What a week it was for me last week!

I was out on the road catching up with some Green Flag judges at a debriefing in Rugby - whilst on the same day, I managed to call in and catch up with James Mead (grounds manager) at Rugby School. Whilst there I was lucky enough to witness an excellent game of rugby being played at the Close between the schools first XV against Hampton School. Following the thrilling conclusion of the match I drove down to Oxford to attend a fantastic Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

As a Green Flag judge, I annually attend one of the three country-wide debriefings, this one being held in Rugby to attract many of the Midlands based judges. The aim of the meeting is to receive feedback and look at ways of improving the delivery of the Green Flag Awards.

Hosted by Michele Walde, Green Flag coordinator and Chris Worman MBE, parks manager for Rugby Council, we spent the morning having presentations about the success of this year’s awards which saw over 1,970 flags awarded in the UK.

We also had a presentation from Chris Worman, who was privileged to judge and award Green Flags to two new parks in Mexico City. His interesting talk gave us an insight into the challenges and issues that judges find when working abroad. It was interesting to hear about the major investments and different ways these parks were being managed.

You can find out more about Green Flag awards in a recent article I wrote.

Whilst in Rugby I could not miss the opportunity to call in and catch up with James Mead, grounds manager at Rugby School. I arrived at the school only to find James and his staff preparing the first team rugby pitch for a semi-final cup match against Hampton School.

It was, in fact, the first time I personally had ever managed to witness a game of rugby being played on the hallowed William Webb Ellis rugby pitch at the Close. Even after all this recent rain, the pitch was holding up well and looked fantastic for the match. With well over 200 spectators the atmosphere was electric and was borne out with a great game of rugby being played between the two similarly matched teams. After a nail-biting end to the match, Rugby, in the dying seconds, managed to score the winning try and beat the opposition 22/ 19. A fabulous achievement in front of an ecstatic crowd.

I then drove on down to Oxford to attend this year’s well attended Service Dealer Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry. Organised by TurfPro’s sister magazine, Service Dealer, the event was packed with dealers attending from across the country.

There were representatives of dealerships large and small, multi-branched and single premises, and retailers of garden, professional turfcare and agricultural machinery. I feel confident in saying that all would have left the conference, enriched and enlightened by what they had heard across the day.

To read a full report on the day, you can find my colleague Steve Gibbs’s write-up for Service Dealer here.

I personally found what ‘generational intelligence’ expert, Dr Eliza Filby had to say particularly fascinating – especially considering the challenges which our professional turfcare industry is currently facing in terms of recruiting and retaining young people.

Eliza broke down the four different generations which employers will encounter - Baby Boomer, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z - defining their characteristics and, importantly, their expectations and desires when it comes to interacting with the job market.

Eliza's talk truly got the room buzzing. Her insight was fascinating with delegates relating what she said both to their own places of work, but also to their family lives. You could sense in the chatter amongst the delegates as she finished talking, everybody took something of value away with them from what she had to say.

Following the Conference which offered plenty of marvellous insight for the professional dealers attending, it was time to reflect on a great day and then look forward to the prestigious Service Dealer Awards ceremony held in the evening. The evening began with a pre drinks meeting where many of the dealers and manufacturer's representatives could relax and look forward to the evening’s entertainment.

The evening’s entertainment began with TurfPro and Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray Clarke, welcoming everybody to the awards dinner and introduced host Charlie Baker, fantastic comedian and actor, who got everybody in a great mood with plenty of gags and stories.

Charlie, was also on hand to launch the evening’s raffle prize of a signed Liverpool shirt and goalkeeping gloves that went on to raise over £1500 pounds for a charity in memory of STIHL GB's product manager Andy Paskell, who very sadly passed away earlier this year.

In between dinner courses this year’s award winners were announced – which you can read in full here

The evening culminated in the presentation of the final award which was the Outstanding Contribution award that was won by Brian Sangster, recently retired BAGMA president.

