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Keeping in touch with news and comment from the Sections

a cheque from our Section to the Talking of Conferences, the Section that I do actually have a heart! I bet BIGGA Building Fund for £1000 as one planned for November is begin- that surprises a few people! unfortunately our Chairman, Hugh ning to take shape with a venue and Seriously though I would like to Mclatchie, was unable to make it several speakers in the offing, but not thank everyone who sent good down this year. The Sunday night yet confirmed. I did not get any wishes, cards etc during the past football match was a close affair with ideas from anyone so the sub-com- few weeks. I can assure you they all the Exiles coming out on top by 6-5. mittee will try our best to put on a are very much appreciated and However, the evening was spoiled a programme to please you all. hopefully it won't be too long North bit by the bad injury that Robert Have you returned your 200 Club before I am back to work. Nothing new on the membership Bruce, of RiteFeed, suffered. He money or do you require extra tick- As part of their Patrons Award front to report this month. ended up in hospital having an oper- ets? If so contact Stewart McBain as Stuart Sime, from Leven , and Membership currently stands at ation, we wish him a speedy recov- soon as possible. Kenny Duncan, from Dunfermline, 229, a number we must maintain ery Well done BIGGA for an excel- Finally the proposed four ball bet- attended BTME. and I have no and hopefully build on during the lent week! The banquet on the ter ball competition which Stephen doubt that they enjoyed themselves current year. The new Head Thursday night was attended by 650 Sullivan was hoping to organise this during their time spent in Greenkeeper at Royal Dornoch is people and we were well entertained year has been abandoned due to Harrogate. You never know, they Bobby Mackay who returns to by Lee Hurst and Linda Nolan. insufficient entries. might even write and let me know Dornoch after a 16 year stay at one Apologies to Ian Gunn for printing Iain Macleod how they got on! or two other courses, the last of the wrong phone number in the Another seven members have which was Prestwick St Nicholas in January report, he can be contacted Central joined the Section in the past Ayrshire. We look forward to wel- on 01997 421718. Well, I have no news of events at month and we extend a warm wel- coming him back to the Section. This month we have the Scottish Harrogate this year as unfortunate- come to James Henderson, BTME was another resounding Region Conference at Dunfermline ly I was unable to attend due to Bishopshire; Steve McOuan, success, it seems to get better every Conference Centre on the 3rd, a day being in hospital at the time where, Dunfermline; David Gray, year. I had the honour of presenting well worth attending I am sure. believe it or not, surgeons found Thornton and Kevin Black, Ian

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March 1998 Greenkeeper International 31 Dye, Scott Lee and Mark Leitch, all acquaintances. The size of the bers. from St Andrews Links. outlay is quite unbelievable but May I, on behalf of the Section, Hopefully with the increase in justifiable with regard to our pro- convey our thanks to BIGGA on an membership we will start having fession. One day was spent just excellent exhibition at Harrogate, better attendances at Section touring round talking and looking BTME 98. Well done, I think every- events. at what was on offer. I couldn't one who attended enjoyed the exhi- As we head towards another sea- believe there were so many irriga- bition once again. son on the course we are also tion companies, all the big names North West Congratulations go to David coming up to the first tour- for machinery, fertilisers and top I have just returned from the Milbourne on his appointment as nament of '98 which is the Spring dressings. The next day was spent BTME show in Harrogate and once Course Manager at Birchwood GC. Tournament/Ritefeed Classic at seminars and in between meet- again it was a great show. This year Unfortunately David will be leaving qualifier at Ladybank GC, on ing old friends with the occasion- even more companies were exhibit- the Section and I would like to Tuesday, April 28. Entries are al refreshment plus a shot on the ing and I do believe we had record thank him for everything he has flooding in for this event so if you longest machine (which was attendance. The exhibition does done. Good luck David! wish to compete please get your definitely out of order!). The not just happen and I must com- New members this month include forms (complete with the exact final conclusion - a must for mend the BIGGA staff for their Simon Brown,Worksop; Shane entry fee) to me as soon as possi- everybody. hard work and excellent organisa- Williams, Renishaw; Joel France, ble as spaces will be limited. New members of the Association tion in putting together what must