Tag Archive for: To

Celebrations to mark GreenMech at 30

in , /by

Celebrations to mark GreenMech at 30: With a rich history of supplying world-class woodchippers, 2023 sees the team at GreenMech proudly celebrating 30 years in business.

Over the course of the last three decades, innovation in manufacturing and a focus on service and support has cemented the GreenMech portfolio at the heart of operations for a wide array of end users from arborists and landscapers to local authorities, golf course managers and more. With their strongest product line-up to date, GreenMech look set to enter the next chapter with solutions that continue to set the industry standard in the UK and beyond.

Celebrations to mark GreenMech at 30

Celebrations to mark GreenMech at 30

While much may have changed in terms of products and features, GreenMech have called The Mill Industrial Park in Warwickshire their home since the company was founded in 1993 by, now Chairman, Tony Turner. From here, over 14,000 products have been designed and manufactured, with more than half of the total product exported to customers globally – as far as Iberia, Scandinavia, Fiji and New Zealand to mention just a few. Success around central Europe has also seen the establishment of GreenMech France and GreenMech Germany, to facilitate tailored sales and support in these markets.

The current range spans more than 15 units, with chipping capacities from 100mm up to 220mm. Alongside innovations such as GreenMech’s revolutionary disc-blade chipping system, turntable technology and their SAFE-Trak and SURE-Trak systems for unparalleled embankment safety, one of the biggest introductions in recent years was the launch of the EVO Series in 2019. Produced in direct response to industry demands for more aggressive torque, more powerful bite and more throughput, the EVO range encapsulates both road tow and tracked variants at 6” and 8” capacities.

Jonathan Turner, son of Tony and current GreenMech Managing Director said, “We are incredibly proud of our achievements but are even more positive and excited about our future. We look forward to supporting our existing customers while continuing to develop industry-leading new products, designed to perform without compromise.”

The team will be commemorating the occasion with colleagues, customers and friends at events across the calendar, starting with their attendance at The Arb Show, at Westonbirt in May. GreenMech at 30 also forms part of wider celebrations for Turner R&D Ltd, for whom 2023 marks 60 years of trading.

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.

UK Loggers Championships to be held at SAGE

in , /by

UK Loggers Championships to be held at SAGE: There’s yet another reason to make a date to visit SAGE, the UK’s biggest outdoor trade show in the sports and grounds maintenance industry, as it has just been announced that the UK Loggers National Championships will be held at the event.

The competition, which showcases the expertise and superb skills of the best loggers from around the country, will be hosted on the 19th and 20th of July 2023, at the stunning Three Counties showground in Malvern, Worcestershire.

UK Loggers Championships to be held at SAGE

UK Loggers Championships to be held at SAGE

The UK Loggers National Championship is a fierce test of precision and skill determining an overall precision chainsaw champion – with the best among the competitors going on to represent their country at the World Logging Championship next year. Consisting of five disciplines, the championship tests every facet of logging – from cross cutting, to felling, limbing, a chain change and a relay race.

Back for its third year, SAGE is the ideal place to host this contest, as it’s set to be the biggest yet.

Richard Siddons from UK Loggers said: “When we learnt more about SAGE and how it’s all about providing interactive, hands-on experiences and demonstrations, it was clear this would be the ideal place to hold the UK Loggers National Championships.

“Not only is there a huge amount of outside space available for us to hold the contest, we’ll also be surrounded by people who will appreciate the skill and experience of those taking part in the competition.

“We plan to put on a great show for those watching, who will also hopefully learn a little more about the many different aspects of precision chainsaw competing. And, of course, the champion will also be crowned, as well as the best few chosen to represent the UK next year at a global level.”

SAGE will also be an excellent event to network with others in the industry, as well as mingling with experts who will be providing demonstrations and interesting talks. Visitors will be able to view the latest equipment, share the newest techniques and truly ‘try before you buy’ – with the outside space meaning the sky really is the limit!

Companies are invited to be a part of the action and sponsor the UK Loggers National Championships, with only very limited places available. As part of the sponsorship package, brands will have a presence on the SAGE website and social platforms, printed banners, a big-screen ad, tannoid announcements and video footage of your demo. To enquire about these options, or to book exhibition space, please contact Vicky Panniers vp@sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

Find out more about the green measures at SAGE 2023 here https://sportsandgrounds.events/sustainability/

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.