The Service Dealer Conference & Awards were sponsored by:

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
Kramp

GOLD SPONSORS
Husqvarna

Etesia/Pellenc
Honda
Kubota
Catalyst Computer Systems

Ibcos

NETWORKING SPONSORS
BAGMA

uni-power

Hitachi Capital Business Finance

In a prestigious ceremony at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry on Thursday last week, presided over by comedian and actor Charlie Baker, the Service Dealer Awards, which are organised by TurfPro's sister magazine, were were presented to winning dealers from around the UK.

The categories and winners were:

PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Etesia. Presenting Award: Les Malin, managing director

Winner - Gibson's Garden Machinery, Colne, Lancashire

Andrew Melville, Scott Grieve and Mark Lewin with Les Malin, plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This excellent dealership has a real focus on customer satisfaction with a genuine customer-first approach. Their commercial clients are quick to praise their extensive product knowledge, their desire to make sure customers have the right kit for the right job and importantly, their speedy responses to make sure downtimes are minimised."

Finalists - Double A Trading Company Ltd, Cupar; Sharrocks Ltd, Wrightington, Lancashire

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Kevin Ashmore, Husqvarna Professional UK Manager

Winner - Winchester Garden Machinery, Liss, Sunningdale & Winchester

Jason Nettle with Kevin Ashmore plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "In a very competitive category that had four finalists, this well established dealership had demonstrated a determination to keep focussing ahead whilst making some tough decisions on the way."

Finalists – Cutting Edge Machinery Ltd, Bromsgrove; F.G Adamson & Son.East Riding of Yorkshire; Revill Mowers, Coleford, Gloucestershire

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Neil Benbow, Field Sales Manager

Winner - Lister Wilder, Eight branches across Southern England

Colin Puffett, Ian Nutt and Alan Haines with Neil Benbow plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "A highly thought of business established in 1947. Over the last few years they have been growing the dealership demonstrating a commitment to invest in training and innovation. The judges felt that they had also shown consistency in tough trading conditions by improving internal efficiencies and are now looking ahead more than ever."

Finalists – Arwel's Agri Services Ltd, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire; Ripon Farm Services, Ripon; Turney Fieldforce, Bicester & Princes Risborough

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Ibcos Ltd. Presenting Award: Adam Giles, Account Manager

Winner - Buxtons Limited, Stafford

Neale Hopley with Adam Giles plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This dealer shows diversity as well as a specialism in Arboraculture as they were a finalist in the garden machinery category last year. The judges liked the digital approach, putting customers’ feedback and members of staff foremost. Customer feedback submitted was outstanding."

Finalists - Gayways Ltd, Harrow, North London; Winchester Garden Machinery (Forest & Arb), Liss, Sunningdale & Winchester

ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Honda Power Equipment. Presenting award Andrew Parr, Sales Operations Department Manager

Winner - MKM Agriculture Ltd, Bedford & Suffolk

Anthony Deacon with Andrew Parr plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This ATV dealer really stood out through their amazing customer feedback submitted and multiple nominations from manufacturers and logistics suppliers. They are expanding and have come a long way since three friends started the business in 1987."

Finalists - Hayes Machinery, South Molton; Turney Group, Bicester & Princes Risborough

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

Sponsored by Catalyst Computer Systems. Presenting Award: Mike Cameron, Sales Manager

Winner - John Rowland, Engineer, Turney Groundforce, Bicester & Princes Risborough

John Rowland with Mike Cameron plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "After 40 years, this year’s winner is still dedicated to the dealership and service department. He picked up a Master Technician award in May this year and continues to show dedication through his work and work ethic. Despite this he is always ready to help others as he is the 'go to' person in the dealership."

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kubota UK. Presenting Award: Martin Tyler, Business Development Manager

Winner - Ifan Davies, Arwel's Agri Services, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire

Ifan Davies and Martin Tyler plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This year’s Apprentice of the Year has progressed extremely quickly over the last 12 months and is already being let loose on bigger ag equipment like forage harvesters. He works at an evolving dealership who believe in progressing several apprentices at once despite being located remotely."

OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Des Boyd, sales director

Winner - Winchester Garden Machinery

Jason Nettle with Des Boyd and Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r) celebrating their Overall Dealer of the Year win

The judges said, "This year’s overall winner is an established name in our dealer community. The next generation are managing the company forward and have recently made some big decisions in regards to direction and strategy as well as utilising the traditional ways alongside modern routes to market."

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

Presented by Service Dealer founders, Chris and Trish Biddle

Winner – Brian Sangster, recently retired from BAGMA

Chris and Trish Biddle with Brian Sangster (centre) plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

Chris Biddle said, "This industry depends on those who embrace the whole fabric of our sector, those who go the ‘extra mile’ for the benefit of the whole industry - and that is certainly the case with the recipient of tonight’s winner.

"Brian Sangster went from High School in Cupar to Elmwood Agricultural College. He started his working career in 1972 as a Lecturer in Agricultural Machinery at Galashiels College of Further Education. In 1978 he joined dealer Reekie at Stirling, becoming Group Service and Warranty Manager. He was with Reekie for 37 years, retiring (with a small R) in 2015.

"An active member of BAGMA, he was appointed National President in May 2015, a post which he held for 4 years instead of the usual 2-year term. Handing over to Peter Arrand at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

"But that has not meant he put his feet up. Brian now is:

• A STEM Ambassodor
• A judge of the Innovation Awards at the Royal Highland
• Chairs the BAGMA Scottish group
• Is Chairman of the LE-TEC Management Group
• Is BAGMA representative on the BIRA Board of Management."

Chris also quoted BAGMA MD Keith Christian, who said, “Brian has been the busiest and most involved President I have known during my time at BAGMA. He is modest, hardworking and a wonderful ambassador for dealers in particular and the industry as a whole. A real Unsung Hero."

'Back to basics' was the clear message emerging from a panel discussion on amenity management, held at SALTEX recently, and chaired by John Moverley from the Amenity Forum.

John Moverley, Amenity Forum Chairman

Whilst plant protection products continue to have a clear and vital role in managing pests, weeds and diseases, the need to take an integrated approach to the management of amenity spaces is equally important. The emphasis they said, must be on preventative actions, ensuring all aspects of soil management, seed selections, cultivations and appropriate on-going management routines are in place to minimise impact and ensure plant protection products, when applied, are targeted and have maximum impact.

The Amenity Forum has produced a guidance document to assist in producing integrated weed management plans (IWMs) across all areas of amenity, together with a template to help in their construction. A supporter, Parks for London, is also working with the Forum producing a document to help in constructing policy statements on IWM, especially useful for local authorities. The Forum, subject to funding, is additionally hoping in the next year to produce similar guidance for integrated disease management approaches.

The Forum has also worked closely with the sector to develop the Amenity Standard. This will be fully launched at the start of 2020 and they believe it will be a game changer for the sector. Those operating in amenity management at the Standard will demonstrate their professionalism and re-assure all involved that practices undertaken on that amenity space follow an integrated approach and meet all requirements on safety and good practice. The Amenity Standard is a bespoke quality management standard very much like the Red Tractor standard in food and agriculture.

Those operating to the Standard will be members of an approved and audited assurance scheme recognised by the Standard.

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

John Moverley, Amenity Forum Chairman, said "The management of our amenity areas is essential and important and impacts on every UK citizen every day. The Amenity Forum promotes best practice and organisations who support this are committed to the highest professional standards seeking to produce safe, healthy spaces fit for purpose. Taking integrated approaches to amenity management should be the norm and, for those concerned with or employing operators for amenity management, I would urge you seek those signed up to the Amenity Forum aims and objectives and following our code. The introduction of the Amenity Standard will further assist in this process and we seek to roll it out across all aspects of the sector going forward."

Award sponsors Toro and Reesink Turfcare say they are delighted that Callum Allsop from Leicester City Football Club’s Belvoir Drive training ground was crowned the Most Promising Sports Turf Student of the Year at the 10th annual Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Awards.

L-R: BBC’s Dan Walker, Leicester City’s Callum Allsop, Reesink’s Alastair Rowell and Ohio State University’s Pam Sherratt

Having worked in the turf industry for 10 years, Callum was recognised for his dedication to the industry and education. As well as leading a team of nine as head groundsman at Leicester City Football Club’s Belvoir Drive, Callum is also currently undergoing studies for his Level 3 in Sports Turf Management.

