Last week I was fortunate to attend the first of a series of Amenity Forum Updating Events scheduled for 2020. Aptly named ‘Setting the Standard’ the day was held at Harper Adams University, Shropshire.

These seminars are aimed at reinforcing the work of the Amenity Forum and its partners and promoting the newly launched Amenity Standard.

The seminar attracted a number of amenity professionals, companies and organisations including Lantra, BASIS, Agrovista , Hortech, Harper Adams University and other training providers.

As usual John Moverley, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, gave a passionate introduction to the day and introduced the guest speakers.

First up was Tracey Ware from the HSE who gave an update on the government’s National Action Plan policy, regarding the affect that Brexit may have on any specific time scales for the review of the Action Plan. She also stressed that it is important to continue best practice and to work with the European Directives to ensure we are compliant in the procurement and use of pesticides.

Tracey went on to explain that we continue making sure we are aware of the essential goals and risks required when using plant protective and pesticide products in terms of taking

Reasonable precautions:

• If using, causing or permitting use, and/or handling and storage. Demonstrate due diligence. Use available guidance/ minimise use

Protecting water:

• Significant, high-profile issue and tough standards. Awareness of risk importance

Integrated Pest Management:

• Policy priority, use four key principles (suppress, monitor, intervention and record outcomes).

Finally, Tracey said, that it is likely that the new Action Plan will embrace more stringent policies on the use of pesticides and where possible there’s likely to be more focus on prosecuting perpetrators of poor / bad practice.

John Moverley then took the opportunity to update everybody on what lies ahead for the Amenity Forum and their new Amenity Standard.

At the 2019 Amenity Forum conference and exhibition, the new Amenity Standard was introduced, prior to its full formal launch in 2020. This Standard is akin to the Red Tractor in food and agriculture. Those operating to the Standard and displaying its logo will demonstrate their adherence to recognised assured standards in all tasks undertaken.

There is now much greater public and political interest related to weed, pest and disease management, especially linked to chemical use. The reasons why chemicals need to be used, as part of a fully integrated approach, in seeking to provide safe, healthy amenity spaces and sports surfaces, is not always clear to the public and stakeholders.

The wider public users of amenity spaces need to have clear assurances that all those involved in creating and maintaining safe, healthy sports grounds and other amenity spaces, operate at the highest professional standards; and whether using chemical or non-chemical methods, such operations are undertaken by competent, trained personnel following well designed and managed plans.

The introduction of the Standard has already generated widespread support including from the national governments of the UK. It will be formally launched in Scotland by a senior government minister at a conference in early February and a similar event is planned for Wales with on-going discussions in England and Northern Ireland on how best to promote and support.

Speaking about the Standard, John Moverley said, “We feel this to be exactly the right time to introduce this Standard which we hope will be sought and demanded from all who operate in amenity management. It will give assurance that work undertaken is of the highest professional standards by those committed to best practice in every aspect of operations. Those who work in amenity management undertake important and essential operations seeking to create safe and healthy amenity and sports spaces fit for purpose. Introduction of the Standard is we believe a major step and demonstrates once again the high levels of professionalism to be found in our sector.”

Steve Hodgson, CEO of the Property Care Association who was also in attendance , added, “This initiative from The Amenity Forum has been set up by the industry for the responsible use of chemicals. Endorsed by regulatory trade bodies and completely voluntary, we are delighted to be one of the first foundation partners to join. PCA members can also use the new Amenity Standard logo to demonstrate their adherence to recognised assured standards in the use of chemicals.”

The Amenity Standard is a bespoke quality management standard that has been developed, as a partnership, by all sides of the amenity sector. Those operating to the Standard will be committed to an integrated approach to amenity management and to the highest professional standards. They will be members of an approved assurance scheme recognised by the Standard. The cost of operating the Standard is covered by fees from providers of these recognised assurance schemes and there will be no extra cost to individual organisations.

The Amenity Standard is designed to:

• Provide an industry benchmark
• Provide a basis for continuous improvement
• Focus on quality as an objective
• Provide assurances about the quality of the approved organisation and maintenance of the amenity space
• Ensure that quality assurance scheme operators recognised under this Standard use auditors with technical knowledge and experience of the sector concerned
• Promote confidence in organisations operating and providing resources in the amenity sector by provision of a robust and transparent standard

The Amenity Standard will be operated by the Amenity Forum who will maintain, review and regularly update matters as required. They will audit each scheme operator to quality assure that they are operating to agreed standards. In turn, the scheme operators audit their members and approved organisations to assure that they are meeting the requirements of the Amenity Standard. At its launch, three Assurance Schemes are to be recognised by the Standard – the Property Care Association Scheme for Invasive Weed Management and two schemes offered by BASIS Registration, Lawn Assured and Amenity Assured. The aim is for more schemes to be recognised as the Standard develops so that all sectors of amenity are covered.

