It was Box Office Phil's budget last week and to be honest there wasn't much said of direct interest to the turf professional sector.

However as the Sport & Recreation Alliance pointed out in a statement following last Wednesday's announcements, there is a worry that due to what was said about housing plans, there needs to be a focus on protecting our incredibly valuable parks and green spaces.

Regarding these housing plans, the Alliance’s Director of Policy, Governance and External Affairs, James Allen said, “A commitment to building more homes - although an admirable pledge - should not come at the expense of our green spaces. Parks and outdoor spaces are vital to getting more people active and we need to make sure our green space is protected and made available to benefit the nation’s health and wellbeing.

"As set out in our manifesto, we believe a national Green Spaces Panel would help protect the quality and quantity of green spaces, which is arguably now more important than ever given today’s announcement."

This timely warning by the Alliance comes just a couple of weeks after quite worrying findings were published about the state of public parks in Scotland. Greenspace Scotland released the findings of their 2017 Greenspace Use and Attitude survey which didn't make pleasant reading. This report quite depressingly showed the downward trend in the deteriorating quality of Scotland’s parks and greenspaces has continued.

Whilst the survey confirms that Scots still love their parks, with over 90% of urban Scots saying it is important to have greenspace in their local area, the quality of Scotland’s parks and greenspaces has continued to decline, and this means that fewer people are using their local greenspaces regularly.

The survey reflected that 40% of people agreed or agreed strongly that the quality of their local greenspace has reduced in the last 5 years (up from 33% in 2011) and this figure rises to 50% for people living in the more deprived areas (up from 35% in 2011).

From a peak, in 2009, when nearly two-thirds (63%) of urban Scots used their local greenspace once a week or more often; frequency of use and quality ratings have fallen steadily, with less than half (43%) of Scots visiting their local greenspace weekly in 2017. This is apparently the lowest figure since the survey first started in 2004.

This of course begs the question why have these standards fallen so dramatically, putting users off from enjoying their local park? Quite simply it's funding.

Greenspace Scotland says greenspace use and quality ratings both peaked in 2009 and since then have fallen steadily. These downward trends closely mirror cuts in local authority budgets: benchmarking data from the Improvement Service shows that annual expenditure by Scottish Councils on parks and greenspace has fallen from £190 million in 2010/11 to £167 million in 2014/15.

Julie Procter, Chief Executive of Greenspace Scotland said, “Cost-savings on Council parks budgets over the last 5 years of less than the cost of one mile of new motorway or equivalent to less than the cost of one cinema ticket per year per person in Scotland have had far-reaching and unintended consequences on the condition of our greenspace. Even more worrying, is how this has impacted to reduce our use of parks and greenspaces."

And it's not just in Scotland of course where spending on parks is being slashed. Speaking earlier this year on the launch of the Select Committee’s report on the Inquiry into Public Parks in England, Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Committee described the situation with parks as being at a "tipping point".

So more than ever we need groups like Greenspace Scotland, the Sport & Recreation Alliance and others like them to be fighting the corner for parks and greenspaces. Turf professionals know better than most the true value of these assets to communities across the nation. Their decline needs to be halted and reversed.

The University of Edinburgh have refused to allow groundsmen to speak about a controversial incident which saw the Australian rugby team thrown off their training pitch on Tuesday last week before their Autumn Test match against Scotland at BT Murrayfield which took place on Saturday.

The Scotsman reports that groundsmen at the university’s Peffermill Playing Fields are angry at the damage done to their reputation and professional skills after the story made headlines worldwide.

A video taken by The Scotsman newspaper showed the pitch to be "pristine condition"

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted veteran player Stephen Moore as describing the field the team were due to play on as “probably one of the poorest surfaces I’ve ever seen actually.”

“Never mind that the world’s third-best team was in town, groundsmen and the Scottish Rugby Union were adamant the Wallabies couldn’t train there because they might rip up the field “ the newspaper reported.

The team were reported to be “seething” on Tuesday after being informed they would not be able to use the grass pitch due to heavy rain and to prevent it being churned up ahead of a game between Edinburgh University and Durham University which had been scheduled for the following day.

