TIME TO GET FIT
Our industry can help tackle the growing obesity crisis
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
I wish the government could see the many benefits our industry can offer to the health of the nation if more money were to be directed to schools, parks and open spaces.
As an ex sportsman and sports coach, I have been saying for many years that the future health of our nation has been on a steady decline - which ironically began in the early 1970s when the government promoted a non-competitive sports campaign in state schools. This dramatically reduced the curricular time for sport to less than four hours a week, resulting in a dramatic loss of competitive sport activities in schools.
This historic blow is coupled with the fact that many state schools have also greatly reduced their grounds maintenance budgets to such an extent that the quality of playing surfaces has declined, not appearing attractive or indeed safe for sports participation.
Having said that, there are of course some schools who still do value their grounds and keep them in a relative good condition, doing what they can to promote physical activities. But in the main, I believe there has definitely been a national decline of sports participation in state schools.
I read with interest a recent report on pupil inactivity in a copy of the Sports Management Magazine where it stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the majority of adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently physically active, putting their current and future health at risk.
The article stated that a WHO-led study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal, suggests that "urgent action" is needed to increase physical activity levels in girls and boys aged 11 to 17 years.
The study revealed that more than 80 per cent of school-going adolescents globally do not meet current recommendations of at least one hour of physical activity per day – including 85 per cent of girls and 78 per cent of boys.
Of the 146 countries studied for the report, girls were less active than boys in all but four (Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia).
“Urgent policy action to increase physical activity is needed now, particularly to promote and retain girls’ participation in physical activity,” the study author Dr Regina Guthold is quoted in the piece.
To improve levels of physical activity among adolescents, WHO says that "urgent scaling up" is needed of known effective policies and programmes to increase physical activity in adolescents.
Without doubt the current state of the health of many of our youngsters is not encouraging. We do see a lot more overweight children which is no doubt caused by several factors - with the main two drivers being poor diet and lack of exercise.
We need to see a dramatic change in heart from the government and schools to bring back an appropriate sports / activity curriculum and dedicated PE / health coordinators in schools.
There is a great opportunity to start this programme in junior schools when school children can be introduced to a wide range of activities, making best use of the school grounds.
Most, if not all, schools have potentially fantastic grounds that need investment to provide the playing surfaces and topography to enhance physical activities.
We should take a leaf out of the private school sector, where many of these schools provide up to ten hours or more of sport per week - and they are prepared to invest heavily in their grounds and sporting facilities.
Thanks to the national Lottery, we have seen a dramatic investment in new sports facilities over many years, however our key issue is finding monies for ongoing maintenance. I firmly believe a percentage of any large capital lottery grants should be put into five or ten year maintenance plans of any such new facilities.
What’s the point of funding a large drainage scheme or a new pitch if we do not allow a percentage of this capitol money to fund an essential maintenance period? Part of the initial bid should set out how the club or school will be funding the maintenance of this new facility in the coming years.
Last year, I wrote a blog that spoke about this obesity crisis, saying that we (that is to say everyone who works in the sports turf industry and amenity landscape sectors) play an important role in providing essential facilities for people to participate in sport and physical activities. That in turn helps us provide opportunities for people to keep themselves fit and healthy - both mentally and physically.
I wish the government could see the many benefits our industry can offer if it directed more money to schools, parks and open spaces to help solve this growing obesity problem. Why wait and put the cost on the NHS? Prevention is better than cure.
As for next week’s blog, it will be centred on my attendance at this week’s BTME show in Harrogate. Look forward to seeing you there!
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BTME KICKS OFF TOMORROW
Turfcare attention on Harrogate
BIGGA's BTME exhibition takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre this week from Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd.
BIGGA's BTME exhibition takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre next week from Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd.
Organisers say the show will feature more than 150 exhibiting companies spread across four zones in the Convention Centre and will showcase the latest innovations and technology in the golf and sports surface maintenance industry.
Karl Hansell, communications executive at BIGGA said, "Building on the success of last year’s restructured exhibition, we’ll be returning to the Harrogate Convention Centre and filling four exhibition halls with the latest products and innovation. The exhibition centre’s Main Auditorium, a one-time host of the Eurovision Song Contest, will again see tears of joy and lavish celebrations as we reveal the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2020 at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration on Tuesday evening, sponsored by Campey Turf Care Systems.