Hillsborough; Arthur Ward, Brough; I will give you an update on the - David Hutton, Strathaven; be the finest exhibition of its kind, John Davis and Alan Sampson, both visits to Scottish Grass Garry Swan, Mount Ellen; Kevin certainly in this country. Dore and Totley; Paul Hague, Machinery's premises in McGuire, Mount Ellen, and The Mere seminar starts our year Hallowes; Craig Bentley, Silkstone; Inverkeithing and Stewarts top Simon Rothwell, Myerscough off on Thursday, March 19, so if Jason Williams, Sitwell, and Ian dressing plant etc at Dalkeith College. Welcome to the Section, you have not already registered Benson, Rother Valley. next month. we look forward to seeing you at contact me as soon as possible. In John Lax In last month's report I touched future events. April we have the annual golf tour- on the subject of cutting down on Things to bear in mind for the nament against the North North Wales Section running costs. As the coming months:- March 3 - Section and I will require a team of I hope everyone who attended the biggest percentage of members do Education Conference, Dunfer- 16. By the time you read this the BTME enjoyed themselves. Again it not participate in any of the mline College, price £25; March venue will have been confirmed so was excellent and we also had a events which are organised on 17 - SGM day visit to Gleneagles. if you wish to be part of the win- good turnout from our Section at their behalf, one way of saving a A talk will be given by Jim Kidd ning team contact me. the AGM. Unfortunately I believe considerable amount would be to along with a tour of Gleneagles People on the move - David some over enjoyed it and caused a circulate any information regard- followed by lunch at SGMs new Mil.bourne has been appointed problem on the coach. I am led to ing the Section to only those who headquarters. A bus will be pro- Course Manager at Birchwood GC believe they weren't greenkeepers take part in the events with the vided; March 25 - Head and Adrian Holt, as Deputy Head. but from what I can gather it was remainder having to read about Greenkeepers /Conveners day at Another greenkeeper on the move unacceptable behaviour. I will keep them in the magazine. This would East Kilbride. All of these will be will be Antony Davies at Prestbury you informed on the matter. certainly reduce our costs consid- notified in the events diary which GC who will hopefully be moving Bill Lawson has retired from erably, but is this the way to com- you should have received, if not the full 26 miles in the London Heswall and also been made a life municate with each other? How then contact me on 0141 942 Marathon to raise money to send a member of the Association, a fitting would you feel if this were to 5554. child to America for specialist treat- tribute to a man that was instru- happen, or don't you really care? Just a point to note. Bobby ment. If you would like to sponsor mental in the setting up of BIGGA. You can let me know how you feel Granger, Cawder GC, has just him call him on 01625 430724. I have known Bill for over 20 years regarding this subject on 01577 come out of hospital after a triple Any news, views or if you want to and can tell you all that without 865607 or write to me at the heart bypass operation and is play in the match against North him and a few other dedicated usual address. looking to start back to work Wales ring me on 0151 724 5412. greenkeepers we wouldn't be where John Crawford sometime in March. The Section Bert Cross we are today. Thanks again Bill, wishes him well and that every- somehow I think we'll still see you West thing runs hopefully to plan. Sheffield about. His position at Heswall has This month will be short and Also if there is interesting infor- On December 4 we held our win- been filled by Guy Cannings who sweet with only the basics cov- mation out there then please ter lecture at Rotherham GC. The has been with Bill for many years. ered. Firstly, the BTME, as a inform me. Thank you John lecture was given by Nick Lawson, Good luck Guy! patron nominee I thoroughly Robertson for your information from OCMIS Irrigation. Our thanks Congratulations are in order to enjoyed my trip and would rec- regarding a conservation talk at go to Nick who gave a very interest- Andy Campbell, of Carden Park, on ommend future visits to every- Hilton Park. ing lecture on irrigation which was becoming a Master Greenkeeper. body, even if just to meet old Stuart Taylor enjoyed by around 40 of our mem- You've gone a long way since your

