DJ Turfcare used SALTEX 2014 to launch new Plugger aerator

DJ TURFCARE used lOG SALTEX to launch the new Plugger PL415, a pedestrian aerator that incorporates the best of other Pluggers in the range.

The robust 'unibody' is designed for ease of maintenance and the reciprocating tine action PL415 is able to work in tight spaces.

A choice of tines makes this an essential piece of kit for fine turf managers – and the narrow build makes this Plugger ideal for areas with small gateways.

There's a choice of a Briggs and Stratton Intek 5.5hp engine or a Honda GX 160 commercial grade OHV 5.5hp engine. The PL415 has folding handles for easy storage and transport.

"This is the ideal machine for those turf professionals looking to upgrade to a pedestrian aerator specially designed to include the best of all the 'Plugger models," says David Jenkins, managing director on DJ Turfcare.

Also at SALTEX was be the highly-rated BUSHRANGER EDGER (seen for the first time at the show three years ago). Aimed primarily at local authorities and those looking after large landscaped areas, the Bushranger Edger is ideal for producing razor sharp edges, especially up close to raised paving because of its drop-down wheel.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission finds the Bushranger can cope with the demanding conditions found in war cemeteries where immaculate conditions and neat edges are imperative.

Second-generation ATOM EDGERS, both professional and domestic – with new Mitsubishi engines – were also be on show. They are tougher, easier-to-use and have improved controls.

The Professional Edger Pro 580 is aimed at local authorities for kerb use and the Atom 450 Deluxe is designed for gardeners with large areas of lawn to edge.

Also on the stand for golf greenkeepers was be the proven ATOM BUNKER EDGER – now celebrating its eighth year as a leading product for the golf industry from the DJ Turfcare sporsturf range. It has a Mitsubishi two-stroke engine.

VIANO LAWN FERTILISERS

Viano's renowned MO BACTER was also on the stand together with other Viano organic products, including Recovery and Bio-Lime.

Sales of MO BACTER – which eliminates moss without raking – have risen dramatically since SALTEX last year.

Available in two bag sizes – 7.5kg (75 square metres) and 20kg (200 square metres) – MO BACTER is available from selected independent garden centres.

Since winning the Turf Pro Product of the Year in 2008, MO BACTER has featured on the BBC's Beechgrove Garden series in highly successful trials. It is now stocked by more than 60 garden centres in the UK.

"We are delighted at the tremendous success of this remarkable lawncare product," says David.

www.djturfcare.co.uk

SALTEX 2014 – Visit Impression

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

I visited SALTEX 2014 on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 and that was the only day that I went, this year. In other years I needed at least two, if not all three days, to cover the show this year, though, I was done and dusted, so to speak, by one o'clock in the afternoon, having arrived by about 9:15AM.

The showground was considerably smaller this year than in other years with only two of the three areas that used to be used in use and the stands were fewer and much smaller too.

Many of the usual exhibitors were conspicuous by their absence and although there have been times before when the likes of Massey Ferguson, John Deere, etc., skipped a year, this year many of the big names in grounds care machinery, as well as smaller kit, were missing.

While John Deere was represented by one of their dealers, as was Husqvarna, they, themselves, as much as Jonsereds, and many others, were simply missing in action. Toro is another one that will have to be mentioned here and I could go on and on with the list, no doubt.

The stands of those companies that were there were, in the main, much smaller than in previous years and some areas were extremely sparsely populated.

Visitor numbers, at least that this first day, also were considerably down, in my opinion, considering that the 9AM sailing of French Brothers' free river taxi had only about ten, if that, people on board which is very rare indeed, in my experience.

Much of this may be due to the fact that local authority budgets are squeezed in such a way that they just cannot consider, in any way, shape or form, to acquire new kit and also cannot, for the very same reasons, grant leave of absence and travel for members of their staff.

While the weather was absolutely positive inclined towards this – for the time being – last SALTEX at Windsor Racecourse this was for me the most disappointing SALTEX show ever and I have been there in pouring rain when one almost needed a boat to traverse the ground and also when the show had to be rearranged in a different layout because the area by the river could not be used due to the fact everything had been churned up by the 2012 Olympic events.

It is rather a shame to see the show go out at such a sad note in its last year at Windsor Racecourse but one cannot paint something in colors that are not there.

© 2014

David Jenkins celebrates 43 years at IOG SALTEX as the show leaves Windsor

DAVID JENKINS, managing director of DJ Turfcare, will celebrate 43 years of attending IOG SALTEX with the last show at Windsor Racecourse before it moves to the NEC.