The need to move quickly on this is recognised by the sector. Clearly embedding the Amenity Standard will need time; it is not a quick fix. Its introduction will need to be accompanied by a communication strategy both externally and internally. However, if this step is not taken, the great progress made to date in increasing the recognition of the professionalism within the amenity sector may be threatened. It will not always be easy, but it is the right step, at the right time.

The next speaker was Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control who gave an insight into a number of alternative weed control methods , that included hot foam, sweeping techniques and electricity systems now coming into the market. Alan compared the cost of using these against the traditional costs of chemical applications through hand-held and mechanical sprayers.

Most, if not all, these new innovative systems generally cost a whole lot more in terms of time, resources and money than traditional spraying methods. Alan spoke of a recent APSE survey that revealed that 33 UK local authorities had reviewed their weed control policies and looked into alternative methods but took the decision to remain controlling weeds using traditional spraying methods, employing Glysophate products, mainly driven by cost and effectiveness.

There followed a facilitated participated session where the delegates were spit into groups to come up with ways the Amenity Forum could improve its method of communicating with customers, stakeholders, users and members of the public.

The delegates came up with several answers that ranged from more positive PR and the promotion of the importance of weed control, to changing the terminology of words used in the industry, perhaps using the phrase ‘plant protection products’ rather than the word pesticides.

Our final speaker was Jonathan Spibey from TWR Training Ltd, an experienced instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the professional training and coaching industry. Skilled in career development, coaching, instructional design, training delivery, and employee training, TWR has been providing agricultural, horticultural, amenity and forestry courses for nearly twenty years.

Jonathan spoke about the value of essential professional qualifications and training certificates that validate knowledge and expertise in relevant work practices, namely mechanical spraying courses based round accredited LANTRA and NPTC land based training courses, enabling you to meet HSE regulations and safe working practices.

It was then left to John Moverley to thank all the delegates for attending and finally mention a new initiative that may help the wider public embrace our sportsturf and amenity industry, bringing us together to celebrate what our industry brings to the table in the management of public open spaces, universities, schools, and sports facilities across the whole of the UK.

As you know the Amenity Forum always seeks to promote the importance of the amenity sector and certainly all that is involved in amenity management. We always stress that what happens in amenity impacts upon every UK citizen every day. Those conducting amenity operations are always seeking to create safe, healthy amenity and sports surfaces fit for purpose.

In 2020, we have the idea of a special event to celebrate all that happens in amenity management. On those days we would encourage all organisations across this diverse and important sector to undertake charitable activities, raising money for good causes locally or nationally, all under the umbrella of this day of celebration.

Dates have been pencilled in for this celebration week of 6th-11th July. This could be an event that I also believe will be good for us all who work in this industry, enabling us to tell the wider public the benefits that we bring in the management of these fantastic public assets.

The Amenity Forum will be hosting eleven more of these seminars across the UK. Please take the opportunity to attend one and discover news about their annual conference, which is being held in Kettering in November by contacting the Amenity Forum at admin@amenityforum.net

Last week we reported that the Toro Company has entered into an agreement to acquire Venture Products, Inc., the manufacturer of Ventrac branded products.

The news of this broke whilst Price Turfcare, the UK distributor of the Ventrac machines was exhibiting at the BTME exhibition - which led to some speculation as to what the implications might be.

Rupert Price of Price Turfcare at BTME last week

“As the UK distributor of Ventrac, this came as quite a shock, so early on the first day of the show,” said managing director, Rupert Price. However as Price Turfcare spoke with their American colleagues over the following days, the picture became significantly clearer.

"Many people assumed that Toro would acquire the company, rebrand and paint the machines red, as they have done with previous acquisitions," Rupert explained. "However, if you look at what they did with Exmark, Boss and Ditch Witch, this is not always the case and Ventrac will be operated on a similar basis.

“Rick Olson, CEO of Toro stated publicly via a YouTube video that there is no intention of moving production out of Orrville in Ohio and that they would continue to build the Ventrac brand. At the Golf Industries Show in Orlando recently, I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from both Ventrac and Toro and they confirmed this. So, I see this as an excellent opportunity for Price Turfcare.

"Although we are a small team, we have taken a virtually unknown brand in the UK from zero sales in 2016 to over 100 machines sold by the end of 2019. We know that this did not go unnoticed within the Toro organisation.

