THE
GROUNDSMAN WWW.IOG.ORG
JANUARY 2019 £4.00
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT KEITH BOYCE
Looking back on a 60-year career page 16
PUSHING FOR IMPROVEMENT Meet the ‘Friday Club’ volunteers transforming the Crowborough ground
INS IDE
SALARY SURVEY WEATHER WATCH PRODUCT SHOWCASE: BTME PREVIEW, GRASS SEED & ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
Contents
January 2019
REGULARS
BTME PREVIEW
05 Welcome
Greater change needs to come from the top
A round-up of the best new products being showcased page 32
06 Update
The latest turf care news
10 SALTEX news
Visitor report from 2018’s show
23 In action
ICL and GreenMech news
27 Award sponsor
Automated Managed Services
13
32 Product showcase
BTME, grass seed and artificial surfaces
45 Tools & guidance
Weather and maintenance
50 GaNTIP: Update
Improvements to Nene Valley Community Centre
FEATURES 13 Best practice
Crowborough RFC’s Friday Club of volunteers
ON THE COVER
16
16 Keith Boyce
A tribute to the skilled cricket groundsman
Pushing for progress at Crowborough Rugby Football Club
19 Tech update
Turn the weather from foe to friend
24 Salary survey
IOG salary recommendations
29 Grow with the IOG
Learning and education service development
19
24
THE GROUNDSMAN
Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes MK12 5TW t: 07785 293077 Managing editor Karen Maxwell e: kmaxwell@iog.org t: 01908 552987 Features editor Colin Hoskins e: editor@iog.org t: 07785 293077 Product editor Charlie Lyon e: charlie.lyon@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 01225 337777 IOG membership and general enquiries t: 01908 312511 e: membership@iog.org Magazine subscriptions Sue Fernandes t: 01908 312511 e: accounts@iog.org Subscriptions £72 UK, £82 Europe, £112 rest of world Publisher James Houston Head of design Simon Goddard Advertising Jasper Keeling e: jasper.keeling@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 0203 859 7097 Published by James Pembroke Media The Groundsman is published monthly by the Institute of Groundsmanship. All material is copyright of the Institute of Groundsmanship and may not be reproduced without permission. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any advertisement appearing in the journal and cannot be held liable for editorial omissions or errors. The views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Institute of Groundsmanship.
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Welcome Change from the top Our public sporting assets, whether parks, local sports clubs or school playing fields, are increasingly being eroded and suffering under-investment. If 2019 is going to finally see a resolution to Brexit, perhaps politicians across all parties – indeed, every stakeholder with a responsibility for outdoor sporting space – will then focus their thoughts on addressing the years of neglect, lack of investment, the complete mismanagement and the sale of our public green spaces.
Successive governments have let many of our open spaces become wastelands. These are the places where many of us kicked our first ball or ran our first sprint; places to walk, run and jump, where we can socialise and recharge our batteries. Sport and its provision help to reduce poor health and provide outlets for the mind, body and soul. The enablers were proud, skilled grounds staff – people who now are a rarity in public places as austerity, cuts and a skills drain have all contributed to a crisis in identifying and developing a new generation to manage our open spaces. Our amateur sports clubs face similar challenges, attracting another generation of volunteers who will be sorely needed if local community sport is to survive. Groundsmanship has a proud and rich history and one that for generations has created wonderful moments for sports men and women. These attributes must be recognised and supported.
Contributors
Karen Maxwell Managing editor
Colin Hoskins Features editor
Jim Dale Founder and senior consultant meteorologist, British Weather Services
Philip Sear Managing director, AMS
The IOG is taking positive steps to address this in creating the IOG National Framework for Natural Turf, with a pitch-grading pyramid identifying both the technical levels of sports surfaces alongside the pathways to learning the skills required at each level, from training and education for volunteers through to professionals. The new IOG Prospectus (www.iog.org/learning/training) sets out how you can access suitable training.
Chris Gray IOG learning programme architect
We know that ‘turf can do more’ and the IOG will carry on pressing the message for the turf sector and continue to ‘serve you through the seasons’. We wish you all a successful 2019.
Dan Prest Head of member services
Geoff Webb Chief Executive The Institute of Groundsmanship
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Julien Morris Regional pitch advisor
Update
READ MORE
IOG NEWS
Read all the latest news and updates, and discover what members are entitled to www.iog.org
THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE IOG AND THE INDUSTRY
NEW PITCHES
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
The IOG encourages all employers to become accredited living wage employers
WAGE DEBATE
IOG recommends 2.5% pay rise for grounds staff THE IOG IS recommending a 2.5 per cent increase in grounds staffs’ national minimum salary bands for 2019. The recommendations have been made against a backdrop of economic uncertainty over the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, which is likely to impact growth; GDP growth is expected to be low in the medium term, with 1.6 per cent the forecasted figure for 2019, and it is not expected to rise above this level until after 2023. The suggested rise sits between CPIH (Consumer Price Inflation including owner-occupier’s housing costs) inflation of 2.2 per cent and the 2.9 per cent increase in the voluntary living wage. As a result, it should take
“GDP growth is expected to be low in the medium term”
6 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
account of any increase in the cost of living and should ensure that grounds staff pay rates remain competitive. The IOG also encourages all employers to become accredited living wage employers and to make this explicit in their recruitment and employment offers. The IOG says it is of critical importance to job satisfaction levels that employers ensure they are meeting their obligations in ensuring fair payment for overtime worked and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This should be done in partnership with employees with agreements reached about the balance between overtime pay, time off in lieu and flexible working. The research was carried out independently by Myriad Research. Email iog@iog.org or call 01908 512 311 to obtain a copy of the full report. Turn to page 24 to check the IOG new recommended national basic salary bands.
RUGBY CLUB WASPS is finalising plans to build a centre of excellence on the site of the Old Leamingtonians RFC ground in Leamington. The club has completed a long lease agreement for the site and is now preparing to file a planning application to Warwick District Council. Facilities will include a rugby pitch for every age group at Old Leamingtonians RFC, a full-size synthetic pitch, training pitches for the elite team and an indoor training centre.
TRAINING COURSES
MACHINERY MECHANICS TWO NEW HANDS-on machinery mechanics courses have been added to Reesink Turfcare’s training offering for 2019: a oneday Air-cooled Engines course and a two-day Basic Electrics and Hydraulics. Air-cooled Engines starts in February; Basic Electrics and Hydraulics in April. For more information, visit www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk
FOOTBALL HUBS
COMMUNITY SPORTS BUILDING WORK IS set to begin this month on three community football hubs in Sunderland. The £18.04m project is being funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and Sunderland City Council – with the Football Foundation overseeing the project. The three hubs are Community North Sports Complex in Downhill, the Northern Area Playing Fields in Washington and a centre in Ford Quarry.
U P D AT E
NEW PROSPECTUS
IOG promotes extensive learning opportunities at BTME
NEWS
FREE ADVICE
STRESS BUSTER WORKSHOP
FUNGICIDE BAN
BRITISH SUGAR TOPSOIL is hosting a stress buster workshop at Bury St Edmunds RUFC on 12 March, 6-9.30pm. Supported by the IOG, BIGGA and BALI, this free workshop is for anyone working in a busy and pressured environment who needs tools to help them keep their stress levels under control, allowing them to thrive, even when the pressure is on. Dave Cottrell of Mindset Coaching and CoFit Personal Training has helped people from a range of professions to identify signs of undue stress, and taught them simple tools to keep it under control. A light supper will be provided, too. Places are limited, so please register by emailing ronaldo. carion@britishsugar.com
LOSS OF PROPICONAZOLE
UPDATING EVENTS
THE IOG WILL be promoting its newly launched, comprehensive guide to its industry-endorsed training and education courses at BTME this year. This Prospectus highlights the complete portfolio of IOG courses – from an introduction to groundsmanship through to foundation degree. We’ll have learning experts on the stand, who will be happy to help with learning and membership queries, as well as free turf care advice during the three-day show. Visit us on stand 158 in the Blue Zone from 22-24 January in Harrogate. Turn to page 32 for a preview of all the products at this year’s BTME.
THE EU COMMISSION has announced its decision not to renew approval for the fungicide active ingredient propiconazole. All products containing propiconazole for any market, including turf management, will be withdrawn from sale over the next few months and the ban comes into force in the UK on 19
Propiconazole will be banned from 19 June
“We’ll have learning experts on the stand”
The new IOG Prospectus will be available at January’s BTME
June.The UK Government supported non-renewal but there are fears the decision will have a significant impact, particularly on control in grassland and given the earlier loss of iprodione. In a statement, the Amenity Forum said it recognised the concerns that would result from this decision. “The continuing loss of active ingredients in the amenity market means that the quality of our sports turf and amenity spaces is likely to suffer. In this case, the loss of any fungicide active is a concern in terms of loss of quality and range of tools for sports turf managers to avoid current and potential disease resistance in the future.’’
CORRECTION
INFORMATION CLARIFICATION WE NEED TO make you aware of some information amendments to the ‘New Tools to Control Turf Grass Disease’ feature on p34-35 in the December issue. The product name is DewSmart, not DewStart (image fig 2). The diagrams are copyrighted to ICL. And ICL conducted the trials at STRI; STRI did not conduct these.
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ADAPTING TO CHANGE BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND April, the Amenity Forum will be running 13 free half-day updating events across the UK. Called Adapting to Change, the events will offer updates on topical issues, such as increasing pressures on chemicals and the need to adopt integrated approaches to weed, pest and disease management. The IOG will have a presence at several of these events, and is urging all its members who can attend to sign up. Full details will be released early in the new year, but the following locations are confirmed: • Shropshire: 7 Feb • Cardiff: 21 Feb • London: 27 Feb • Cheshire (Everton FC): 28 Feb • Gloucestershire: 3 April • Buckinghamshire: 11 April Email admin@amenityforum.net for a copy of the full programme when it becomes available. twitter.com/the_iog
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 7
U P D AT E
NEWS
STRI GROUP
GWYNN DAVIES
Sport England steps in when planning applications are submitted
PL ANNING CHECKS
Playing fields safeguarded SPORT ENGLAND HAS revealed figures that show it has protected or improved sports provision in 93 per cent of planning applications affecting playing fields. The organisation is a statutory consultee for local councils on any planning application that would affect or lead to the loss of a sports playing
“Grassroots sport is at the heart of what we do”
field. Unless a developer can prove their proposal will improve or protect sports provision at the site, Sport England objects to the plan. Between April 2016 and March 2017, 1,102 out of 1,187 planning applications affecting playing fields resulted in improved or protected sports provision. Nick Evans, head of planning for Sport England, said: “Playing fields are often the places where children and young people have their first experience of sport. “Protecting grassroots sport provision is at the heart of what we do so that all of us have access to the right sporting facilities.”