“I got involved in the industry volunteering at my local club at 14 and really enjoyed it,” says Callum. “Since then, I’ve worked my way up and worked hard to get to where I am, and education has been a large part of that career progression for me.

“I strongly believe that in order to be successful, you have to make sure that every piece of work you do is always done to the best of your ability and that you should strive to learn more. Always ask questions and stay interested in what you’re doing, and you will reap the benefits from that.”

Callum was presented with his award by Reesink’s national key accounts manager, Alastair Rowell, in front of an audience of 650 leading groundscare experts from the UK and Europe. And when it comes to gaining the benefits of winning the award, he wants to use his new platform to inspire others as well as improve himself.

“I think currently in the industry, more needs to be done to encourage younger people,” he says. “That’s why awards like this are important, because it’s vital to raise awareness of the career and educational opportunities available to young people. In fact, at Leicester we’re looking at the possibility of going into schools to speak about the careers in groundscare as many young people aren’t fully aware of what they might be able to achieve in this industry.

“Personally, winning this award has been a great experience, and the highlight for me has been meeting so many top professionals in the industry. I hope winning this award at such a key point in my career will open up more opportunities for me in the future.”

Marketing manager at Reesink, Rochelle Bedford, says: “Sponsoring this award is just another demonstration of ours and Toro’s long-term commitment to the development of the industry and our investment in the careers of young people; a hugely important undertaking for us. It’s wonderful to see Callum has achieved so much in his career already, and we hope the award helps him to progress his career further and inspire more young talent like himself.”

The awards, which took place on 31 October at the The Vox at the Birmingham NEC, recognise leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of groundscare and highlight the progress of young, student grounds professionals. 

John Deere and Volocopter have announced their cooperation on cargo drone technology and presented the first large drone adapted for agricultural use at the recent Agritechnica show.

A demonstrator model of the VoloDrone equipped with a John Deere crop sprayer, which is ready for its first field flight, was displayed in the Future Technology Zone. Featuring a potential payload of 200kg, the  companies said the VoloDrone is able to cover an enormous area, especially under difficult operating conditions.

This first large agricultural drone is the result of a collaboration between John Deere, who say they bring knowledge of farmers’ needs, and the Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter, whose flying taxis form the technological basis of the VoloDrone.

Both companies say they see great potential for the VoloDrone’s use in agriculture, with capabilities ranging from difficult topography to increased efficiency in the use of crop protection agents, sowing seeds or frost control. The development of this demonstrator is a first step towards bringing this technology closer to commercial application after full testing in the field.

The VoloDrone is powered by 18 rotors with an overall diameter of 9.2m, and features a fully electric drive using replaceable lithium-ion batteries. One battery charge allows a flight time of up to 30 minutes, and the VoloDrone can be operated remotely or automatically on a pre-programmed route.

The drone frame is equipped with a flexible standardised payload attachment system. This means that different devices can be mounted on the frame depending on the application. For crop protection, the drone is equipped with two liquid tanks, a pump and a spray bar.

Due to the drone’s low altitude in flight, very large area coverage of up to 6ha/hr can be achieved and spray management improved. This say the companies, would make the VoloDrone a sustainable, precise and cost-effective alternative to helicopters. Due to the system’s high flexibility and GPS control, more selective area-specific treatments are also possible.

Appropriate flight and application tests will be carried out with the demonstrator VoloDrone sprayer over the next growing season. 

Farol Golf and Turf Machinery Limited has purchased a Foley Company Accu-Pro 633 with Accu-Touch 3 Control and an Accu-Pro 661AT bedknife grinder to bolster their essential grinding operation.

The dealership says that grinding is an integral part of their business and is fundamental to what they offer to the golf and leisure industries. According to Farol their current relief grinder, an Accu-Master 650, had proved popular with technicians and was one of the reasons they decided to go with Foley again and continue working with ProSport UK Ltd. 

