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John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

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John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event: John Deere will run a free online Military Hiring Programme event on Wednesday 3 December to help service leavers understand how their skills transfer into careers working with advanced agricultural and turf machinery.

The virtual session will give attendees a clear view of the roles available across the UK and Ireland dealer network, the training pathway, and the support on offer to those leaving the forces.

John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

It follows strong interest in John Deere’s resettlement pathway – launched in the UK in 2023 – which continues to bring ex-military talent into its dealership teams.

Allan Cochran, Training Centre Manager at John Deere, will outline how the programme works and what candidates can expect once they start their transition into civilian employment.

“We know the skills, discipline and problem-solving experience found in the armed forces match perfectly with our technician and support roles,” said Allan. “This is a chance to hear directly from our team and speak with people who have already made the move. Service leavers bring huge value to our dealers and we will continue to invest in pathways that help them succeed.”

Former Royal Navy engineer Graham Walker will share his journey. His 24 years in service were mostly spent aboard nuclear submarines. Graham then used his background, technical versatility, and leadership experience to move into a senior role at John Deere dealer Smallridge Bros.

On board the submarine, with no access to spare parts, Graham and his team often had to manufacture components from raw materials to keep critical systems running. He became skilled in hydraulics, gas and atmosphere management, propulsion, and nuclear engineering — all under pressure and in confined conditions.

Since following the Military Hiring Programme pathway, Graham has now taken the role of Service Manager at Smallridge’s Callington depot in Cornwall.

“Attending an event like this is online introduction to the programme is thoroughly worthwhile,” said Graham. “You understand the scale of the opportunity and hear first-hand from people who have already made the move. The support is there from day one and the programme helps you map out your next steps.”

The online event will also feature Chris Giles from Tallis Amos Group’s Leominster depot, who previously served in the forces and has since built a successful career in the dealership network.

James Evans, Division Customer Support Manager for John Deere, will explain how the business supports ex-forces staff as they move into the workshop and wider dealership environment.

Earlier this year, John Deere was named in the 50 Great British Employers of Veterans 2025 list, and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Military Hiring Programme connects service leavers with a dedicated mentor, provides free training and supports the transition into full-time roles with John Deere dealers.

The online event starts at 7pm on 3 December. Registration is open now at https://JDMHP.eventbrite.co.uk.

Those unable to attend will have the chance to watch a recording afterwards, and can apply to the Military Hiring Programme at any time by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

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Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground

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Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground: Rare exhibits and landmark anniversaries will take centre stage at this weekend’s Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show. 

Event organisers the Newark & Notts Agricultural Society (NNAS) is calling on enthusiasts and families to book their last-minute tickets ahead of what promises to be one of the standout heritage events of the year.

Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground

Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground

Over 1,000 pieces of machinery are being shown by enthusiasts to a crowd exceeding 10,000 people.

Alongside the diverse array of tractors, commercial vehicles, and stationary engines will be a whole host of trade stands and food stalls.

Vehicles, implements, and parts will be sold off as part of Saturday’s auction, and a Sunday Sortout will give owners the opportunity to buy and sell parts which are too good to scrap.

Remembrance Day will also be marked with a traditional service on Sunday morning.

A show full of celebrations

This year’s show is packed with milestone celebrations, from Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary to 80 years of the Fordson Major E27N and the Field Marshall Series One.

It’s also 60 years of Cummins engines and six decades since the first imports of Zetor equipment into the UK.

The show will reflect on one of the most defining moments in tractor industry history: the 40th anniversary of Case’s takeover of International Harvester.

Philip Ponton, who worked for International Harvester at the time and later continued his career with Case IH, says the significance of the change cannot be overstated.

“The main feeling at the time of the takeover was shock. It was a buyout with worldwide consequences,” he said. “Our immediate thoughts were about what was going to happen to the Doncaster factory where the International Harvesters were made. It was eventually divested as part of the takeover to Landini, which went on to produce McCormick tractors there.”

He expects many former IH and Case staff and supporters to gather at Newark. “There are lots of people involved in the Case IH Club who will be coming down to Newark this weekend and I expect there will be some good stories about the history of the company. There will be no shortage of machines for people to see on the stand too.”

Eye-catching commercial vehicles on show will include a rare Ford D Series Chinese Six, marking 60 years since its launch.

Believed to be the only original surviving example of its type in the UK, the 1980 twin-steer lorry belongs to Hertfordshire enthusiast Brian Gardner.

Originally used by Tetley Brewery in Hull, the lorry had passed through several owners and was in poor condition when Brian acquired it in 2017. Rather than settle for patch repairs, he and his family stripped it down to the chassis and rebuilt it piece by piece.