GWYNN DAVIES HAS been appointed as a turfgrass consultant at STRI Group. Gwynn is a well-known figure in the industry and has accumulated a wealth of specialist experience during his 15-year career, initially gaining a First-Class Honours degree in Turfgrass Science.
THE FA
MARTIN GLENN THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FA) chief executive Martin Glenn has resigned and will step down at the end of the 2018–19 season. The announcement will end a four-year tenure, during which the FA has experienced significant successes: the FA has seen a 40 per cent increase in revenues, while on the field, the England’s men’s and women’s teams both reached a World Cup semi-final.
CAMPEY TURF CARE
C4 & WORLD SPORTS EXPL ANSION PL AN
AELTC BUYS WPGC MEMBERS OF WIMBLEDON Park Golf Club (WPGC) have voted in favour of the AELTC’s offer to acquire the club. Pending court approval, the ownership of WPGC was due to transfer into the AELTC group of companies on 21 December 2018. WPGC will continue to operate as an 18-hole golf course until 31 December 2021, with at least one further year as a 9- or 10-hole golf course on a rolling basis subject to a 12-month notice period. KEEP IN TOUCH
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8 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
Philip Brook, chairman of the AELTC, said: “We have been open in our ambition to move the Qualifying Competition from its current home in Roehampton to the AELTC Grounds as part of our mission to maintain the position of The Championships as the pinnacle of the sport. Furthermore, we have the ambition to open the land up to increased public use. We will work with the local authorities and other interested parties as these plans are developed.”
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CAMPEY TURF CARE has expanded its international dealership network into South America with the appointment of two new dealers. C4 Turf Care, operated by Dan Manning, will cover Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Columbia. World Sports has 22 years’ experience in the Brazilian market.
From left, Lee Morgado of Campey Turf Care, Roberto Gomide and Andre Amaral of World Sports, and Richard Campey
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U P D AT E
PRODUCT UPDATE
S H OWC A S E
Discover the products on display at this year’s BTME on page 32
New cylinder mowers, Terra Firma machines and uni shuttle bus
1 CYLINDER MOWERS
The Green edition is fitted with a Briggs & Stratton engine
NEWS
3 SHUTTLE BUS E-Z-GO
EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY in Lancashire has purchased the first E-Z-GO 14-seater shuttle bus to be sold in the UK. Local dealer Sharrocks supplied the shuttle bus, as well as nine Cushman Hauler Pro vehicles for navigating the 160-acre campus. Launched in 2018, the E-Z-GO Shuttle Bus is a 14-seater electric vehicle designed to easily transport people around facilities. With a quiet and smooth 72V AC drive train the E-Z-GO Shuttle Bus can operate in indoor and outdoor spaces. Fleet administrator Andy Timon said: “The new shuttle is totally electric, which means there aren’t any engine emissions, and there is also a reduction in noise pollution. “The charge lasts a full day and performs consistently across the different terrains we have on site. As well as complementing our environmental pledge, the shuttle gives a great first impression to visitors and students alike.” www.ransomesjacobsen.com
FOX
FOX HAS LAUNCHED a new range of 20in cylinder mowers, each designed to order in Somerset, hand signed, dated and numbered. You can choose either a Green or Black edition: Green for ‘grass root’, Black for regular users. Both machines are fitted with a nonstick, coated front roller, a simple and secure height adjustment and stabilised ergonomic handle bars. You can specify with either edition whether you would
Four new dealership agreements for Terra Firma
like a 12 or 14-bladed cylinder, which is manufactured in Yorkshire. The Green edition has a choice of two bottom blades, is fitted with a Briggs & Stratton engine and costs £1,890; the Black edition is fitted with a hardened Japanese tungsten-tipped bottom blade, has the commercial GX200 Honda engine, and costs £2,960. Contact Andrew Fox on 07768 950678 or visit www.foxcm.co.uk
2 FOUR NEW BRANDS
The new 14-seater shuttle bus
TERRA FIRMA
TERRA FIRMA, ONE of Scotland’s largest specialist suppliers to the amenity and local authority markets, has announced dealership agreements with Kioti UK, Muthing flail mowers, Woods finishing mowers and Shibaura slope mowers. Kioti has had a rapid impact in the groundscare sector with its range of tractors, utility side by side vehicles and WD1260 cut and collect mowers.
Woods’ high-performance finish mowers ensure a clean, crisp, manicured appearance. The Muthing Mulching range is manufactured in Germany to the highest of standards and is renowned for high-performance flails. Shibaura manufactures professional multi-purpose slope mowers for precise daily maintenance of slope areas. www.terrafirmascotland.co.uk
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 9
U P D AT E
S A LT E X
By Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer
VISITORS VOTE SALTEX 2018 THE BEST YET
The SALTEX 2018 post-show visitor survey has revealed that attendees felt that the show was the best and most vibrant SALTEX to date
S
ALTEX at the NEC, Birmingham has again proved to be the annual meeting place for the UK and European groundscare industries. Only at SALTEX does the industry have the opportunity to experience a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and innovations in groundscare and to find out about the capabilities of this sector. Following two days of networking, education and innovation, the 73rd SALTEX exhibition closed with a visitor total of 8,902. These visitors had come from 44 different countries and, according to the visitor survey, they included grounds personnel, greenkeepers, landscapers and contractors. The event organisers are very pleased to hear that 90 per cent of visitors who took part in the survey were successful in meeting their show objectives, and equally as many rated their overall show experience as either very good or excellent. No less than 90 per cent of visitors have already put SALTEX 2019, which takes place at the NEC from 30-31 October, into their diaries. Survey respondents said that their top priorities for attending were to source new products or services and suppliers (79 per cent) and discover new innovations (77 per cent). More than 47 per cent used their visit 10 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
for professional development by attending show features such as the Learning LIVE education programme, Ask the Expert and the Job Clinic. More than half of the survey respondents held a leading or management position at their respective companies, with 84 per cent either having sole responsibility for purchasing or contributed to the process. In addition, 65 per cent had the ability to sign off on amounts up to £50,000 and 12 per cent had the ability to sign-off on amounts of more than £500,000. The survey findings also revealed that SALTEX visitors had very specific interests; almost 80 per cent attended to find out more about machinery, power and hand tools for their daily work, and nearly half of the visitors were interested in seed, turf and aggregates. More than 38 per cent of visitors wanted to see exhibitors representing both sport surfaces and facilities, and landscaping materials. Other areas of interest included: arboriculture, horticulture and forestry (37 per cent); commercial vehicles, tyres and trailers (33 per cent); synthetic turf (24 per cent); and security, personal protection, health and safety (18 per cent). Vic Demain, head groundsman at Durham CCC, believes that the show is well attended because it caters for everyone in
the industry: “I consider SALTEX to be the best show in the industry and it is ideal for everyone to come to, whether you are a volunteer, a professional or an international groundsman – there is something for everyone,” he said. For Adam Witchell, head groundsman at Forest Green Rovers FC, attending SALTEX provides him with a great opportunity to continue his learning. “For me it’s all about education. I love the seminars and here at SALTEX I’m learning lots of things from great people in this industry.” With the NEC being located in the centre of the UK and boasting fantastic travel links, it is no wonder that 85 per cent rated the accessibility of the venue as excellent. Stuart Kerrison, head groundsman at Essex CCC said: “The NEC is so easy to get to. I attended to look at a couple of new machines because this is where you see all of the latest innovations. Anyone who attends SALTEX gets so much from it – from viewing new products, attending seminars and networking.” SALTEX 2019 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 30–31 October. For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com. Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX
i
COMMUNITY RUGBY
Aerial view of the club’s Steel Cross site
Crowborough RFC’s Friday Club of volunteers includes, from left, Bob Gregory, Sean Beamish, Graeme Pratt, Lawrence Crowley, Simon Davies, John Ricketts, John Sayer, Ken Roberts, John Wilmshurst, Rick Howe, Eddie Bridges, Graham Callard, Max Martyn
BEST PRACTICE
SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT Thanks to the award-winning efforts of a band of enthusiastic volunteers, the playing surfaces at Crowborough Rugby Football Club have been transformed
C By Colin Hoskins Features editor
rowborough Rugby Football Club can boast that Dylan Hartley, co-captain of the England Rugby Union team, is a former player, but until recent years it couldn’t shout as loudly about the state of its pitches. It’s a different story now, and the club regularly hears that “the pitches have never looked so good, rather than being renowned for being the worst in the area”. The recent groundscare success of the volunteers at the East Sussex club is realised in the infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie when they meet at the ground. It’s apparent, even on a damp and dull December day, as they put the final touches to the pitches in preparation for the weekend’s games. “There is always a lot of banter and we do have a laugh and joke every time we get together, but at the heart of what we all do is the desire to ensure that every pitch is prepared to the best of our ability,” says facilities manager John Sayer. It was John, himself a volunteer, who launched the Friday Club of groundscare volunteers – so-
called because Friday is the main day of the week when the team congregates at the Steel Cross site to ready the pitches for The Crows’ weekend games (senior men’s teams on Saturdays and mini and juniors on Sundays). The club is fortunate in that it owns its own grounds and clubhouse – just over 16 acres, with four full-size pitches and two training areas. “The Friday Club started after we had built a new clubhouse in 2011 and I realised that the rest of the estate was looking shabby in comparison – and that included the pitches, which were not being maintained correctly,” says John. “They were simply being mowed (irregularly) and line marked. There was no feeding or weedkilling treatments, and no overseeding or renovations. The idea was to establish a volunteer group to assist our untrained part-time groundsman, Drew Pratt, with mowing, pitch marking, watering, surface renovations and unskilled machine maintenance. “Initially, I went on a Lantra one-day course on Winter Sports Turf and subsequently attended supplier-led roadshows to gain www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 13
COMMUNITY RUGBY
The Friday Club at work, clockwise from left: post hole drilling, levelling, line marking and tining
HIGH USAGE In addition to accommodating the weekly training and match needs of 100 senior men’s teams’ players and 400 minis and juniors/youth (boys’ and girls’ teams) throughout the season, Crowborough RFC hosts floodlight training. It’s held on one pitch for three nights a week for three hours each session, from July through to April. There are also Saturday and Sunday strength and conditioning sessions during the summer, held for adults and juniors. Every season the club arranges two mini rugby festivals for over 600 players, and it hosts the local primary school network’s touch rugby competition three times a year. Local secondary schools are also given the opportunity to play selected competitive matches on the club’s pitches. In the summer, the Friday Club also juggles around its annual renovations to accommodate an O2 touch rugby group of up to 80 players twice a week, between May and August.
