Tag Archive for: Retires

Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK

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Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK: Agrovista UK has announced the retirement of Chris Hamley, Supervisor at the Liskeard depot in Cornwall, after an incredible 44 years of service.

Born and bred in Cornwall, Chris Hamley is a highly respected man in the South-West. He started working for the company back in 1976 after seeing an advertisement in the local newspaper. His first role was as a delivery driver and then he went on to cover most positions in the Liskeard depot including an assistant, a manager and now as the overall supervisor – which he admits was a proud moment in his career.

Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK

Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK

“It was a great personal achievement especially as I started out as a driver,” he said. “Over the years I have seen so many changes – different logos, new vehicles, name changes, products – but to be honest, being tucked away down here in Cornwall, it didn’t have much of an effect on us. We’ve just always done the job we’re supposed to do.”

When he is not managing the Liskeard depot, Chris volunteers as a first responder for the South-West Ambulance Service and says that he is looking forward to dedicating more time to this in his retirement. He will however miss both his colleagues and customers whom he has worked alongside for so long.

“I don’t have any big plans for retirement,” Chris said. “I will just take it as it comes but I will be doing more responding for the ambulance service.”

“I have really enjoyed my time working for the company and I’ll always remember the people that I’ve worked with. There are customers that I still see who I first started working with back in the very early days. A lot of my friends from my generation have retired already – and now it is my turn!”

Those who have worked with Chris are full of praise for him. Commenting on Chris’ retirement, Line Manager James Seabrook, said: “It is a very busy depot, but I just leave Chris to get on with it. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and he is a real company man. 44 years of service is phenomenal, and he will be missed by all.”

Echoing James was Martin Stuart – an Agronomist for Agrovista UK: “Chris is an incredibly modest man. He has been out there on the road and in the office and has grown up with the job. Chris is very customer focussed and he knows so many of our customers by name – just as they know his. He will pull out all the stops to ensure that the customer is always satisfied, even if that means going in on a Sunday morning to open up for somebody who needs a product.

“I wish Chris a very happy retirement and I am sure he will be sorely missed by the agricultural community in Devon and Cornwall. He is certainly leaving behind some big boots to fill.”

The man filling those boots is the experienced Daniel Clarke, who is making the most of Chris’ last few weeks to prepare for his new position.

“He probably has the best product knowledge throughout the company, and he certainly has the best knowledge of the area I have ever known,” said Daniel. “I’m looking closely at how he works, how he interacts with customers and trying to learn as much from him as I can.

It is fitting that Daniel is somewhat of a Cornishman as well after moving to the South-West when he was just eleven. His previous positions have included working in a logistics role for celebrity chef Rick Stein, leading wholesale provider Booker and a memorable experience of working on an almond farm in Australia.

“The job really appealed to me because I have always been in this line of work and to become a supervisor is progression,” he said. “Also, the products and the sectors which Agrovista specialises in piqued my interest.

“It is one of the biggest companies I have worked for, and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I am driven and motivated and looking forward to putting my own stamp on the role – in time. Overall, I am just incredibly pleased to be on-board.”

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

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TNS groundcare stalwart retires

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TNS groundcare stalwart retires: After 46 years with Kubota ground care machinery dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), machinery stalwart Laurie Brown is to retire.

“I’ve now decided to practice what I’ve been preaching, by investing in a walk-behind Kubota W819R-Pro so I can continue to keep my lawn presentable during my retirement,” explains Laurie, who steps down from his role as branch manager of TNS Kennett, near Newmarket, Suffolk, in May 2021.

TNS groundcare stalwart retires

TNS groundcare stalwart retires

“I wouldn’t buy anything else, and based on the reliability and durability of Kubota equipment I’ve seen over the years, this is likely to be the only mower I’ll need,” he adds. “I’m proud to say that I have two customers who still use their G3 HST mowers that were bought new in the late 1970’s.”

“Japanese reliability is legendary and the machines are still serviceable; so it is down to us, as the supplying dealer, to deliver with aftersales and service,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some fantastic people along the way, and I’ll certainly miss the camaraderie from our suppliers, and our customers.”

Mr Brown has worked with Kubota since TNS became a ground care dealer in the late 1970’s supplying products up to 100hp. He says it’s been a journey that has also led to developing extremely enjoyable working relationships with customers.

“When you enjoy the job this much, it’s not a chore – it’s a way of life,” he says.

Having joined the business straight from school in June 1975 and worked his way up through the business, Mr Brown has spent time as regional aftersales manager, and enjoyed being branch manager of several TNS depots including Littleport, Melton and Hinderclay, before moving to Kennett four years ago.

“There’s no doubt that reliability has driven the success of the Kubota product, and customers do keep coming back because of the service and support we provide,” he says. “Over the years, when customers invest in TNS-supplied Kubota machinery, they also invest in the people who look after them. And I’m pleased to say it’s rewarded me with many long-term relationships with customers – I consider a lot of them to be good friends.”