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THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONSHIP C( apprenticeship at , Andy. Spring qualifier. The event is to be Headquarters to see the latest trial events respectively. Neil Whittaker, Well done mate! held on Tuesday April 14 at Bradley and breeding grounds and then on who was also recently elected onto There is a trip to the Hall GC - off from 10.30 am. into Amsterdam for a meal. Anyone the committee has kindly accepted Mommersteeg factory in Holland Again, if you are intending playing interested then please let me know the role of Secretary for around June 18, also taking in the in this event please send your name so as to organise transport. the Section. new Ajax Stadium. I went on the and £15 to me at the address below Graeme Macdonald Numbers of entries for golf events last one which was excellent. If any- as soon as possible. in 1997 were significantly lower one is interested they should con- Anyone from around the Section Mid Anglia than in the previous year. tact Terry Adamson. with any news please contact me at The Section will be visiting While we all appreciate that it is The Spring Tournament which is 1 Cockley Meadows, Kirkheaton, Brocket Hall GC on the 17th of this not always possible for all staff also the RiteFeed qualifier is to be Huddersfield HD5 OLA or tele- month for a course visit to see the members to play at events due to held at on April 21. phone me at home on 01484 initial stages of the construction for work commitments we rely on Head Finally I attended a meeting of the 317813 or mobile 0411 601420. a further 18 holes. John Wells, the Greenkeepers/Course Managers to golf liaison panel at the Welsh Simon Heppenstall Course Manager, will be showing us encourage this whenever possible in College of Horticulture. It was a around. Those who wish to attend order to ensure the success of our very positive and interesting gather- please meet in the main car golf days. It is expected that entry ing of every aspect of the industry park at 1.30 pm and please bring fees for all golf events during 1998 including the GTC, WGU, SDA, outdoor footwear. will remain at 1997 prices. BIGGA, Greens Chairman, Club I am sure that most people by now Paul Lockett miEitmi» Secretary, College Principal and are aware that Chas Ayres is leaving trade. This is a fine example of all Lodgeways to pursue a new career Midland the various branches of the business working for Richard Long. On Last month I said I would in this working together for the one aim of East of behalf of the Section I would like to month's report give you all the news raising standards throughout the I hope as I am writing this that wish Chas every success in the and information that I have regard- whole industry. Spring is not all that far away and future and to thank him for his sup- ing competitions and the committee The courses in the pipeline at the we have a good start to the season. port of the Section over a number of for this year. To start with the com- College and the proposed golf I hope everyone from the East of years. petition we now have dates and course auger well for golf in Wales. England Section enjoyed their trip Chris Rook, from Lodgeway, has venues and these are as follows:- Watch this space. to the BTME which was even better expressed his desire to keep the four Spring Tournament - Ingestre Park Dave Goodridge than last year which takes some ball competition running. To this (27 holes) Thursday May 27; beating. Congratulations go to end Steve Mason, of Mount Summer - Wrekin (18 holes) Northern everyone at HQ who organised it Pleasant GC, will be administering Thursday July 9; Autumn - Another BTME flashes by and as and anyone else who assisted in the the event (Steve was elected to the Edgbaston (27 holes) Monday always it was an excellent exhibi- show, it just keeps getting better. Section Committee at the AGM). September 28; Winter - Copt Heath tion. I was pleased to see some old Another pleasing aspect was meet- Entry forms will be sent out in due (Texas Scramble) Thursday faces that I hadn't seen for some ing up with so many friends from course and the closing date for December 10. time. other regions and hearing how they entries is Monday 20th April. The The serving committee for this Many thanks to Telford Jarvis, are all doing. It is good to hear col- full draw will then take place and year will be as follows:- Rhys Dennis Cockburn and Ian lege friend Tony McLure from the members will have the relevant iThomas, Eddie Stant, Peter Thompson for helping me out on North East has taken an active role information at the Spring meeting Richmond, Trafford Stonebridge the Northern Region stand. I think in BIGGA. at Lamerwood GC on April 23. The (Chairman), Jonathan , Peter we probably had the quietest 'stint' A welcome to new members of the Spring meeting will be the Section Holtham, Andrew Smith, Kim on the stand due to being the first Section - Karl Westen, Peter qualifier for the RiteFeed National Blake and Tony Cheese. on the Wednesday morning. Murphy, David Burgess, Competition (previously the During '98 we hope to arrange Anyone still wishing to book Christopher Tuck and Simon Hayter). more visits to championship courses places for this year's Annual Dinner Winters. It is likely that the format for the as those people who attended the Dance on March 14 must have their While speaking to the Area golf events this year will change trip to Sunningdale