A video by The Scotsman filmed last Thursday shows the grass pitch to be what they described as "pristine condition". The game between the two universities was moved to a 3G astroturf pitch, so the pitch is still in the same conditions as when the Australian team arrived at the site.

The Australian team were then offered and accepted the use of a 3G astroturf pitch where they held two training sessions.

Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s head coach, said the Australian team had been offered alternatives such as training at 3G pitches at Murrayfield. Australian media reported that this offer was declined for fear someone from the Scottish side might be “looking in on their closed training.”

A spokesman for the university is quoted by The Scotsman saying: “We regularly host visiting international teams at our facilities, which are amongst some of the best in the country.

“Unfortunately, heavy and persistent rainfall over the last few days made all our grass rugby pitches unsafe and unplayable.

“We were able to offer the Australian team training time on our World Rugby approved 3G all weather pitch as an alternative.”

Melbourne Cricket Club announced the appointment of Matthew Page, the Western Australian Cricket Association turf manager, as the new head curator at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on Friday (November 24).

Page takes over the job at MCG with over 20 years of experience in turf wicket preparation and turf management

Cricbuzz reported Page, who replaces David Sandurski, will relocate to Melbourne and be responsible for preparing all pitches at the MCG. Sandurski returned to Brisbane last week after being appointed the head curator at the Gabba.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of Matthew Page for such an important role at the MCG," said MCC CEO Stuart Fox. "Matthew is highly regarded in the cricket industry and has extensive experience in preparing first-class cricket pitches."

Page takes over the job at MCG with over 20 years of experience in turf wicket preparation and turf management. He spent seven years working for the WACA - four of those as the turf manager - looking after the ground operations at both WACA and Murdoch University Playing Fields.

Page has also played a vital part in the construction and maintenance of portable pitches which are due to be used at the new stadium in Perth.

"Although the movement of pitch curators around the country during an Ashes series is not ideal, we are confident that through co-operation between all parties we can ensure that the usual high standard of cricket pitches in Australia can be maintained all summer," Fox said.

The Amenity Forum is once again organising a series of free Updating Events at venues across the UK.

This series of free Updating Events seeks to address topical issues of interest and relevance to all involved in the amenity sector and will comprise short presentations by speakers drawn from the Chemicals Regulation Division of HSE, BASIS Registration, the National Sprayer Testing Service, STRI, the various host organisations and from the Amenity Forum itself.

They are timed to occupy half a day, normally mornings, and on dates between February and April 2018.

The series has been given the title of ‘Meeting the challenge’ and there will be adequate time for questions and discussion. Whilst the events are free, delegates are required to register in advance.

Those interested in an event, can email admin@amenityforum.net for further information.

Locations and dates confirmed are:

• Belfast 8th February
• Peterborough 15th February
• Wales 20th February
• Stoneleigh 6th March
• Pontefract 1st March
• London 14th March
• Reading 21st March
• Essex 22nd March
• Edinburgh 10th April
• Darlington 11th April
• Devon 19th April

This year there will also be three events within the programme especially designed for grounds staff and greenkeepers and hosted by Forum members, IOG and BIGGA. Dates and venues are yet to be confirmed but will take place at locations in the North, Midlands and South.

If you wish to register interest for these again contact admin@amenityforum.net

Professor John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Forum, said ‘’We offer these events as a convenient way for those involved in, or with an interest in, amenity to keep updated on current issues.’’

The Forum has also announced the date for its  annual conference and exhibition. In 2018 it will be held once again at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton upon Trent, on Tuesday, October 9th. The conference will be entitled ‘Change, challenge and opportunity’

The expertise and dedication of Philip Swan, volunteer groundsman at the Bridge Trust Society’s sports fields in Birmingham, has been recognised by this year’s IOG Industry Awards with Philip collecting the Redexim Charterhouse / Kubota Volunteer Sports Groundsman of the Year Award.

