Tag Archive for: Town

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

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ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination: For over 20 years, Ipswich Town Football Club has trusted Iseki to help maintain pristine playing surfaces, ensuring every team at the club trains and plays on world class pitches.

This long-standing relationship has been built on quality, customer service, and a collaborative approach to finding the best solutions to evolving ground care demands. As Grounds Manager Ben Connell explains, Iseki’s proximity to the club has strengthened the bond, but the machines’ performance and reliability keep Ipswich Town coming back.

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

“The relationship with Iseki began before my time here, but it’s a strong working relationship that’s been going on for over 20 years,” Ben explains. “We’re not just using Iseki because they’re local, but because we’re very happy with all of the machinery and the versatility and quality it provides.”

From routine pitch maintenance to major renovations, ISEKI’s versatile range of tractors and mowers ensures Ipswich Town can maintain the highest standards across Playford Road training ground and at Portman Road.

SXG327: Elevating Presentation and Efficiency

One of the latest additions to Ipswich Town’s fleet is the Iseki SXG327, chosen specifically to enhance the presentation of areas surrounding the pitches at the training ground.

Ben explains: “We wanted a slightly different approach to tidying up the off-pitch areas. We’ve been using the TXG for many years with the under-slung mower, which doesn’t collect, and we really wanted to improve the presentation.

“So, we’ve gone for the SXG327 with the collector on the back, and the suction is fantastic. It keeps everything very tidy when we’re cutting, and it can get into every area we need it to. The team was thrilled when we got one, and they were all really happy to work with it.”

Beyond aesthetics, the SXG delivers significant time savings, especially during peak growth seasons.

“It’s not just about presentation; it’s also about efficiency,” Ben continues. “Instead of raking up excess grass, the SXG collects as it cuts. It’s a game-changer, particularly in the spring when the growth really takes off, and you’re cutting the off-pitch areas for the first time.”

TG Series: The Workhorse of the Grounds Team

While the SXG keeps off-pitch areas immaculate, the TG series takes care of the heavier lifting across all Ipswich Town’s grounds. They offer the versatility needed for a wide range of tasks, and the ability to quickly switch implements is an indispensable asset.

“The TGs are the workhorses of the grounds team,” Ben begins. “They’re incredibly versatile. We don’t need a specialist tractor for every job because we can just switch the implement and keep going.

“We use them for aeration, pitch maintenance, renovations, and seeding. Whether we’re stripping pitches with a Koro, sand spreading, or seeding, the TG handles it all. The tractor has good space, and the team really appreciates the air conditioning in the summer.”

TH Series: Power and Precision for Heavy Lifting

The TH series brings essential lifting and loading capabilities to the Ipswich Town grounds team. Designed for versatility and efficiency, this tractor plays a vital role in handling bulk materials, moving essential equipment, and assisting with pitch renovations. Its powerful front loader allows grounds staff to quickly and efficiently scoop and transport grass, sand, and other materials.

Durability is crucial for Ben and his team, and the TH series is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in a demanding environment. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating the club’s grounds without causing unnecessary damage to the pitches. Whether preparing the stadium surface or maintaining the training ground, the TH’s reliable performance ensures the team can focus on delivering top-tier playing conditions for the players.

Stadium Tractors: A Tailored Approach

With Premier League football at Portman Road in the 2024/25 season, every match is watched by millions, making pitch perfection a top priority. Working with local Iseki dealer Ernest Doe, Ben wanted to address the weight of the machines and decided to use a cabless tractor on the stadium pitch with galaxy flotation turf tyres to eliminate any wheel marks.

“We’ve got two Isekis at the stadium—a TXG for smaller jobs like pulling trailers and a slightly larger 35-horsepower TH for more demanding tasks,” Ben explains. “The TH is fitted with galaxy turf tyres to minimise the impact on the pitch because we sometimes put a small seeder on the back of it. So, having those tyres allows us to maintain the playing surface with confidence that we won’t cause any damage.”