His first SALTEX was at Motspur Park in 1971 and he has attended almost every show since, many of them with Charterhouse Turf Machinery Ltd - the company which he founded in 1981.

David began his career in publishing working with The Groundsman, the IOG's flagship magazine, and Parks and Sportsgrounds magazine.

This experience provided a springboard into the machinery side of the industry and he joined Marshalls Concessionaires, importing Jacobsen machinery into the UK.

Then came the founding of Charterhouse Turf Machinery Ltd and the dramatic introduction of the Verti-Drain into the UK - a machine which revolutionised pitch aeration.

Since founding DJ Turfcare Equipment Ltd in 2002 David has introduced Plugger Aerators from the US, Bushranger Edgers from Australia and Viano fertilisers from Belgium.

"It is sad to see SALTEX moving indoors," says David, "but I have seen a lot of changes in this industry and wish the IOG every success.

"SALTEX has always been a place for colleagues to meet and it is very much a social event where old friends catch up.

"I look forward to meeting many of my colleagues at Windsor this year and they will get a warm welcome to the stand."

David will be on stand K55 with wife Liz and office manager Barbara Jarman.

AT SALTEX this year DJ Turfcare will have Viano organic lawn fertilisers, including the award-winning MO BACTER.

Machines on show will include the PLUGGER PL855 Pro HD aerator, the highly-rated BUSHRANGER EDGER, and second-generation ATOM EDGERS, both professional and domestic, with new Mitsubishi engines,

Also on the stand for golf greenkeepers will be the proven ATOM BUNKER EDGER.

DJ TURFCARE: Stand K55. Contact: 01483 200976 www.djturfcare.co.uk

RIGBY TAYLOR AND TOP GREEN SPONSOR IOG YOUNG GROUNDSMEN’S CONFERENCE

The inaugural IOG Young Groundsmen’s Conference being held at this year’s SALTEX (Sports, Amenities, Landscaping Trade Exhibition) is being sponsored by Rigby Taylor in association with its seed breeding partner, Top Green.

The two companies are at the forefront of supplying innovative products for the successful management and maintenance of turf surfaces, and are committed to promoting excellence across all aspect of sports grounds management.

The ‘Our Career, Your Future’ Conference – on Tuesday September 2 at Windsor Racecourse – is a major educational initiative designed to enlighten young people about the benefits of a career in groundscare. The event will also bring head groundsmen up to date with advice on how to attract youngsters into the industry by offering expert advice on apprenticeships.

Young people will gain invaluable career-shaping advice from head groundsmen at high profile, international sports venues. They will also learn about the benefits of working in the industry from young groundsmen who are currently progressing their careers across a wide range of sports facilities.

Commenting on the sponsorship announcement, Rigby Taylor’s marketing director Richard Fry, stated: “It’s not often that an opportunity arises to promote education and development to the next generation of groundsmen, and we are very excited about becoming involved with the IOG Young Groundsmen’s Conference.

“Rigby Taylor has a long history of supporting industry association initiatives, particularly in the area of education and development. We are a long-term sponsor of the IOG Young Groundsman of the Year Award and were a founder Golden Key member of the BIGGA Education and Development Fund.

“Most recently, the company has also sponsored a full set of ‘technology tools’ for each of the 10 newly appointed IOG regional pitch advisors to advance the development of grassroots playing surface groundsmanship.”

Geoff Webb, IOG chief executive, added: “Developing opportunities for young people in grounds management is a key aim of the IOG and I am very pleased that such significant industry names have stepped up to sponsor this inaugural event. Rigby Taylor and Top Green must be applauded for their proactive support.”

Chaired by 28-year-old John Ledwidge, head groundsman at Leicester City FC, the Conference will include a question and answer session with Keith Kent from Twickenham Stadium and England & Wales Cricket Board pitches consultant Chris Wood, as well as Neil Stubley from the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.

IOG representatives will take questions and discuss the numerous training pathways available before 27-year-old Ryan Golding from Leeds Rugby, takes to the stage to provide first-hand advice on how he has travelled the industry career path to become head groundsman at one of the country’s leading rugby stadia.

In addition, there will also be a question and answer session with the IOG Young Board of Directors (who programmed the event), a group of young groundsmen who are continually ‘spreading the industry word’ in schools and colleges, as well as to young people at public events up and down the country.

Visit www.iogsaltex.com for full details.

