Tag Archive for: Success

Sherriff success at Milford GC

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Sherriff success at Milford GC: A carefully-planned turf nutrition and treatment programme utilising three key Sherriff Amenity products has produced a sustained rise in the health, condition and playing standard of greens at the Milford Golf Club in Surrey.

The programme is being implemented by course manager Tom Smith who joined the club a year ago and set out to make some immediate improvements.

Sherriff success at Milford GC

“There is historic data which points to a high level of sulphur and a low cation exchange capacity so I began by looking at various methods and purposes which would improve the situation. I felt it was important to get consistency through the old and the new greens and essential to improve root development. After all, if you get your foundations right then you can build a house.”

As Tom says, the Club has recently built four new greens on land recently acquired by Milford Golf Club’s owners Crown Golf. Milford is one of 22 golf clubs in Crown Golf’s portfolio and was opened in 1993.  The course was designed by the famous Peter Allis and Clive Clark duo and was built on the land of the famous Secrets orchard in west Surrey, seven miles from the city of Guildford.

Tom, who started his career as a car mechanic, moved into greenkeeping in 2011 at Wickham Park – which is also under the Crown Golf umbrella. With a newly found passion Tom set about completing his Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and just last year was deemed the perfect man to take the reins at Milford.

Indeed, Tom immediately got to work and after facing somewhat of a baptism of fire in which he embarked on annual renovations in his first week, his attentions quickly turned to improving the root development on the greens.

Comprising of Sherriff Amenity’s Rootmass Plus, Rapid Root and SeaVolution seaweed, the three complementary products used within the programme are being applied at various times throughout the season.

“I apply the Rapid Root once a month at 15kg/ha and try to fit it in with my feeding and this goes down from May until October. I’ve been using the Rootmass and the SeaVolution all the way through the winter to increase the density of the root.

“The beauty of the Seavolution is that I can use it both with my wetting agent and also with my Rapid Root mix. The plant absolutely loves it and even in hot conditions the seaweed always stays wet. In fact it is probably the most natural product out there. The roots are like babies and if we look after them and use more natural products then the turf is going to be fine – it is going to look after itself.

“Since using these products I’ve definitely noticed more root development. From the top of the profile right the way down we are seeing strong roots. The plants ability to uptake and retain nutrients has improved and they hold a lot more moisture and stay greener longer.”

For further information, please contact Sherriff Amenity on 01638 721 888 or visit www.sherriffamenity.com

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First school grounds seminar a success

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First school grounds seminar a success: A recent school grounds seminar held at Charterhouse in Surrey has been hailed a huge success by all who attended.

The event attracted over 50 delegates from all levels as several topical issues were explored and discussed. Supported by prominent suppliers and manufacturers in the industry – ICL, Limagrain UK, Syngenta UK and Charterhouse Turf Machinery – attendees had the opportunity to find out more about key subjects such as fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides, grass seed and aeration.

First school grounds seminar a success

At a time where the industry is witnessing increasing pressure on pesticide usage and when registrations are getting tighter, the presentation by Glenn Kirby, Syngenta’s Technical Manager for the UK Turf & Landscape, was well received. From this seminar, attendees became more knowledgeable on how to get the best out of their products and also gained a greater understanding of fungicide timings, correct calibration and sprayer set-up, and how to choose the correct nozzles.

Sam Horner, Amenity Seed Specialist from Limagrain UK, offered a fantastic insight into the thought process behind the development of a grass seed mixture. From initial breeding through to going to a customer, attendees received first-hand information on characteristics of the plant, growing, harvesting, germination testing, creating a mix, percentages and the trials which go into producing a final product.

Henry Bechelet, ICL Technical Sales Manager UK & Ireland, focussed on new regulations for fertilizers which are set to commence in 2022. There has been a lot of uncertainty over the new forthcoming legislation and Henry was on hand to answer some all-too common questions and clarify the situation.

