Since the Heritage Lottery Fund's foundation in 1994 the organisation say they have awarded £7.8billion to over 40,000 projects.

Having as part of their remit parks and other green landscaped spaces, their activities should be of great interest to turf professionals. And indeed whenever there is a chance to influence and have a say in their thinking, it shouldn't be ignored.

Therefore it would seem time well spent for interested professionals over the next month to find an opportunity to spend a few moments contributing to the HLF's public consultation which they launched recently. The consultation has as its aim to find out what people think its role, vision and priorities should be as the UK’s biggest funder of heritage during its next strategic funding framework - the period from 2019-2024.

Comments are being invited on a proposed new approach including targeted funding campaigns, repayable loans and public involvement in decision-making, all of which could have a role over the next five years in ensuring the most effective use of National Lottery money to support the UK’s heritage.

Chief Executive of HLF Ros Kerslake, described the HLF's awarding of £7.8bn since 1994 to deserving projects as "an unparalleled legacy that has transformed neighbourhoods, communities, visitor attractions and people’s lives across the length and breadth of the nation."

In making these awards, Ros goes on to say that the Fund has also "led change and innovation across the UK heritage sector through our inclusive and progressive approach to heritage and people. We have championed a democratic view of heritage as what we value from the past and want to hand on to the future, and nurtured community-driven approaches to local heritage and identity."

Ros continued, “We now hold a unique position as the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage and, at a time of increased competition and reduced budgets, want to be sure we are using every pound of National Lottery players’ money in the best way possible."

“We see our future role as inspiring, leading and resourcing our heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.”

The HLF say they still expect to fund a full range of heritage including parks, landscapes, places of worship, townscapes, buildings at risk and heritage skills. It also expects to continue to put people and communities at the heart of its funding decisions.

So now is the chance for turf professionals, who as 'boots on the ground' experts should have a more informed opinion than average on what the HLF's priorities for the future should be.

As part of their consultation they want to hear views on:

• its role and vision – how HLF can continue to advocate for the impact and benefits to society that heritage brings;
• how to engage under-represented groups and ensure National Lottery money benefits as wide and diverse an audience as possible;
• developing new approaches to place-based funding that would offer an opportunity for communities to put heritage at the heart of their economic and social development:
• how to support the use of digital technology and access to funding for digital projects;
• ensuring heritage organisations across the UK can become more enterprising and financially sustainable;
• simplifying the range of grant programmes on offer and making it easier for people to apply;
• offering repayable grants, loans, or other types of social investment;
• involving the public in making decisions about National Lottery funding for heritage; and
• running time-limited funding campaigns, to attract applications for particular types of project.

The HLF say that the consultation follows in-depth research carried out with people who play The National Lottery, who say they value the fact that HLF takes an inclusive approach, doesn’t define heritage and supports the full breadth of heritage across the UK.

The consultation runs until March 22 2018, via the ComRes microsite.

To have as many turf professional expert voices heard as possible will be of great benefit to all who enjoy the projects funded by HLF.

MLR, the international sports supplementary lighting business, has named Bernhard and Company as its global distributor for its complete range of products.

The compay currently provide mobile lighting solutions to sports arenas and is now looking to expand globally using Bernhard and Company’s 'strong network and customer service'.

The Norwegian-based business, formed in 1998, has recently undergone a major business revamp with its key goal to ensure that sports surfaces, of all disciplines, have excellent playing conditions all year round.

A specialist in sports turf technology, Bernhard and Company say they are committed to providing leading turf care solutions to golf course and pitch care specialists worldwide. From blade sharpening systems to sports surface aeration and moisture control, the Bernhard product portfolio is focused on providing its global customer base with championship turf and world class playability.

This collaboration is now uniquely placed to combine Bernhard’s high standard of international customer expertise, with quality mobile lighting solutions geared to tackle shade issues on a wide range of sporting surfaces.

MLR general manager, Hermann Sather, said: “I’m delighted to start this relationship with Bernhard. Its business is renowned throughout the turf industry and is a perfect fit to help us deliver our products across the globe. Our mission is to help all kinds of sports venues achieve excellent year-round playing surfaces, and with Bernhard I believe we have taken a big step towards this.”

