Firstly a spot of housekeeping. This time next week it'll be Easter Monday, so there will be no TurfPro published. We'll be back with you Monday April 9th.

As well as the full sporting calendar which will be keeping turf professionals very busy over the Easter period, our professionally maintained parks should see an increased footfall over the public holiday (if the Beast from the East doesn't make a return appearance!).

I did hear more concerning news for our community areas last week as the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) revealed 75% of councils feel that parks and green spaces are being disproportionately affected by cuts to funding.

The statistics came as the APSE published their State of the Market Survey: Local Authority Parks and Green Space Services.

APSE's Head of Communication and Coordination, Mo Baines, appeared on Radio 4's You and Yours last Wednesday (March 21st) and stated, "Parks and green spaces are under serious threat due to local government funding cuts."

She continued, "Many councils are facing a dire, dire choice between either running their statutory services, things like social care, or continuing to fund neighbourhood services. They are faced with something of a Hobson’s choice.

"Places like Knowsley have lost £100m in funding in recent years," Mo told the programme. "That can’t be easily patched together. And that does put parks and those ‘softer’ council services in a very difficult position."

The BBC had previously reported how more than half of councils in the north-west of England are considering selling parks within the next three years. Those opposed to these proposed sales had told the BBC that giving up green space for development is "soul destroying".

Asked if she thought that the sale of parks was a problem peculiar to north-west England, Mo Baines told Radio 4, "I think that could be more of an indicator of levels of deprivation we see in terms of the way that funding for local government has been reduced - the poorest areas have been hit the hardest.

"North-west towns, in terms of overall cuts, have suffered the most in terms of austerity. So we might see some patterns of divergence emerging between the more deprived areas and the more well off areas who are able to better maintain their parks infrastructure."

Which is all terribly concerning news. For areas of the country with higher levels of poverty and deprivation, free access to professionally maintained green spaces is so incredibly important.

Responding to APSE's survey, the Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO,  Emma Boggis, said, "This survey is yet another warning for local and national government to act now to safeguard the future of our parks and green spaces.

"National policy on local government funding and land use must be properly joined-up to make sure our parks and green spaces are protected.

"We know that parks are vital to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of local people and relieving pressure on our public services, notably health services. If councils are considering cutting funding to parks and green spaces - and in some cases selling off land - this is hugely worrying, not to mention a false economy. Once parks are gone, the significant benefits they bring to individuals and communities will be lost for good."

I'm sure turf professionals who work in this sector will have seen for themselves the results of these austerity measures which parks and green spaces are suffering from. And they will know as well as anyone, how vital it is that their funding must be protected.

The first major volunteering opportunity of the year awaits the BIGGA members who have been selected to join the Support Team for the BMW PGA Championship.

The BIGGA BMW PGA Championship Support Team with 2017 winner Alex Noren

The greenkeepers will be on hand to assist Director of Golf Courses and Estates Kenny Mackay and his team throughout the European Tour’s flagship event.

A selection of the team has been chosen to help out with early morning course work and preparation in advance of each day’s play, while the remainder will be on hand to accompany each individual match throughout the tournament.

They will also be on standby in case of emergencies, such as was the case in 2017, when Tony Bartram, greenkeeper at The Richmond Golf Club in West London and amateur beekeeper, was called into action to remove a swarm of bees that had settled on the 18th fairway prior to the final day’s play.

Tony Bartram clearing a swarm of bees from the 18th hole in 2017

Tony will be joining the team again this year and said that when he saw Kenny at BTME in Harrogate, he made sure to mention that he would be bringing along his beekeeping equipment, just in case.

Tony said, “It’s such a great experience. I used to pay to watch the tournament every year, so if you could say to my 17-year-old self that I’d get to go inside the ropes with the players to provide greenkeeping assistance, I would have leapt at the opportunity.

“In England there’s really only two big tournaments that regularly take place, the PGA every year and the Open every couple of years, so the opportunity to be a part of that experience, you can’t beat it. I just love everything about the whole week.”

