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Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

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Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers: A newly installed Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK, is part of a long-term plan to help futureproof Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, according to Head Groundsman Ed Mowe.

With a CV boasting positions at Leicester City Football Club, England FA’s St George’s Park and now Leicester City Tigers, it is safe to say that Ed knows how to produce a high-quality sports pitch. He has been with the Tigers for six years and he now believes that the time has come to look to the future.

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

“The old surface was coming towards the end of its life span, and we are going to be hosting more games soon because we’ve got a Leicester Tigers Women’s team, who will be playing their home games here. So, this year, we had a new pitch constructed and we also saw an opportunity to replace all our irrigation sprinkler heads. The previous heads were old, and we were trying to replace them as they were breaking, so it just made sense to start fresh.

“Ultimately, we want to futureproof the stadium and the pitch, so it can be in the best possible shape moving forwards.”

The pitch construction was carried out by Premier Turf who worked with Prime Irrigation. It was decided that the pitch would benefit from a mixture of Hunter TTS-885 and I-80 rotors, which were supplied by KAR UK – the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK.

The 885 rotor belongs to the Hunter TTS-800 portfolio and provides maximum uniformity and longevity. The high-torque gear drives are the strongest in the industry, so the challenges of reclaimed water use, or poor water quality are mitigated.

The TTS-885 also benefits from Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top.

Mechanical and electrical, big and small, you can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface. That means there’s no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and more importantly, one less item on a busy turf manager’s schedule. Other notable features of the TTS-885 include true full-circle and adjustable part-circle (60° to 360°), exclusive PressurePort™ nozzle technology, and a radius of 11.3 to 28.7 m.

Meanwhile the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 m. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides TTS via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring.

To accompany the rotors Ed opted for the mobile-friendly Centralus irrigation management platform and the Roam remote – which eliminates the need to go back and forth to the sprinkler controller. This connectivity allows you to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notifications of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

“This year really has proved just how important a good irrigation system is,” said Ed. “The rotors provide us with excellent coverage, and they are not as prone to drift. Previously we were getting a lot of drift off the old heads. They are incredibly easy to use and maintain – you can simply pull them out and there is no digging involved. You don’t have to take them apart to alter the arcs. I’ve not had any issues with them at all and they perform excellently.

“The Centralus and the Roam remote have also been of huge benefit,” continued Ed. “It is all connected to the internet so I can easily sort out the various irrigation programmes. Having this flexibility has saved us thousands of pounds too because, if for example, I have set a programme and we get a big downpour of rain then I can simply switch it off. Also, in this respect we can target specific areas on the pitch. We just keep the remote in our pockets and if we see a dry patch or the manager wants a certain area watered, we can switch it on with the press of a button.

“Overall, I’m really impressed – and the irrigation system is absolutely helping to futureproof the pitch. It has helped to keep the moisture levels up for the grass to grow and the whole package just works for us.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Lantra set to attend SALTEX

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Lantra set to attend SALTEX: Lantra, one of the leading awarding organisation’s for the land-based sector and a one-stop shop for nationally recognised industry training and qualification in the UK, is to attend Europe’s largest turf management show which is set to hit the Birmingham NEC in November.

Representatives from Lantra will be descending on the Saltex exhibition to meet grounds’ care volunteers, professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers and to provide information and advice on training courses, qualifications and opportunities that could lead to becoming a Lantra Instructor or Assessor.

Lantra set to attend SALTEX

Lantra set to attend SALTEX

Saltex, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC from November 2 to 3, is now in its 76th year and this year, 400 brands are expected to showcase their products and services across three halls at the venue.

The Lantra team will be using the event to reinforce how training can help address the skills gap in the landscape sector.

They’ll provide information on their work, and demonstrate how, through training initiatives, courses and qualifications, this major industry issue can be tackled.

David Fisher, Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships, said he is very much looking forward to attending the event and fly the flag for training, lifelong learning, and the need to address the skills shortage issue in the land-based sector as a whole.

He said: “Saltex provides us with another excellent platform to showcase our quality training courses and nationally recognised qualifications that are delivered through a national network of training Provider Partners.

“During this major event we look forward to meeting all those involved, or who have an interest, in grounds’ care and turf management.

“We want, to look at the challenges faced by the sector and demonstrate how we are here to help, listen and provide people with the tools and training they need to hone their skills and development.

“Saltex will provide us with a great opportunity to meet up with industry contacts and get to hear first-hand about the latest developments and requirements in the industry.

“We always gain useful intel on what knowledge and skills operators are prioritising to inform our training and qualifications. Lantra will be exhibiting at Stand K124 so please come along and see us.

“Who knows it may result in becoming a Lantra Instructor or Assessor of the future,” David added.

To register to attend the free event please visit https://eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=SALB2Visitor&TrackingCode=SALTEXWEB

For further information about Lantra please log on to https://www.lantra.co.uk/

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Continue to Learn Scholarship participants

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Continue to Learn Scholarship participants: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner ICL have revealed the five participants of the seventh ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship. 

The five BIGGA members, drawn from golf clubs across the United Kingdom, have been invited to attend the Continue to Learn education programme, considered the largest learning experience for those in sports turf management outside the United States. Continue to Learn is held each January and coincides with the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), hosted by BIGGA at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire.