and Wentworth payment (£16 per person) in at Manager, Ben Petitjean of slightly for the afternoon rounds felt that it was very enjoyable and least two weeks before the event. Barenbrug, at BTME he told me he playing greensome and Texas scram- informative. There is a possibility This will enable seating plans to be would be pleased to play a more ble competitions rather than all day that a trip can be arranged to drawn up and the numbers to be active role in our sections. This was /medals. Members Turnberry which will involve an sent to the fire officer so that in the to include sponsorship of a golf day should, by now, have received a full overnight stop but we can get spon- unlikely event of a fire they are but also discussed was for the fixture card for 1998. Leighton sorship for this and expect the cost aware of how many are present. Section to organise a trip to Holland Buzzard, Mill Green and Ashridge to be around £30. It is expected to At present I haven't many names with a programme to include a visit are the golf clubs being used to stage take place during April or May If booked in for this year's RiteFeed to the Barenbrug Group our summer, autumn and winter anyone is interested in attending

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CharterhouseDee p aeration on an intensively used is vital if the which we require are to survive. We purchased our first Verti-Drain back in 1983 and very quickly bought a second. Both these machines have been working on a continuous basis providing excellent results and utilising only a minimum of spare parts. Comment From Walter Woods St. Andrews Links Golf Course supervisor )URSES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD please get in touch with me on Education Conference for the first no date; Turkey Trot - Whiteleaf sweep. I believe Rob and his team 01384 292396 and we can get some two days. The next three days pro- GC, November 26. I am sure you are planning the next social event idea of the interest. I have to point duced some excellent seminars plus will agree that the above venues are (bowling) soon so if you want to out that those members who sup- a great display of machinery, fertilis- quite impressive. There are a lot of swell the numbers get in touch as ported last years trip will have pri- ers, top-dressings etc at the Show. clubs in the area that we would like soon as possible. ority. The social evenings provided great to hold an event at in the coming Finally, David Gower, from The I would like to point out on behalf entertainment for everybody and it seasons but at present there are not Oxfordshire, is looking for some vol- of the committee that it is your is a credit to all the staff at too many volunteers. If you would unteers to assist with course prepa- Section so you should make the Headquarters for providing a very like to host one fo the events for ration during the week of the most of these events but if there is enjoyable and memorable week for next year then please get in touch as Benson and Hedges Tournament in anything you think that we could everyone lucky enough to attend. soon as possible so as to pick the May. If you can help out then please arrange please give us your ideas as Next year however it would be nice prime slots! Along with your first contact me. There will be free tick- we can only do what we think the to see the support of more mem- invite of the season you will receive ets on offer for the volunteers plus a membership wants. If you have any bers. a report by our Chairman, Ray goodie bag of sorts. ideas please call any member of the The Section's next event will be Clark, explaining several issues Lindsay Anderson committee or me on 01384 the Spring Tournament and the including the AGM and sponsor- 292396. RiteFeed qualifier at Beeston Fields ship. Finally I would like to introduce on May 13. This year's Christmas I have mentioned on several occa- some more new members - they are Tournament will be held on sions in the past about trying to Karl Lans, James Boddington, Thursday, December 10, and not organise some alternatives to the David Couls, Anthony Hardy and the 3rd as previously stated. golf days ie go-karting or bowling. Andrew Davies. Antony Bindley This unfortunately has never got off Jonathan Wood the ground, that was until recently London B B & O when in conjunction with T. H. After attending the AGM at Porters East Midlands The first committee meeting of Whites, Rob Weir, from Wokefield Park I found myself volunteered to This year's BTME was attended the year was held at Harleyford on Park, organised a go-karting night at take over writing this column for the by several Section members with a February 4. This traditionally is the Woodley Centre in Reading. London Section. First of all I would good percentage staying for several always a busy meeting with the This proved very successful with like, on behalf of the Section, to days. Although I missed most of the forthcoming golf events to organise. about 35 people taking part. thank Tony Dunstan for all the time first day because I was confined to The venues have been confirmed Despite some wreckless driving he has devoted to this task over the bed with the flu it once again turned with only one date to finalise:- nobody was seriously injured! last few years. The hardest part of out to be another great BTME Spring - Reading GC, April 16; It was great fun despite the lads writing this is, of course, to have show. Three excellent workshops Summer - The Oxfordshire GC, from Wokefield being ringers and something worth writing about and as were on offer as well as the National August 3; Autumn - Harleyford GC, taking over the podium with a clean we all like to know what is going on in