14 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
XX
“While as a group we have continually learned more about groundsmanship, our responsibilities have evolved” some knowledge. But, while as a group we have continually learned more about groundsmanship and improved our skill sets, our responsibilities have evolved. Now we also look after the maintenance of the clubhouse (calling in specialists if we cannot do certain tasks ourselves) as well as 1,149m of perimeter boundaries, 1,800m of trees and hedges, 250m of ditches, plus the general upkeep of the car parks including litter picking.” He continues: “Our litter picking has also extended to two nearby bus stops in our quest to keep the locality clean and to instil a ‘first impressions count’ mentality at the ground and surrounding area. We now have a team of around 20 volunteers in the Friday Club, with perhaps a hard core of 12 who are regularly present. It seems that most of us have an ingrained winning streak, either perhaps because we’ve been involved in playing or coaching rugby, or due to successfully running teams of people in our working careers, and this seems to have
rubbed off on the Friday Club. “The Friday Club has developed into a project and task-led group that gets together on Fridays, but also frequently on other days, to ensure the completion of projects. At other times, individual members will come to the club on their own, to continue working on certain tasks. Every other month we also hold a planning meeting to review all projects and tasks and the snagging issues for every aspect of the site within our remit.”
HILLTOP HEADACHES
Being sited at the top of a hill, the pitches and training areas are terraced into a slope and they range from 151–159m above sea level. The pitches are separated by trees, banks, ditches and hedges, so are not the easiest to access with groundscare equipment. Also, the fact that the site sits on the Ashdown Formation of sandstone and siltstone topped by Weald clay creates a relatively impermeable site, and this obviously compounds the pitch care problems – in the past they’ve been waterlogged in the winter and bone dry in the summer. But the initiation of regular pitch maintenance routines such as vertidraining, Shockwaving, topdressing, drag matting, overseeding, weedkilling and fertilising has seen the Friday Club consistently exceed expectations in pitch presentation. Also, over the past year, for example, the team has:
• Drilled more than 100 x 1m deep drainage holes into areas of the playing and training surfaces, filled them with gravel before topping with sand and rootzone then seeding, to help alleviate surface water retention. “A big challenge last year was the wet winter,” says John. “We lost over 50 hours of rugby through waterlogged pitches. The main pitch last had some drainage work in the 1990s.” • Managed the second ever annual pitch renovations by a contractor: with a limited budget, all playing areas were vertidrained, three pitches were overseeded and another received 60 tonnes of sand. All areas received a weedkill treatment. • Rebuilt its Sisis MultiTiner, installed an additional storage area within the compound for balls, flags, pads etc, concreted a 50m sq area in the compound, and began a biodiversity project by creating new habitats and enhancing existing ones (bug houses). Next on the agenda is the building and siting of bat and bird boxes, as well as rotavating and seeding two banks with a perennial wildflower mix. “Last summer’s drought came directly after our pitch renovations,” says John. “We can water the main pitch with time-controlled sprinklers, but the other pitches are beyond reach of suitable water pressure, so we are now considering building a mobile-pumped system ourselves.” He continues: “While we have improved our groundscare skills over the years, we all readily acknowledge the invaluable help and advice we’ve received from the likes of Twickenham’s Keith Kent and Colin Wooster, RFU volunteer pitch advisory officer, as well as David Ray, technical sales representative for amenity supplies specialist Rigby Taylor – all of whom are always on hand by ‘phone or email and Twitter to offer advice”. In fact, the help and opinions available via the RFU’s Groundsmen Connected initiative, and via the general Twitter community – both avenues for communication with professional and amateur groundsmen throughout the country – are highlighted by John as being particularly fruitful. Annual pitch renovations are carried out by local sports turf contractor, Pete Mannington, whose wealth of experience is tapped into frequently. Ben Taylor of Campey Turf Care Systems has also been very supportive with advice and help
In addition to 400 mini, junior and youth players, the club has 100 senior men’s teams
“There’s no reason why the principles of the Friday Club shouldn’t be adopted by other sports clubs” with machinery, and Weed Management has been able to eradicate the plantain and buttercup that was growing on the playing surfaces. “Likewise, the club is also indebted to Ed Burridge Engineering for when equipment fails; Coppard Plant Hire, for when we need extra equipment; and Owlsbury Mowers, for maintaining and sharpening our pedestrian mowers.”
GETTING THE BOARD ONBOARD John adds that the Friday Club has created an awareness in the club of the need to continuously improve the pitches through a regular maintenance programme, budgets permitting, and suggests that the aeration treatments have probably had the single most important impact on the quality of the pitches. “Importantly, the club’s executive board is 100 per cent behind the concept of the Friday Club, and the less-attached members, as well as players and coaches, are also complimentary and acknowledge that the grounds have never looked better. Also, the coaches now rotate within their training areas if they recognise damage is being done to the surface.” He concludes: “There’s no reason why the principles of the Friday Club shouldn’t be adopted by other sports clubs – indeed, I have been asked to advise on how to start up similar groups. From the outset we have insisted that it is not compulsory for members to be at the club every Friday, or every time we require a mid-week team.
Volunteering must never become a chore – it must be fun and enjoyable.” That attitude, complemented by the volunteers’ long list of achievements on and off the pitches at Crowborough, certainly explains why they won the IOG AMS Industry Award for the 2018 Volunteer Sports Grounds Team of the Year.
MACHINERY MATTERS Crowborough RFC’s Friday Club inherited an ex-council Ford 3930 tractor, a pasture topper, a roller and two Vitax TXE line markers. Today, only the line markers remain alongside the following: • Iseki TM 3265 tractor • Fleming 1.8m finishing mower • John Deere X125 ride-on mower • Westwood S1300 ride-on mower with collector • Apache M210 sickle mower • Sisis MultiSlit and MultiTiner 1.2m tractor-mounted aerators • Five pedestrian mowers • Towed fertiliser spreader • A Sisis tractor-mounted 1.2m rake • A 1.8m chain harrow • A Billy Goat leaf vacuum • Two Supaturf line markers • A Rigby Taylor iGo Advance (pod) line marker
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 15
IOG BEST PRACTICE
Keith Boyce (left) is presented with a memento for his 60-year career by the IOG’s Jason Booth
BEST PRACTICE
A ‘RAKE AND ROLL’ STAR The IOG looks back on and honours the career of Keith Boyce, a true groundsmanship guru who has put his roller and moisture meter away for good after 60 years
K By Colin Hoskins Features editor
eith Boyce is currently enjoying a tenancy-for-life residence in a bungalow provided by the directors of New Rover Cricket Club as a thank you for his transformation of the Leeds ground. He changed it from a run-of-the-mill village pitch to a county-standard playing surface, and the bungalow goes to show the high level of esteem in which the man is held. In fact, some of the UK’s top professionals readily acknowledge Keith, not only as a pioneer in cricket groundsmanship, but also as their mentor – the one person who encouraged them to progress in the industry. And he’s received official recognition too – the presentation of a memento ‘For a lifetime of inspiration to many’ and the 2010 IOG Lifetime Achievement Award. “I don’t feel as though I’ve done anything special to deserve such an award – all I’ve done is enjoy myself,” was his comment on receiving the accolades.
16 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
IN THE BEGINNING
Keith’s introduction to the industry began after National Service, when he started playing for the local (Castleton) village cricket team. “I was at that time working in an ICI chemical plant and, like the village policeman, vicar and butcher, I looked forward to the weekly game. It was a very enjoyable time and, like most village teams then (and now), we all mucked in to get things done – and that included me ‘fiddling around’ with the wicket. I prepared my first ever wicket in 1958. “The more I got involved in pitch preparation, the more I liked it, and even though we were using a heavy roller on a pitch spotted with sheep droppings, we improved it and soon gained a name for being able to present a great batting wicket. I soon realised that plenty of rake and roll would create a good wicket and I took a chance and did an early season roll. It paid off.” Keith’s next encounter with groundsmanship came after a move to Guisborough in the early 1960s, where
BEST PRACTICE Keith receiving his 2010 IOG Lifetime Achievement Award
he started working on the club’s outfield and square “messing about at one end, then the other, seeing which played best”, he reflects. His reputation started to build, and before long he was invited to the Middlesbrough County ground. During his time there (1973–1978) he won several awards for grounds presentation and he staged his first county match in 1974 – all his pitches stood up to the four-day county games. Then, in the late 70s, he was cajoled into a move to Headingley. This period at Headingley, 1978–1995, can clearly be classed as Keith’s golden era. He had decided to repeat everything he did at Middlesbrough in his quest to get pace into the pitch. His proud record includes the preparation of 17 Test pitches and 14 results; never had a Test match over in less than four days, and always had plenty of cricket on the fourth day. “Preparing the Headingley pitches was a challenge,” he reflects. “The pitches had to have a certain amount of moisture on the first morning of play; too little or too much meant the pitch would be unpredictable – humidity plays a major role in the way the pitch performs. There was little margin for error, and while Headingley Tests were certainly exciting for the spectators, the 1981 Test against Australia, which became known as the Botham Test, was arguably the best of them all – for me they meant I was living on a knife edge.”