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Category expansions across Town & Country and Wilkinson Sword

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Category expansions across Town & Country and Wilkinson Sword: Barrus is excited to announce the launch of its new product lineup for the 2024/25 season, featuring a wide array of new items and significant category expansions under its renowned Town & Country and Wilkinson Sword brands.

Town & Country: Expanding further into lifestyle sector

Continuing its extension into the lifestyle sector, Town & Country proudly presents the new Dragonfly range. This collection includes the popular Cloggies®, Gauntlet and Lux-Fit Gloves, Memory Foam Kneelers, two stylish umbrellas, a practical journal and more. Each product in the Dragonfly range combines functionality with fashionable design, making gardening and outdoor activities more enjoyable.

In addition to the Dragonfly range, Town & Country is also launching the new Bainton Wellington Boots, leisure and gardening boots for all seasons. These boots are 100% waterproof with neoprene insulation and durable PVC integrated soles. They are anticipated to be high sellers come autumn/winter this year, helping retailers make the most of this year’s wet weather.

The collection also includes a convenient, handheld Boot Cleaner, allowing consumers to easily clean footwear anywhere as well as a Boot Jack, an easy way to remove muddy boots with non-slip ridges for underfoot security, ideal for all types of footwear. These additions not only broaden and enhance Town & Country’s portfolio of high-quality outdoor footwear and accessories, but with smaller items now being introduced, also create additional impulse purchase opportunities for retailers too.

Wilkinson Sword: Enhancing the Ultralight range

Recognising the popularity and market opportunities in its hugely popular Ultralight range from Wilkinson Sword, for 2024/25, Barrus is introducing several new products to further expand the range. Gardeners will now be able to enjoy the lightweight benefits of Ultralight Snips, Ultralight Bypass Pruners, two types of Ultralight Loppers, and two further variations of Ultralight Branch and Shrub Cutters. These tools are designed to offer the perfect mix of strength and comfort with incredibly lightweight usability, making gardening tasks easier and more efficient without compromising on quality.

Additionally, within the Wilkinson Sword portfolio, developments have been made to the Razorcut Pro pruners, now with improved cutting performance, grip and comfort with a more appealing livery to add new dual layer grips and premium SK3 Japanese Steel blades.

POS to support new product lines

To support retailers in showcasing each of these new products and ranges, Barrus is also providing dedicated point-of-sale stands designed to maximise sales and attract customer attention including stand displays, full backwall solutions and innovative, eye-catching offerings to showcase the Town & Country Dragonfly range.

Sales reps on the move

Over the coming weeks, Barrus’ sales representatives will be showcasing the new products to customers and garden centres nationwide. Retailers interested in booking an appointment for a personalised demonstration can contact on 01869 363674 or email customer.services@barrus.co.uk.

For more information on the new products and to explore the full range, please visit https://www.townandco.com/ for Town & Country and https://wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk/ for Wilkinson Sword Tools.

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New Dragonfly Collection from Town & Country

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New Dragonfly Collection from Town & Country: Town & Country has unveiled the launch of the Dragonfly Collection. This new range offers a curated selection of best-selling garden essentials seamlessly interwoven with complementary gifting lines and link purchase opportunities. The Dragonfly Collection brings together functionality, luxury and elegance in a way that will delight both garden enthusiasts and those seeking the perfect gift.

The collection includes the popular Cloggies®, Gauntlet and Lux-Fit Gloves, Memory Foam Kneelers, Umbrellas, Rambler socks, an Indoor Door Mat, an Everyday & Gardening Planner, Stylish Pen in gift box and a complimentary Journal.

New Dragonfly Collection from Town & Country

New Dragonfly Collection from Town & Country

Town & Country’s iconic Classic Cloggies® are at the core of the new Dragonfly range. Designed for gardeners who value ease and comfort, these cushioned clogs are easy to slip on and off, and feature the new Dragonfly fabric on the in-sole. With a contoured shape for a better fit and slip-resistant soles for added safety, these lightweight and comfortable Cloggies are perfect for quick trips to the garden or around the house.