Steven Nixon, Director for Bernhard said “This is the perfect partnership for Bernhard and we are delighted with it. Plant health is at the very heart of our business, it complements and enhances the products we already offer. The partnership makes perfect sense. Together we are taking care of the most common issues to groundsmen and greenkeepers - too much water, too little air not enough light and unhealthy turf. In effect, we now control all the elements that the plant needs for healthy growth.

"This is an exciting time for us and we are very proud to distribute products that will work alongside Bernhard Grinders and Subair systems to produce a total health care environment."

It has been announced that the Ebac Northern League Second Division club Blyth AFC, will play their remaining home games of the season at Woodhorn Lane, home of Ashington CFC.

A statement on Blyth AFC's official website said, "A couple of months ago, Blyth AFC brought concerns over the usage and deteriorating state of the playing surface at South Newsham, despite the valiant efforts of the groundsman, to the attention of the Ebac Northern League Management Committee. Blyth AFC, at this point, started to explore the possibility of using an alternative venue to play their remaining home games.

"Following positive discussions with Ashington CFC, and an agreement being secured between the two clubs, an agreement which would see Blyth AFC hire the use of Woodhorn Lane for our remaining home fixtures; this initial request was turned down by the League Management Committee.

"A site visit was then arranged between Blyth AFC and the League Management Committee to discuss how we could resolve the situation. Following the League Management Committee taking advice from The FA, Blyth AFC was tasked with arranging a pitch report to take place.

"An FA appointed pitch advisor carried out a site visit on Thursday, January 11, 2018 and he reported his findings via his FA Pitch Improvement Programme report, which was received on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.

"Between now and the planned end of season in April, the pitch at South Newsham has a high volume of games still to be played on it. Blyth AFC have nine home games while Blyth Town FC also have a similar number of home games still to be played.

"On receipt of the pitch report, which identified a number of issues, including that the groundsman was undertaking a thankless task in keeping games on as much as possible, we requested that the Northern League Management Committee reviewed their original decision to turn down our request to play at Ashington CFC.

"On Saturday, February 10, 2018, the Northern League Management Committee notified Blyth AFC that they had reconsidered their earlier decision and that they had agreed, in the best interests of all concerned, that Blyth AFC would be allowed to play all remaining home fixtures for the 2017-18 season at Woodhorn Lane – starting with the Ryton and Crawcrook Albion match next Wednesday (Feb 21st).

"The original agreement between the two clubs was then reviewed, signed and submitted to the Northern League Management Committee."

"Blyth AFC fully support the League Management Committee in that this is in the best interests of all concerned. The pitch at South Newsham will now have a reduced fixture programme, which will aid the groundsman to be able to maintain the pitch and offer Blyth Town FC an improved playing surface. Blyth AFC will work closely with the local and national FA and, in particular, the sports stadia grants officer in insuring that all the recommendations, given in the pitch improvement report, are implemented in order for the pitch at South Newsham to be ready and functional for the start of the 2018-19 season."

You can view a selection of pictures from a recent Blyth home game here.

Set in 160 acres of beautiful Essex parkland with superb views of the countryside stretching as far as London on a clear day, Abridge Golf Club at Stapleford Tawney near Romford describes itself as having traditional values with a modern outlook.

(Left to right, with the new John Deere machinery fleet): first assistant Jamie Blagden, deputy course manager Ben Scrivener, assistant greenkeeper Nick Lappage, course manager Geoff Smith, assistant greenkeeper Ian Cannell, Neil Peachey of John Deere dealer Tuckwell, trainee assistant greenkeeper Marc Mountney, course chairman Lol Green, assistant greenkeeper Paul Bannock and mechanic Paul Aylett

Course manager Geoff Smith welcomes what he also describes as a ‘new dawn’ at the club, with recent developments including a third successive John Deere course maintenance equipment fleet deal with local dealer P Tuckwell Ltd at Ardleigh, near Colchester. This is based on a John Deere Financial operating lease with PowerGard Protection Plus warranty and maintenance cover for the duration of the lease, based on monthly payments.

This deal has been complemented by the arrival of a new teaching professional and a new golf club fitting centre installed by Golf Principles of Basingstoke, as well as plans for a redesign of the clubhouse plus an overhaul of the practice facilities and driving range. A new full wall-to-wall Perrot state of the art irrigation system, the first one of its kind in the UK, is also being installed by contractors M J Abbott this winter.