A GRASP OF GRASS
Despite his lack of formal training “and with no qualifications or certificates in cricket groundsmanship”, Keith clearly had the knack of getting things just so. “I’ve always liked the land and always believed that cricket groundsmanship in particular is about feel and touch. There’s no scientific formula: it’s about having an ability to ‘judge’ the condition of the pitch, balancing the weather conditions with, say, how much rolling is done, how often and how short the grass is cut. Having a decent depth of soil on a good base, plus correct rolling, has always been the way forward. “It’s about having that gift of being able to press the palm of your hand onto the pitch and know instinctively how it will play. And it’s about presentation – a well-presented pitch is a marvellous sight.” Keith’s early retirement from Headingley came in 1995 after he lost his beloved wife Margaret. “I was devastated; I had lost someone who gave me tremendous help and support; I simply couldn’t carry on.” Since then, Keith has spent his time caring for the New Rovers pitch, which has been an England Test team practice venue and regularly used for Yorkshire Academy games and by visiting international sides. During his time there, Keith has also been involved in re-laying cricket pitches at various clubs and has taken part in seminars and ground visits. He says this season will be his last at the ground.
TRIBUTE
Keith’s time at Headingley can rightly be described as his golden era
”It’s about having that gift of being able to press the palm of your hand onto the pitch and knowing how it will play” “Groundsmanship is certainly more technically advanced nowadays; the use of perennial ryegrass has replaced the fescues and bents, and there’s no need for a turf nursery for urgent repairs because today’s pitches can stage five-day Tests without a problem. There’s also certainly more pressure on groundsmen, too, with televised games and social media, for example, putting pitch presentation and performance in the spotlight.” Now in his early 80s, Keith concludes: “A fear of failure always drove me on and, given the chance – and if I could have my wife and daughter, who died suddenly from sepsis in 2016, back – I would do it all again. And I wouldn’t change one iota of what I did!” Watch out in the coming weeks for a series of IOG face-to-face video interviews with Keith, who talks about his career, the pitches he has prepared and the players he has encountered. www.iog.org
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 17
TECHNICAL U P D AT E
IS THE WEATHER FRIEND OR FOE? Is the weather your best friend or your greatest enemy? It could be either. We explore the way in which you can make the weather work for you
D By Jim Dale Founder and senior consultant meteorologist, British Weather Services
epending on where you are, the weather generally plays ball, and for around 75 per cent of the time it lives up to expectation. After all, we do exist in a temperate climate – and when you look up ‘temperate’ in a thesaurus, the word ‘agreeable’ comes at or near the top of the list. But clement weather for the bulk of the year can, and does, lead to varying degrees of complacency, and it is at such times that Mother Nature has the knack of coming along and upsetting the apple cart.
We don’t have to go back too far to discover occasions of extreme weather. Remember last March and The Beast from the East? Well, you should firstly know that it was I who coined that particular phrase several years ago for a national newspaper; secondly, it would be fair to say that the 2018 Beast caught many of us on the hop, though I can say with 100 per cent humility that here at British Weather Services (BWS) we cottoned onto the developments a full fortnight before the public realisation dawned. And in the previous December, I also wrote about the high risks of a late severe winter in a national newspaper. Then there was the opposite end of the spectrum, with an extended drought-ridden summer – at least for the many. Again, and in the same newspaper article that was headlined ‘Happy phew year! Expert predicts a BBQ summer’, you will see that there can be method in the madness, if you associate yourself with the right people.
SCALE EXTREMES
Last year we encountered extremes in our weather – from being very cold and wet to summer drought
Talking of madness, hands up if you are a groundsman or woman who more or less relies on your phone to tell you what’s going on. Well, that and a bit of the BBC? I thought so. What you should know is the ‘friend’ in your pocket can also be your worst enemy. Such forecasts are prone to errors: many only show one icon to display what is meant to happen, and they are generally derived from a single computer prognosis. BWS however, will juggle around with up to six models. Moreover, the forecasts tend to be very short term and give www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 19
T E C H N I C A L U P D AT E
FORECASTING Jim recommends looking to the skies and trying to feel the ‘pulse’ of the weather
little indication of what weather to expect further down the line. This isn’t to say the Met Office is worthless. Is it not. But my message is not to simply rely on one source. You need to feel for the ‘pulse’ of the weather at your location by observing the sky, wind direction, humidity and temperature fluctuations, not to mention understand the ways and means of rainfall radars.
YOUR FRIEND THE WEATHERMAN
Now, this is the critical bit. If you really want to absolve yourself of responsibility of the weather’s impacts, allow the professionals to directly advise and keep you updated. By doing this, your friendly forecaster acts as a kind of arm around your shoulder when you need it most. BWS information outputs range from nowcasting to annual, with hourly, day ahead, one-to-10-day, monthly and whole-season outputs. But more than that – and unlike iPhones – those outputs (and especially telephone chats) come with over 30 years’ of global knowledge and experience. 20 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
Moreover, following years of work with bookmakers, we have uniquely converted weather forecasting into sporting tactical and commercial sales forecasts. We call it WeatherBall; so, if player or team performance and in-house sales are important within your domain (extra points and £s), you could do worse than to take a look at our online WeatherBall service then discuss the same with your colleagues on how they can make the weather great again for you! The bottom line is that irrespective of who you might choose to hold hands with, keep your fingers on the weather ‘pulse’ and your eyes to the sky. Always remember, climate change (weird events) are also part of the equation and, finally, a forecast is exactly that – it’s no panacea but it’s always better to prepare and have the weather as a useful friend as opposed to an undesirable foe! Jim N R Dale is the founder and senior consultant meteorologist at British Weather Services. Visit www. britishweatherservices.co.uk or email him at jim@britishweatherservices.co.uk
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“If you want to absolve yourself of responsibility for the weather’s impacts, allow the professionals to directly advise”
IN ACTION
BYKER ESTATE TEAM IS CHIPPER Karbon Homes has provided the Byker Estate grounds team with a GreenMech QuadChip 160 Housing association Karbon Homes is responsible for the management and maintenance of almost 30,000 properties. As part of a business partnership with the Byker Community Trust (BCT), Karbon Homes provides BCT with a dedicated grounds maintenance team, responsible for the upkeep of the Grade II Listed Byker Estate. Helping grounds maintenance officer Dan Thompson and his team of five with the woodland maintenance is a QuadChip 160 from GreenMech. The summer sees the majority of the Byker team’s time taken up with
The GreenMech QuadChip 160 in action
grass cutting, but in the winter the maintenance programme switches over to include leaf clearance, tree work and shrub maintenance. “As well as over 2,500 trees, there are lots of hedgerows and open spaces that all require upkeep” explains Dan. “As the estate was constructed in the 1970s, it’s quite complex in nature with tight spaces in which to manoeuvre any equipment we purchase. “My manager suggested we looked at the QuadChip because of its turntable, giving the operator discretion over the direction of the chip and improving manoeuvrability and safety. Peter
Bagguley from GreenMech came in to do the demo and there were a number of factors that confirmed it was going to be the right machine for the estate. Firstly, and importantly, it’s under 750kg meaning all the guys can tow and operate it without an additional licence. The hopper is a generous size meaning it can handle larger timber than similar models, and it was also quieter than other chippers we’ve used which is great for urban areas.”
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For more information visit www.greenmech.co.uk
SHREWSBURY THROUGH THE SEASONS ICL takes Shrewsbury School from summer to winter With an incredibly short renovation window to transform his summer sports pitches into winter sports pitches, Andy Richards, grounds manager at Shrewsbury School, can’t afford to take any risks with the products he uses. It is for this reason that he relies upon ICL products – all of which he says will guarantee him the results expected at the prestigious school. Andy’s groundsmanship journey all began at Birmingham City Council where he stayed for seven years before moving to King Edwards Grammar School. Three years later Andy accepted the position of head groundsman at Birmingham City FC
Shrewsbury School’s Andy Richards
but his passion for a multi-sports environment was always evident. Now Andy finds himself at arguably one of the most-used sports facilities in the UK’s education system. If it was a challenge Andy was looking for, then it is safe to say he has found one. “I don’t think I’m far off having the most amount of football, cricket and rugby matches in the whole of the UK,” he says. “Last year we played host to just over 1,900 winter sports games which is a lot especially when you have to cater for that amount in such a short renovation period.
“Last year was hard. Fortunately, I have 100% confidence in the ICL products I use and even though the weather went against us we still did it.” After ‘Koro-ing off’ the pitches, Andy applies Qualibra wetting agent at 10l/ha (half rate) to aid seeding. He then top dresses before applying a base feed of SierrablenPlus Renovator 20-20-8 at a rate of 35g/m² in which the micro mini-granules ensure even distribution.
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For more information visit www.icl-sf.co.uk
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 23
INDUSTRY SURVEY
IOG PAY RISE RECOMMENDATIONS The Institute of Groundsmanship recommends a 2.5 per cent pay rise for grounds staff
With some attention and a sound strategy, you could see your wages grow
T
he Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is recommending a 2.5 per cent increase in grounds staff’s national minimum salary bands for 2019. The recommendations have been made against a backdrop of economic uncertainty over the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, which is likely to impact growth; GDP growth is expected to be low in the medium term, with 1.6 per cent the forecasted figure for 2019, and it is not expected to rise above this level until after 2023.
24 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
“Recommendations have been made against a backdrop of economic uncertainty over the UK’s withdrawal from the EU”
SALARIES
The suggested rise sits between CPIH (Consumer Price Inflation including owner-occupier’s housing costs) inflation of 2.2 per cent and the 2.9 per cent increase in the voluntary living wage. As a result, it should take account of any increase in the cost of living. The majority of private sector pay awards are predicted to be 2-4 per cent, while the interquartile range of pay awards in leisure industries is forecasted to be 2-2.7 per cent. The 2.5 per cent increase should therefore ensure that grounds staff pay rates remain competitive (see box, right, for IOG recommended rates). These bands reflect minimum recommended basic salary payment and are based on a 37.5-hour week. Bonuses, overtime and subsistence payments have not been included and are additional.
A LIVING WAGE
Importantly, the bottom of the scale for a groundsperson (£18,250 for 2018) is already above the current UK-wide living wage rate, which should ensure that all grounds staff are able to meet the basic cost of living. The recommended minimum pay rate for a groundsperson in London should be set at £21,000 (outer) and £22,500 (inner) to ensure everyone receives at least a living wage. The IOG also encourages all employers to become accredited living wage employers and to make this explicit in their recruitment and employment offers. In addition, a 5 per cent increase to at least £575pa (compared to £550 in last year’s recommendations) should be paid to everyone – not just to junior posts as in the past – for the successful completion of IOG qualifications. This, says the IOG, will encourage an ongoing focus on training and professional development. See table right. Given the current climate of economic and political uncertainty and ongoing fiscal restraint, the IOG says it is of critical importance to job satisfaction levels that employers ensure they are meeting their obligations in ensuring fair payment for overtime worked and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. This should be done in partnership with employees with agreements reached about the balance between overtime pay, time off in lieu and flexible working. The research was carried out independently by Myriad Research (www.myriadresearch.co.uk) using a number of data sources for analysis. IOG members can access the full report via the online member portal. Email: iog@iog.org or call 01908 512311 for more information.