Two new glove options are being introduced too. The Premium Lux-Fit Gloves offer the perfect mix of luxury and practicality. Crafted from soft and supple microfibre leather, these gloves are in the new light and lavish dragonfly pattern. The wrist strap ensures added comfort, while the palm and finger protection offer unparalleled durability. These gloves are designed for those who seek both style and superior hand protection while tending to their garden.

Then, for gardeners requiring enhanced protection, the Lux-Fit Gauntlet Gloves are the ideal choice. Made from the same soft microfibre leather, these gloves extend to provide palm, finger and lower arm protection. They are designed to keep debris out, ensuring a comfortable gardening experience even in the most challenging conditions.

Memory Foam Kneelers: Ultimate Support and Durability

The Dragonfly Range includes two memory foam kneelers. The first is a peanut-shaped option that concentrates support exactly where it is needed, offering ultra comfort during prolonged use. Water-resistant and highly durable, this kneeler is perfect for gardening, DIY projects and housework. Its ergonomic design ensures that knees remain comfortable and protected, no matter the task at hand.

The second is the Folding Memory Foam Kneeler. This extra-wide kneeler provides cushioned comfort and support for various activities beyond gardening and doubles as an ideal seat for picnics and walks. Its foldable design makes it easy to store and transport, making it a practical choice for on-the-go.

The Dragonfly range brings an array of opportunities for retailers to create impulse complementary purchases throughout stores. As such, auxiliary gift and lifestyle products play a key part in the range and a selection of new stationery items have been launched.

The Journal is an A5 notebook, perfect for everyday use. With 160 lined sheets, a ribbon page marker and a durable hard cover, it’s an elegant and practical addition. There is also a 52-sheet Everyday Planner with tear-off to-do lists. Its hangable clipboard design makes it perfect for in the sheds or greenhouses and around the home. The Dragonfly Ballpoint Pen is the perfect finishing touch to the Dragonfly Collection. This black ballpoint rollerball pen, ideal for everyday use, is displayed in a dragonfly-themed presentation box, making it an elegant gift.

Further new products, all in the Dragonfly design, include:

  • The stylish and functional Indoor Barrier Mat, designed to trap mud, dirt and dust, offering anti-slip and stain-resistant properties. Machine washable and fast drying, it is hard-wearing and super absorbent, holding up to three times its own weight in water. It’s the perfect blend of style and practicality for any home.
  • A Twin Pack of Rambler Socks. As well as the eye-catching design and soft texture, these socks boast innovative moisture management technology, provide arch and ankle support and are fully cushioned throughout to give enhanced comfort. They also feature smooth toe seams with a thick loop pile to reduce rubbing.
  • Pop-Up Umbrellas that feature an auto-open and shut mechanism at the touch of a button. Each comes with a matching slipcover.

The Dragonfly Collection by Town & Country offers a perfect blend of luxury, functionality and style, making it the ultimate choice for both garden lovers and gift seekers.

To support retailers in showcasing each of these new products and ranges, Barrus is also providing dedicated point-of-sale stands designed to maximise sales and attract customer attention including stand displays and selection of products in shelf ready packaging for other locations around the garden centre.

To find out more please contact your local Barrus Area Sales Manager, call on 01869 363674 or email customerservices@barrus.co.uk‘

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening: In the coastal town of Whitby, Joe Cook wears many hats. Not only is he the Head Groundsman for Whitby Town FC, overseeing the maintenance of their pitch, but he also runs his own gardening business, JC Gardening. In both of his roles, one tool stands out as indispensable: the Avant compact loader.

“Whitby is a very close community, and the football club is at the heart of the town,” says Joe. However, maintaining the pitch hasn’t always been easy. “Over the years it has been fair to say that no real renovations have been carried out, and no programme set in place. I’m starting to change that now.”

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Enter the Avant compact loader, a versatile workhorse that has become Joe’s go-to solution for pitch renovations and maintenance tasks. “For the renovations, we put the bucket on to fill the contractor’s trailer up when they are spreading the sand. It is very useful,” he remarks.