“It’s a really exciting time for the club,” says Geoff Smith. “With this new investment, the first for several years, we are aiming to bring the course back to Open Qualifier standards and keep ahead of the competition. The only real asset we have is the golf course, so it needs to be looked after.

“Members can already see what we’ve achieved, and our board members believe the course is the best it’s ever looked. A neighbouring club’s greens chairman even said that he’d heard Abridge is in absolutely magnificent condition.”

With this third package deal, 100 per cent of the equipment has been leased compared to just 40 per cent with the club’s first agreement. “The terms of the deal and the service package have improved each time, and with this latest investment we know exactly where we are budget wise for the next five years, with no hidden costs,” says Geoff.

The package covers 26 John Deere machines, including PrecisionCut and TerrainCut walk-behind and ride-on mowers for the greens, tees, approaches and rough, compact tractors and a front loader, Gator utility vehicles, an amenity turf sprayer and a bunker rake, plus ancillary equipment.

“We looked at all the main brands and had machines on demonstration – all of my staff get to try them and report back on their likes and dislikes,” says Geoff. “Our mechanic Paul Aylett, deputy course manager Ben Scrivener and I then evaluate the staff’s findings and look at price options and back-up issues.

“For us it all comes back to the dealer and the service we’ve historically had and continue to get from Tuckwell and sales manager Neil Peachey. All the advice, help and extra support really count – it’s a good relationship, and it works well for both sides. Our machines do a lot of work and if Paul cannot solve things, I need to know that someone from the supplier can be with us within 24 hours.”

The Landbased Education and Training Committee (LE-TEC) has published a new careers guide aimed at informing school leavers and others of the wide range of opportunities in the grasscare, agricultural and power equipment industry.

LE-TEC is a joint initiative between AEA, BAGMA and IAgrE to coordinate training, education, recruitment and promotional activities across the landbased engineering sector.

The 16 page brochure, World of Opportunity, which is available in print and digital format features information on the dealer sector, manufacturers and suppliers, apprenticeship opportunities, the LTA scheme and further/higher colleges and universities. It contains pen pictures of those currently working in the industry including apprentices, technicians, sales and parts specialists and employers.

The brochure was written and compiled by Chris Biddle, editor of the IAgrE journal Landwards and founder of TurfPro, together with Southampton-based designer Martin Hebditch.

Chris says “In many ways this was one of the most challenging, yet satisfying, projects I have ever worked on due to the sheer diversity of the sectors encompassed by the title Landbased Engineering which, lets face it, probably means little to outsiders.

“I had excellent support and feedback from the LE-TEC partners as the project progressed, and we never had to lose sight of the fact that we had to speak to those to whom our industry was a real unknown”.

Early reaction came from dealers shown the final draft. David Sturges, now with JD dealer Burden Bros after long spells with manufacturers Hayter and Countax said “I think this is a great initiative. The brochure looks really professional.” Whilst Steve Halley of Cheshire Turf Machinery said, “Thanks for your efforts in attracting young people to our industry. As you know, once hooked, many people stay in the trade for life.”

View the digital version of World of Opportunity

Husqvarna has launched two new pre-mixed alkylate fuels, Husqvarna XP Power 2 and Husqvarna Power 4, which they say are made with forestry experts and green space professionals in mind.

The company says with efficient combustion and low levels of harmful substances, users get more machine performance and higher work efficiency.

Husqvarna XP Power 2 is an alkylate fuel pre-mixed with XP two-stroke oil, which has been specially formulated for engine cleanliness. This is due to more efficient combustion which keeps engine components clean, so machines will run smoother and more reliably and engine lifetime is maximised.

The XP Power 2 is a Verified Engine Formula (VEF), which is a Husqvarna verification program that provides improved durability for the company's engines. VEF is a series of tests made to ensure fuel mix and engines complement each other, so, say Husqvarna, their machines will be in the best condition to deliver maximum power output and last longer.

Lower amounts of harmful substances in the alkylate fuel - as compared to other kinds of regular petrol - means less harmful exhaust emissions, creating an improved working environment that lets professionals work safer for longer, which in turn increases productivity.

The XP Oil is biodegradable, meaning it is able to decompose into renewable raw and natural materials, resulting in a reduced environmental footprint.