SALTEX (www.iogsaltex.com), the Sports Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition organised by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) and managed by Brintex Events, will be held on 2-4 September 2014 at Windsor Racecourse, Berks. Founded in 1938, the exhibition is attended by open space professionals and volunteers who design, construct, manage and maintain the UK's outdoor facilities - from sports grounds of every type to motorway service stations, and from stately homes to local council parks and schools.

They visit SALTEX to meet suppliers of the machinery, tools, vehicles, turf, soils, seeds, aggregates, artificial or natural surfaces, playgrounds, landscaping equipment, street furniture, arboriculture, horticulture, safety, security, training and education services designed to help them do their jobs as effectively as possible.

Organised by the Institute of Groundsmanship – and managed by Brintex Events - the first IOG exhibition was staged in 1938, the forerunner to today’s SALTEX Sports, Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition. Held annually at Windsor Racecourse, SALTEX is the annual extravaganza for everyone who cares for and/or manages open spaces – including groundsmen, greenkeepers, contractors, local authority and leisure facility managers. The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is the leading membership organisation representing grounds managers, groundsmen, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities in the UK. As well as maintaining the IOG Performance Quality Standards and providing a consultancy service for sports grounds, lawn maintenance and amenity horticulture, the IOG’s extensive Training and Education programme includes cricket, football, tennis, horseracing, bowls, artificial surfaces, turf science and many other specialist subjects. For more information visit www.iog.org

‘TURF MATTERS’ AT SALTEX - ASK THE EXPERT SCHEDULE RELEASED AS INTEREST INCREASES

The schedule has been announced for the Institute of Groundsmanship’s (IOG) Ask the Expert advice centre at this year’s SALTEX (Sports Amenity & Landscape Trade Exhibition) where visitors will gain FREE sports turf management advice from the ‘best of British’ grounds  professionals.

These one-to-one sessions will offer visitors exclusive face-to-face access to industry-leading advice about all sports surfaces including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, golf and bowls.

An extensive team of industry experts will be available every day of SALTEX (2-4 September, Windsor Racecourse)  in the IOG Hub at the heart of the showground, including national manager Jason Booth and the nine regional pitch advisors from the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme, the new £1.3 million programme funded by national governing bodies of sports, Sport England and the IOG.

In addition, the Ask the Expert programme will include a host of industry-leading groundscare practitioners.

Tuesday 2 September am

Keith Kent, head groundsman, Twickenham Stadium [] Dougie Robertson, head groundsman, West Ham United FC [] David Roberts, grounds manager, Charterhouse School [] Bury St Edmunds RUFC’s Andy Spetch, 2010 Volunteer Groundsman of the Year [] Neil Stubley, head groundsman, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (Wimbledon) [] Chris Wood, ECB pitches consultant.

Tuesday 2 September pm

St James’ Boy School’s Stephen Fidler, IOG Toro School, College or University Sports Club Groundsman of the Year 2013 [] Lightcliffe Cricket Club’s Rod Heyhoe, 2012 Volunteer Sports Groundsman of the Year [] Nottingham University’s Susan Lawrence, 2012 Sherriff Amenity Most Promising Sportsturf Student of the Year.

Wednesday 3 September am

Darren Baldwin, grounds manager, Tottenham Hotspur FC [] Rob Bradshaw, head groundsman, One Leisure and winner of the 2013 IOG Kubota/Redexim Charterhouse Best Maintained Artificial Surface Award [] Neil Harvey, 2012 Professional Tennis Groundsman of the Year [] Kingston University’s Mike Hitt, 2012 School, College, University Sports Club Groundsman of the Year [] Iestyn John, Young IOG Board member [] Graham Kimpton,  head groundsman, The Queen’s Club [] Lee Marshallsay, interim grounds manager, Harrow School [] Ashbrooke Sport Club’s Martin Stephenson, IOG Most Promising Sportsturf Student of the Year 2103.

Wednesday 3 September pm

Steve Ascott, head groundsman, St Albans School [] Peter Craig, grounds manager, The Hurlingham Club [] Ryan Golding, head groundsman, Leeds Rugby [] Adrian Kay, head groundsman, York Racecourse [] John Ledwidge, head groundsman, Leicester City FC [] Ian Smith, sports turf & amenity consultant, St Albans School.

Thursday 4 September am

Jason Booth, national manager, Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme and regional pitch advisors Andy Clarke, Rob Donnelly, Kevin Duffill, Ian Mather-Brewster, Ian Norman, Ian Powell, Tom Rowley, Len Smith and Daniel White. 