Philip Swan (centre) collects his award from Curtis Allen (left) Redexim Charterhouse’s business development manager, and Andy Southerton, Kubota’s dealer manager, groundscare

The award was presented to Philip by Curtis Allen, Redexim Charterhouse’s business development manager, and Andy Southerton, Kubota’s dealer manager, groundscare, in front of an audience of almost 700 of the UK’s and Europe’s leading groundscare experts at a ceremony which took place during the recent SALTEX.

The Bridge Trust Society’s 7.5-acre sports ground is unique, says Philip, because it is triangular in shape and bounded on all sides by railway lines, with access via a private level crossing.

Philip took over as groundsman seven years ago, with he adds “another equally inexperienced volunteer”. Since then, whenever a member of the club retires, they are recruited to join Philip’s team - which currently numbers six and all with varying levels of experience.

Led by Philip, the team is charged with the upkeep of the right of way and the maintenance of the clubhouse, two pavilions, the score box and a garage, in addition to two football pitches, a cricket square and nets plus two five-a-side training pitches.

A regular programme of mowing, seeding and fertilisation keeps all the playing surfaces in pristine condition, with continual improvement in, for example, the football pitches thanks to regular cutting, chain harrowing and more particularly spring fertilising and seeding, plus autumn fertilisation.

The cricket square has been improved, says Philip, through the use of a softening chemical along with regular scarification, aeration, fertilisation, seeding and the application of loam.

The remainder of the ground is cut twice a week in summer, while the tree lines are trimmed and the 165 trees tended.

One team member is allocated to the cricket square, which is prepped for three games a week on eight tracks. The home club plays on Saturdays and the pitch is hired out on Sundays, plus there are various T20 midweek fixtures.

In winter, the pitches are used by two of the Society’s five teams on Saturdays and the surfaces are rented out to four teams on Sundays.

Organised by the IOG the annual awards highlight the high standards of volunteer and professional groundsmanship, from grassroots to professional stadia level. They are judged by an independent panel on criteria that include effective use of resources, budgetary control, presentation and housekeeping standards, as well as environmental considerations.

John Deere’s new HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle will be making its public show debut at BTME 2018 in Harrogate next January.

This latest diesel powered Gator shares its new styling with the XUV 855M model, which replaces the 855D.

John Deere HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle

The company says the HPX 815E is designed for a range of transporting and general materials handling duties in any outdoor environment. Powered by an 18hp 854cc engine working through a two-speed high-low continuously variable transmission, this two-seater vehicle is available with true on-demand four wheel drive and is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 25mph.

A dash-mounted electronic rocker switch controls an auto-locking front differential for extra traction when needed in challenging conditions, or to maintain two-wheel drive for lighter turf operations, for example. Additional standard features include a 12V DC outlet, all-wheel suspension and steering, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, a rear diff lock and an integrated four post ROPS canopy with door nets.

Based on a heavy duty hydroformed steel frame for increased durability, the HPX 815E provides an increased payload of 635kg and a towing capacity of 590kg, while the updated cargo box has a load capacity of 454kg. Both the sides and the tailgate, which has a pick-up style one-handed latch, can be removed to provide a flatbed-style load bay if required. According to Deere the durable composite construction of this cargo box makes it dent, rattle and rust-resistant.

Additional changes to this model for 2018 include a new digital dashboard, LED headlights and a restyled front bumper, to improve handling and operation particularly in challenging terrain. Optional attachments for the new vehicle include a road homologation kit, rear hitch, front and rear blades, a winch and a heavy-duty front suspension kit.

Walker Mowers UK have announced the appointment of Stephen Egerton as their new Area Sales Manager - South.

Stephen has been working in the outdoor power equipment industry at both manufacturing and distribution level for many years. He brings a wealth of UK dealer knowledge to the new company and says he is looking forward to promoting the Walker brand and range of machines to both existing and new customers.

Joining Walker Mowers UK on the eve of this SALTEX exhibition, Stephen had a rapid emersion into the new world of commercial machines and is now busy following up enquiries from both dealers and end users. A spokesman for the company commented that Stephen brings a high level of professionalism to the company and following a very busy two day exhibition at SALTEX he is busy meeting new customers across the south of the country.