Royal Norwich looks to the future

in , /by

Royal Norwich looks to the future: Royal Norwich’s 2019 reincarnation has created a golfing environment like no other. Born out of a 350 acre, 400 year old parkland course, its clever new course designs and outstanding facilities are providing an inclusive, progressive place for the whole community to relish well into the future. Huxley Golf is proud to have been involved in its transformation. 

Neil Lythgoe, Director of Golf at Royal Norwich, explains: “We’re working to create a completely different experience here at Royal Norwich, one which is welcoming to established golfers, new golfers and non-golfers alike. Central to this ethos is embracing inventiveness but with an absolute focus on quality. To my mind, Huxley Golf surfaces embody this approach.”

Royal Norwich looks to the future

Royal Norwich looks to the future

In 2021, Royal Norwich asked Huxley Golf to supply 6ft x 6ft (1.8m x 1.8m) tees for its par 3, 6- hole course to make the most of a short course’s enormous potential to attract newcomers and juniors to the game. Recognising the need to offer year-round play and the impact that this would have in terms of wear and tear in a small, frequently-used space, Huxley Golf’s premium all-weather surface was the optimal solution. Critically, specifying Huxley surfaces also supported the Club’s direction to construct its short course to the same high standard as its 18-hole championship course.

Neil Lythgoe commented: “Managing environmental challenges and the customer experience is a hard balance to strike. When you’re working to maintain playability and quality and there’s no room for alternative tees, you need to consider all-weather surfaces to spread the wear – they’re clearly the future.

However, if you’re going to use artificial surfaces, the quality needs to be outstanding. If you lay a surface that you can’t get a tee peg into, players feel that it’s a poor alternative. You certainly don’t get that with Huxley Golf Premier Tee Turf: it’s great to play off and gives good feedback when you hit the shots. Honestly, it’s an amazing surface which members are more than happy to use. In fact, one member, a three-time Club Champion, recently told me how much he loved it. The greenkeeping team appreciate its benefits too. My view is that all-weather surfaces have a definite role in the future of golf in this country and that Huxley Golf is the only option worth considering.”

Building on the hugely positive reception to the short course (the Royal Norwich Junior Academy now has over 100 students), the Club returned to Huxley Golf for its practice area. Working with Premier Tee Turf once more, the new 56ft x 6ft (17m x 1.8m) practice tee was installed locally by members Mark Burton and Julian Poole, with expert guidance from Huxley to guarantee the end result.

Will Alsop, PGA Professional and Area Sales Manager for Huxley Golf, said: “From the moment you walk into the clubhouse at Royal Norwich, you notice that it’s clearly quite different. The place is full of character, comfortable and welcoming without compromising in any way on the quality of its provision. As a player, the Royal Norwich courses are young but outstanding in design and they’re really coming into their own. This progressive club is a perfect blend of new ideas and traditional quality, which we at Huxley pride ourselves on too. We have been delighted
to be a part of Royal Norwich’s future-focused plans.”

The Huxley name has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products. Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com or call 01730 829608. For more information about Royal Norwich, visit www.royalnorwich.co.uk

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.

Webb Supreme designed to perform

in , /by

Webb Supreme designed to perform: Available now from British garden equipment manufacturer Handy is the Webb Supreme range of hand pushed lawnmowers, which come with a host of features and resilient design at an excellent price point.

Available with a choice of high quality aluminium or steel cutter decks, ball bearing wheels and premium Briggs & Stratton engines, Webb Supreme Lawnmowers are built to last.  There are three models in the range: an 18” with 450e engine; an18” with 500e engine; and the top of the range 21” with an EXI725 engine.

Webb Supreme designed to perform

Webb Supreme designed to perform

 

For maximum flexibility and convenience, Webb Supreme Lawnmowers come with eight height of cut settings, from 25mm to 80mm, which are quickly and easily adjusted through a single lever movement.  Clippings are gathered in up to large 70 litre easy fit collector fabric bag with hard top, or can be discharged to the side or rear, or mulched, using an innovative 4-in-1 function.

This 4-in-1 function is just one of a host of premium features that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find on lawnmowers at this price point.  Further features of note include clearly visible red OPC and drive levers, an integrated grass full indicator, easy to access throttle control, and quick release lever to fold handles for storage; all of which make for exceptional ease of use.

For maximum manoeuvrability over any surface, Webb Supreme Lawnmowers come with extra large ball bearing rear wheels, making for a smooth run and eliminating damage that can be caused by narrow wheels digging into your lawn and leaving unsightly tracks.

