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EDITOR'S BLOG

A GROWING NATIONAL REPUTATION
One of our finest green open spaces
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I was recently commissioned to judge another local authority park as part of the national Green Flag Awards scheme - one that played a vital role for locals during the pandemic.

Last week I was commissioned to judge another local authority park as part of the national Green Flag Awards scheme. I visited Gheluvelt Park that nestles on the banks of the River Severn in Worcester.

Gheluvelt Park has a growing national reputation as one of the nation’s finest green open spaces. Over the past two challenging years, like many parks it has become a location of vital importance where people can exercise, walk dogs, meet others in a socially distanced manner, play and have time to think and reflect.

Gheluvelt Park splash pad and play area

Since first securing a Green Flag in 2007, the park has successfully renewed that status every year through to the present day. So, no pressure on me to ensure it meets the Green Flag criteria!

I was met by Mark Worrall the council’s team supervisor for green space along with Mark Baylis operational team leader for street scene who also introduced me to another work college Jeremy Ross and two councillors, Mel Allcot and Karen Lewing.

L-R: Mark Worrall. Jeremy Ross, Mark Baylis, Ross Madden, Cllr Karen Lewing, Cllr Mel Allcott

I always find it rewarding talking to the people who are responsible for looking after these important assets. Without their guidance, support and dedication many of these parks would be in decline and not fit for purpose.

Improvements following funding

The park has recently secured centenary Fields in Trust status and has been awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in recognition of the consistently strong reviews it receives. Much of Gheluvelt Park’s success is at least in part due to the Heritage Lottery funded investment of over £1.6 million in 2010. This enabled the council to introduce some new play equipment for all ages, including the popular Splashpad water play area and exercise equipment.

In 2019 the council improved facilities still further with the construction of a new Sons of Rest pavilion adjacent to the Splashpad - providing more toilets, a snack kiosk and a community meeting room. The city council’s Cleaner & Greener team contribute a year-round effort to maintain exceptionally high standards within the park.

Gheluvelt Park was originally named Barbourne Park, after the area to which it belongs. In 1922 the park was re-named as a commemoration of the Battle of Gheluvelt. Fought in Belgium on 31 October 1914, the battle saw the Worcestershire Regiment act with great courage to win a significant victory,

The park comprises two distinct areas, the ornamental park, Victorian in character, and the riverside conservation area, which is managed in a ‘naturalistic’ manner incorporating wildflower meadows and an area of undisturbed ground along the northern boundary close to the river that is managed for wildlife and informal unimproved lawns.

The two areas are separated by Barbourne Brook, which discharges into the River Severn. The historic importance of Worcester’s Gheluvelt Park has been recognised with Listed status. Historic England, (formerly English Heritage) has given Grade II Listed status to buildings and structures in the park and has also placed the park itself on the official Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The twelve houses built within the park for disabled servicemen, now operated by Haig Housing, are listed. The houses are the work of prominent local architect Arthur Hill Parker, who also designed the park’s arch, gates and railings, which have the same Grade II status.

Gheluvelt Park’s bandstand which is also listed and was built in 1924 is set on an island within a large pond. Work on the refurbishment of the access bridge and bandstand is soon to commence and once completed will enable the council to promote some music events back in the park once again.

Six of the entrances to the park have people counters which have been in place since 2010. There was a decline in total numbers visiting the park since the peak of 2011/12 when the new play facilities were initially installed. In subsequent years visitor numbers remained well above 2010 numbers which reflects the increased use of the park, both in terms of its standing facilities and in respect of the events held.

Mark Worrall and Neil Bushell

During Covid the park’s visitors increased dramatically. This for me proves the importance these parks played during the pandemic. It should be a good indicator for government to start investing in these green spaces. I personally believe it’s about time parks management and maintenance became a statutory service.

The council along with other partners including Worcester County council are looking at further work to enhance the park with the aim of building a Kepax Bridge to provide improved cycle and pedestrian connectivity to the north of Worcester City.

River Severn

Councillor Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said, “The start of work to prepare for the building of the Kepax Bridge is an exciting moment. The bridge will bring a major boost for the health and wellbeing of people who live or work in Worcester, encouraging many more to walk and cycle around our beautiful city. Combined with the Diglis and Sabrina bridges, the Kepax Bridge will create an attractive and appealing figure-of-eight route for enjoying Worcester’s riverside.”

Exciting times ahead for the people who live nearby and use this exceptional park. I’d like to thank, Mark Baylis and Mark Worrall and the councillors for making me feel very welcome and giving me the time to hear the plans for this park in the coming years.

NEWS

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Meet the experts tomorrow
by Laurence Gale, TurfPro editor

In our first WEB ONLY story, Twickenham's Jim Butter, myself and other volunteer pitch advisors will be on hand to answer turf professionals' questions at a special event taking place tomorrow.

GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY TAKES PLACE
At new HQ

In our next WEB ONLY story, a major supplier to the groundscare sector has marked the first official day of construction of its new 11,500m2 purpose-designed HQ and warehouse facility.

VISITOR REGISTRATION OPENS
For sports turf show

The event's new website is now live allowing visitors to register for a free ticket.

Visitor registration is now open for November's SALTEX, via the show's newly relaunched website.

Sarah Cunningham, GMA director of commercial and events, SALTEX event organisers, said: “As the biggest event covering the supply and management of products and services that help to create high quality leisure, recreation, and sports surfaces, it’s important that the new website is easy to navigate for visitors and exhibitors. I’m confident that the new site will deliver for both.”