"Other major events taking place throughout the show include the Green Room Podcast Live hosted by former Ryder Cup superintendent Curtis Tyrrell CGCS MG and the Golf Course Architecture and Management Forum, with speakers discussing some of the largest construction and renovation projects in golf.
"Other events to look out for include the Golf Environment Awards, recognising those who are at the forefront of one of most seismic changes in the golf industry in recent times – the shift towards sustainability and environmental awareness."
For full show details visit the BTME website.
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INSIGHT INTO THE EMIRATES
For over 40 turf professionals
In this week's WEB ONLY story, in conjunction with DLF Seeds, turf professionals from schools, colleges and sports clubs across the country were recently invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium.
ISEKI UK & IRELAND APPOINT
Alan Prickett joins
Iseki UK & Ireland announce that Alan Prickett has joined the growing team in the role of business development manager.
Iseki UK & Ireland announce that Alan Prickett has joined the growing team in the role of business development manager, responsible for dealers in the central band of the UK, along with key and national account sales.
Alan is a very well-known figure in the industry having previously worked for many years at Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd. Prior to his leaving there in July of 2019 he held a number of positions ranging from regional sales manager to managing director.
In Alan’s early career he studied agricultural engineering in Oxfordshire, before commencing a career in the professional turf industry from 1981, initially working for professional machinery dealerships in the midlands, rising to the level of sales management and key accounts.
Commenting on the appointment David Withers adds, “Alan will be a great asset to the team at Iseki, he will be looking to further drive market share gains in the compact tractor and collecting mower categories where Iseki excel.”
Iseki UK & Ireland are the distributors of Iseki compact tractors and mowers for UK, Ireland, Iceland, Middle East, South Africa and Russia. The company has been manufacturing compact tractors and mowers in Japan for over 90 years and has had a presence in Europe for over 50 years.
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DAVE HARRISON RETIRES
From Campey Turf Care Systems
Campey Turf Care Systems' export sales manager, Dave Harrison, announced his retirement after ten years and left the company at the end of 2019.
Campey Turf Care Systems' export sales manager, Dave Harrison, announced his retirement after ten years and left the company at the end of 2019.
Dave Harrison
Dave joined Campey in 2009 from Dennis & Sisis with a wealth of experience and global industry knowledge. His remit was to develop further growth in sales throughout the European and world markets as well as introducing the Campey range of products into the Middle East and Asia. With Dave’s involvement, Campey has become an established presence in Asia, with Dave himself becoming very popular with all the customers he has worked with.
Speaking about his time in the industry, Dave said, “Forty-three years seems to have flown by, and I’ve loved my time in this industry. I’m really looking forward to spending time at home with the family and catching up on all the things I’ve missed out on in recent years, like getting on my bike again! We’ll be having another grandchild soon, so that is something that will occupy some time for us all.
“Working for Campey has been a brilliant experience, and I’ve been fortunate to meet some fantastic people from all over the world.”
Campey chairman, Richard Campey said, “Dave joined us in 2009 and was given clear objectives, and over ten years he accomplished a great deal. During his time with us, he has contributed greatly to the expansion of the company in Asia and the Middle East and the work he has done will be remembered for a long time to come.”
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OPEI TO OWN GIE+EXPO OUTRIGHT
Change implemented by 2022
Following the largest GIE+EXPO ever, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has announced that it will move into 100 percent ownership of the Louisville, USA based trade show.
Following the largest GIE+EXPO ever, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has announced that in 2022 it will move into 100 percent ownership of the Louisville, USA based trade show.
Since 2007, GIE+EXPO has been owned by three partners: the OPEI (the majority and managing partner); the NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals); and the PGMS (Professional Grounds Management Society).
GIE+EXPO's outside demo area
“GIE+EXPO has had an extraordinarily strong run since 2010 - posting records in attendance and booth space. Last year’s show was the biggest ever, setting record attendance levels,” says Kris Kiser, President of OPEI and managing director of GIE+EXPO. “With this change in ownership structure of the show, OPEI will own the show in its entirety.
"We’ll continue to work with our landscape industry partners to provide attendees with training and other programmatic elements at the Kentucky Exposition Center. We look forward to the continued evolution and dynamic growth of GIE+EXPO in Louisville in the future.”