Husqvarna Power 4 is an alkylate petrol that the company says burns more effectively as compared to regular petrol when combusted, as it contains low levels of harmful substances.

Husqvarna says this keeps parts cleaner and reduces deposits left in the engine, which aids in optimising a machine’s lifespan. With improved combustion, the need for servicing the machine is minimised, which in turn reduces downtime. This gives users a more reliable engine and machine operation, resulting in increased productivity.

With Power 4 alkylate fuel, the company says quality of the fuel does not deteriorate, meaning the fuel can be stored for years and still work as normal. This means that the fuel will be ready to use even after seasonal storage, so professionals will not need to worry about delays in engines starting or buying new fuel each time. 

Continental Landscapes, a grounds maintenance company, has taken delivery of 33 pieces of machinery from Ransomes.

This latest investment marks a 20-year relationship between Continental Landscapes and Ransomes. PA Turney demonstrated and sold the machinery, having nurtured the relationship between the companies for more than two decades.

L-R: Robert Millar of PA Turney, Tom Dew of Continental Landscapes and Nathan Walker of Ransomes

Continental Landscapes was established in 1989 and currently has more than 20 U.K. branches. It has a diverse portfolio of clients including local authorities, government departments, industrial and commercial concerns, housing associations, sports clubs and private individuals. The company also employs more than 700 people.

Tom Dew is the plant and machinery manager at Continental Landscapes, having joined the company in 1991. Commenting on the relationship with Ransomes and PA Turney, Tom said, “We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with both Ransomes and PA Turney. 

“Service and back-up is a huge consideration for us. In my opinion, there is no better dealer than PA Turney. They look after all our branches, and if we need assistance at one of our branches in Scotland, they will travel from Oxfordshire and be there the next day. The combination of exceptional machinery and back-up support is the reason that we keep returning to Ransomes and PA Turney.”

Amongst the new machinery are two Parkway 3 cylinder mowers, 28 HR300 rotary mowers with Müthing decks, two MP493 rotary mowers and one MP495 cylinder mower. Continental Landscapes was one of the first customers invited to test the new Ransomes HM600, a collaboration between Ransomes and Müthing; it will be launching in 2018.

Commenting on the relationship and the machinery, Municipal National Accounts Manager at Ransomes Nathan Walker, said, “It is testament to the design and manufacturing teams at Ransomes, and the staff at PA Turney that Continental Landscapes has been a loyal customer for so many years. I hope this continues with our future developments such as the new HM600; the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. It’s going to be an exciting year ahead for all concerned!”

Overton (UK) have announced that Double A have recently been appointed as the Scottish dealer for the Mean Green lithium powered electric mowers.

Sandy Armit and Richard Overton

Double A is a family run business owned by Sandy Armit and his wife Aileen. They started the business working from home in 1996 and have since seen the company grow into one of the largest turf dealerships in the UK. The company operates from two depots, situated in Cupar and Aberdeen, and has built up a complete portfolio of products and services for customers covering all aspects of the business, including service contracts, repair and maintenance plans, detailed estimates, overnight parts delivery and finance options.

Sandy Armit said, “I first saw Mean Green at the SALTEX show in 2015 and was impressed, and after discussions with Richard Overton at SALTEX last year we decided to add Mean Green to our product offering”. Sandy believes that Mean Green products will be especially appealing to his customer base who work in local authorities, National Trust sites, schools, universities, caravan parks and large houses and estates. 

Richard Overton says, "Being successfully sold within the US over the last nine years this proven technology is being embraced by forward thinking dealers in the UK who can see the benefits provided by commercial electric mowers."

Fraser C Robb have been appointed distributors for KUHN Amenity Pro products.

Fraser and his wife Kate established the business in 1975, just outside the town of Drymen, north of Glasgow, with Struan and Lorna, the next generation taking the business forward.

With a team of 16 staff, they look after the needs of their agricultural, landscaping, ground care and local authority customers - selling and servicing a range of equipment that ranges from pedestrian lawnmowers to tractors.

Fraser C Robb offer a range of machinery for gardening, tree felling, agriculture, construction, estate maintenance and ground care.

KUHN Amenity Pro products are available from:

Fraser C Robb
Stirling Road
Drymen
G63 0AA