Tag Archive for: Success

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

/in , /by

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School: Stuart Chalmers, Head Groundsman at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, has recently elevated his maintenance procedures with the addition of the SISIS Litamina 1200.

This innovative tractor-mounted sweeper is helping to enhance the upkeep of Scotland’s only all-boys independent boarding school.

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Merchiston Castle School boasts a rich tapestry of sporting facilities, including rugby, football, hockey, cricket, tennis, and a golf academy. Spanning just under 100 acres, the school’s grounds present a diverse array of maintenance challenges throughout the year. Stuart, who has climbed the ranks since joining the school in 2012, understands the importance of using robust equipment to meet these challenges.

“As a school, we’ve long relied on SISIS equipment,” remarks Stuart. “Their machines were here when I first started, and they’ve proven their longevity over the years. We’re constantly striving to make improvements, and SISIS equipment aligns perfectly with our ethos.”

The Litamina 1200, a highly popular model in the SISIS range, has earned Stuart’s praise. “We had an older Litamina 1200 that served us well for over 10 years,” he explains. “When the time came to replace it, there was no question—we opted for the same machine. It’s simply that good.”

With its spiral-designed brush and galvanised collection hopper, the Litamina 1200 excels in collecting a wide range of debris while delicately following ground contours. Stuart highlights the modernised features of the new model, including stands for convenient storage and enhanced practicality and ease of use.

“The Litamina 1200 has become indispensable in our maintenance routine,” says Stuart. “Primarily used on our rugby and football pitches, it not only cleans the surface but also helps rejuvenate the grass, allowing for better air circulation and preparing the turf for our mowing programme.”

Stuart outlines the meticulous scheduling of maintenance tasks, which often includes alternating the use of the Litamina 1200 with other SISIS equipment such as the Maxislit, a tractor-mounted deep slitting lawn aerator. “We utilise the Litamina for leaf collection as well, demonstrating its versatility and efficiency,” he adds.

Ewen Wilson, Sales Manager for Scotland at SISIS, also receives praise from Stuart for his excellent service. “The support we receive from Ewen is first-class. It’s reassuring to know that we have a reliable partner in SISIS.”

As Merchiston Castle School prepares for exciting expansions, including a new nursery school and junior school, Stuart remains committed to maintaining pristine grounds. With the SISIS Litamina 1200 at his disposal, Stuart and his team continue to raise the bar, ensuring that the school’s sporting facilities remain a source of pride for years to come.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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.

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

/in , /by

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair: Nestled in the picturesque Avon Valley of South Leicestershire lies Kilworth Springs Golf Club, a renowned destination for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty.

Maintaining a lush green course amidst heavy traffic has often posed a significant challenge for Head Greenkeeper Joel Chappell. After a thorough search for the ideal seed, Joel discovered EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair by DSV, a breakthrough solution that has transformed the course’s resilience and aesthetics.

Kilworth Springs' Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair from DSV emerges as a game-changer in turf management, boasting rapid germination and establishment. Specifically designed for cool-season over-sowing and surface repairs, this innovative seed blend incorporates Tetraploid Ryegrasses renowned for their vigour and adaptability. With attributes like fast germination, strong colour retention, and resistance to diseases and drought, Pro Rapid Repair emerges as the go-to choice for demanding environments like Kilworth Springs Golf Club.

Joel shares insights into the unique challenges posed by Kilworth Springs Golf Club and the transformative impact of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “Maintaining grass here is no easy feat,” he remarks, referring to the club’s sandy and gravely, free-draining terrain. The course’s popularity, coupled with its inland links layout, subjects it to heavy wear and tear, especially around high-traffic areas like tees and approaches.

Joel’s quest for a resilient seed led him to EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “We tried many different seeds,” he says. “We were looking for a seed which was hard-wearing, could establish quickly and could withstand low mowing heights. The EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair stood out by far and ticks every box for us. In the growing season it is establishing within 3 or 4 days.”