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TORO distributed by Leiy (UK) Limited, Station Road, St Neots, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH Telephone 01480 476971 Facsimile 01480 216167 the area please let me have your news daughter, Katie. Building, Room Y57 starting at 7.30 Horticulture for the prizes. so that it can be included here in the Dates for your diary - Gentleman's pm. Dr Alan Gange, of the Royal At the last count the Essex Section future. Dinner at Walton Heath GC on Holloway University of London, will had 156 members so let's see more of Excellent news from Moor Park March 6; London Section Spring ive a talk entitled "The hidden truth you at the golf days and lectures. Course Manager, John Edwards. After Tournament - the RiteFeed Challenge f Congratulations go out to Michael some years, mutual agreement has will be held at Highgate GC, date to eneath the soil". Oakes, Assistant Greenkeeper at now been reached between English be announced. Please note that the new date for Rochford Hundred GC, who recendy Heritage, Three Rivers Council, Moor Last but by no means least is the the South East Regional Seminar at became a father of a baby daughter, Park 1958 Residents Association and news that Chris Carpenter, Course Hadlow College will be May 19. Hannah. Congratulations to Becky. Moor Park GC on the design and con- Manager of Brookmans Park GC, is We are holding a pairs knockout Please let me know if anything struction site of a new greenkeepers' the latest recipient of the Master competition open to all Essex Section interesting is happening at your club complex. The new site will be situated Greenkeeper Award. Chris was one of members. The cost will be £5 per pair call Dave Wells on 01702 522202. further away from the Mansion on two greenkeepers to be presented and entries and cheques should be Dave Wells the access road known as Watford with his award and Master sent to Michael Fance, 235 Linnet Road. The work started in December Greenkeeper's Jacket at BTME 98 in Drive, Tile Kiln, Chelmsford CM2 1997 by main contractors Leominster Harrogate. Chris tells me that there 8AZ (telephone 01245 6020980 by Construction will incorporate the are now five Master Greenkeepers in March 27. If you have not got a part- machinery garage, maintenance the USA and eleven in the UK. ner send in your entry and Michael workshop, chemical and fertiliser Congratulations on a magnificent will try to accommodate you! store and chemical washdown tank as achievement from all in the London I spent a very interesting evening well as the Course Manager's office Section. recently in the company of Frank and male and female cloakrooms. Newberry who gave a talk on Peter Hopkinson South West and Completion is due Easter 1998. "Essential management skills in greenkeeping." Anyone who hasn't South Wales Region A new appointment in the area is Essex On Friday, January 9,1 posted (first been to one of Frank's courses should Gavin Kyle as Course Manager at New members this month include class) the travel arrangements to the as they would find them very useful. Hendon GC. A good Scottish name Ivan Chadwick, Three Rivers; Gary delegates on the BTME Express to 36 people attended and we thank disguises the fact that Gavin origi- Coxall, Paul Gatland, Jeffrey Foulger, Harrogate then sat back and relaxed Martin for his organisation and nates from South Africa although he John Harston, Alan Cornell and as all the arrangements had been Writtle College for the use of the has been in the UK for 17 years and Andrew Cook, Chigwell; Terry completed and there was nothing else room.. The main sponsors were was previously working at Sutton Edmonds, Braintree, and William to do. Tuckwells and our thanks go to Neil. Green GC near Woking, where Laura Galway, of the Greenkeeping Supply After the talk we retired to the College Some days later I received a tele- Davies is the Touring Professional. A Company. bar for the raffle and thanks go to phone call asking about the travel warm welcome to the area to Gavin, Our next lecture will be held on Rigby Taylor, Avoncrop Amenity arrangements, pick up times etc, then his partner, Mamie, and young March 17 at Writtle College, Main Products, Grass Roots and Kings another, then another...