The BIGGA Support Team for the BMW PGA Championship 2018 is:

David Angus, Newmachar;

Bradley Ashton, Prestbury;

Russell Bain, Chislehurst;

Andrew Baker, Ely City;

Graham Baker, Horam Park;

Adam Baldwin, Lilley Brook;

David Ball, Thetford;

Tony Bartram, The Richmond;

Mark Bettell, The Rayleigh;

Iain Biggs, Chesfield Downs;

Samuel Bishop, Corhampton;

Samuel Bolt, Huntercombe;

Robert Boyce, Links (Newmarket);

Aaron Buff, Queenwood;

Harry Carvey, Heworth;

Tom Coleman, Ellesborough;

Charlie Cripps, Wickham Park;

Joe Curtis, Chislehurst;

Stephen Davey, Queenwood;

Ashley Darnley, The Bristol;

Jeffrey Drake, Newbury & Crookham;

Anthony Duffield, Ham Manor;

Josh Dunn, The Belfry;

Glenn Dyer, Huntercombe;

Michael Elderfield, Sandy Lodge;

Daniel Evans, Llandudno (Maesdu);

Sam Evans, Fulwell;

Sam Ewing, Crane Valley;

Ceri Fearnley, The Bristol;

Martin Field, Buckinghamshire;

Joseph Frampton, Pyle & Kenfig;

Dean Franks, Littlehampton;

Andrew Gibbs, Sunningdale;

Luke Green, Littlehampton;

Lee Hall, Hampstead;

David Haselgrave, Ely City;

Luke Harman, St George’s Hill;

Kevin Hensman, Rowlands Castle;

Steven Hirons, Kirtlington;

Oliver Kirk, Links (Newmarket);

James Lomas, Hadley Wood;

Matthew Mackenzie, Ellesborough;

Michael Mead, Littlehampton;

Peter Meek, The Wisley;

Jamie Melham, Highwoods;

Chris Mitchell, Retired;

Brett Moggridge, Kirtlington;

Ryan Neale, Droitwich;

Edward Parsloe, Minchinhampton;

Robert Patrick, Stoneham;

Johnathan Peacock, Ullesthorpe Court;

Blair Shearer, Dunbar;

Jason Shepherd, Hendon;

William Simmonds, Roehampton;

David Smith, Links (Newmarket);

Philip Slater, West Herts;

Gemma St. John, Brokenhurst Manor;

David Taylor, Thornbury Golf Centre;

Kevin Tigg, South Winchester;

Kevin Weller, Mid Kent.

Ryan Wilson, Mill Green;

Craig Woodman, Bramshaw;

Adam Young, The Players Club;

A 58-year career is not in itself remarkable, what is remarkable, as in the case of Bill Mitchell, is a 58-year career at the same club. 

After almost 60 years at Perranporth Golf Club, on the North coast of Cornwall, the club he joined straight from school, Bill leaves behind a legacy that has helped shape the industry.

Over the years, Bill has quietly and diligently cared for the links course of Perranporth, favouring a traditional approach to links greenkeeping and bringing genuine long-term sustainability to the club’s core.

Bill proved over his career that it’s possible to stick to what you believe in - despite the fact that it goes against the industry norm - and achieve commercial success. He created and maintained fast and smooth surfaces high in fine fescues and kept low in disease-risk on a links course. It was, he says, his greatest achievement.

“The fact that I proved it’s possible to maintain a natural links course is my biggest achievement, and the thing I am most proud of,” he says. “I hope I showed the next generation that sustainable, natural links greenkeeping is not only possible but viable, that I took the difficulty out of it and perhaps inspired them to try it should they ever be in the privileged position of working on a links course.”

A self-declared, long-term Toro fan, Bill believes it’s quality rather than quantity that applies to all aspects of greenkeeping: “It’s possible to get results with dedication, vision and hard work, just as much as it’s possible from big budgets or greenkeeping teams. As soon as it was no longer possible to support all British in my machinery choices, it was Toro I turned to. They’re the finest products and treat the ground with respect.”

John Pike from Reesink Turfcare presented Bill with a decanter from the company in recognition of his career, he says: “Bill is an unofficial ambassador for the industry. Approaching 60 years at one club is almost unheard of and he certainly made his mark on the course at Perranporth! Actually, I think it’s fair to say he made a mark on everyone he’s worked with, myself included. We wish him well for the future, I don’t say it lightly when I say he will be much missed.”

Throughout his career, Bill’s been involved in the education of the industry, he helped set up the Duchy College training programme and was heavily involved with the assessing and training of attendees, and always placed the utmost importance on the education of his apprentices. In addition, Bill enjoyed time on the Open Support teams throughout the years, helping prepare the courses and assisting with the smooth running of the world-famous tournament.

Bill has also been a key member of the BIGGA's Devon and Cornwall section since its inception over 40 years ago. In fact, so instrumental was his work for the organisation that he was given life membership in recognition of it.

Bill has confirmed that he will continue with his advisory and education work for the foreseeable future.

Workmen unearthed unidentified bones as they were preparing a new football pitch at Ossett Albions's Dimplewells ground in Wakefield, West Yorkshire last week.