Stepping into the stunning school grounds, delegates then had the opportunity to see a number of outdoor product demonstrations from Charterhouse Turf Machinery. Attendees found out how to relieve compaction and improve drainage with the OxyShot air-injection unit, the Verti-Quake® and the Verti-Drain®. In particular, representatives from Charterhouse Turf Machinery focussed on the three styles of aeration – deep-tine aeration, linear aeration and high-pressure aeration.

The idea for this unique new event was born following discussions between a group of grounds managers from schools – Charterhouse, Whitgift, St Paul’s, Christ’s Hospital, Cranleigh, Reed’s, The Royal Grammar School (RGS), New Hall and Harrow.

Host for the day Lee Marshallsay from Charterhouse, provided an insight into how the seminar came to fruition: “After going to various events and exhibitions over the years we felt that many of the seminars were mainly aimed at managers or those in a senior position.

Ultimately, we are a group of grounds managers that meet up to talk about the industry because we want to help. We have taken something by the scruff of the neck and tried to drive something which is specifically for our sector.”

Echoing Lee was Daniel Ratling from Whitgift School, who said: “We wanted a training day that was going to be more targeted at every member of staff and give them information that would enthuse them and help them in their every-day work. A big part of that is integrating and mixing with people from other schools and this is not something that you are often able to do.”

Russel King, from The Royal Grammar School, felt that the event was a huge morale boost for his team: “We wanted our team to know that some of the issues they are facing are not just isolated to their specific grounds and that it could be perhaps a common problem for everyone. Today has been great because they have received advice about how other schools are approaching the issues and it has really boosted their morale.”

“Our staff have not been to anything like this before,” claimed James Pope from St Paul’s. “We all agreed that this was at a perfect time being half-term and my staff have been able to speak to professionals that they might not usually get the chance to speak to. I think we have all taken some great ideas away from this event.”

“It’s been a great first event and I’m confident that we can progress it in the future,” added host Lee. “I think this is something that could happen once a year and in order to grow we will debrief and identify what delegates would like to see in the future.”

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SALTEX success for Muck-Truck

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SALTEX success for Muck-Truck: If you weren’t at Saltex last week you really missed out on new and innovative products from fantastic brands. The one that really caught our eye was Muck-Truck’s recently developed Power Barrow. 

Did we mention it was electric? The new electric wheelbarrow is battery operated and there is no need for any lifting as it has an additional wheel to make the wheelbarrow easily manoeuvrable.

SALTEX success for Muck-Truck

The owner and creator of Muck-Truck Terry Rowlands was pleased with the overwhelming response from everyone at the show for his fifth motorised wheelbarrow; Power Barrow.

“Saltex is one of my favourite shows, we have been coming here for many years, it’s great to see a lot of interest in my products and I will definitely continue to grow the Muck-Truck family with new innovations.” Comments Terry Rowlands, owner and creator of Muck-Truck. (pictured above being interviewed by Contrast)

One of the attractions of the mini-dumper is its versatility. The skip can be replaced and the unit can be converted into a vacuum or even a snow plough. It can also be fitted with a ball hitch and be used to tow trailers. The use of turf tyres offers protection from grass and double wheels provides stability on uneven ground.

Muck-Truck is the market leader for pedestrian dumpers and is designed right here in the UK, if you would like more information please visit their newly designed website at https://www.mucktruck.com/

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Turf Maintenance Live a success

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Turf Maintenance Live a success: Although the second day was plagued with heavy rain, this did not deter visitors to Turf Maintenance Live, held at St Albans School’s Woollam Playing Fields, on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October.

Over 130 delegates visited the event to see an eclectic mix of equipment that the 10 manufacturers and distributors had assembled at the superb venue, immaculately prepared by head groundman Ian Smith and his team.

Turf Maintenance Live a success

Visitors were able to visit each of the exhibitors – Agria UK, Ernest Doe & Sons, GKB Machines, Husqvarna UK, Iseki UK, Martin Lishman, Price Turfcare (Ventrac), Rigby Taylor, Wessex International and Wiedenmann UK – to see their equipment offering and in some cases ride and drive the machines on display.