March 1998 Greenkeeper International 35 Keeping in touch with news and comment from the Sections

After roasting the Royal Mail alive for I was very touched also to receive a April 23, not Wednesday 22 as in would like to wish him all the best their inefficiency I then received a tele- bouquet of flowers from the lads on the your programmes. The cost for the and a speedy recovery. phone call to say that the details had coach as a thank you for organising the day is £15 which includes lunch and The BTME at Harrogate proved to arrived at last but without a stamp and trip and tucking them up into bed with evening meal. The competition will be a terrific success. The reports of the it had to be collected from the Post their hot chocolate and Enid Blyton consist of a 27 hole medal and will National Conference were of high Office and 40p paid. Then I received stories (This is becoming a habit!). also be the qualifier for the RiteFeed quality speeches to packed audiences. another call, ana another and anoth- Thank you it was a lovely gesture. Regional final. The National final this The workshops were fully booked and er... How long before I live that one You were great fun to be with. year is being held at Gleneagles. greatly appreciated by all who attend- down! Paula Humphries Trevor tells me there will be some very ed. The AGM went off relatively However on January 20 the coach good prizes on the table however smoothly and the Section sends its turned up on time, all the delegates South Coast numbers are limited to get your entry congratulations and best wishes for a turned up at their allotted pick-ups We had our first committee meeting forms in early. You should send your successful year to Gordon Child, the (even Robin!) and we made record time of 1998 at Bramshaw GC. The main entry forms, including a cheque for new BIGGA Chairman. to Harrogate, where we were welcomed task of our meeting was to elect the £15, current handicap and your name The exhibition was hot and hectic. by our friendly hotel staff. various officers and the outcome was:- and address to:- Fred Deamon, Golf It had expanded into yet another hall It was my first experience of BTME Vice Chairman - Trevor Smith; Club Bungalow, Alton GC, Old but still retained the friendly atmos- and I was very impressed with the Tournament Organiser - Trevor Odiham Road, Alton GU34 4BU, phere for which it is renowned. The whole organisation and the wonderful Smith; Regional Reps - Kerran Daly telephone 01420 86679. seminar programme was well bal- atmosphere in the halls. The banquet

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36 Greenkeeper International March 1998 Keeping in touch with news and comment from the Sections

not to everyone's liking but with 650 past as the show was the biggest and (Assistants). As always non-golfing Mr John Cattle. people sitting down for a meal and best to date with the seminars run- members will have a guided tour of A big thumbs up also goes to the cabaret you are unlikely to please ning though the day giving us all an the course and sheds. After lunch trade for all their support, especially the everyone. excellent educational opportunity our sponsors Rhone-Poulenc and sponsors Alan Stow, Vitax, and Kim The whole trip was a great success One of the speakers at the seminar Supaturf will give members a pre- Davies, Celtic Mowers. We were also thanks mainly to the organisation programme was Section member sentation on their companies before graced with the attendance of BIGGA and energy of the Regional Robert Brewer, Course Manager we move to our educational talk Vice Chairman, Gordon Child, his Administrator Paula Humphries. /Director of Golf at St Mellion which will be presented by wife, Marion, and our Regional Everything ran smoothly and there International, who gave an excellent Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Administrator, Paula Humphries. The was always a smile and even cake for presentation on "Business Planning Westurf is now just around the results for the day were as follows:-1. A. all aboard the coach. Congratulations for Greenkeeping". corner and hopefully the weather Hatcher, 37; 2. J. Probert, 36; 3. E Paula on an excellent trip, I can't wait The long eight-hour journey home will be as good as last year. This will Williams, 35. Well done to all three. for next year! began on Friday at 12.30 with the be Paula's first Westurf so let's see a The evening lectures programme at The BTME report was forwarded coach leaving on time and arriving big attendance from you to show Pencoed College is well under way now by Kerran Daly. It would seem that slightly ahead of schedule at Exeter your support to our Region - with- with some excellent speakers giving up once again a great success for BTME services and even Mr Mole who suf- out it the region can't help you. their time to pass on some of their and for BIGGA. fers from travel sickness looked REMEMBER - 29th April 1998 at expertise. December was Duncan Ken Lodge remarkably well after the journey! Long Ashton GC, Bristol. Stewart, Managing Director of Congratulations must go to our Richard Whyman Envirogreen. who gave an insight into Devon and Cornwall Regional Administrator, Paula, who special "Waste Regulations 96' which With no Section meeting in had organised the superb trip. Also I South Wales our whole region must be very up-to- January it was nice to see so many of would like to congratulate all the New writer - same old info! The date with as only five