Joel also highlights the critical role played by Pro Rapid Repair in rejuvenating damaged areas with remarkable speed and durability. “Last summer we had irrigation issues and had to dig up parts of the course. We overseeded with Pro Rapid Repair and within two weeks we were able to take those areas out of Ground Under Repair (GUR). That shows you just how well the seed works.”

Kilworth Springs' Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

According to Joel, the success story of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the exceptional customer support provided by his DSV representative Hamish Crichton and Rhys Norville from Regen Amenity, a DSV distributor. “Their expertise and support have been invaluable,” he adds. “As a Head Greenkeeper, you are so focussed on what you are doing and trying to achieve.

Therefore, it can be beneficial to listen to other opinions and fresh perspectives.”

Kilworth Springs Golf Club’s transformation with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair sheds light on the rising prominence of the EuroGrass Pro Mixtures in the UK sports turf market.

With solutions tailored for various sports including golf, cricket, horseracing, and winter sports, the EuroGrass Pro range from DSV exemplifies versatility and effectiveness. As Joel summarises – “For us, EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair is a winning solution.”

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.

Origin road show a success

/in , /by

Origin road show a success: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) proudly announces the successful launch of its latest initiative – a series of Road Shows held throughout the first quarter of 2024.

The free half-day events, led by OAS’s technical team, have garnered resounding success, delivering invaluable insights to turf and grounds managers nationwide.

Origin road show a success

Origin road show a success

Dedicated to improving turf quality and maintenance practices, the Road Shows have been met with enthusiasm from industry professionals. Covering a range of essential grounds management topics, delegates were given expert advice to keep turf and pitches in prime condition throughout the year. From water management strategies and the role of wetting agents to crafting a balanced fertiliser program and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans for disease control, the Road Shows offer a holistic approach to turf care excellence.

The sessions included an introduction to TurfKeeper, the industry-leading application revolutionising task management, workforce coordination, and inventory control in a single digital platform. There were also opportunities for delegates to network with industry peers and benefit from one-to-one advice from the OAS technical team.

OAS was formed through the amalgamation of industry leaders Rigby Taylor, Headland Amenity, Symbio, and Turfkeeper. Leveraging the combined expertise and resources of these renowned companies, the company offers a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of turf professionals in the sports turf and landscaping sectors. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, OAS stands as a leading force in the field of amenity solutions, empowering clients to achieve optimal results in turf care and maintenance.

OAS is committed to elevating industry standards and sharing its knowledge and research findings of turf care, which was the key driver behind this series of events. Road Shows have so far taken place at Rotherham Golf Club, Knighton Health Golf Club in Bournemouth, and Irvine Golf Club, in Bogside.

More events are planned at golf courses around the country, details of which will be shared on the OAS social media pages or for more information contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222 or visit www.originamenity.com

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.

MM60 Grass Seed: A Grassroots Success Story

/in , /by

MM60 Grass Seed: A Grassroots Success Story: In the world of football, the quality of the playing surface can make a significant difference in the game’s outcome and the overall experience for players and spectators alike.

While top-tier stadiums often boast pristine pitches, grassroots clubs often struggle to attain the same level of excellence due to budget constraints and limited resources.

MM60 Grass Seed: A Grassroots Success Story

MM60 Grass Seed: A Grassroots Success Story

However, Charlestown Football Club, a youth football club nestled in the heart of St Austell, Cornwall, has defied this norm. Thanks to the leading MM60 grass seed their pitches have undergone a remarkable transformation, setting a new standard for grassroots football.

Charlestown Football Club, established in 1972 is a vibrant community hub with over 300 registered players aged between 5 and 16. The club prides itself on providing a nurturing environment for both boys and girls to foster their love for the beautiful game. From organising annual summer tournaments that draw teams from across Cornwall to running the Mini Soccer Centre at St Mewan Park since 2006, Charlestown FC is committed to nurturing grassroots football talent.