All Webb Supreme Lawnmowers come with a two year warranty and are compatible with E5 and E10 fuel, although Handy always recommend the use of fuel stabilisers with the latter to extend the life of the fuel and to protect the engine.  A full range of spares, including blades and collection bags, are held in stock.

“As one of the market leaders, Webb has a reputation for quality product that’s sensibly priced” states Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director for Handy.  “For our new range of Supreme lawnmowers, we have invested considerable resources into pinpointing what customers really want from their lawnmower and ensuring our products meet – and exceed – those needs.  This new flagship range of lawnmowers is a culmination of many years’ experience in this market and the close relationship we have with our customers.  We have put our heart and soul into every part of this machinery as it’s not just lawnmowers to us; it’s satisfied gardeners creating beautiful sways of greenery!”

Supreme Lawnmowers are the latest addition to the Webb lawnmower range which include the highly affordable yet feature rich Gardeners’ World magazine Best Buy Classic 1300w electric rotary lawnmower through to the premium 21″ Alloy Deck Disc Bladed Self Propelled Petrol Rotary Lawnmower.

To discover more on the Webb Supreme Lawnmowers and to purchase direct, please go to www.webbgardenpower.co.uk

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.

Is a fine finish from a cylinder mower down to luck?

in , /by

Is a fine finish from a cylinder mower down to luck?: Bedknives and cylinders are on par when it comes to creating a fine finish – both are equally important, and for the best results possible genuine, precision engineered parts from Toro means there’s no luck involved – a pristine finish is a sure thing.

As cutting season fast approaches, Reesink Turfcare is reminding customers why the proper set-up procedures with the proper parts is so essential in a cylinder mower’s performance.

Is a fine finish from a cylinder mower down to luck?

Is a fine finish from a cylinder mower down to luck?

Cylinder mowers are precision machines and require precision engineered parts to achieve a pristine finish, as Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink Turfcare, explains: “The cylinder, frame and bedknife are the three main structural members in a cylinder cutting unit. For the mower to cut with a scissor-like shearing action, the bedknife and cylinder blades need to be sharp, matched and in close relationship with each other, and the bedknife sharpened to be flat and square so the sharp edge touches the cylinder blades across their entire length.

“If the bedknife is not perfectly flat, it is impossible to get the bedknife to touch the entire length of the cylinder. This is an essential part of the construction, making cylinder mowers precision cutting tools. Adjust any part of the construction process with, for example, ‘will-fit’ parts and the fit, form and function can be affected to leave a less attractive and less consistent after-cut appearance.”

It’s not luck that keeps turf looking fresh, rather bedknives made of high carbon steel that can retain that important edge for longer and Toro bedknives are superior in both durability and longevity meaning greenkeepers can get reliable cuts for longer without the need for frequent adjustment or replacement.

Only Toro cylinders are available in 5, 7, 8, 11, and 14 configurations to fit all mowers including the popular Greensmaster and Reelmaster ranges, and with 24-hour delivery across the UK, or 72 hours delivery from US factories at no extra cost, Reesink can ensure minimum downtime and maximum productivity.

There’s nothing lucky about achieving a superior quality of cut, it’s down to Toro and that’s a fact.

To continue the conversation, get in touch via reesinkturfcare.co.uk, by phone on 01480 226800 or by email at info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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.

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

in , /by

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A: Royal Liverpool Golf Club will host The Open for the 13th time in July and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the team of almost 50 greenkeepers, gathered from all over the United Kingdom, who will be on hand to support the home greenkeeping team for the duration of the championship.

Each year The R&A requests the assistance of BIGGA members in the staging of the event. Every full BIGGA member who has been with the association for at least two years is eligible to apply for a place on the Volunteer Open Support Team and those who are selected are given incredible access to golf’s oldest major, supporting every match with bunker raking duties.

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

Rory McIlroy was victorious the last time Royal Liverpool hosted The Open, in 2014, when BIGGA members raked the course’s 82 bunkers a total of 945 times. BIGGA members were even busier in 2006, when Tiger Woods claimed the Claret Jug and the team raked 1,092 bunkers across the four days of the championship.

In January, previous members of The Open support team were given the opportunity to stand beside the Claret Jug as it made an appearance at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, the annual trade show and education programme that provides incredible learning opportunities to those working in golf greenkeeping and sports turf management.