Continue to Learn Scholarship participants

Continue to Learn Scholarship participants

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2023 are:

  • Patrick Brown, assistant greenkeeper, Wentworth Club
  • Jarno Ruscoe, greenkeeper, Ingestre Park Golf Club
  • Allan Spalding, assistant greenkeeper, Lundin Golf Club
  • Michael Sparke, deputy course manager, Kings Hill Golf Club
  • Nicholas Thorley, deputy head greenkeeper, Saunton Golf Club

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme. Whether through in-person learning, reading the association’s magazine, Greenkeeper International, or by accessing resources on the association’s website, BIGGA members have access to thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at helping improve their professional abilities.

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars will receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and a comprehensive education package offering an array of personal development opportunities.

BIGGA Chief Operating Officer Sami Strutt said: “BIGGA appreciates that budgets are tight at the moment and that’s why we are providing more opportunities than ever before to access the learning we provide for our members in new and more cost-effective ways. That includes the latest Continue to Learn timetable, to be published early in October and featuring more free education opportunities than ever before.

“Thanks to ICL, five BIGGA members will also enjoy the countless hours of personal and professional development that come with attending BTME and Continue to Learn. Our sincere thanks are extended to ICL for their continued support of BIGGA and its members, particularly through the tough economic climate we are all currently navigating.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2023 will take place in various venues including the Harrogate Convention Centre from 22 to 25 January 2023. For further information about BTME and Continue to Learn, visit www.btme.org.uk

Through the Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members are able to claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com

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Learn how to create perfect surfaces

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Learn how to create perfect surfaces: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has revealed a spectacular seminar lineup as part of the SALTEX 2022 Learning LIVE Programme designed to help grounds people to create the best playing surfaces across a range of sports and settings.

Following on from the Lionness’ success in the Euros, and with the Rugby League World Cup and the first ever winter Football World Cup coming up, what better time to find out how the surfaces that make such events possible are created.

Learn how to create perfect surfaces

Learn how to create perfect surfaces

There’s something for most sports surfaces from some of the best in the business. For rugby, Catherine Hall (Premiership Rugby), Dr David James (Labosport) and Dan Prest (GMA) talk about raising Premiership Rugby pitch standards. For cricket, Gary Barwell (Edgbaston Stadium), Karl McDermott (Lord’s) and Steve Birks (Nottinghamshire CCC) discuss how new cricket formats impact on the modern-day grounds manager. Tennis is covered off by Neil Stubley (Wimbledon) who presents the All England Tennis and Croquet Club’s court expansion project.

But all top level surfaces start somewhere – at grassroots level – and Rob Sullivan presents the Football Foundation’s strategic ambitions to improve grass pitch quality and Chris Smith tackles the funding process to improve pitches. Perhaps there’s a role for hybrid pitches in the community – Dr Richard Earl (TGMS) reveals data findings from the Sport England hybrid pitch pilot for community use in London’s Regents Park.

Those in the education sector will no doubt be interested to hear how Whitgift School’s recent hybrid pitch installation was the first in the independent school sector and panelists Daniel Ratling (Whitgift School), Dr Richard Earl (TGMS) and D James Welsh (Whitehorse Contractors) session look at the rationale, the design/planning process, the construction, the project outcomes and the ongoing maintenance and renovation of the project.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says: “So many visitors to SALTEX work in grounds maintenance and this series of seminars provides relevant, invaluable information whatever the playing surface they work on from speakers and panelists with a wealth of experience and solutions to real-time projects. Anybody wanting to stay ahead of the game in the grounds care industry will benefit from the learning and connections they can make whilst at SALTEX. We are grateful to all those industry experts and leaders that are taking time out to speak at Learning LIVE and support those working hard across the industry to make sport possible across the UK.”

The SALTEX 2022 Learning LIVE schedule this year has been extended to over 30 sessions, they are free to attend across the two days of the show on 2-3 November and contribute to CPD-accreditation. More information can be found on the event’s website at www.saltex.org.uk/learning-live. Free visitor registration is now open at saltex.org.uk / register here.

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MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX

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MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX: An impressive range of MM grass seed mixtures will be showcased at SALTEX 2022, and visitors will get the chance to find out how the innovative seed technology could vastly benefit their sports pitches.

MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK sportsturf and amenity industries and is relied upon at top sports grounds throughout the UK and beyond. With a proven track record of producing the best possible swards, the MM range of grass seed offers an unrivalled performance and appearance.

MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX

MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX

Here’s a snapshot of just some of the mixtures on display at SALTEX.

MM60

MM60 is a 100% Ryegrass formula and the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture. It is well-known for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance plus excellent disease resistance.

MM50

MM50 is perfect for cricket squares, tennis courts and also golf tees and fairways. This hard-wearing mix has rapid germination, extremely fine leaved appearance, high shoot density and is tolerant to very close mowing, as low as 5mm, along with high disease resistance. All these attributes together produce a fantastic sward.

MM Tetrasport

A traditional repair mixture, especially useful for overseeding of high quality sportsfields to improve sward composition and aid recovery from disease scarring, Tetra Sport consists of Tetraploid Ryegrasses and is ideal for when the cooler weather arrives.

All mixtures in the MM range, are treated with HEADSTART® GOLD – a revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid, even germination.

Research and development play a key factor in MM’s success and the extremely high standards are achieved through rigorous testing procedures in a licensed seed testing facility. In addition, all varieties used in the MM range have been thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), so you can be sure they will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.

If you are seeking advice for your natural turf projects – no matter how big or small, then pay a visit to the MM stand (stand J052) and speak to one of the company’s specialists.

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed.

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