Speaking about the rebrand, Andrea McMahon, GMA director of communications said, “SALTEX represents innovation and progression. Its where the industry comes together to build networks, knowledge and learn about new innovations. It’s forward-looking and the brand needs to reflect this and we hope the new look strikes the balance of being modern and progressive, whilst retaining an element of simplicity connecting it to the previous look.”

The opening of visitor registration coincides with the launch of the 2022 show’s social media campaign, #aheadofthegame. The show's visitors are being encouraged to use the tag, along with #SALTEX2022 on social posts to share what they learnt at the show that puts them ahead of the game. Likewise exhibitors are being encouraged to use the tag to promote what they will be bringing to the show.

Sarah continued, “The event will host over 400 industry brands in one place – all lining up the best products on offer for today’s growing needs. And, as always, there will be a comprehensive schedule of speakers across three theatres sharing their knowledge and expertise - with sustainability and environmental pressure at the forefront of the 2022 agenda.”

The show takes place at the Birmingham NEC on 2-3 November.

A CLIMATE POSITIVE BUSINESS
Achieved by TurfPro publisher

TAP have announced that the new status has come about as part of their ongoing approach to better their environmental credentials and working practices.

TAP, the publishers of TurfPro, have announced they are now a climate positive business.

Owner Duncan Murray-Clark said, "As part of our ongoing approach to better our environmental credentials and working practices, we have been working with Earthly to audit our environmental impact over the last year.

"We have been able to offset our impact by supporting projects in Keo Sima, Mai Ndombe and Maroallika Madagascar, supplying natural assets. We will be tracking this progress over time and we’ll report back."

Duncan continued, "We would like to thank TAP staff who have taken the time to make this happen through Earthly, demonstrating our commitment to reducing our environmental impact."

EXHIBITOR BOOKINGS AHEAD OF NORMAL
Enthusiasm for in-person event

New bookings were 15% up by the early bird deadline and repeat bookings are also flooding in says trade show organiser.

Exhibitor bookings for this year’s Midlands Machinery Show are running 15% ahead of normal says the show's organiser.

The event, which will be held on 16-17 November at Newark Showground, provides the opportunity to view the latest kit.

“Exhibitors are clearly keen to return to farm events; new bookings were 15% up by the early bird deadline at the end of May, and repeat bookings are also flooding in,” said show organiser Elizabeth Halsall.

“Last year, 77% of our visitors attended to research and purchase new products and to meet suppliers face-to-face, and there will certainly be plenty for them to see.”

Chandlers (MF) Ltd for example will be bringing a large selection of the latest Massey Ferguson models and the Chandlers (FV) Ltd team will have a full range of Fendt and Valtra tractors, including some brand new models not yet released.

Almost 35% of visitors last year ordered a new product from the show, and 82% learnt about new products and innovations, says Elizabeth Halsall. “Given the close focus on farm and turf care machinery and equipment, both exhibitors and visitors know that they will get what they came for. Last year 93% of visitors were satisfied with the exhibitors’ offering, and with advance bookings already up on previous years, it promises to be a fantastic event for all involved.”

OVERTON APPOINT
New sales role

Overton have appointed a new sales representative

New recruit joins the company with 25 years experience in the groundscare industry.

Overton (UK) Ltd has welcomed Steve Barnfather to its sales team.

Steve Barnfather

Responsible for the North of England and Scotland, Overton says Steve brings a wealth of experience to the company, with over 25 years working in the groundcare industry.

Steve said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working in this industry, it is a passion of mine. When the opportunity came along to join Overton, I knew it was a great move for me. The team have been so welcoming and the product range is impressive."

“Electric and battery-powered have certainly become buzzwords within the industry," Steve continued. "More and more people are looking to make the move to this type of power and I know the proven Mean Green range will be something of great interest in the area. The Altoz product is totally unique and I have not seem anything quite like it on the market.

"I already know that so many of my contacts will be impressed with these machines and I am so looking forward to showing them off.”

TWO NEW TECHNICAL MANAGERS
Take up roles

Both will be responsible for delivering scientific advice and guidance on product selection.

Headland Amenity have announced the appointment of two new technical managers in the form of Laurence McCrory and Jack Hawkes.

Both will be responsible for delivering scientific advice and guidance on product selection - Laurence to customers in the south of England, and Jack to sports turf managers in the south and central regions.

Laurence McCrory

Laurence has been in the turf care industry for 26 years, holding various positions at a number of golf courses including his most recent role as course manager at Castle Royle Golf Club in Reading. He will now be providing additional support to customers from the Bedfordshire area and below.

He said, “I had fantastic first-hand support from Headland throughout my career and it is a brilliant opportunity to now use this confidence and knowledge of their product range to advise and plan programmes for others working in greenkeeping. Since I joined in October, I have already learnt so much and have met some really dedicated turf professionals who I look forward to working with more in the future.”

Jack Hawkes

Jack Hawkes meanwhile has joined from Leamington & County Golf Club, in the role of regional technical manager for sports turf - which will see him support customers from football, rugby, cricket, educational facilities and private estates. A keen sportsman himself, Jack is also an FTMI graduate and was selected as an R&A scholar which provided excellent networking opportunities and the chance to work at the French Open, hosted at Le Golf National.

“In the short time I have been at Headland I have broadened my knowledge and have enjoyed working with customers to understand their unique needs and expectations, whether that’s a Premier League football club or local village sports facility," says Jack.

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