BIGGA is delighted that this years’ Volunteer Open Support Team will feature a large number of first-time team members as a place on the team is inspiring and showcases to greenkeepers what they can achieve through continuing professional development and by engaging with the numerous exclusive opportunities made available to members of BIGGA. Throughout the tournament the team members will be provided with accommodation, subsistence and uniform for the event.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “The team at Royal Liverpool has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of St Andrews, who last year created a truly historic championship. Yet I’m confident that the team led by Links Superintendent James Bledge, who is preparing to host his first Open Championship, will set a world class stage for what is sure to be an exciting event.

“I’m thankful to The R&A for once again inviting so many BIGGA members to participate in The Open support team, particularly given we have so many first time members this year. Is there a better way of inspiring the next generation of greenkeepers and showcasing what can be achieved in your career with a lot of hard work and dedication, than an up-close look at the world’s greatest major championship? I’m thankful on behalf of the BIGGA members who have been selected and I’m proud to be able to invite them to represent the entire association on this global scale.“

The 151st Open takes place from 20 to 23 July 2022. Applications for the BIGGA Volunteer Open Support Team for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon will open later this year.

Here are the BIGGA members who will be assisting the home greenkeepers for the duration of The 151st Open:

  • Aaron Allibon, first assistant, Orsett Golf Club
  • Jake Austin, first assistant, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
  • David Ball, senior greenkeeper, Thetford Golf Club
  • Adam Barton, greenkeeper, Conwy Golf Club
  • Andy Bate, greenkeeper, Hesketh Golf Club
  • Jamie Blake, head greenkeeper, Broadway Golf Club
  • Paul Boozer, head greenkeeper, Sheerness Golf Club
  • Tom Bromfield, first assistant, Trentham Golf Club
  • Daniel Bungay, greenkeeper, Hockley Golf Club
  • David Collins, head greenkeeper, Lickey Hills Golf Club
  • Aaron Cross, assistant greenkeeper, Thorndon Park Golf Club
  • William Curran, deputy course manager, Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
  • Marcus Davies, assistant greenkeeper, Wentworth Club
  • David Duke MG, superintendent, Golf & Country Club Seddiner See
  • Daniel Evans, head greenkeeper, Maesdu Llandudno Golf Club
  • Tom Evans, course manager, Wexham Park Golf Centre
  • Paul Fowkes, deputy head greenkeeper, Scraptoft Golf Club
  • Paul Gater, first assistant, Caldy Golf Club
  • Richard Goddard, deputy course manager, Ashridge Golf Club
  • Lee Greveson, course manager, The Manor Golf Club
  • Craig Hempseed, estate manager, Mortonhall Golf Club
  • Rob Jones, deputy course manager, Enville Golf Club
  • Richard Keith, assistant greenkeeper, Ferndown Golf Club
  • David Leach, first assistant, Ruddington Grange Golf Club
  • Sam Ludlow, assistant greenkeeper, Luffenham Heath Golf Club
  • Adam Lund, head greenkeeper, Dinsdale Golf Club
  • Benn McLeod, first assistant greenkeeper, Musselburgh Golf Club
  • Scott McTaggart, course manager, Sandyhills Golf Club
  • Jake Messenger, assistant groundsman, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
  • Ashley Millar, deputy head greenkeeper, Churston Golf Club
  • Danny Millar, deputy head greenkeeper, Rudding Park Golf Club
  • Darren Miller, first assistant, Farnham Golf Club
  • Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
  • Ryan Oliver, assistant greenkeeper, Hornsea Golf Club
  • Peter Pattenden, greenkeeper, Carden Park Golf Club
  • Steven Penman, deputy head greenkeeper, Thornton Golf Club
  • Scott Rigby, head greenkeeper, Gathurst Golf Club
  • Luke Sheldon, head greenkeeper, Beau Desert Golf Club
  • Curtis Small, greenkeeper, Stover Golf Club
  • James Stratford, greenkeeper, Broome Manor Golf Club
  • Craig Surgeon, head greenkeeper, Kirkcaldy Golf Club
  • Mark Tyson, deputy course manager, Oakmere Golf Club
  • Ken Ward, head greenkeeper, Harrogate Golf Club
  • Sam Wilkinson, deputy course manager, Ponteland Golf Club
  • Ryan Williams, first assistant, Caldy Golf Club
  • Lewis Whatsley-Parsons, greenkeeper, Queenwood

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.

New addition to the GroundsFest team

in , /by

New addition to the GroundsFest team: GroundsFest has welcomed the experienced Millie Genner to the team.