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INDUSTRY SURVEY
“The IOG also encourages all employers to become accredited living wage employers and to make this explicit in their recruitment and employment offers” IOG RECOMMENDED NATIONAL BASIC SALARY BANDS FOR 2019 Role
Band
Grounds manager
£34,782–£55,431
Heads groundsperson
£30,517–£41,885
Deputy head groundsperson/sole charge
£24,967–£31,865
Groundsperson (skilled)
£23,348–£29,785
Groundsperson
£18,706–£23,863
Junior groundsperson (age 17)
£15,905
Junior groundsperson (age 16)
£13,208
REMUNERATION FOR IOG QUALIFICATIONS 2019 Highest IOG qualification held
Lower quartile
Level 1
£575
Level 2
£1,150
Level 3
£1,725
Level 4
£2,300
Level 5
£2,875
Level 6
£3,450
COMMITTEE FOR GOLF CLUB SALARIES RECOMMENDED STARTING SALARIES FOR 2019 Role
London
South East
Rest of UK
Qualified greenkeeper
£27,222
£26,039
£24,288
Supervisor
£28,953–£39,045
£28,223–£38,759
£26,318–£34,535
Manager
£39,522–£59,547
£37,988–£56,956
£35,087–£54,110
Source: CGCS 2019 Pay Recommendations, October 2018
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 25
IOG INDUSTRY AWARD SPONSOR
HELP THAT’S HANDS-FREE When it comes to turf health, issues such as a shortage of skilled labour, time and finances have an impact on the quality of turf care that is implemented at sports facilities, but AMS has a solution‌
A By Philip Sear Managing director, AMS
BigMow Connected Line robot mower
utomated Managed Services (AMS), utilising the Belrobotics range of robotic mowers, has researched and developed a robotic mowing service solution. The monthly service agreement requires no capital outlay and servicing and maintenance of the robot is included as part of the plan. The BigMow Connected Line, released in the UK market in early 2018, is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the BigMow Classic, which had already been handling the mowing of sports pitches and large green spaces across the UK and Europe for the past 15 years. The current Connected model can cover up to 24sqm and is equipped with 15 blades to give turf a uniformed cut. This manicure-style mulching leaves no grass clippings to collect and fertilises the soil in an ecological way. Low noise output levels allow for extended mowing hours and the robot emits 90 per cent less CO2 than traditional ride-on mowers, due to being battery operated. Along with being lightweight, at only 71kg it imposes no stress to the grass and avoids compacting the soil.
A smartphone app allows groundscare staff to programme regular mowing schedules approximately five to seven times a week. It requires minimal attention, is self-charging and frees up staff to work on other aspects of pitch turf care. Additionally, its usage reduces the overall need for chemical treatments and strengthens sowing ability creating better anchoring of roots into the soil, a denser sward and turf that is more resistant to wear and tear. Frequently used areas, such as goalmouths, experience continuous, natural and generous grass growth, making them more shear resistant. Over a period of time, the quality of the pitch becomes more fluid and softer, and the trajectory of the ball, shot accuracy and playing experience is vastly improved.
For more information about Automated Managed Services, visit www.automatedmanagedservices.com
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 27
GROW WITH THE IOG
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
LIVE AND LEARN! There’s no better time than January to think about past achievements, so here the Institute of Groundsmanship reflects on just how far its learning and education services have come
S Chris Gray IOG learning programme architect
Dan Prest Head of member services
KEEP IN TOUCH
ince its formation in 1934, the IOG has always had the motto of ‘Through Training to Service’, and this is now supported by the desire to ‘Serve you through the Seasons’. It was created to recognise that not only do you have seasonal issues to deal with but also the seasons of your career. Consider where you started and, if appropriate, where you are now. With a track record of delivering the apprenticeship framework, we have taken a lead in becoming the External Quality Assurance provider for the new Apprenticeship Sports Turf Operative Standard. Until the end of 2018, the IOG also delivered City and Guilds and IOG qualifications, but we are now focusing on a progressive range of IOG qualifications delivered via our online learning platform. The full suite of IOG qualifications are new and updated versions of the historical National Technical Certificate, National Intermediate Diploma and National Diploma in Turfculture. These were always well respected, and they formed the core of groundsmanship qualifications. So, there couldn’t be a more fitting nod to the past than to update
www.iog.org
www.facebook.com/theIOG
them to meet present needs, creating new learning materials delivered on a dynamic online platform supported by expert online tutors.
PROGRESSING PEOPLE SKILLS
Another great step forward is the development of the Level 3 Supervisory Management qualification. Again, delivered online, this recognises the fact that many assistant head and head grounds staff have been promoted to positions while still needing to gain adequate understanding of supervisory roles. This qualification and new learning route will help
“We are now focusing on a progressive range of IOG qualifications delivered via our online learning platform”
Institute of Groundsmanship
twitter.com/the_iog
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 29
GROW WITH THE IOG
T R A I N I N G A N D E D U C AT I O N
“Underpinning these educational developments is the IOG’s pitch grading framework, which is suitable for all levels of sport” to support and develop those grounds staff who have been promoted into management positions without any, or very limited, formal education, training or experience in issues that are ‘nonturf-related’. The course provides a detailed insight into the skills needed to lead, build and manage a team, and includes the development of coaching skills, personnel management performance and the enhancement of team motivation. The result is a manager who is more able to get the most from his or her team. In addition, and to provide confidence to the industry and others, we have achieved what is called the Matrix Standard, a government-approved quality mark for organisations that provide impartial and relevant information, advice and guidance (IAG) to members and learners. Underpinning these educational developments is the IOG’s pitch grading framework, which is suitable for all levels of sport – from grassroots to elite, local facility to international stadia.
FRAMEWORK IS KEY
The framework is based on the wellestablished performance quality standards (PQS) – objective-based criteria for the effective management of natural turf grass surfaces – and for the first time it identifies key components for the sustainable management of a natural turf grass surface in an easy-to-understand pyramid system. Developed for professional employees and keen volunteers, the framework illustrates the standards expected from a surface at each pitch grading level. It also sets out a minimum education and training requirement to get the most from surfaces at each level, as well as a commitment for continuous learning to maintain currency of knowledge and to improve working practices over time. The pyramid starts at grassroots level with the IOG’s Level 1 training for a Certified Grounds Assistant. The IOG-led accreditations extend through the requirements to Level 5, for the professional and Certified Grounds Director. This is a progressive pathway for
those who want to progress their career in sports turf management. All in all, over the last five years, the IOG has been very busy implementing various projects to assist in raising the standards of the industry and the external perception of groundsmanship in general. We have continued to improve our offerings and we hope you will continue to take advantage of the range of opportunities now available.
Visit www.iog.org for more details of the extensive learning and education opportunities available through the IOG
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 31
Product showcase
READ MORE
IOG NEWS UPDATES Go to the IOG website www.iog.org
FOCUS ON: BTME 2019 (22-24 JANUARY)
DLF
TOUGH STUFF
BLEC MACHINERY
Graders are go
BLEC AND ITS specialised range of landscaping and turf care equipment will be returning to BTME. Staff will be on hand to discuss the full BLEC portfolio, which includes both pedestrian and tractor-mounted units, with a number of machines showcased on the stand. A particular highlight will be the Laser Grader 1500TPP. The compact range of BLEC Laser Graders suit turf professionals who require a strong, accurate grader designed to cope with demanding conditions. Particularly designed to work on the golf course, it is used to accurately grade the surface to a tolerance of plus or minus 2mm.
