do.

According to Price Turfcare’s Rupert Price, since Ventrac’s introduction into the UK, hundreds of customers have adopted it to solve labour intensive vegetation management on steep slopes. Additionally some are rethinking turf area maintenance by replacing mower only machinery with this multi season workhorse. Once adopted, the Ventrac 4520 can then complete other grounds maintenance tasks that would usually necessitate the purchase of hire of specialist machines. Tasks such as gravel and hard surface pathway maintenance, stump grinding, trenching, seeding and materials handling to name but a few.

Come and see the amazing slope capabilities of Ventrac

Come and see the amazing slope capabilities of Ventrac

Price Turfcare encourage you to visit them on stand RB50 to see our live demonstrations

www.priceturfcare.com

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BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

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BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Jacobsen announce the delegates of the FTMI 2025 Future Turf Managers Initiative, a training programme to help talented greenkeeper candidates progress towards head greenkeeper and course manager roles.

FTMI is a hybrid programme of online and in-person education and mentoring. The 2025/2026 schedule begins with face-to-face training at Jacobsen HQ in Ipswich this September, followed by further sessions online during October, November and December. The course concludes with two and a half days of learning at BTME in Harrogate in January 2026.

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

The initiative is designed to give the participants an insight into management skills that they will need as they progress through the ranks in their careers. Topics covered include presentation skills, communication, time management, interview skills, CV writing, stress awareness, budgeting and leadership.

The FTMI Class of 2025 includes the following greenkeepers:

Callum Atkinson – first assistant greenkeeper, The Wilmslow Golf Club

Tod Bannerman – senior greenkeeper, Taymouth Castle Golf Club

Patrick Brown – senior greenkeeper and spray technician, Fulwell Golf Club

George Edwards – deputy head greenkeeper, Walton Heath Golf Club

Alistair Hogg – senior greenkeeper, A&M Fife Golf Club

Alex Hudson – assistant greenkeeper, Sharpley Golf Club

Chris Keeler – deputy course manager, Prestbury Golf Club

Ronan Latham – senior greenkeeper, JCB Golf & Country Club

Toby Long – first assistant greenkeeper, Broadstone Golf Club

Carl Moore – deputy head greenkeeper, Kings Norton Golf Club

William Moore – assistant course manager, Kilworth Springs Golf Club

Euan Polson – first assistant greenkeeper, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Phillip Shields – first assistant greenkeeper, The Blackwood Golf Club

Greg Smith – first assistant greenkeeper, The Berkshire Golf Club

John Thornton – irrigation technician, Copt Heath Golf Club

Delegates are assigned to mentor groups throughout the programme. The mentors for this year are all previous FTMI graduates and are course managers Leigh Powell (Windlesham), James Parker (Machrihanish Dunes) and Ben Williams (Royal Cinque Ports).

BIGGA CEO, Jim Croxton, said: “It’s always a thrill to learn of the successful delegates for the Future Turf Managers Initiative as the developmental opportunities they receive and the chance to become an FTMI graduate can turbo-charge careers. I look forward keenly to seeing how the Class of 2025 develop and to meeting them all at Jacobsen HQ in September.

We remain hugely grateful to Textron for supporting this amazing initiative for BIGGA members”.

Nicole Burn, Brand Marketing Director at Jacobsen, said: “We’re proud to support the Future Turf Managers Initiative in partnership with BIGGA. Investing in the development of future leaders in turf management is essential to the growth and sustainability of our industry, and we’re honoured to play a role in that journey”.

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Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes

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Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes: Origin Enterprises plc (‘Origin’ or ‘the Group’), the international group championing sustainable land use solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mark Andrews as Managing Director of Landscapes, a newly created role within the Group’s Living Landscapes division.

Mark assumes overall responsibility for Origin’s Landscapes businesses, currently comprising four companies: Green-tech, Suregreen, British Hardwood Tree Nursery and Groundtrax. He will lead the design and delivery of the Landscapes strategy, drive operational performance, and play a central role in supporting both organic growth and M&A activities.

Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes

Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes

This appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the Group’s management depth, ensuring the Living Landscapes division is well positioned to deliver on its long-term strategic objectives and growth ambitions.

Mark has over 20 years of commercial and operational leadership experience across the sector, with a strong track record in value creation, team leadership, and developing best-in-class commercial capabilities in commoditised and competitive businesses. His career spans roles in the UK, North America and EMEA, including senior leadership positions at Saint Gobain/British Gypsum, Knauf Insulation, BMI Group, and most recently, Aliaxis Group where he served as VP UK and Ireland.

Origin is confident that Mark’s appointment will bring additional expertise, insight, and momentum to the Group’s Landscapes sector as it enters its next phase of development and growth.

TJ Kelly, Managing Director, Living Landscapes, commented: “Mark is an excellent addition to Origin and our Living Landscapes leadership team. His deep sector knowledge and proven global leadership experience will be instrumental in shaping and delivering our Landscapes strategy. This appointment reflects our ambition to scale our presence in the Sports, Environmental, and Landscapes sectors.”

Mark Andrews, Managing Director of Landscapes, commented: “I am excited to be joining Origin at a strategically important time for the Living Landscapes division. Leading the Landscapes portfolio presents the opportunity to drive organic growth, expand our capabilities and unlock new opportunities, underpinned by a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and delivering value to Origin’s customers and other stakeholders.”

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Doing more than a fraction of the job

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Doing more than a fraction of the job: Aerators play the central role in creating a balanced water management programme and Otterbine’s Fractional Series is now even more efficient and easy to use.

Otterbine’s Fractional Series offers the most productive, cost-effective way of ensuring the water quality of small and mid-sized ponds regardless of the weather. And when the weather conditions are already, and look set to continue being, the warmest in 70 years, it’s important not to fall foul to doing nothing – reparative maintenance is not the cheap or easy option.

Doing more than a fraction of the job

Doing more than a fraction of the job

Robert Jackson, Division Manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, UK distributor for Otterbine aerators, says: “So far this year, the conditions are perfect for creating water problems in ponds and lakes. The weather is warm enough and consistent enough to cause significant problems.”

Why is aeration needed?

The sun exacerbates thermal stratification, water stagnation and oxygen depletion – creating the perfect environment for algae and anaerobic bacteria. This proliferation may endanger the pond ecosystem while also leading to unpleasant smells and aesthetics that put off visitors and increase maintenance costs.

Whether you’re managing ponds in a holiday park, a golf course or a private estate, a proactive approach to water quality is the most effective way to minimise the need for reparative maintenance in the long run.

That’s where the Fractional comes in

The Otterbine Fractional Series delivers the perfect solution for ponds less than three quarters of an acre in size. With the ability to transfer 1kg (2.2 lbs) of oxygen per horsepower per hour and pump 115m³ of water per hour, they will significantly improve water circulation and oxygenation.

Using aeration, it is possible to prevent high-maintenance conditions like algal bloom and thermal stratification and ensure a thriving ecosystem.

Boasting a cost-effective design and the highest performance rate in the class, Otterbine’s Fractional Series comes complete with a manufacturer certified control panel to protect the unit, and the ability to switch between five interchangeable spray pattern configurations.

But the Fractional Series isn’t just about utility: it also provides four visually striking configuration options – plus a horizontal circulator – with different heights, diameters and patterns that can elevate the aesthetics of any pond. And for an even greater visual impact, LED and RGBW colour-changing lights can be added to create a kaleidoscopic effect that will make your water features stand out, day or night.

Rob concludes: “Offering a cost-effective alternative to large-scale aerators, the Fractional Series aerators are quick to install, easy to maintain and designed for long-term durability. They are also backed by our national network of contractors, dealers and installers, providing expert support and guidance whenever needed.”

For protecting ponds, creating scenic water features, or safeguarding the biodiversity of the site, the Otterbine Fractional Series is the smart, simple solution for cleaner, healthier water. Want to learn more? Call 01480 226800 to speak with an expert or visit reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk.

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