Following his first exhibition for Walker Mowers UK, Stephen told Service Dealer, "The SALTEX exhibition saw a large number of enquiries from end users and dealers alike, with many requests for a demonstration of the Walker Advantage. My role is to get to meet these customers as soon as possible - a daunting challenge before the weather conditions change."

Robert Ainscough, Head Greenkeeper at Leigh Golf Club in Warrington, Cheshire, is perhaps one of a few greenkeepers who boasted clean, disease free greens during a particularly difficult winter period last year.

Robert Ainscough, Head Greenkeeper at Leigh Golf Club with Phil Collinson, ICL Technical Area Sales Manager

He says this was achieved by adhering to a preventative programme using a range of Syngenta fungicides from ICL, which saw him applying less product than he was previously when working on a more reactive basis.

Robert was made Head Greenkeeper at Leigh at age of just 25 following stints working in Scotland and Australia.

Keen to put his own stamp on proceedings, Robert started devising his own maintenance programme which included using a range of new products.

“I had learnt a lot on my travels and I felt I could really help the course,” he says. “At first I wanted to keep things fairly simple and I continued what the previous Head Greenkeeper was doing except I adapted it slightly based on what I had learnt in Australia. I changed the products around and it was at this point that I started using ICL and Syngenta products, such as the growth regulator Primo Maxx and Greenmaster Pro-Lite Cold Start and Sierraform GT fertilizers.

“They made such an improvement that at the start of last year I sat down with Phil Collinson (ICL Technical Area Sales Manager) to devise a full ICL iTurf programme on the greens, tees and approaches and this included a combination of fungicides to help keep disease at bay.

“This site can get hit really hard with disease,” he continues. “Over the years we have had too many scars throughout the winter and even in April. As a result, we ended up taking a reactive approach and applying products to get rid of the scars but I wasn’t completely satisfied. My whole approach to solve this was to go down the preventative route.”

Last year, Robert started his preventative approach with an application of Banner Maxx just before annual maintenance work on the greens in September. This was followed by an application of Instrata four weeks later and then finally he sprayed the greens with Medallion TL in December.

“The three applications worked incredibly well and the greens were clean and disease free - I even had comments that they were just as good as they are in the summer. I know that I can have the odd weekend off in winter and relax. Now I know that if I go on holiday, I will have confidence knowing that I will be coming back to clean greens without disease.

“This year I plan on sticking to the same programme but with the addition of Instrata Elite. I’ll apply this after the initial application of Instrata before I spray Medallion TL in December.”

Commenting on the success of the programme, Phil Collinson said: “Robert now has a programme in place which means that he doesn’t have to spray fungicides every three weeks. When people got hit badly with disease, Robert was stood there in February with clean greens – and he actually applied less fungicide than others who were being reactive. He’s a forward thinker who understands that the preventative approach results in clean greens throughout winter.”

Etesia UK has announced the appointment of Sharrocks, based in Arclid, Cheshire, as their new dealer for the full range of Etesia grounds care equipment, covering the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Steve Hanlon, depot manager for Sharrocks

Sharrocks is a specialist supplier of tractors, professional and domestic turf machinery and both agricultural and arboricultural equipment. For over 55 years the family owned business, which is now in its third generation, has delivered a trusted service throughout the throughout the Midlands, North of England & North Wales.

The company will now be supplying the complete range of Etesia pedestrian, ride-on mowers along with the Attila range of brushcutters.

“As soon as I knew there was a vacancy coming up in this area I got on the phone straight away to Etesia,” says Steve Hanlon, depot manager for Sharrocks. “It’s a brand we know incredibly well and we are delighted to be working with them. It’s a fantastic product range with so many strengths; they cut and collect in any condition, they are strong, easy to use and are very professional machines.”

The Etesia range from Sharrocks will also be available as part of the company’s ever-expanding hire division, which already includes an extensive range of professional suppliers. 

“Due to where grounds care equipment seems to be heading, Etesia are steaming ahead with their battery powered and green machines. We can see this being a major player in the forthcoming years, so we’re delighted to be able to offer this fantastic equipment.”