When it came time to decide on new grinders, after-sales manager for golf and turf, Oliver Longden, says he consulted with the technicians and appraised the Foley machines against others on the market.

“We had a look around at what else was available, but there was nothing comparable for what we need to do,” Oliver explained. “Our guys are already familiar with the Foley machines, and we’ve had a good history with our Accu-Master. We’ll continue using it alongside the Accu-Pro 633 during the peak grinding season because it still does exactly what we need it to.

“The most significant benefit with the 633 against other manufacturers is being able to relief grind correctly. We can relief grind any units without having to make massive changes to the machine, whereas with other manufacturers you must take a part off or swap something over and it all takes time. With the Accu-Pro you can switch from 7 to 11 to whatever number of blades, easily and quickly.

“Once it’s set up everything is automated so the guys can get on with stripping down the next unit while it’s working, because you don’t have to keep coming back to it to make adjustments.

“The training function was another big plus for us. We sometimes get new technicians who haven’t used the machine before. It’s a very good feature because it shows them a step by step set-up and how to work it, so anyone can jump on it straight away and get going. Someone who has little experience of grinding can work just as well as someone with 20-years’ experience, and that ensures consistent quality."

Farol believe that when it comes to cutting, it is ultimately the blades that do the job. To achieve the best cut possible, they need to be sharp and restored to how they function best, which is by relief grinding them back to the original manufacturer’s own specification.

When head groundsman Stuart Lambert joined Gloucester Rugby in the summer of 2018, a brand-new hybrid pitch installation had just been completed at the clubs Kingsholm Stadium.

Having no prior hybrid experience, Stuart turned to his trusted suppliers to help him formulate a new maintenance programme. Top of the list was scrapping the existing nutritional regime and switching over to a full liquid and granular programme from Headland Amenity.

Stuart has used Headland products for over 10 years, including during his time at Worcester Warriors where he was part of the award-winning ‘Professional Rugby Grounds Team of the Year’.

“I knew what I wanted to achieve so called on the advice of Headland’s Adi Masters, who helped me formulate a plan that would be able to work on the faster-leaching hybrid surface. To achieve optimal results, we’re using a combination of liquid and granular applications.”

Because of the free draining nature, one issue they worked on was moisture retention. “Adi recommended TriCure Ad which we applied once a month throughout the summer to hold onto what little rainfall we received - this worked really well. Coming out of that dry summer and into a wetter winter, we then had a few problem areas retaining water, mostly due to compaction from the installation process. For this, we applied Terafirm soil penetrant once every four weeks between October and February which effectively moved the water away.”

They were also one of the first customers to use the 15-5-12 formulation of Headland’s new controlled release fertiliser, H-Cote Mini. “We’d had some games back to back and I was looking for something to give the pitch a bit of a boost so we applied H-Cote and the colour response, in particular, was fantastic. It delivered results that transformed the appearance of the pitch, making it a staple in my summer feeding programme.”

Stuart concluded, “The hybrid pitch has given us stability in many ways, but in terms of the nutritional inputs required it’s been a bit of a balancing act. Adi has provided fantastic support, and our combined knowledge and experience is ensuring we’re achieving the best results we can by applying the right nutrients.”

Milford Golf Club in Surrey say a carefully-planned turf nutrition and treatment programme utilising three key Sherriff Amenity products has produced a sustained rise in the health, condition and playing standard of their greens.

The programme is being implemented by course manager Tom Smith who joined the club a year ago and set out to make some immediate improvements.

“There is historic data which points to a high level of sulphur and a low cation exchange capacity so I began by looking at various methods and purposes which would improve the situation. I felt it was important to get consistency through the old and the new greens and essential to improve root development. After all, if you get your foundations right then you can build a house.”

As Tom says, the Club has recently built four new greens on land recently acquired by Milford Golf Club’s owners Crown Golf. Milford is one of 22 golf clubs in Crown Golf’s portfolio and was opened in 1993. The course was designed by the famous Peter Allis and Clive Clark duo and was built on the land of the famous Secrets orchard in west Surrey, seven miles from the city of Guildford.