All models are manufactured to a high standard using quality materials to ensure long life, with proportional electric/hydraulic valves fitted to deliver smoothness and accuracy. The 1500TPP model features a 1.5m working width and has six ripping tines for the loosening of heavily compacted ground. The frame features four wheels with each pair controlled by their own hydraulic cylinder, giving the operator the ability to use the machine for dual grading or alternatively, all four wheels can be locked for single grading. www.blecmachinery.com Stand 418, purple zone
CHARTERHOUSE
TOP FOR TURF
HIGHLIGHTS ON THE Charterhouse stand will include machines from the Graden range, including the Z2R turf roller, plus a variety of units from both Redexim and Rink. The Graden Z2R (Zero to Roll) turf iron is a self-contained unit that requires no trailer and no unhooking. The flagship Graden machine, the Contour Sand Injection (CSI) unit, will also be on show. It has the ability to scarify to any depth between 1mm-40mm while simultaneously backfilling
KEEP IN TOUCH
www.iog.org
the grooves with either sand or a combination of sand and seed. Visitors will also be able to see a selection of Redexim machines, including the iconic Verti-Drain and the Pedestrain Carrier, plus the DS800 topdresser from Rink. www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk Stand 432, purple zone
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32 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
Institute of Groundsmanship
THE JOHNSONS SPORTS Seed range has always focused on quality and visitors at BTME will be the first to hear about the new and improved mixture formulations and cultivars across its portfolios. A complete review of the range will see 11 updated mixture formulations and a new highperformance Chewings Fescue, Bogart. Bogart features in the new six-blend formulation of Johnsons J Fescue, popular for the overseeding of fairways, greens and tees. Along with a number of other mixtures in the range, from 2019 J Fescue can be specified with DLF’s ProNitro seed coating. Reformulated specifically for use on links courses, the new J Links mixture is a pure slender creeping red fescue blend, comprised of three of the market’s highest performing cultivars. This year, in addition to regular testing, DLF cultivars have been subject to hydroponic salt tolerance trials to confirm their effectiveness in high-salt scenarios. www.dlf.co.uk Stand 214, red zone twitter.com/the_iog
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
MTD
HEADL AND AMENIT Y
DISEASE DETERRENTS RETURNING TO BTME 2019 with its range of plant nutrition products for golf and sports turf will be Headland Amenity. Particular highlights on the stand will be Mantle, the newest addition to the company’s range of non-pesticidal disease management products, along with a new tripleactive selective herbicide. Mantle’s water-soluble formulation consists of manganese and zinc, with the addition of ‘Harpin’ protein – the plant elicitor pioneered by Headland, to stimulate the grass plant’s own natural defence mechanisms. As well as an important component of two enzymes, manganese is also an activating co-factor for a large number of enzymes required for key functions in the grass plant. One of these aids lignin synthesis that takes place in the root, with research showing that applications of manganese can reduce the ability of some root pathogens, such as Take All Patch, to cause damage. As essential secondary and micronutrients respectively, magnesium and zinc are also involved
in some fundamental processes essential for a healthy plant, such as photosynthesis and protein synthesis. Mantle can be used alongside Headland’s ‘20-20-30’ tank mix to enhance plant health and help minimise the effect of disease. Combining Seamac ProTurf Fe and Liquid Turf Hardener plant protectants, together with Turfite elictor, the industry-leading ‘2020-30’ formulation has shown to be effective in minimising Microdochium nivale over the autumn/winter period, when applied prior to the onset of disease. www.headlandamenity.com Stand 262, red zone
TRILO
The super S3
TRILO WILL BE returning to BTME, with its range of turf and waste management machinery. The Trilo S3 is well suited to a variety of applications on the golf course. Its large suction capacity paired with its modest dimensions enables efficient collection of leaves, clippings or debris in small areas or in challenging ground conditions. Available with a range of shaft options, including a twisted flail or dedicated verti-cut shaft, it becomes a versatile unit for year-round operation. The simplicity of the interchangeable system means the operator can easily switch shafts in as little as an hour. At Highgate Golf Club in North London, course manager Derek Mason had a demonstration of the Trilo S3 and placed an order there and then. “Jeremy Vincent of Trilo and Rob Attewell from
BTME PREVIEW
A CLEAN CUT
MTD SPECIALTY TURF Products will be returning to BTME in 2019 with a muchexpanded line-up. Visitors can see the new INFINICUT Fixed Head mower – the latest addition to the award-winning Cub Cadet INFINICUT range – along with a new cassette in the ATT TMSystem and a new face, who will be on hand to offer support to customers. With industry-leading cut quality at the centre of Cub Cadet’s design philosophy, the INFINICUT Fixed Head offers many of the key benefits of the floating head version. It is powered by a lithium battery, and delivers low emissions and quiet operation as standard. Available in 22in, 26in, 30in and 34in cutting widths, the launch of a Fixed Head alternative will help a broader market base to benefit from the numerous technological advancements the range offers. In its smaller form, the INFINICUT remains a popular choice with golf courses looking to achieve a clean, sharp cut on greens. Unlocking the full potential of the INFINICUT, the unique ATT TMSystem is used by astute greenkeepers the world over. Whether the objective is organic matter reduction, grain control, soil gas/ air exchange, green speed manipulation, or just top-dressing integration, there is a carefully engineered SMART cassette to meet the need – the latest addition is the new SMARTTurfClean cassette. www.advancedtt.com Stand 253, red zone
local dealer Ernest Doe brought the S3 in when we were looking for a new machine to combat excessive leaf-fall,” explains Derek. “They put the S3’s wanderhose to work on one of our large ditches, which it cleared in just 20 minutes. It was immediately evident what a huge difference it was going to make to our maintenance programme.” www.trilo.com Stand 204, red zone
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 33
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME PREVIEW
STIHL
MOW LIKE A PRO STIHL WILL BE attending BTME 2019 for the first time to showcase its full range of groundscare products. The full range of STIHL’s new professional lawn mowers will be on display, including the RM 756 GC, the RM 655 RS rear roller mower and the RM 4 RTP mulching mower. The RM 756 GC professional lawn mower comes packed with plenty of features, including a solid mono handlebar that makes emptying the 80-litre grass box simple. The RM 756 GC also comes with a three-speed gearbox and a brake blade clutch mechanism to increase working speed and reduce machine downtime. The deck housing is made from high-quality magnesium to maintain durability and reduce weight, whereas the full-size polymer deck insert offers impact protection. Fitted with a mono-comfort handle as standard, the body design of the new professional mower allows for easy access and maintenance of working parts such as drive cables, pulleys and the drive belt. www.stihl.co.uk Stand 108, blue zone
PRICE TURFCARE
BUILDING BRANDS PRICE TURFCARE IS returning to BTME for the third time – where the company was officially launched in 2017. Commenting on the first two years in business, managing director Rupert Price said: “It’s been a totally unbelievable couple of years since we launched the business. I have no idea where the time has gone. It’s been a whirlwind of demonstrations, roadshows and exhibitions to get the Ventrac and Ryan brands out in front of the UK turf industry. It’s been very hard work, probably harder than I envisaged, but it’s definitely paying off. Ventrac was virtually invisible in the UK before 2017, now we have established it as
a credible brand. So much so, that some of our early customers such as Peter Pattenden at Carden Park and Chris Brook at The Club Company have come back to order more machines and additional accessories. We have proved that the Ventrac is an extremely versatile machine, with many applications for golf course management.” He continues: “As well as golf customers, machines are going into major sports facilities, to large landscape contractors, rental companies and to some private buyers with large estates. The addition of the Ryan franchise in 2018 has also given us a boost and the result is that we have an eclectic mix of turf maintenance machinery to suit any organisation, small or large.” www.priceturfcare.com Stand 450, purple zone
RIGBY TAYLOR
Centenary celebrations RIGBY TAYLOR WILL be making a major golf industry announcement at BTME to herald the start of a year of celebrations for the company’s 100-year anniversary. While details of the initiative, in conjunction with BTME organiser BIGGA, will be released at the show, there is a host of additional reasons for greenkeepers to make a beeline for Rigby Taylor’s stand. These include the launch of a specially formulated range of early-season fertilisers, the 2019 grass seed mixtures and the company’s ‘Active Planning’ turf disease prevention programmes. Rigby Taylor will also be launching a website for its Euroflor urban
meadow flower products (www.euroflor.co.uk), and further announcements will be made on the company’s involvement in the irrigation market. www.rigbytaylor.com Stand 424, purple zone
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 35
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME PREVIEW
isit the herri enit st nd to see the re ision ro
SHERRIFF AMENIT Y
AWARD-WINNING APP
JOHN DEERE
NEW ADDITIONS TO PRECISIONCUT FEATURING THE SAME advanced technology as John Deere’s award-winning A Model family of fairway, rough and trim and surrounds mowers, the new 6000A Series PrecisionCut fairway machines will launch at BTME 2019 and be available from UK and Irish dealers in the spring. Based on a three-wheel drive, smooth-tyre configuration, the 6080A, 6500A and 6700A fivegang cylinder models have been introduced to meet a specific need for improved budget control, while still delivering a mower designed for the rigours of fairway applications. “With tight operating budgets and increasing labour costs, many customers need a more cost-effective solution to get the job done,” says John Deere’s European turf sales and marketing manager Carlos Aragones. “We challenged ourselves to design a machine that can still boost productivity and maintain quality of cut while keeping costs down.” All three models utilise a powerful 24.7hp (18.4kW) diesel engine, and boast several other premium performance and comfort features. www.johndeere.co.uk Stand 264, red zone KEEP IN TOUCH
www.iog.org
VISITORS TO THE herri enit st nd wi e e to e rn ore o t the w rd winnin re ision ro whi h won the T nno tion o the e r w rd re ision ro is dedi ted or s orts t r to e s re n re ide the o er tor in i r tin s re der or n r n r rod t nd so he erti isers r te t w s re ted d e to the o on iss e o t r n ers is d in reen nd s ort s r e si e whi h n res t in ro e s s h s o er in or nder in erti isers oth o
LIMAGRAIN UK
Improve your course
VISITORS TO THE Limagrain UK stand can expect a range of market-leading products that can significantly improve both the quality and aesthetics of a golf course. Seed quality, purity and vigour are the essential ingredients of a first-class golf course and Limagrain’s MM range of seed mixture provides exactly these. For a number of years, greenkeepers and course managers have been reaping the benefits by choosing the MM brand. All the varieties are thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) – ensuring that the finished product will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.
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36 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
whi h n h e ne ti e i t on t r er or n e dise se nd d et re ision ro ows t r n ers to h e n r te e s red re si o enin the nd w in the eri eter o the re i r tin s re ders h s w s een di i t t s t with the i r te e t re in the re ision ro sers re ided thro h e h ste o the ro ess rther ore its d n ed G n tion it in or s the ser when to st rt nd sto the i r tion ro ess www.sherriffamenity.com Stand 110, blue zone
Institute of Groundsmanship
i r in on st nd
ret rns to T in the e one
For greens, the traditional Chewings Fescue/Browntop bent mix, MM11, remains a popular choice and can be used from spring to autumn. If you are looking for a mixture ideal for tees then the all-ryegrass MM50 is capable of rapid establishment and fast recovery from divot scarring. www.lgseeds.co.uk Stand 140, blue zone
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME PREVIEW
DENNIS/SISIS
ICL
Trailblazing technologies
New ICL products and innovations coming to BTME
VISITORS TO THE ICL stand can learn Visitors will also get the about the new and improved range of opportunity to discover what new ProSelect grass seed mixtures, which qualifying products and rewards will are ideal for golf courses, sports be added to the Turf Rewards loyalty fields, turf growers and landscape scheme in 2019. contractors. The updated range ICL has been a long-term supporter contains highly ranked STRI varieties of BIGGA’s Continue to Learn that have been developed through an education programme, which runs extensive breeding selection. alongside the exhibition, and ICL Torsion TRT, the unique turfwill be playing a part in this repairing tiller perennial year’s schedule. ryegrass or Riptide, the Henry Bechelet, UK & T EC H UK’s number one-ranked Ireland technical sales U P D AT E creeping bent are just manager and Dr Andy Read the latest some of the outstanding Owen, international groundscare developments in the technical manager, will advice portfolio, which can be be taking to the stage page 19 seen at this year’s BTME. twice across the week, As a leading innovator in presenting a What’s in a Soil the industry, ICL has a vast range Analysis on Monday, and then on of products and solutions trusted by Wednesday they will be delivering a turf managers across the globe. The 45-minute seminar that will continue company continues to invest in new to develop the discussion about the trials and technologies, and visitors relative merits of granular and will have the chance to see first-hand liquid-applied approaches to the exciting new innovations in liquid turf nutrition. and granular nutrition that will be www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie showcased on the stand. Stand 426, purple zone
MAGNIFICENT MOWERS BY VISITING THE Dennis and SISIS stand, greenkeepers, course managers and turf managers responsible for a wide range of sports surfaces will find out how the SISIS Rotorake TM1000, the Dennis FT510 and the exciting new Dennis PRO 34R could have a significant impact on the way they manage their turf. The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted, heavy-duty scarifier and linear aerator and is unrivalled when it comes to removing and controlling thatch. It includes a collector box and floating unit to follow ground contours. When it comes to all areas of fine turf, the Dennis FT510 professional mower has for many years been celebrated for its top performance and durability. With a 51cm working width, the FT510 provides its user with comfort, flexibility and excellent presentation. The PRO 34R was the machine that everyone was waiting in anticipation for – and now it is here. Officially launched in November 2018, this 34in (860mm) rotary mower has been designed to help turf managers achieve a pleasing appearance and desired playing surface. Unique features of the Dennis PRO 34R Rotary Mower include five forward/one reverse selection for speed of operation, 90-litre capacity grass box and fully adjustable angle of deck for changing conditions. www.dennisuk.com Stand 247, red zone
“As a leading innovator in the industry, ICL has a vast range of products and solutions trusted by turf managers across the globe”
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 37
www.replaymaintenance.co.uk
01636 640506
info@replaymaintenance.co.uk
Synthetic pitch holding water? Compacted? Moss or algae problems?