“It had been partly done, but I wanted a full restoration,” says Brian. “I stripped it right back to the chassis, rebuilt the engine, replaced the body, brakes and tyres, and fitted a new cab that I sourced from Dorset. My boys, my wife and my father-in-law all helped. It’s really been a family restoration.”

The result is a striking and authentic survivor that will appear on the Fordson Club stand and is expected to be one of the talking points of the weekend.

The NNAS says the show’s appeal lies not only in the machines but in the community and stories behind them.

CEO Simon Eccleston said: “If you want to experience mechanical history up close and hear first-hand stories from those who lived it, Newark is the place to be this weekend.”

Gates open both days at Newark Showground. Children aged 16 and under enter free. Tickets sales are online at www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com

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SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

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SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry: SALTEX 2025, Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management exhibition, returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 12-13 November with a fresh programme of features designed to provide resources and networking opportunities for grounds professionals and community clubs. 

The Community Sports Zone remains the go-to destination for clubs and volunteers seeking to engage with suppliers and manufacturers. Exhibitors including Campey Turf Care Systems, Dennis, SISIS, ISEKI and GreenTek will be on hand to showcase their latest products and services tailored to grassroots sports. Located next to the GMA Hub, the Zone also provides access to national governing bodies including the Football Foundation, England and Wales Cricket Board, Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League who will be offering guidance and advice on sport-specific development.

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

A new major addition for 2025 is the Football Foundation Grant Funding Desk – a one-stop service for clubs seeking advice on how to secure vital support for grassroots pitches and facilities through grants and funding opportunities. The desk equips volunteers and clubs with the practical tools and guidance they need to grow and maintain their facilities – all within the professional context of SALTEX.

Visitors can access information on:

  • Up to £100,000 in grants for pitch maintenance machinery
  • The Huddle – funding support for catering units at clubs
  • Groundskeepers Corner – join a thriving online community of peers
  • Step-by-step guidance on grant eligibility and application processes
  • Home Advantage Programme – up to £250,000 to help clubs take on grass pitch sites

Community clubs and volunteers will also be able to benefit from a series of sport-specific meet-ups and guided tours for football, rugby (Union and League) and cricket, designed to help visitors network with fellow clubs, the GMA’s Pitch Advisory Service team and key National Governing Bodies.

Tours will start in the SALTEX Clubhouse before taking visitors around the exhibition floor, highlighting the most relevant exhibitors as well as key show features including the Community Sport Zone, The Workshop and the GMA Hub.

Each session offers practical guidance and the opportunity to explore support tailored to community clubs.

“We understand how vital grassroots sport is to the wider sporting ecosystem in the UK, and it’s important that SALTEX provides a platform to support clubs and volunteers alike,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “This year, with the introduction of the Funding Desk alongside our ever-popular Community Sports Zone and Clubhouse sessions, we are giving visitors even more opportunities to access guidance and gain the tools and connections they need to thrive.” 

Join us at SALTEX and level up your experience. Register for FREE and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery worth £2,240!

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BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

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BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards: BGL (Burhill Group Limited), one of the UK’s largest multi-club operating groups, has announced a new partnership with Carr Golf, a leading golf service provider, to deliver agronomic consultancy and greenkeeping support across its golf venues in England.

The collaboration brings together two family-owned businesses with deep roots in golf, combining BGL’s long-standing commitment to exceptional customer experiences with Carr Golf’s proven expertise in course maintenance, technical support, and data-driven agronomy.

BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

“Partnering with Carr Golf represents a major step forward for BGL as we continue to raise the standard of our golf courses and invest in our people,” said Guy Riggott, Chief Operating Officer of BGL’s Golf Division. “As environmental, technological, and financial pressures grow, we believe that working collaboratively with experts who share our values will help us meet these challenges head on and deliver an even better experience for our growing number of members and guests.”

Carr Golf will work closely with BGL’s course managers and greenkeeping teams to provide technical guidance, mechanical support, and detailed agronomic planning. The consultancy will also help BGL enhance sustainability reporting, leveraging data to track resource efficiency, support GEO recertifications, and inform long-term investment decisions.

“This partnership is not about wholesale change,” added Riggott. “It’s about applying best practice, mentoring and developing our talented teams, and embracing new ways of working that will ensure our venues continue to lead in course presentation and conditioning.”

Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf’s Maintenance Division, said: “We’re delighted to partner with BGL and bring our agronomic expertise, technical support, and data-driven approach to their outstanding portfolio of venues. Our focus is on working hand-in-hand with course managers and greenkeeping teams. Supporting them with the tools, insight, and training they need to help raise standards, improve sustainability, and deliver an even better experience for golfers. This collaboration is built on shared values and a passion for continuous improvement, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Carr Golf has already begun integrating with clubs across the BGL portfolio, working closely with maintenance teams to implement best practices and develop new agronomic programmes. This process will continue throughout the remainder of the year and beyond, ensuring every venue is equipped to meet future challenges while consistently progressing in course quality and playing conditions.

To find out more about BGL Golf and all 10 venues located around the UK, visit: https://bglcompany.co.uk/golf/

To find out more about Carr Golf, visit: www.carrgolfmaintenance.com 

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113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

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113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show: The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show returns next month with one of its most ambitious programmes yet. 

In an incredible show of dedication to Caterpillar, more than 110 individual machines will be brought to Newark Showground to mark a century of the iconic yellow brand, alongside a host of other major engineering milestones.

113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

Enthusiasts from across the UK are set to gather on 8 and 9 November, where a weekend crowd of over 10,000 people will witness exhibits which have been brought from all over the country by enthusiasts.

With a vast array of diverse machinery being celebrated in 2025, visitors are being encouraged to purchase discounted tickets before the special offer expires at the end of October.

Adult tickets just £16 until the end of the month, and the event promises to be one of the best displays of vintage tractors, stationary engines, commercial vehicles and trade stands found in the UK.

Caterpillars old and new to catch the eye 

The show will host the largest-ever gathering of Caterpillar machines seen in the UK, with 113 exhibits spanning a century of tracklayer development, from early Holt crawlers of the 1910s to modern-day giants.

Among the headline attractions will be the Caterpillar D10, brought by Ash Croft on behalf of Cat Plant. At up to 77 tonnes, the D10 is one of the largest dozers in the company’s range, designed for quarrying and coal mining and sure to be a showground showstopper.

While the D10 commands attention, many enthusiasts will be drawn to the historic machines that tell Caterpillar’s story. Highlights include the Holt 75, built in the 1910s and described as the oldest surviving example in the UK – the Caterpillar 60 – first introduced in 1925, with a fully restored 1929 example owned by Tom Balls. Caterpillar’s RD8, a diesel-powered crawler from the 1930s used on major construction projects and in military service during the Second World War, will also be on show.

Tom, whose family business J C Balls & Sons is sponsoring the Caterpillar class, said: “We’ve got collectors coming from all over. To have more than a hundred Caterpillars in one place is something that’s never been done before in this country. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime sight.”

Simon Eccleston, CEO of the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS), which organises the show, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to mark the centenary of Caterpillar at our show. These machines are symbols of innovation, persistence, engineering and community, and it’s a privilege to bring together owners, restorers and admirers under one roof.”

Alongside the Caterpillar celebration, the 2025 show will spotlight several other landmark anniversaries including 80 years of the Fordson Major E27N and Field Marshall Series One, 60 years of Zetor imports into England sponsored by Chantry Agricultural Engineers, 60 years of Cummins engines, and a major tribute to Gardner Engines sponsored by Stamford Shepherd Huts.

There will also be celebrations for the Ford D Series lorry, launched 60 years ago, and for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies. Heritage potato implements, handling equipment and a wide range of club displays will add further depth to the show.

Among the personal stories on display is one particularly touching restoration. “Old Sodbuster”, a 1948 Fordson Major E27N owned by Kate Hodgson from North Yorkshire, was the first tractor restored by her grandfather Ray Worley nearly 40 years ago.

Decades after he sold it, Kate rediscovered the same machine for sale, still bearing his hand-painted nickname. “It felt spooky but also meant to be,” she said. “Restoring it with my partner Joshua has been a real labour of love, and showing it at Newark during the Fordson’s 80th anniversary feels like the perfect tribute.”

Another standout is Nottinghamshire’s Paul Hird with his Series One Field Marshall – one of the earliest survivors of its kind. Bought on a whim at auction, Paul later discovered its history through another enthusiast at Newark. “I like originality,” he said. “Something that’s lived a life and carries its modifications tells a story – that’s what I look for when I’m judging other exhibitors’ machines too.”

The stationary engine section will once again offer a working display of the power sources that once drove rural life, with many engines in full running condition throughout the weekend.

Beyond the exhibits, the showground becomes a marketplace for collectors and restorers, with hundreds of traders offering parts, tools, books and memorabilia, as well as expert advice for ongoing projects.

The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show runs Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2025 at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire.

Discounted advance tickets and camping passes are available until 31 October, and children aged 16 and under can enter for free. All tickets can be booked at www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com.

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