Tom, who started his career as a car mechanic, moved into greenkeeping in 2011 at Wickham Park – which is also under the Crown Golf umbrella. With a newly found passion Tom set about completing his Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and just last year was deemed the perfect man to take the reins at Milford.

Indeed, Tom immediately got to work and after facing somewhat of a baptism of fire in which he embarked on annual renovations in his first week, his attentions quickly turned to improving the root development on the greens.

Comprising of Sherriff Amenity’s Rootmass Plus, Rapid Root and SeaVolution seaweed, the three complementary products used within the programme are being applied at various times throughout the season.

“I apply the Rapid Root once a month at 15kg/ha and try to fit it in with my feeding and this goes down from May until October. I’ve been using the Rootmass and the SeaVolution all the way through the winter to increase the density of the root.

“The beauty of the Seavolution is that I can use it both with my wetting agent and also with my Rapid Root mix. The plant absolutely loves it and even in hot conditions the seaweed always stays wet. In fact it is probably the most natural product out there. The roots are like babies and if we look after them and use more natural products then the turf is going to be fine – it is going to look after itself.

“Since using these products I’ve definitely noticed more root development. From the top of the profile right the way down we are seeing strong roots. The plants ability to uptake and retain nutrients has improved and they hold a lot more moisture and stay greener longer.”

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?

WINTER GAMES PITCHES
Essential maintenance required

STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
A worrying trend

BUZZING SALTEX 2019
Superb IOG show last week

A WELL OILED MACHINE
Take proper care of your kit

INTEGRATED PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT
Considering available strategies

AMENITY FORUM CONFERENCE '19 REPORT
Event held at the Pirelli Stadium

WHAT'S NEW ON THE PARKS FRONT?
Plenty of developments in this vital sector

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2019
Latest developments on show

BUSY TIMES AHEAD
Show and event season

RECRUITMENT IS KEY
The challenge of finding new staff

EDGBASTON'S BASTION
Gary Barwell gives his insight to groundsmen

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHINERY
Turf professionals must be careful when buying new equipment

A GROUNDSMAN'S LOT
Under-appreciated and under-valued

CURRENT STATE OF BOWLS
Clubs facing many challenges

GEARING UP FOR THE RUGBY SEASON
Starts in less than 3 weeks

PREPARING FOR GOLF COURSE WORK
Renovations on tees and greens

PLANNING CRICKET RENOVATIONS
There are some basic aims when renovating a square

A FEAST OF SPORT
With turf professionals playing an integral role

THE CURRENT STATE OF GOLF
Courses must adapt to survive

TEEING OFF WITH JOHN DEERE
Partnership with Wentworth Club launched

WEATHER CONTINUES TO SURPRISE
During one of the busiest times of the year

BERNHARD LAUNCH TRAINING ACADEMY
Educating the next generation

THE NEXT GENERATION
We must inspire and recruit a new generation of turf professionals

OPTIMISATION OF WATER RESOURCES
Better understand the soil / water relationship

HARD WORK & DEDICATION
Ever changing playing surfaces

OBESITY MEASURES
Turf professionals have a vital role

TIMELY ADVICE
Rugby renovations

PLANNING AHEAD
Renovating grass surfaces

FROM WINTER TO SUMMER SPORTS
April is a busy period

THE VALUE OF TREES
Trees bring real benefits to our cities, health and well being

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Choice of fertiliser products will be influenced by many factors

A WONDERFUL INDUSTRY
But we need to be encouraging the next generation

THE VALUE OF PARKS
Facilities must not be taken for granted

A VERY BUSY MARCH
Plenty of work for turf professionals to be getting on with

SHARING KNOWLEDGE
At the Dennis & Sisis groundcare seminar

INSECT DECLINE
A cause for concern

HELP IS AT HAND
Seek advice from industry bodies

SPRING RENOVATIONS
February is a good time to start planning

BTME 2019 REPORT
Great start to the year

BTME WEEK IS HERE!
Harrogate time again

THE VALUE OF PLANNING
Benefits for pitch sustainability

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Opportunities & challenges in 2019

View all of 2018's blogs here