Give it some Replay TLC a one-off visit or a complete rejuvenation
REVOLUTIONISING MAINTENANCE
#SoMuchChoice
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Machines for all applications - it’s your choice!
Ve rt
Synthetic Surfaces
Official Training Supporter to the IOG
Synthetic Solutions
Brushing | Cleaning | Decompacting | Regeneration See us at BTME 2019 on Stand 432 in the Purple Zone
www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk | 01428 661222
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME PREVIEW
PROSPORT UK
FOLEY UNITED BRINGS FULLY AUTOMATED GRINDING WORKSHOP SOLUTION TO BTME FOLEY UNITED, REPRESENTED by UK distributor ProSport UK, will be demonstrating the ideal grinding combination for a fully automated workshop with the AccuPro 633 cylinder and 673 bedknife grinders. This professional grinding duo provides top-quality cylinder and bedknife grinding, featuring built-in grinding programmes for a quick and accurate OEM grind. The fully automatic grinding process on both machines allows users to do other tasks while the Foley grinders are activated, saving time, money and man-hours. The latest company to utilise this combination is GGM Groundscare. The Lancashire-based company needed to add grinders to its operation to match a growing
franchise and managing director Chris Gibson looked to the automation and accuracy of Foley United as the solution. “We are Baroness dealers and our sales area has recently been extended to cover North and West Yorkshire,” Chris explains. “In line with the growth of this franchise, we wanted to invest in the right grinders to make sure we had the best support available for customers and that’s why we got the Foley AccuPro 633 cylinder and 673 bedknife grinders.” The two grinders used by GGM are only two of the Foley range of Relief, Spin and Bedknife machines that have been specifically designed to meet any budget. www.prosportukltd.com Stand 248B, red zone
The AccuPro 633 (below) and the 673 bedknife grinder (above)
REESINK TURFCARE
TYM T393 IN SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH YEAR
THE TYM T393 has been chosen by distributor Reesink Turfcare to headline its TYM tractors stand at BTME because of its perfect positioning to bridge the gap in the TYM line up, from the compact utility range into the mid-duty range. TYM sales manager, Steven Haynes, said: “The T393 was the logical choice to bring to BTME. It’s done hugely well in the UK in its first year. The fact that it’s able to do a lot of the tough stuff as a compact is a major benefit which will appeal to the fine turf market. It has already established itself as a comprehensive workhorse, a tractor that can take on the small and big jobs with ease.” A 39hp Yanmar engine, two transmission options: 12x12 speed manual with dash-mounted
“The cab features wide opening doors and unlike larger models, there is no intrusive B-post on the tractor to hinder visibility”
shuttle lever or a three- range HST transmission, and the highest lift capabilities in its class at 1200kg, means productivity is at the fore of the T393’s design. It has one of the highest hydraulic flow rates with a maximum output of 42 litres per minute, making it suitable for use with a range of hydraulically driven attachments. The cab features wide opening doors, which allow for easy access on and off the tractor and, unlike larger models, there is no intrusive B-post on the tractor to hinder visibility. Steven continues: “The T393 brings the utmost versatility to our TYM offering in the UK. It’s more productive per acre and is the ideal choice for those who don’t need a larger framed midduty model but need the most amount of power, productivity, versatility and efficiency in a compact package.” www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk Stand 202, red zone
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 39
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
GERMINAL
All-in-one pitch renovation kit GERMINAL’S A20 SEED & Feed package is an all-in-one sports pitch renovation kit that contains everything needed to create a wellestablished playable surface in as little as 10 weeks. A20 Seed & Feed contains three elements: Germinal’s A20 Premier Ryesport seed mixture – updated and improved for 2019; fertilisers and soil conditioners to suit specific soil types; FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme) approved nutrient and sward management advice. A20 Premier Ryesport contains four perennial ryegrasses, with the improved 2019 mixture creating a dense sward with excellent fineness of leaf, good cleanness of cut, robust disease resistance and fantastic postwinter recovery. www.germinal.com
GRASS SEED
RIGBY TAYLOR
Perfectly balanced blends
RIGBY TAYLOR IS launching its perfectly balanced ‘R’ range grass seed blends for 2019. Two new cultivars ensure that R14 remains the number-one choice for sports pitch construction and renovation. Fast establishment and high-wear tolerance come high on the list when choosing a perennial ryegrass blend, but of equal importance new R14 also delivers the fastest recovery after wear. R14 features number-one perennial ryegrass Europitch, together with the new cultivar Cameron, ideally reinforced with the inclusion of Eurosport and Eurocordus for the perfectly balanced blend. Cameron and Eurosport jointly achieved the highest scores for recovery in Turfgrass Seed 2019. Eurosport also features in R14CR, with creeping perennial ryegrass cultivar Fiesta 4 providing increased tolerance to Leaf Spot disease and fast early establishment.
For cricket squares and tennis courts, R9 100% ultra-fine dwarf rye blend also benefits from the introduction of the new perennial ryegrass cultivar, Gianna. It combines high-shoot density, clean cut and fast recovery from close mowing. www.rigbytaylor.com
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
GRASS SEED
DLF
PROMASTER 79 TOP CHOICE FOR WARWICK RACECOURSE MAINTAINING A STRONG, healthy and dense sward over a wet winter period is a headache for any turf manager, but for head groundsman at Warwick Racecourse, Guy Woodward, that challenge is further exacerbated by the impact of horses pounding the flats and taking the jumps. Guy has turned to new tetraploid technology in the Masterline ProMaster 79 mixture to deliver germination and recovery. The decision was made in 2014 to covert to an all-jumps race programme. Guy explains: “In a normal season we will backfill with a combination of soil and seed after every meet, as well as moving the hurdles to give the horses fresh ground and helping us spread the wear
ProMaster 79 keeps Warwick Racecourse’s sward in tip-top condition
and maintain coverage. “When it comes to making my decision on seed mixtures, the key criteria is a seed that can germinate late and early in the year. I spoke with Ian Barnett of DLF Seeds and he recommended the ProMaster 79 mixture from Masterline. Though we don’t expect to achieve masses of growth, if we overseed while
carrying out our post-meet repairs means we know the seed is there when the time is right, and if we do get any peaks in temperature, we may get some growth. “It’s thanks to DLF that we have a mixture that’s working, helping to give strong coverage even when mother nature does her best to stop us!” www.dlf.co.uk
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
A R T I F I C I A L S U R FAC E S
SISIS
SISIS Flexicomb extends pitch life at UKC
LEE BALLARD, senior groundsperson at the University of Kent (UKC) in Canterbury, believes that his new SISIS Flexicomb is the perfect tool to help extend the life of one of the university’s synthetic sports surfaces. The university has outstanding sports facilities, which include grass football pitches, grass rugby pitches and synthetic sports surfaces. Lee oversees the maintenance of the
The SISIS Flexicomb
sports pitches and he admits that one of the synthetic surfaces requires extra special attention due to its heavy usage. Regular brushing along with periodic aggressive brushing and maintenance is required to ensure that the playing surfaces achieve their full life expectancy, and to help Lee with this task he chose to purchase the SISIS Flexicomb. Lee says: “The Flexicomb ensures even distribution of infill materials and lifts the pile. The adjustable setting ensures the effect of a rake, but with the softness of a brush, reducing the risk of damage to fibres. The bristle sections are replaceable and the Flexicomb is designed for a long working life with minimal maintenance.” www.sisis.com
A CLEAN SWEEP
CHARTERHOUSE TURF MACHINERY
PERFECT FOR PICKING AND SIFTING DEBRIS T T from Charterhouse Turf Machinery picks up surface debris with a rotating brush, powered by ground wheels, and throws it onto a vibrating sieve. The sieve filters any infill material back on to the playing surface, while retaining the debris and collecting it in a lightweight hopper, that can easily be removed for emptying. The finish is a revitalised surface with clean infill. A Verti-Clean 1500 has been used as part of the synthetic maintenance programme at Scotstoun Stadium since September 2017. The hard work of Head Groundsman Paddy Ferrie was recently rewarded as he was crowned the winner of the
‘Best Maintained Artificial Surface’ category at the IOG Awards. “On the synthetic surface, I conduct regular brushing to stand the fibres up, redistribute the crumb and improve the appearance of the pitch prior to matches” explains Paddy, who has been at Scotstoun for two years. “Because of the pitch’s surroundings, at certain times of year we get a lot of leaf-fall and debris on the surface, for which I needed something that would conduct a more thorough clean. With this machine I can work at a nice steady pace, collecting any leaves or debris before they become embedded into the pile.” www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk The Verti-Clean collects the debris in a lightweight hopper
KEEP IN TOUCH
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42 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
SCH SUPPLIES
Institute of Groundsmanship
THE POWERED BRUSH sweeper is designed for sports surfaces where a more aggressive sweep is required, such as hard-surface running tracks. The HSPS is perfect for sand-filled surfaces, as the catcher box has a mesh bottom that allows the sand or fill to return to the playing surface. A cover plate is supplied with each machine to cover the mesh floor during sweeping operations where all debris is required to be collected. Four rows of height-adjustable brushes rotate at variable speeds to flick debris into the rear collecting box. The brushes are driven by a 5.5hp Honda engine equipped with a speed-reduction gearbox that incorporates a centrifugal clutch. This means that when the engine speed is reduced the brushes stop revolving – a necessary feature when moving from surface to surface. The pressure of the brush on the playing surface can be adjusted by the simple adjuster mechanism. To empty the HSPS, just turn the winch to effortlessly lift and tilt the collecting box. www.schsupplies.co.uk
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See us at BTME 2019 on Stand 418 in the Purple Zone
Grading & Levelling
Soil Preparation
Seeding
The all-new BLEC range is ready to deliver. With updated products, a streamlined range and new innovative equipment on the horizon, BLEC continues to impress.