2019 was the sixth record-breaking year in a row for GIE+EXPO. The show hosted more than 1,000 exhibitors and more than 20 acres of outdoor demonstration area for attendees to ride, drive, dig, and cut with the industry’s latest equipment. More than 26,500 contractors, dealers, and exhibitors attended from all 50 states and more than 40 countries.
New features at the 2019 GIE+EXPO included in-tree training from the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, whose team of climbers demonstrated arbor safety and climbing skills in a 60-foot sugar maple erected in Freedom Hall for the purpose, as well as the second-annual Lucky’s Mutt Madness rescue dog adoption event held in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society.
GIE+EXPO will continue to offer education, training, and certification in all segments of the Outdoor Power Equipment industry, including landscape, hardscape, lighting, snow and ice management, tree care, and irrigation for dealers, landscapers, hardscapers, distributors, and contractors.
GIE+EXPO 2020 is set for October 21-23. Attendees can expect hands-on drone training, expanded tree care demonstrations, a UTV test track, as well as continued co-location with Hardscape North America.
“OPEI has signed an extension agreement for the show from 2022-2024 with the Kentucky Exposition Center and area hotels in Louisville for the future. GIE+EXPO has always been the industry’s family reunion, and the place to be if you’re in this business,” Kris Kiser said. “We’re looking forward to continuing to work with our partners to provide the best training, education, and hands-on learning for the entire industry.”
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COLLIER'S PARK BENEFITS FROM MAJOR RENOVATIONS
Following FAW’s acquisition of the site
Transformation into an elite training facility, boasting two full-size training pitches and a synthetic pitch, with maintenance aided by two Sisis machines.
Two SISIS machines are helping to keep the natural grass pitches clean and healthy at Colliers Park according to Dylan Thompson, grounds maintenance manager.
Colliers Park in Gresford, Wales has recently benefitted from a major renovation following the FAW’s acquisition of the site. It has now transformed into an elite training facility which boasts two full-size training pitches and a synthetic pitch.
Dylan embarked on his new role in March 2019 and found himself with an arsenal of brand-new turf maintenance equipment at his disposal. The new equipment was based on what the grounds staff use at Dragon Park (the FAW’s other football development centre) and there were two machines which Dylan said particularly caught his eye.
“After using them for the first time I could immediately see why both the SISIS Quadraplay and the Multitiner were high priority,” said Dylan. “They are both superbly built and can carry out a wide range of tasks.
“We’ve got the four implements and we mainly use it for brushing and raking. When we are brushing, we will have the slitter down and go as low as we can go just to provide a little aeration – it is great at breaking up the surface algae if we have any. The roller is used to give the pitch a light roll, rather than compacting and is perfect for a nice presentation. With regards to raking we will vary the depth depending on how aggressive we want to be. We’ve done a lot of raking this summer because there was a lot of thinning out required. It has kept the pitch nice and clean so that it is not suffocating.
“I would say that we use the Quadraplay at least once a month – it’s nice and easy to use and changing the depth of the implements is incredibly simple. It is one of those machines which you can get on and complete a number of tasks within a short timeframe.
“Likewise, the Multitiner has 3-point linkage, no hydraulics and there is no messing about – it is quick, simple to set-up and effective.”
For further aeration requirements Dylan relies on the SISIS Multitiner 1.8m - a tractor mounted drum-type aerator.
“The amount we use it all depends on the amount of pitch usage and the weather conditions but we have a general rule of trying to use it on a fortnightly basis,” said Dylan. “On the fibresand pitches we try and keep the structure firm so we will use the Multitiner just to give us a bit of surface aeration.
“Ultimately it keeps the turf healthy and clean and that is exactly what I want.”
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DEALER PRESENTS GOLF STUDENT PRIZE
Co- sponsors with John Deere
Greg Harris from Fife has won SRUC Elmwood’s annual John Deere HNC Golf Course Management Student of the Year Award, sponsored by Deere and turf dealer Double A.
Ex-Royal Navy weapons engineer Greg Harris from Fife in Scotland has won SRUC Elmwood’s annual John Deere HNC Golf Course Management Student of the Year Award, sponsored by John Deere and Scottish turf dealer Double A.