Police teams examine the find. Picture by John Hirst in the Wakefield Express

The Wakefield Express reported that the remains were found on Tuesday, as work was being carried out in preparation of the club merging with Ossett Town to form Ossett United. The local paper says how the discovery caused chaos, with one game being cancelled and police and forensic teams being called out to the scene.

However after initial tests, it was determined that they were fox bones and not human.

Phil Smith, chief executive at Ossett Albion, told the paper, "I was thinking that someone had buried someone under our pitch."

The bones were found during ground testing which was being carried out as part of plans for a new 3G pitch being laid at the site. The new pitch will become a training ground and will also be used by junior and ladies teams when the United merger goes ahead.

Workmen had taken a sample of grass and mud to see what lay one metre beneath it. But when the turf was lifted, the remains were revealed. Mr Smith said police were alerted to the discovery and the area was taped off early in the evening last Tuesday. Investigations on Wednesday morning determined the bones were animal remains.

Mr Smith is quoted as saying, "There was uncertainty over what type the bones were. There was a shoe at the end of the longest bone.

"It turned out the remains were from a fox. The pitch is stood on what used to be a Victorian tipping ground. There's all sorts under it. "It was just a sheer coincidence that a fox died next to a shoe some 50 years ago."

Kubota UK has strengthened its dealer network after joining forces with Staffordshire-based groundcare and arboriculture specialists Buxtons.

The appointment of Buxtons is part of the manufacturer’s ongoing investment to ensure its range of groundcare machinery is supplied through an independent dealer network that is committed to a first class service offering.

The new partnership means Buxtons will now supply Kubota’s complete range, from walk behind, ride-on, out-front and zero turn mowers, to compact tractors and RTV utility vehicles.

Neale Hopley, Managing Director of Buxtons said, “We are absolutely delighted to become a Kubota dealer. Although we previously supplied groundcare equipment, our range was limited. This new relationship with Kubota enables us to significantly expand our business, giving us the chance to target a much wider range of commercial sectors including local authority, education, equestrian and the sports turf market.

“These are exciting times for Buxtons. Kubota is a trusted brand that turf professionals know will get the job done and not let them down. We are extremely excited to be working in partnership with Kubota and are looking forward to growing our business with them.”

Adrian Langmead, Business Development Manager for Kubota UK’s Groundcare Division said, “We pride ourselves on having a dealership network that is second to none. By signing Buxtons up as a new dealer we can extend our reach across a 30-mile radius throughout the Staffordshire area, enabling us to secure key accounts within the commercial market.

“Buxtons is a well established and respected dealership, so it was a natural fit to partner with an organisation whose commitments reflect our own. We’re looking forward to the longevity of this partnership.”

The Toro Company has acquired L.T. Rich Products, a manufacturer of commercial zero-turn spreader/sprayers, aerators and snow and ice management equipment.

L.T. Rich Products is known in the United States for its Z-Spray line of stand-on spreader/sprayers for landscape contractors and grounds professionals. Other products include the Z-Plug stand-on aerator that is designed to convert to a slicer/seeder, snow plough or dethatching rake, and the stand-on Snowrator for snow and ice management.

“This acquisition builds upon many of our core strengths valued by professional contractors as we strive to help them drive greater productivity, profitability and efficiency in their operations,” said Richard M. Olson, chairman and CEO of The Toro Company.

“The Z-Spray line complements our current spreader/sprayer product offering to contractors, golf and grounds customers, while the innovative Snowrator is an exciting addition to our professional snow and ice management line. With our continued focus on innovation and technology, we believe these products have broad application across many of our professional markets.”

“With a shared commitment to innovation and serving customers, we look forward to having our products become a part of The Toro Company,” said Tom Rich, president of L.T. Rich Products. “We believe that Toro’s strong history, market leadership and resources will further enable our continued growth in the market.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Andrew Symons Ltd has been appointed as a new Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, representing the Ransomes, Jacobsen, E-Z-GO, Cushman, Turfco and Smithco brands.

The dealership will cover a territory that includes Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

L-R: David Timms, Regional Sales Manager at Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd., Alen Drew, Groundcare Sales Manager at A. Symons Ltd, Andrew Symons, Managing Director, Lisa Symons, Company Secretary, Nick Middleton, Groundcare Sales Manager at A. Symons Ltd, Nathan Walker, National Accounts Manager at Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd.

Andrew Symons is a major agricultural, construction and groundcare business. The company was set up in 1987 by current owners Andrew and Lisa Symons. It has flourished over the years and is now one of the most reputable distributors in the region, employing more than 40 full-time staff and offering an impressive portfolio of agricultural and groundcare equipment.