Millie has been working as a sales manager in the landscaping and horticulture sectors for over five years. She will be working alongside Jessica McCabe on The Landscaping Zone – an entire hall within GroundsFest dedicated to those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector.

New addition to the GroundsFest team

New addition to the GroundsFest team

Millie’s appointment signals the huge support the event has received to date and accommodates the strong demand for exhibitor space. Over 75% of the floorplan has already been accounted for, and potential exhibitors continue to register their interest due to the exciting event concept and the cost-effective stand prices.

Millie, who is also a social media influencer and enjoys travelling, said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the event come together. It’s so exciting to be working on something new with an amazing team of such talented people.

“One of the main reasons for wanting to work on GroundsFest is because I believe that the industry is ready for an event of this kind – it is long overdue in fact. The feedback so far has been incredible and thousands of landscaping and groundscare professionals will be in attendance. GroundsFest is the future and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest is set to spotlight the latest landscaping technologies, solutions, and innovations, and will be a must-attend feature for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facility managers and many more.

Millie can be contacted on 07746667128 or millie.genner@groundsfest.com

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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.

STIGA brings Artificial Intelligence to gardens

in , /by

STIGA brings Artificial Intelligence to gardens: March 1st 2023 will see the dawn of a new innovative mowing age with STIGA’s new autonomous robotic lawn mowers.  At the heart of these machines are the ease of use, benefits both to lawns and nature, and the energy efficiency of the design.

The three fully autonomous, CABLE FREE, robot mowers, the first to bring predictive AGS technology to the garden, are:

  • A 1500
  • A 3000
  • A 500
STIGA brings Artificial Intelligence to gardens

STIGA brings Artificial Intelligence to gardens

AGS RTK GPS using cloud based 4G signals

The patented STIGA Active Guidance System (AGS) enhances the GPS RTK signal reliability by using 4G to transmit the vital course correction data. This means the link between robot and base remains reliable, no matter what obstacles or distance lies between the base and robot. The system learns satellite blind spots throughout the garden at various times of the day, ensuring that the robot has an unbroken link to the infrastructure that allows it to navigate with the high accuracy required.

No-Cable

With no need to lay cable in your lawn, you can simply use the App to drive the robot mower around the perimeter of your lawn and any obstacles within it. You do it once and it remembers every detail. Because it is virtual, it is hassle free to adjust if the layout of the garden should change should you add a pond, bush, or garden furniture.

Caring for the lawn

By using accurate navigation, the robot can cover the lawn significantly more efficiently. This means less cutting time when compared to a random navigation robot. Less cutting time allows the plant time to heal between cutting schedules. This way the grass stays healthier.

The carbon steel pivoting razor blades are strong and flexible, making them safer and more resistant to impact and results in them staying sharper, for longer. Spinning at 2850rpm they will perform a neat cut without tearing the grass. The height of cut can be adjusted between 20 and 65mm and can be controlled remotely via the smart phone app, STIGA.GO. This means you have complete control of your robot, even when away from home.

Caring for nature

By designing high efficiency robots that are able to manage cutting session during daylight hours, STIGA have ensured that nocturnal animals such as hedgehogs can safely occupy the garden overnight.

Energy efficiency

At the heart of every STIGA robot mower is an ePower battery built on premium lithium-ion batteries, which contain chemistry optimised for reliability and durability.  The new STIGA robots optimises the battery usage as they work within organised cutting patterns ensuring that there is no chance of over mowing. But don’t worry, there is also the option to programme the mower to create straight line patterns so you can still enjoy quintessential British stripes if you wish!

They cut the lawn in two mowing cycles – these are performed consequently. It will re-start any cutting cycle from where it stopped on the previous cycle and can be programmed to work in multiple mowing zones, always returning to the charging station by the fastest route.

The new STIGA autonomous range of robot mowers starts at £3086 including installation and will be available for purchase online and in selected retail locations on the 1st of March 2023

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.

Topsoil industry to lose passionate educator

in , /by

Topsoil industry to lose passionate educator: The UK’s topsoil industry is to lose to retirement someone who has spent the past 26 years raising the quality bar for manufactured topsoils and leading the industry in educating and informing customers across the construction, landscaping, and amenity markets.

Andy Spetch is retiring at the end of April after a career with British Sugar spanning 36 years. He joined as an agricultural trainee in 1987 and worked as an agronomist for the company in the UK and Poland before starting up British Sugar’s TOPSOIL division in 1997.