“So, from hereon in, its business as usual; you’ll see us out and about around the UK, redoubling our efforts and continuing to increase the footprint of a product that has impressed Rick Olson for its quality and one that complements the Toro brand.”

You can watch the YouTube video, with Rick Olsen giving his assurances below:

Each year John Deere, in association with the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland (GCSAI), sends seven association members to Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida to join the agronomy team on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass for the duration of The Players Championship – the unofficial fifth men’s Major tournament.

The BIGGA and GCSAI volunteers on the John Deere stand at BTME 2020 in January (left to right): Eddie Irvine, Alex Brougham, Mark Tucker, Peter Lewis, Dean O’Connell and Ben Hunter. (Inset) Yannick Weber on his home course in New Zealand

An incredible experience, the volunteers get completely immersed in the hosting of the PGA Tour’s flagship event with flights, accommodation and other costs all thrown in. Representing the British and Irish associations, the successful seven selected to join the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme in March 2020, working alongside the home greenkeeping team as part of the volunteer course maintenance force of over 90, are:

BIGGA

• South East: Ben Hunter, deputy course manager, The Richmond
• South West & South Wales: Mark Tucker, head greenkeeper, Neath
• Central England: Alex Brougham, deputy head greenkeeper, Trentham Park
• Northern: Peter Lewis, greenkeeper, Royal Liverpool
• Scotland: Eddie Irvine, deputy head greenkeeper, Trump International Aberdeen
• International: Yannick Weber, assistant superintendent, Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

GCSAI

• Ireland: Dean O’Connell, greenkeeper, Grange Golf Club

Previous successful applicants of the scheme have described the experience as life changing and overwhelming. One of BIGGA’s 2019 delegates, Welshpool Golf Club course manager Jon Gamble, said: “TPC Sawgrass is an amazing venue and is out of this world. The presentation of the whole site is fabulous, from the condition of the course to the flowers and grandstands that sit very high on 17.

“They really do gear the tournament up so that everyone who goes has an awesome time, from a spectator point of view. Going to Sawgrass has made me want to go back every year now, just to get that buzz from what you experience. I would encourage and push anybody that wants to go there, to do so.”

This year’s tournament dates are March 12-15, 2020; the John Deere sponsored group flies out to the US on Friday March 6 and returns on Tuesday March 17.

Scamblers have announced that the Grasshopper network has expanded with a further four dealerships appointed.

Newly joining the network are Oakes Bros covering Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex; Abrey Agricultural Ltd covering Essex; Peninsula Mowers covering Northern Ireland; and RTC Groundcare Ltd covering north west Cambridgeshire.

Ed Scambler md, told Service Dealer, “We at Scamblers are extremely pleased to have taken on these extra outlets.

Oakes Bros

“Oakes are a great addition to our network with their four depots and the way they approach their business with a customer service focus, along with quality products. They are run in a professional manner with a family business ethos.

Peninsula Mowers

“Peninsula Mowers are a small but very active company we first meet at Saltex. Both Sybil and Neville Stewart have a great understanding of customer care and back up. Sybil can offer training on machinery and Neville and his team of experienced mechanics are looking into expanding into selling and maintaining more professional machinery.

Abrey Agricultural

“Toby of Abrey Agricultural has been around the trade for a number of years and has built up a loyal customer base, but also saw the Grasshopper as a machine that could compliment his portfolio for commercial customers.

RTC Groundcare

“RTC Groundcare meanwhile, are relatively new to the larger homeowner, estate and commercial markets, but are very well equipped to handle it. They will run the franchise alongside their well established hire company, with experienced mechanics and a good understanding of customer needs.”

This year sees the launch of the new 400D (below) for Grasshopper and Ed says they are still actively looking for more dealers.

The Johnsons Sports Seed team were joined by members of the press and over 30 distributors and customers to toast their 200th anniversary at BTME recently.

At a special drinks reception that took place on their stand in Harrogate, they celebrated the company’s rich and varied history since it was founded by 17-year old William Wade Johnson in 1820.

Reflecting on the event, amenity sales and marketing manager, Derek Smith, said, “BTME was a fantastic platform for staff and key contacts to raise a glass to mark such a huge industry milestone. Their drive to raise industry standards reflects the position that Johnsons has in today’s market, and this is very much testament to the passion of those involved with the brand over the years.

"We at DLF, look forward to continuing that ethos for many years to come.”

Rob Donald initially of MJ Abbott Ltd and previously md of White Horse Contractors from 1997 through to 2011, has joined the board of Talbot Landscapes and Talbot Sports Turf.