Greg was chosen particularly for the leadership and mentoring skills he displayed during the 2018/2019 academic year.
Award winner Greg Harris (left) with Sandy Armit, managing director of sponsoring John Deere dealer Double A
Born in Dundee and brought up in Kirkcaldy, Greg took up an apprenticeship with the Royal Navy at the age of 19 and spent 12 years with the service until he was medically discharged in 2016 with knee problems. However, this paved the way for his next career move into greenkeeping and golf club management, as he was still encouraged and able to play golf.
While deciding what to do next, Greg was playing regularly at The Duke’s Course at St Andrews as well as his father’s local club at Glenrothes, where the pro mentioned the SRUC course.
“I realised I was never going to be a good enough golfer to turn pro, but taking up the greenkeeping option meant I could still be active and involved in the industry,” he says. “I attended an open day at the college, where I spoke to course tutors Paul Miller and Ian Butcher who outlined the opportunities and were very supportive, so I put in my application and was accepted.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the people I met. I think my Royal Navy background prepared me well for many aspects such as planning and teamwork, which are key skills for any greenkeeper. The academic side of things was never a problem, and I also enjoyed the hands-on time spent as part of the tournament support team at Kingsbarns Golf Links during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
“The John Deere award was mentioned at the beginning of the course, but I never gave it another thought. When Ian told me towards the end of the academic year that they were going to nominate me and I then found out that I’d won, I was really surprised but also very proud of the achievement.
“Since graduating I’ve ended up away from greenkeeping, and moved more towards golf operations - I worked in the pro shop at The Duke’s Course for the season following the course, and currently I’m assistant store manager for American Golf in Dundee. I did plan to return to Elmwood and do the HND course, but as that isn’t running this year we’ll see what happens next. If it runs again it would be a really good opportunity to go back and see how I can progress in my second career.”
Course tutor Ian Butcher, who is based at the Elmwood campus in Cupar, Fife, adds: “Greg is one of a new breed of graduates who are open-minded as to their career paths, and is enthusiastic about gaining experience beyond the golf course maintenance shed. Taking advantage of workplace experience in customer services at The Duke’s clubhouse within the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort at St Andrews is an example of Greg having a more varied role in golf operations during last summer.
“His passion for the game combined with a long-term career perspective opens more doors for Greg, and we trust he finds the right opportunity to progress in his chosen profession. We look forward to him being a great ambassador for us.”
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ROYAL ST GEORGE'S CHOOSES TORO AGAIN
Now a Total Solutions customer
First came a fleet deal and then last year a new irrigation system was installed making the club a Total Solutions customer in time to host the Open Championship for the 15th time this year.
Royal St George’s Golf Club has trusted in Toro since 2013. First came a fleet deal and then last year a new irrigation system was installed making it a Toro Total Solutions customer in time for the club to host the Open Championship for the 15th time.
The club say their decision to opt for Toro machinery yet again for another five years was in large part down to its technological advances and product development.
Royal St George’s opted for seven Greensmaster Flex 2120s
In 2013 it was the latest in green technology in the shape of four TriFlex Hybrid 3420 riding greensmowers with electric reel cutting units which particularly appealed to course manager Paul Larsen. This time he says it’s seven Greensmaster Flex 2120 walk-behind mowers.
“All the machines we chose last time have been so effective we’ve pretty much gone for the same again for our second five-year agreement,” says Paul. “In the demos, the Toro machines just did a better job on the course than everything else, and since we’ve had them they’ve proved their quality too. Five years later, the machinery from our first fleet is still as good as we wanted it to be.
“However, I’m always on the hunt for new technology, so we added in the Greensmaster Flex 2120 walk-behind mower to this deal. The results from which have particularly impressed me.”
It was this faith in the brand, combined with the “brilliant service we’ve had from Reesink Turfcare” and a successful demo that resulted in the installation of a Lynx central control system and over a thousand Toro sprinklers last year.
Such is the relationship with Toro and Reesink that during The Open this year Reesink will be loaning the club more machines to keep up with the maintenance a tournament demands.
“We’ll start really gearing things up a couple of weeks before the tournament and then be out cutting every day during the event. Having the extra Toro machines on loan will be a huge help and is another step further strengthening our relationship with Toro and Reesink,” concludes Paul.
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