MM60 grass seed, renowned for its exceptional quality and performance in professional stadiums, found its way to Charlestown FC, courtesy of David Bevan from Agrovista Amenity – a distributor of MM grass seed. A 100% Ryegrass formula boasting high disease resistance, rapid germination, and superior aesthetic qualities, MM60 has proven to be a game-changer for Charlestown FC’s pitches. Enhanced by Headstart® GOLD treatment, this grass seed ensures not just fast germination but also robust establishment, even under challenging conditions.

David’s journey with Charlestown FC began when his son joined the club and has since become a coach. Recognising the opportunity to contribute his expertise, David became instrumental in advising the club on pitch maintenance and renovation. Leveraging his professional knowledge, David spearheaded the adoption of MM60 for the club’s pitches, emphasising the importance of investing in top-quality resources, regardless of the level of play.

“I worked on the theory that just because it is a youth football club, why shouldn’t they use the best grass seed there is and that is why I went with MM60,” said David. “Personally, I think it is the best winter sports mixture you can get. Because of the huge amount of play the pitches receive, getting sward density consistent over all of them was primarily the main reason for going with MM60. It is really hard wearing, fast germinating and I know it is quick to establish.”

As the Chairman of Charlestown FC, James Hutchings has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of MM60 grass seed on the club’s pitches. Under David’s guidance, the club embarked on a comprehensive renovation project, reaping the rewards of their investment in the superior grass seed.

James emphasised the invaluable role David and Agrovista Amenity have played in maximising the club’s grant funding.

“As a club we have been extremely pleased with the service David and Agrovista Amenity have provided us with. David’s advice has been a bit of a godsend, and he has come along at the right time. We’ve had work done in the past but not to the level which David has been able to advise us on. Last year he took soil samples and checked the density and supplied us with MM60. It was put down at the end of May and quickly after we were seeing the benefits.

“We are very fortunate to have a very dedicated team of volunteers and we are all in agreement that it has been worth the investment. We want the pitches looking and playing on-point as much as possible. Parents have been commenting positively on how fresh everything looks, and visiting teams are asking how we are managing to have so much grass on the pitch.”

By using MM60 grass seed, Charlestown FC has set a new standard for pitch quality and performance at grassroots level. As other clubs aspire to emulate their success, Charlestown FC is proving that with passion, dedication, and the right resources, every football pitch can be one to be proud of.

For further information, please contact DLF UK on 01386 719758 or visit the MM website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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.

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

/in , , /by

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success: With over 700 visitors and over 60 companies exhibiting, the second edition of Scots Turf demonstrated substantial growth and has built a platform for an exciting future.

The aim of this show was to build on the success of the previous year by offering more stands and educational opportunities for visitors to explore at Hamilton Park Racecourse. An increase in the number of exhibitors from 16 to 64 ensured a diverse range of products from leading industry names such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches, and John Deere.

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

The growing stand count, set to increase again for the third event, has proven the Scotland’s desire for a dedicated show, and Scots Turf Founding Committee member Richard Heywood is ready to continue the growth.

“It was fantastic to see such a broad selection of visitors from all aspects of our industry, and the feedback we received from everyone we asked was incredibly positive,” he said.

“We were blown away and delighted with the response we received from companies wanting to exhibit. Our target in year two was to attract 30 businesses. In reality, we ended up attracting over 60, with a waiting list of ten more, and I think that shows the positive impact we’re having in Scotland.

“I’d say this is our first proper year as a ‘trade show,’ and we were very much encouraged by seeing over 700 visitors coming through the gates, with around 500 arriving in the first hour.

“It really shows an appetite for something like this in Scotland, and we will be looking to grow year upon year, helping to establish this once again as an event that you need to put in your diary.”

Updates on Scots Turf 2025 will follow throughout the year, including initiatives to support Scottish charitable causes. While demand for stands is high, companies are invited to apply for next year.

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.