The company says Rob brings to his new position a wealth of experience at all levels of sports turf from not only a national but also an International basis.

Sean Goodwin, director at Talbot Farm Landscapes said, "A qualified soils and water engineer and chartered environmentalist, Rob's knowledge of soils together with his drainage experience and ability is second to none. Everyone at Talbots are pleased to welcome Rob in his new role, having worked together for over twenty five years. This really was an easy decision as Rob knows our company and what we are able to achieve from a landscape and sports turf point of view.

"A well established and respected member of our industry Rob gives us another dimension to our business."

This appointment gives the Talbot Group a further UK office based at Twyford in Buckinghamshire together with the company's head office at Hilton in Derbyshire and their southern region contact base in London.

Avant UK have announced that they will be partnering with Davies Implements Ltd to provide their full range of loaders and attachments to customers in south west Wales.

L-R: Sharon Davies, Davies Implements; Richard Jenkins, Avant; Heulwen Davies, director Davies Implements

Established in the 1930s, Davies Implements Ltd is a family run company with its origins based on sales, service and repair of agricultural machinery. Whilst continuing to serve the farming community, the experience gained over the years has enabled them to diversify into other product lines and industries including that of arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and hire. In tandem with diversification the company’s customer base has shifted to straddle both rural and urban communities as well as the public sector.

Avant UK’S after sales manager Richard Jenkins said, “I am enormously happy to have such a well-respected dealership such as Davies Implements Ltd joining the Avant family. With a vast amount of knowledge in a vast array of market sectors and a passion for customer service it makes for the perfect partnership."

Upbeat about their new partnership, Heulwen Davies, director Davies Implements said following a visit to Finland, “Seeing the construction of the product, the range of models and the wide range of attachments was invaluable to set us off on what we hope will be a long and successful relationship with the Avant brand.”

To highlight 25 years in the robotic mower sector, Husqvarna has released a special limited-edition anniversary version of their Automower 315X. Launching in February, it boasts a unique colour.

Sofia Axelsson, vice president, Husqvarna Division consumer unit, said, “We’re very proud to have developed the category to reach this business milestone and to release a limited edition 315X to mark the occasion. With Automower we’ve been determined to continuously innovate our solutions in order to lead the category forward and we’re excited about what the future holds for robotic mowing.”

In 1995, the company took the first step into a new product segment with the launch of the world’s first commercial robotic lawn mower, the Husqvarna Solar mower.

Three years after the launch of the Solar, the company released its first generation of Automower, a robotic mower which returned to a grid-connected charger to charge its battery.

The second generation was introduced in 2003. This platform featured a new design and a number of improvements. Later, other models based on this platform were launched. For example, a mower that could manage lawns up to 6000 m2 and a hybrid mower with both solar cells and battery.

The third generation Automower platform arrived in 2011. The first models focused on small lawns and compact sizes. Later came higher capacity mowers equipped with connectivity. Five years later, 430X and 450X models were introduced, both equipped with the X-line feature package.

The manufacturer’s first robotic mowers for green space professionals, the 520 and 550, were introduced in 2018. Whilst in 2019, the first all-wheel drive robotic mowers were launched, the 435X AWD and 535 AWD, that can handle inclines of up to 70%.

The year of 2019 also saw another milestone as Husqvarna Group reached the two million mark in its manufacturing of robotic mowers.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is giving one lucky reader plus their guest, the chance to visit GIE+EXPO, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment show in Louisville, USA, in October 2020.

The winner of this amazing free to enter competition, who must currently work as a turf professional, will win two tickets to the show as well as travel to the US, transfers and accommodation.

SUPPORTED BY

Between the 21st-23rd October, GIE+EXPO will showcase the hottest products and technological innovations in the global outdoor power equipment industry - and you could be immersed in the latest developments plus be able to network with peers from across the world.

Throughout the three days you will be able to visit over 1000 exhibitors across the showfloor. There is even 20 acres of outdoor space for demonstrations and test-driving, so you can put the equipment through its paces.

This really is an incredible opportunity to get away from the business for a few days and to come back with a wealth of new ideas from across the globe.

To enter the competition and for full terms and conditions click here.

STIHL continues to expand its range of high-performance mowers with the RMA 765 V, a professional cordless mower with a 63cm cutting width, ideal for landscapers tackling large grass cutting jobs.

Powered by a 36V high capacity Lithium-Ion batteries from the STIHL PRO cordless system, the robust RMA 765 V is ideal for work in noise-sensitive areas and is highly manoeuvrable thanks to the zero turn function of the front wheels. Both front and rear wheels are height adjustable from 25mm-100mm. The professional mower also runs using STIHL’s new AR 2000 L and AR 3000 L higher capacity backpack batteries, helping to deliver longer running times for full-day work assignments.