“Considering the weather on the second day we were pleased,” said Val Graham from the TML team. “Some attendees came from as far away as south Wales, which proves the value of the event. With minimal opportunity to demo equipment at other industry events, this was a great occasion for our groundscare colleagues to see a wide range of equipment and, for some, the opportunity to ride and drive the machines.

“We are indebted to St Albans School, and Ian Smith in particular, for allowing us the use of their superb facilities, which were in pristine condition and looked fantastic.”

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Innovative App a Passport to Success

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Innovative App a Passport to Success: Passport365, a sport facilities management app developed in the East Midlands, has sold its Australian territory rights to synthetic grass specialist Tuff Group in a six-figure deal.

Passport365, an innovative mobile application, allows all of those connected with sports surfaces across the world to book in jobs, record their daily activity and upload images from the sites they manage and maintain, which can be viewed by asset managers in head offices across the globe in real time.

Innovative App a Passport to Success

The application is the brainchild of Garry Martin, Managing Director of Long Bennington-based synthetic grounds maintenance specialist Replay Maintenance, who developed the app over two years and launched it for global sale at the end of April this year.

Fraser Gehrig, Manging Director of Tuff Group Holding Pty Ltd, heard about the app soon after its launch and after trialling the software was immediately impressed by its potential benefit to his company, which specialises in the design, construction, installation and maintenance of synthetic grass and all forms of sport and recreation surfaces across Australia and New Zealand.

Fraser, a former professional Australian rules footballer, was so keen to make use of the app for his customers that he jumped on a plane to the UK to meet the Passport365 team and see the app working out in the field.

He believes that implementing Passport365 will significantly increase the capability of the business. Fraser said: “Passport365 will give us the ability to deliver a level of service not seen in Australia before.

“We operate across the entire surfaces industry, including retail, residential, commercial and maintenance. We will be implementing the system across all our divisions, allowing our staff to communicate more effectively and substantially improving the end results we deliver.

“Being able to report to our clients in real time from anywhere in Australia, on any job, will mean we are delivering innovation and new standards to the market here. The system provides real clarity to the client and helps mitigate risk in ensuring the customer is getting exactly what they pay for.

“We have invested heavily in technology and systems to support our growth and Passport365 complements this perfectly. As the sports field construction industry continues to grow across the country, Tuff Group will be using this system to ensure that every job we do is delivered to our own high standards and that our clients can see the progress every step of the way.”

Tuff Group was established in 2009 and supports clients such as the International Rugby Board, FIFA Football, IAAF Athletics, FIH Hockey and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Garry Martin said: “It’s been a hectic six months for Passport365, having launched for global sale in April this year.

“Our early adopters have given us amazing feedback and we’re now supplying the software to clients who are managing everything from single-use sports facilities all the way up to those running hundreds of surfaces across the UK.

“Having met Fraser and listening to his passion for delivering high levels of service to his customers, I knew that Passport365 would support him and his employees working within Tuff Group in delivering this.

“Having all of the information about any one site, in one place and accessible on the go will help his team manage the assets they install and service and will eliminate the need for paperwork – halving administration time and connecting Tuff Group to its customers for the lifetime of the surfaces.

“Passport365 allows everyone working on or managing a site to be able to view, update, share and collate reports from the app either through their phone or on their desktop and will display in real time through the bespoke portal application or on mobile if you are away from your desk.

“Most importantly, app users can check on each of their sites or team members while they’re hundreds of miles away at head office or even in another country.”

The application, which will be personalised with Tuff Group branding in Australia, also boasts a reporting system, making data, statistics and images available at the touch of a button.

The connectivity the software provides enhances all levels of service, from health and safety to quality assurance without the heavy administrative burden providers often have to implement.

Garry and the Passport365 team are currently in talks with sport and leisure surface specialists in other parts of the world who are interested in buying the rights to use the app in their territories.

For more information, or to register for a free 14-day trial of the app, visit: www.passport365.co.uk

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