Topsoil industry to lose passionate educator

Topsoil industry to lose passionate educator

Recognising that the rich arable soil brought into British Sugar’s UK factories on the sugar beet was a valuable resource, and in line with the company’s vision to make its operations environmentally and commercially sustainable, Andy set about designing quality topsoil products. Working closely with soil scientist Tim O’Hare, with whom he has continued to work to develop products and stringent testing and analysis protocols, Andy developed a range of products for the construction, landscaping, and sports amenity markets.

Key to TOPSOIL’s success has been Andy’s determination to provide customers with continual independent detailed product analysis, case studies and testimonials, and reports on scientific trials carried out on TOPSOIL products by respected organisations such as the Sports Turf Research Institute and Cranfield University. He has always believed passionately in informing and educating customers about soils and soil products so that they have the information they need to make informed choices. All data, analysis, trial reports, and case studies remain freely available for download from the company’s website.

Andy’s all-encompassing role at TOPSOIL is being re-structured in advance of his departure. Senior TOPSOIL Manager Natalie Gudgin, who joined British Sugar in 2009 and who has worked closely with Andy in managing the TOPSOIL sales team, will take on the strategic sales role. Overall responsibility for production, testing and analysis will rest with the topsoil production managers, and British Sugar’s marketing department will take on direct responsibility for promoting TOPSOIL and its products to its key markets.

“I would like to thank our customers for their support over the years; I know Natalie and the TOPSOIL team will continue to give them excellent service and advice going forwards. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the trade associations we have worked with from day one. In particular, BALI and the late John O’Conner of John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance who was such a tremendous help to me personally as I found my way around the landscape industry back in the late 1990’s, and Geoff Webb and Jason Booth of the GMA who have been a great support throughout TOPSOIL’s development and growth.”

Commenting on his future plans, Andy said:

“My time with British Sugar, and particularly heading up TOPSOIL, has been incredibly rewarding. Together with the great team at TOPSOIL, I hope I’ve managed to make a positive contribution to the use and acceptance of quality manufactured topsoils, which must be the future if we are to protect the earth’s soils.

“In retirement I’m looking forward to continuing as a volunteer pitch advisor for the RFU and to doing more bicycle touring. In July this year we will be riding from home to Switzerland, following the Rhine for over 700 miles. I want to use this ride to raise funds for research into Motor Neurone Disease to show my support for Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, Ed Slater and others suffering with this awful and currently incurable disease.”

You can sponsor Andy at JustGiving by clicking here or visiting www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-spetch-1673869582965

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.

Play is on the way to GroundsFest

in , /by

Play is on the way to GroundsFest: GroundsFest is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Association of Play Industries (API), with the first event being held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September 2023.

The Association of Play Industries (API) is the lead trade association for the UK play sector. Its member companies are the UK’s leading providers of outdoor playground equipment; indoor play equipment and safety surfacing for schools, local authorities, parish councils, leisure attractions, holiday parks, housing developments, hospitality venues and commercial enterprises.

Play is on the way to GroundsFest

Play is on the way to GroundsFest

The API will have a dedicated stand at GroundsFest to promote membership services and many of its members will be exhibiting. GroundsFest’s free educational seminar programme will also feature API-badged sessions.

As a result, GroundsFest will offer a one-stop shop for those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep and replacement of play equipment and safer surfaces.

API Chair Mark Hardy, said: “We are looking forward to seeing how this new event will promote the play industry and in particular, provide an opportunity for API members to showcase their offerings.

“All API members abide by a strict professional Code of Conduct and are committed to value-for-money and long-term service and support. This exhibition will enable members to exhibit their products and demonstrate the high-quality, innovative and fun ranges so typical of our members.

“GroundsFest has the potential to widen the buying audience for our members and to introduce visitors to the many benefits of choosing an API member for their play project.”

Commenting on the partnership, GroundsFest’s Sales Director Charles Neale, said: “We are very excited and enthusiastic about the partnership between GroundsFest and the API. The play industry will form an integral part of the GroundsFest event profile in September 2023 and will give the play industry an ideal platform to promote its services and products to a highly relevant national audience of buyers and specifiers.

“GroundsFest really is uniting every corner of the groundscare industry,” continued Charles. “The GroundsFest team is working hard on all aspects of the industry – from turfcare to commercial vehicles – by providing added impetus and innovation as we go forward.”

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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.