Andrew Symons, Managing Director of Andrew Symons Ltd said, “We are very proud of the addition of Ransomes Jacobsen to our groundcare portfolio. It is testament to the success of our business; we recently opened another depot in Crediton in 2017 which offers parts, service and sales in a first class, modern facility. Customers are the focus of everything we do, and we are very excited to be representing such reputable brands and backing them up with fantastic customer service.”

Speaking after the signing of the distribution agreement, Nathan Walker, National Accounts Manager at Textron Specialized Vehicles, said, “Andrew Symons Ltd is a well-established and highly professional business in the area and we are delighted to welcome them as a new distributor. The level of service and enthusiasm for the industry that its personnel display is second to none, and I am confident that they will do a good job of enhancing our presence in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.”

Currently ranked as the UK's 40th best course by Golf World Top 100 and by National Club Golfer as an England Top 20 course, Notts Golf Club Hollinwell is renowned as one of the country’s finest inland courses, with heather, gorse, bracken and pine in abundance.

L-R: Notts Golf Club Hollinwell green chairman Nick Jones, John Deere Limited territory manager Nikki McKenzie, machinery/maintenance manager Peter Armson, James Robson of Henton & Chattell, course manager Phil Stain, Sam Russo of Henton & Chattell and club secretary/manager Martyn Bonner MBE

The club has continued the course and environmental improvements accomplished over recent years and for the second year running will host a Final Qualifying tournament for The Open, at Carnoustie in July 2018.

In 2017, Notts (Hollinwell) successfully staged Final Qualifying for The Open at Royal Birkdale. The course was presented in excellent condition and the event ran very smoothly, thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of staff - not least the greenkeeping team led by course manager Phil Stain - members and volunteers.

“The club is always pushing for higher standards and there’s been a lot of investment in the course over the last couple of years, so it’s very satisfying to be recognised at this level,” says Phil. “The course is now being managed more intensively and our bent/fescue overseeding programme is progressing really well, as we try to get the greens back to predominantly fine grasses. Mowing frequency has also been increased, so the reliability of our course machinery continues to be a major requirement.”

Part of the ongoing investment programme has seen the purchase of a new fleet of seven John Deere machines from Nottingham based dealership Henton & Chattell, on a John Deere Financial five-year operating lease. These include four 2500E electric hybrid triplex greens mowers, an 8800A TerrainCut rotary rough mower featuring the programmable TechControl display, and two ProGator heavy-duty utility vehicles.

“The machines were due for replacement, as it’s been five years since the last upgrade,” says Phil. “We’ve been more than happy with our previous John Deere 2500E greens mowers, which were the first ones we bought. They’ve provided the standard of finish and reliability we look for, and the dealer service from Henton & Chattell and sales manager James Robson has been very good.

“We always choose the best machines for the job, in our opinion, so we’re not particularly committed to one individual brand over any other. However, having tried the competition we found the John Deere greens mowers ticked all the boxes, so we had no reason to change - we’ve had virtually no problems with them whatsoever, so there was no need to look elsewhere. All round the 2500E is a very good, reliable machine - our old models still have plenty of life in them and are going back to the dealer in very good condition.

“The 8800A cuts all the semi-rough and provides a massive time saving, as well as a good quality finish, plus it’s also a very reliable mower. The ProGators are new machines for us, as we’ve only had them on demonstration before. The industry feedback I get is that the Gator is one of the most robust machines out there, so I’m very happy to go with the opinions of other greenkeepers that I trust.”

Suzuki GB have recently welcomed Turners Agricultural Engineers into its national network of dealers.

Run by husband and wife team Adam and Gina Turner, the dealership based in Pencombe brings improved coverage to the Herefordshire area for Suzuki.

Turners Agricultural Engineers are a small team, with a large amount of new and used machinery available in their dealership near Bromyard. They are fully equipped in their on-site workshop for repairs, servicing and parts. With brands such as Spearhead, Dieci and ATV attachment brand Quad-X already working with Turners Agricultural Engineers, the fit was described as natural by Suzuki ATV.

Director, Adam Turner, said, “We’re a small team but we are looking to take on more brands to serve our expanding customer base in the Herefordshire and surrounding areas. We have seen an increasing demand for good quality ATVs in the region, and Suzuki was the natural choice.”

George Cheeseman, Head of ATV for Suzuki GB, says, “We are excited to have appointed such a great new, family run dealer. Suzuki is dedicated to establishing strong relationships with its UK-wide dealer network as ultimately they are representing our brand and look after our customers. We are pleased to be working with such a well-established and knowledgeable dealership and excited that more dealerships are enthusiastic to sell Suzuki.”