The mower boasts an innovative five-speed control panel, featuring an eco-mode and a battery power level indicator to ensure professional users have full sight of the performance of the machine at a quick glance.

The ergonomic mono-comfort handlebar, with super soft grip, is adjustable to three different heights, allowing users to find the most suitable setting and providing easier access to the grass catcher box.

Designed with strength, weight and protection in mind, the aluminium and polymer hybrid housing features front, side and gearbox protection, as well as the polymer inner housing being impact and abrasion resistant. In addition, the 63cm cutting deck utilises synchronised multi-blades that lift the grass, cut it efficiently and blow the grass cuttings into the grass catcher bag.

Thanks to the optimised design shape and air guide, the 80 litre bag can be 100% filled, while the combination of tear resistant fabric, polymer base and steel frame ensure the catcher box is hard wearing.

Designed with a foldable handlebar, the STIHL RMA 765 V cordless mower is easy for landscapers to transport and convenient to store. Additional features include a diagnostic connection for servicing and a safety key required for operation.

The recommended retail price for the RMA 765 V starts at £1,499 inc VAT (mower only). The RMA 765 V is also available as a kit that starts at £3,299, including AR 3000 L battery, connecting cable, AP adaptor, AL 500 charger, and VAT.

Details at a glance:

Low-noise and efficient
The new RMA 765 V combines rapid work progress with the advantages of battery technology. The EC motor starts at the touch of a button and operates quietly and without emissions. This makes the mower ideal for use in densely populated residential and other noise-sensitive areas. With a cutting width of 63 centimeters and a mowing time of up to 70 minutes (with AR 3000 L), lawns of up to 3,100 square meters can be mown quickly, neatly and efficiently. The cutting height of the new RMA 765 V can be variably adjusted between 25 and 100 mm and can be easily adapted to different conditions thanks to the stable, smooth-running individual wheel height adjustment. This feature allows clean mowing of lawn edges with height differences.

Modular battery system
The RMA 765 V draws its energy from powerful 36V high capacity Lithium-Ion batteries of the STIHL PRO cordless system. In addition to the professional mower, this system includes more than 20 tools for various applications as well as batteries with different energy levels. To operate the RMA 765 V, batteries from the STIHL AP series, such as the AP 300 S, can be used as required using a double slot adapter. Alternatively, a backpack battery, such as the new STIHL AR 3000 L, can also be clicked into the mower.

The new AR backpack batteries series comes with an enhanced energy supply that has a Bluetooth interface that can be integrated into the STIHL connect pro fleet management system. The charging status and service life of the energy storage can be checked via smartphone. The charging status can also be read off the control unit on the handlebar.

Easy handling
The infinitely variable Vario drive of the RMA 765 V, in conjunction with the low vibration values, protects the user and enables them to adapt the working speed to the respective terrain. In addition, the professional mower is equipped with an ergonomic Mono comfort handlebar, making it easier to attach and detach the grass box. Despite it’s tremendous cutting width, the lightweight (42kg) cordless mower is exceptionally manoeuvrable thanks to the zero-turn function of the front wheels and simple to transport.

Sturdy and reliable
The RMA 765 V is equipped with a maintenance-free EC motor, which guarantees a long service life and simple maintenance. The hybrid housing of the mower is made of robust die-cast aluminum on the outside and the replaceable inner housing is made of durable polymer. This provides the mower with better protection against stones being whirled up.

About STIHL

STIHL is the No.1 selling petrol chainsaw brand worldwide; renowned for its revolutionary outdoor power equipment. A family-owned business based in Germany; STIHL employs more than 17,000 staff worldwide and sells product in more than 160 countries globally. The cutting-edge STIHL range spans chainsaws, hedge and grass trimmers, multi-tools, pressure washers, construction tools, lawn mowers, lawn tractors, robotic mowers and other garden equipment.

STIHL GB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global STIHL Group. In Great Britain, STIHL products are available from more than 700 specialist Approved Dealers who offer expert customer service.

STIHL is committed to long-term environmental protection and energy efficiency and as such, STIHL products include advanced, fuel efficient petrol models. The range also includes low-noise, Lithium-Ion battery powered tools, plus lightweight electric models.

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

TIME TO GET FIT
Our industry can help tackle the growing obesity crisis

WINTER WORKS AND SHOWS
Plenty to occupy in January

LOOKING AHEAD
What might 2020 hold in store?

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here