SPECIALIST LANDSCAPING AND TURFCARE EQUIPMENT
Soil Cultivation
Renovation
www.blecmachinery.com
Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE
FEBRUARY OPERATIONS BOWLING GREEN
Finish off any turf repairs that might be outstanding. Ensure you use a suitable turf (one that is closely matched to the indigenous green sward). Consider applying a low-nitrogen and high-potash fertiliser (a soil analysis is advisable, following the manufacturer’s guidelines), to help reduce the chance of disease attack. Drag brush and/or switch daily. Continue with aerating the green when ground and climatic conditions are suitable. Ensure the surrounds to the green are clean and tidy and that any outstanding work is being completed, at least for no later than March.
CRICKET SQUARE
Most likely the square will be too wet to carry out much work. However, drag brushing should be a priority, especially if earthworm activity is significant. A light topping of the sward may be required; perennial ryegrass sward may have produced some leaf growth. Maintain any perimeter fencing. Towards the end of the month, it might be possible to start rolling, but this will depend on soil moisture content. A soil sample to a depth of 75mm should be taken to establish if the correct amount of moisture is present. Try to plan pitch usage for the coming season and the sequence of use. This way the centre KEEP IN TOUCH
www.iog.org
pitches will be available for high-profile games if required. Carry out a thorough inspection of the outfield to identify any worn areas; this will be especially important if the outfield is used for winter sports. Check all bowlers’ run-up areas and repair if required. Start to set out the stripes for the outfield; this will aid presentation and efficiency of cut.
of fairways – also consider raising lower branches of trees from the edges of fairways. Have materials been ordered for the spring renovation work? Machinery maintenance should be completed this month. The completion of topping up of bunkers should be done this month, especially if major events are planned for April/May. This will allow sufficient time for the sand to consolidate.
FOOTBALL
RACECOURSE
CRICKET OUTFIELD
Brush/chain harrow, depending on the quality of the facility, if ground and climatic conditions are suitable. Aerate the pitch wherever possible, although again make sure to use tractor-mounted equipment only if the correct ground and climatic conditions are present – otherwise hand fork goalmouths and centre circles. Apply a suitable sand to the goalmouth and centre circle areas to allow a more consistent, playable surface, and to aid surface drainage.
Avoid the use of relatively heavy machinery over the winter months when ground conditions are generally unsuitable. Aeration can be carried out during dry periods, assuming the soil moisture content is not high. A light topping of the sward might be required. Continue to divot and repair after each meeting. Ensure all materials have been ordered ready for the April renovation work.
GOLF
If the weather is suitable, a light topping of the grass may be required. Some form of aeration would be useful – verti-draining, slitting or even hand forking would be good for airflow and drainage. Use of drag brushes is two-fold. Use them to get rid of
Mostly non-green course work will be underway. This might include: – bunker renovation or reconstruction – construction of pathways – cutting back of branches from overhanging tees and the edges www.facebook.com/theIOG
RUGBY LEAGUE
Institute of Groundsmanship
dew and to stand the grass up. This will also help put the stripe effect onto your surface. Make sure all machinery is back from servicing. Consider any improvements and targets you want to achieve for the coming season. A light topdressing of worn areas with sand may be required. Chain harrows on the smooth side will help you gain a consistent surface. Constant divoting is essential. Brushing the surface will stand the grass up and give the surface some cover, this will also put you in good stead for the growing season. Make sure markings are bright and straight.
RUGBY UNION
If the weather is very mild, a light topping of the grass might be required. Aerate if ground and climatic conditions permit. Overmark lines regularly, using string lines for accuracy. Hand fork and sand wet areas. Order all the end-of-season renovation material and machinery hire now.
TENNIS
A light topping of the sward might be required, if the ground and climatic conditions allow. Aerate if conditions permit. Continue with regular drag brushing to remove dew and earthworm casts.
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 45
TOOLS & GUIDANCE W E AT H E R
INTEGRATE CONTROL ACTIONS • Weather forecasting and disease risk prediction enables selection of the most appropriate modes of fungicidal action to counter the threat. • Surfaces should also be kept as dry as possible – open up air flow and switch or brush to remove moisture. Look to keep any stress to a minimum. • Protecting turf before forecast disease-risk periods can provide long-lasting results, with Medallion TL offering especially effective protection ahead of any cold conditions.
WILL IT BE ANOTHER WARM ONE?
W
trends as accurate as long-term records. For the weather in January, recent years’ patterns indicate generally warmer temperatures and typically wetter conditions (see table below), with severely cold periods not hitting until later months.
eather records will have 2018 down as one of the warmest in history – extending right through the autumn and early winter. Even into the shortest day, there was little sign of a significant cold snap on the horizon. Weather patterns have been shifting and with increasing turmoil through all seasonal periods for the past decade. Extreme variability and rapid changes have become the new norm, with short-term
KEY WEATHER FACTS FOR JANUARY 2018
January 2018 was again a mild month for most – with average UK temperatures over a degree above long-term norm, at 4.1°C
JANUARY RAINFALL PATTERNS Days with rain
Rain (mm)
UK N. England S. England Scotland Wales N Ireland
Av
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Av
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
121 94 77 177 157 116
188 145 168 218 258 173
153 106 86 252 187 133
180 146 114 254 244 176
76 54 69 94 93 53
134 105 87 183 189 171
15 14 13 19 17 17
23 22 24 23 26 24
23 22 24 23 26 24
19 16 15 23 22 21
21 20 17 23 23 24
18 17 16 18 22 22
Over recent years January weather has been significantly wetter than normal, with the exception of 2017. Frequent rain can interrupt opportunities for available spray days
• When soil temperatures are fluctuating and there is evidence of some growth – as seen in many recent January conditions – a multi-active fungicide with contact and systemic activity, such as Instrata Elite, can provide the most appropriate protection for turf.
The tail-end of several Atlantic storms created volatility in rainfall, temperatures and wind, at both the start and end of the month Nightly low temperatures were particularly higher than average, with north and south of England experiencing just half the number of frosts as usual Northern Ireland was especially wet, with nearly 50 per cent above average rainfall at 171 mm There were also significantly more (+20 per cent) wet days than normal. The implication for turf health has been increased pressure from Microdochium Patch (Fusarium) activity in the wetter and warmer conditions. However, huge fluctuations in temperature did create challenging and stressful conditions for turf. With the incidence of disease already reported this season, turf managers must make every effort to keep surfaces as dry as possible, and look out for predicted risk conditions of rain and mild temperatures. www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 47
RECRUITMENT
IOG
TO ADVERTISE IN THE GROUNDSMAN CONTACT JASPER KEELING: 48 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019
E jasper.keeling@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
0203 859 7097
CLASSIFIEDS
IOG
To d ertise in the ssified section of The Groundsman please contact: Jasper Keeling T: 0203 859 7097 E: jasper.keeling@ jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THE GROUNDSMAN CONTACT JASPER KEELING:
E jasper.keeling@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
0203 859 7097
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 49
FLAGSHIP FORTUNES
By Julien Morris Regional pitch advisor
It’s smiles all round at the Nene Valley Community Centre in Northamptonshire after a successful collaboration to improve the pitches at a flagship football venue
L
aunched in October 2016, the Peterborough Football and Sports Development Foundation has enjoyed a developing partnership with Northamptonshire County FA and the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) that has led to great improvements in pitch quality at the foundation’s flagship venue – the Nene Valley Community Centre in Northamptonshire. Sited on the banks of the River Nene, the community centre is a jewel in the crown of local sports provision and the five-acre site is home to seven local clubs. When the site was first visited in January 2017 as part of the FA’s Pitch Improvement Programme, the pitches were unfit for use. They suffered shallow rooting and games were regularly cancelled due to waterlogging.
As a result of local authority cuts, pitch maintenance was transferred to the foundation in April 2017 – and the result has been a drastic turnaround in pitch quality and playability. Using cross-county collaboration, the foundation has been able to access the services of The FA’s Cambridgeshire & Huntingdonshire equipment bank. Following recommendations, the pitches were deep spiked, had an application of sand and were disc seeded with perennial ryegrass at the end of the 2017 season. Since then, further recommendations have been followed, and bi-annual applications of slow-release fertiliser have been introduced, as well as spraying of weeds and a further four cycles of deep aeration. All this has been possible due to the foundation’s policy of reinvesting all of the revenue from the hire of the grass pitches.
“The quality of coverage on the pitches is amazing” Using partnership funding from the Football Foundation, the site has been able to purchase a rear-roller mower and a combination of turf-grooming attachments to add to a modest fleet of machinery. Combined with another cycle of end-ofseason renovations in April 2018, it has led to an improvement in pitch quality standards, from ‘lower basic’ at the initial visit, to ‘high’ following a visit in July 2018. This successful collaboration has made some users very happy, and Stuart Clark, chairman of Orton Rangers FC, says: “The quality of the grass and the coverage on the pitches is amazing. All of our teams – adults and juniors – constantly comment on how good they are.”
i
Visit www.iog.org for more information on GaNTIP
The pitches have been transformed
50 THE GROUNDSMAN January 2019