In addition, Young IOG Board directors Will Graves and Iestyn John will be on hand to advise younger visitors about career prospects and industry opportunities.

Visit www.iogsaltex.com for full details.

[] SALTEX (www.iogsaltex.com), the Sports Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition organised by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) and managed by Brintex Events, will be held on 2-4 September 2014 at Windsor Racecourse, Berks. Founded in 1938, the exhibition is attended by open space professionals and volunteers who design, construct, manage and maintain the UK's outdoor facilities - from sports grounds of every type to motorway service stations, and from stately homes to local council parks and schools. They visit SALTEX to meet suppliers of the machinery, tools, vehicles, turf, soils, seeds, aggregates, artificial or natural surfaces, playgrounds, landscaping equipment, street furniture, arboriculture, horticulture, safety, security, training and education services designed to help them do their jobs as effectively as possible.

EXCITING NEW TOPICS IN SALTEX EDUCATION PROGRAMME OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT

New topics have been added to this year’s SALTEX (Sports Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition) education programme on 2-4 September at Windsor Racecourse which guarantee to offer sound advice and examples of best practice to everyone involved in open space management. Industry experts will be staging panel discussions, workshops, seminars and presentations covering the challenges of turf management and maintenance, and there will be focused sessions on UK parks, pest control, arboriculture and outdoor fitness equipment.

Included in the new, comprehensive SALTEX education schedule will be an open workshop on ‘The state and future of UK parks - exploring the public benefit of parks, new ways of using the spaces and alternatives to the traditional local authority parks service model’.

Presented by The Parks Alliance and chaired by Andrew Gill, president-elect, Institute of Horticulture, the debate’s panellists will include Heritage Lottery Fund parks consultant Peter Neal, author of the report ‘State of the UK’s Public Parks’.

Also in the Grandstand at Windsor Racecourse, a ‘Question Time’ style open debate will be held on ‘The control of pests, weeds and diseases in the amenity sector’. Chaired by John Moverley, chair of the Amenity Forum, the panellists will include Will Kay, Leo de Montaignac, Paul Singleton of BASIS Registration and Nick von Westenholz of the Crop Protection Association.

A series of ‘Tree planning and establishment’ seminars will be presented by Rhoderic Taylor, consultant and Fellow of the Arboricultural Association and Julie Sadler, Arboricultural Association member, Level 3 Arboriculture Examiner and a Local Government Arboricultural Officer, planning department.

Also, the daily seminar on ‘Outdoor Fitness Equipment Safety Standards’ will highlight the developing safety standard relating to permanently installed outdoor fitness equipment. EN 16630, due to be published and adopted by the UK early 2015, will be of critical interest to everyone involved in the likely purchase of such equipment, especially local authorities, parish councils and community operations.

This session will be presented by Rob Davies, committee member of TC/136/WG26 – the European Safety Standards Committee responsible for formulating EN 16630.

Consultant Peter Corbett will talk about spraying efficacy and efficiency in a presentation sponsored by Rigby Taylor – highlighting, for example, what is needed to ensure safer and more effective use of chemicals.

In addition, trade charity Perennial will each day be presenting a seminar entitled ‘Good for you, good for business and good for employees’ with guest speakers Nigel Payne, operations director, Sodexo Horticultural Services, Richard Gardiner, director Norris & Gardiner and BALI’s chief operations officer Wayne Grills.

Perennial has an excellent track record of responding quickly and efficiently to the needs of those working in or retired in the land-based sector. The session will present how Perennial can help you to provide additional pastoral care to colleagues, helping to boost productivity and morale, and reduce absenteeism.

These activities complement the extensive series of turf-focused panel debates on a live stage and FREE Ask the Expert advice sessions with key grounds professionals taking place daily in the IOG Hub at the centre of the showground.

Visit www.iogsaltex.com for full details.

SALTEX (www.iogsaltex.com), the Sports Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition organised by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) and managed by Brintex Events, will be held on 2-4 September 2014 at Windsor Racecourse, Berks. Founded in 1938, the exhibition is attended by open space professionals and volunteers who design, construct, manage and maintain the UK's outdoor facilities – from sports grounds of every type to motorway service stations, and from stately homes to local council parks and schools. They visit SALTEX to meet suppliers of the machinery, tools, vehicles, turf, soils, seeds, aggregates, artificial or natural surfaces, playgrounds, landscaping equipment, street furniture, arboriculture, horticulture, safety, security, training and education services designed to help them do their jobs as effectively as possible.

Source: Wildish Communications Ltd