Additionally, the Avant aids in accessing hard-to-reach areas of the football ground. “At the football ground, I use it to carry people up to the floodlights where they can receive maintenance or be readjusted where needed.” The Avant’s versatility shines through as it also occasionally transitions to cutting the pitch with the mower attachment.

Joe relies on loaders from the Avant 500 series, sourced through APSV, the main dealers for Avant compact loaders in North Yorkshire, Co. Durham, and Northumberland. “The relationship with APSV is brilliant,” Joe praises. “They are always on the other end of the phone if I need them and will always accommodate the best they can.”

The Avant 500 series, known for its power and manoeuvrability, has become a reliable partner for Joe’s diverse needs. With over 200 attachments available, the Avant offers a solution for every task, from plowing and sanding to lawn care and brush clearance. “I use it a lot for my own business too, particularly for clearing brush land with the flail mower attachment,” Joe adds. “It excels on a brush land area which is a couple of acres, all of different levels. It cuts through the brush in no time at all.”

Describing the Avant as a “Swiss army knife,” Joe highlights its versatility and adaptability. “Whether you want a snow blower or a rake for clearing out stalls on farms, it can do anything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Avant – I have already passed on APSV’s number to lots of other people who the machine would benefit.”

As Joe continues to juggle his responsibilities at Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening, the Avant compact loader remains an essential machine which enables him to tackle any challenge with ease and efficiency.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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West Lancashire Council brighten up town roadside with Euroflor

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West Lancashire Council brighten up town roadside with Euroflor: West Lancashire Council wanted to brighten up the area for their residents with some instant colour and provide pollinators with natural habitat, they decided to trial Euroflor flower seed from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) on one of their major routes into the town of Skelmersdale.

Heading up this project was Stephen Bissette, Clean and Green Operations Manager at West Lancashire Borough Council. He explains, “Windmill Island in Skelmersdale is a roundabout on a major route into Skelmersdale. It is just off J5 of the M58. The council wanted to trial a wildflower area and following a meeting on flower seed in general with Gary Brindle from OAS, we sought Gary’s advice on the best way to do this and what seeds to use”.

West Lancashire Council brighten up town roadside with Euroflor

West Lancashire Council brighten up town roadside with Euroflor

West Lancashire Borough Council commissioned OAS to complete the trial project on their behalf which they did working alongside one of their trusted contractor partners.

For speed, ease and fast results Flora Fleece was used – a weed suppressant made from recycled fabric composed of 50% jute, 25% cotton, 25% brown wool, with a hessian scrim. The matting is made of natural fibres, which will break down through the growing season in 5-8 months.

On 10th May 2023 the team laid the fleece on both sides of the roundabout. Stephen comments, “A 100m2 of the Flora Fleece was used. It was quicker than weedkilling and rotavating the soil and gave the best chance of inhibiting weed ingression; it also supports seed establishment. It was easy to use. It is delivered in a roll which you unroll where you want your wildflower patch to be. And that’s it, ready for the soil. Could not be easier”.

Four tonnes of Green-tree topsoil were delivered by OAS and spread evenly on top of the Flora Fleece, in preparation for seeding. This is a an environmentally friendly sustainable soil that is manufactured using organic compost and overburdened sand from quarries; products that would otherwise end up in landfill.

400gram of Euroflor Rainbow Annuals were sown onto the topsoil and then raked over. A firm favourite because of its rapid establishment and long flowering period starting 50-60 days after sowing right through to the first frosts. Euroflor Rainbow displays a wide range of colours from early season – Eschscholtzias and Iberis, to mid-season Poppies, Cornflowers and Flax, giving way to Marigolds and Cosmos at the end of the season. The striking mix of bright colours red, orange, yellow, blue, and white successfully combines native flora with garden favourites.

Stephen concludes, “We had flowers in bloom on the 3rd of August, a beautiful showing which really did brighten up the approach to the roundabout. It was incredibly simple to install, required no maintenance and looked nice. I am delighted with the results and will look at other areas for 2024”

Sow Euroflor flower seed until the end of October for a Spring showing. Contact OAS on 0800 138 7222 for more information or to place an order.

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