Aside from taking care of his lawn and creating those sought-after green stripes, Laurie is looking forward to spending quality time with his family, and embarking on travelling with his wife, when it’s safe to do so.

“We do like cruises, and we’re looking forward to doing many more of them,” he says. “Though if I could do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

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Greenkeeper retires after 47 years

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Greenkeeper retires after 47 years: Clonmel Golf Club greenkeeper Sean Harte is retiring in 2021 after a fantastic 47 years of loyal service.

Read the full article from Tipperary Live here

Greenkeeper retires after 47 years

Greenkeeper retires after 47 years

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Dave Harrison retires from Campey

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Dave Harrison retires from Campey: Campey Turf Care Systems export sales manager, Dave Harrison, announced his retirement after ten years and left the company at the end of 2019.

Dave joined Campey in 2009 from Dennis Sisis with a wealth of experience and global industry knowledge. His remit was to develop further growth in sales throughout the European and world markets as well as introducing the Campey range of products into the Middle East and Asia. With Dave’s involvement, Campey has become an established presence in Asia, with Dave himself becoming very popular with all the customers he has worked with.

Dave Harrison retires from Campey

Speaking about his time in the industry, Dave said: “Forty-three years seems to have flown by, and I’ve loved my time in this industry. I’m really looking forward to spending time at home with the family and catching up on all the things I’ve missed out on in recent years, like getting on my bike again! We’ll be having another grandchild soon, so that is something that will occupy some time for us all.

“Working for Campey has been a brilliant experience, and I’ve been fortunate to meet some fantastic people from all over the world.”

Campey chairman, Richard Campey said: “Dave joined us in 2009 and was given clear objectives, and over ten years he accomplished a great deal. During his time with us, he has contributed greatly to the expansion of the company in Asia and the Middle East and the work he has done will be remembered for a long time to come.”

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Sid Arrowsmith Retires

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Sid Arrowsmith Retires: Well known in the greenkeeping industry for his work at Frilford Heath Golf Club and as a president of BIGGA, Sid Arrowsmith has now retired after 42 years.

With such a varied and impressive career, Sid has certainly left his mark on the industry and will undoubtedly be much missed by many. And he credits Reesink Turfcare and Toro as having played a part in some of his biggest achievements.

Sid Arrowsmith Retires

“One of the things I’m proudest of is what we achieved at Frilford Heath Golf Club, where I was course manager for 25 years,” says Sid. “From developing a third championship course, to obtaining GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) certification for our sustainability efforts and becoming an Open regional qualifying club, Frilford Heath has come a long way since I arrived. And the successful relationship we had with Toro really aided the club’s progression.”

With more and more Toro brought in to Frilford Heath under Sid’s tenure, the progress made is proof that a forward thinking club and equipment brand working together can achieve great things.

“And the same could be said for my time as Head Greenkeeper at Royal Portrush Golf Club. I was responsible for preparing the courses for the club’s centernary year and used Toro to get them up to standard. It speaks volumes that the club still uses Toro today and hosted The Open Championship this year.”

Sid continues: “As well as producing reliable and high quality machines, Toro is constantly investing in research and development to create new equipment that meet the needs of the industry. My partnership with Toro has meant I’ve made friends for life with those at Reesink Turfcare and also gave me the opportunity to go to the Toro Headquarters in Minnesota, USA which was a great experience.”

And it’s not just Toro that has helped to improve Frilford Heath. Five years ago Sid turned to Reesink and Otterbine to improve the club’s water reservoir. “We had a lot of algal growth caused by pollutants getting into the water source,” says Sid. “But with Otterbine aerators, the reservoir was transformed. In fact, using the water from the reservoir to irrigate the course allowed Frilford Heath to become self-sufficient.”

One of the biggest tests of Sid’s career was obtaining BIGGA Master Greenkeeper certification, but he says he “loved the challenge”.

“The Master Greenkeeper certification means an awful lot,” he says. “It’s a demanding and lengthy process which isn’t for everyone, particularly the two exams – they’re definitely not for the faint hearted! But the fact I was able to test myself at the highest level possible and be successful, is definitely one of my proudest moments.”

Imparting his knowledge is something Sid also had chance to do during his time as president of BIGGA, while attending the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. “Seeing the stars of the future developing their knowledge and getting to speak to them was very rewarding. It’s wonderful Toro and Reesink sponsor these awards and involve themselves in the industry this way.”

With such an incredible career behind him, Sid is now taking some much deserved time off. “I’m going to really miss working with the guys at the club every day, but I’m looking forward to spending as much time with my wife as possible. We’re spending a lot of time travelling and have three trips booked for this year alone!”

But Reesink Turfcare couldn’t let Sid retire without a proper send off – presenting him with a personalised decanter to commemorate such a fantastic career.

“I was absolutely honoured,” says Sid. “It was such a lovely gesture that I wasn’t expecting at all. I have some great friends at Reesink, and I know those friendships will continue.”

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