people attended. the Section's membership take staff at head office for organising the Christmas Golf Day and AGM was Bruce Jamieson also gave up some of advantage of the Region's Westurf best ever BTME and seminar pro- again a great success with 55 golfers his time to bring us up-to-date on the sponsored trip to this year's BTME gramme. and 75 sampling excellent catering at latest improvements in Golf Course at Harrogate. On arrival at our hotel Our last meeting of the winter pro- Pyle and Kenfig GC. The attendance is Management and we had a great we were greeted with the usual warm gramme will be the Rhone-Poulenc a reflection on the excellent condition evening with 26 in attendance. Bruce welcome from the hotel's staff and and Supaturf meeting which will be we find the course in each year. A spe- has an excellent background, he started after a few ales and a lot of discus- held at West Cornwall GC on cial thanks must go out to Mr E out in '73 at Turnberry, from '83 to '88 sions that night we awoke the next Wednesday April 1. The day will Robinson and his staff for all their he was at Royal and later morning to the now accustomed start as always with golfing mem- efforts and also to the Secretary Mr became the European Tour Director of snow as we walked to the exhibition bers competing for the Supaturf Rodger Thomas who we all wish a Agronomy In 1995 he started a con- halls. On arrival at the BTME show Trophy (Head Greenkeepers) and happy retirement to! Also thanks goes sultancy business. The 1998 all our expectations were met and the Rhone-Poulenc Trophy to the Caterers and the Club Captain, Committee is:- Chairman - David

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March 1998 Greenkeeper International 37 Keeping in touch with news and comment from the Sections

Ward; Vice Chairman - Mike Jones; miracle cures to all turf problems only manual handling and tractor profi- On behalf of the Section I would like Goli/Social Sub Committee - M Jones then to be told at the next stand that ciency to the list. So if anyone wants to congratulate our Chairman, (Chairman), A Panks, Peter Lacey the product we have just ordered is in to have a go at the above or for that Graham Wylie, on his new appoint- (Secretary), J B Jones, A Hatcher, J fact an elaborate confidence trick and matter anything else you can think ment of Course Manager at Malone Probert, C Solman; Education Sub- that they themselves have the prod- of (greenkeeper related that is) then GC. It is one of Ireland's finest park- Committee - M Davies, A Macleod, R uct that will solve problems till eterni- give me a ring on 01380 828380 land courses having hosted Irish ama- Hatcher, R Patterson, D Ward; ty To cap it all we then go to one of and I will try and sort it out for you. teur championships as well as profes- Regional Board - D Ward, D Jenkins. the excellent seminars and are told by Marc Haring sional tournaments including the Irish Movers and Shakers - Mr Tony some scientist from one of the Senior Masters. We all wish him the Iafrate has returned from over the American Universities that neither very best. bridge back to the homeland to take up product has ever or will ever work. I would like to welcome James the Deputy Head post at GC, Very frustrating isn't it, but I suppose Logan and Lyndon Idull, of good luck that is what is meant by the Ledenmore GC, and Wolsey White, Not to be Missed - Westurf is only a "Learning Experience". of Portadown GC, as new members to month away and its success relies on Despite all this Harrogate was, as the Section. I have also just heard that our support, please make a big effort to ever, brilliant. The show was the William Smith of Bangor GC has just attend most popular yet and the speakers South East become the proud father of a baby Any information for Movers and superb. Congratulations to Gordon The Section will have had its first son. Best wishes go out to William Shakers or Not to be Missed call me on on taking over as Chairman, you've Section meeting in early February so and his wife on their happy event. 0976 307884 or 01222 549327. certainly deserved it. I am sure it's we will be able to notify everyone con- Finally if anyone has any news from Chris Solman going to be quite a year not only for cerned of our plans regarding events within the Section please do not hesi- yourself but for Marion as well. Also for this year, hopefully during March tate to contact me, including green- South West congratulations to Paula for her when dates have been confirmed. keepers in Fermamagh and Tyrone. January has come and gone and sev- organisation of the South West I would like to take this opportunity If there are any greenkeepers inter- eral of the South West greenkeepers coach, she did us proud and it was as on behalf of our Section to give our ested in joining the Section feel ftee to are getting over the headaches usual the bargain of the year. sincere thanks to Janet Adamson, ring me at home on 01762 323348 brought on by the annual trip to Not a lot coming up at the Membership Services Officer, Ken any evening. Harrogate. When I say headaches I moment on the golfing front but if Richardson, Education and Training Ken Henderson am of course referring to the informa- anyone would like to do a short edu- Manager, John Pemberton, tion overload that one often seems to cation course in the future just give Administration Manager, and Past get at the BTME as opposed to ones me a ring. Since having the pleasure Chairman, Pat Murphy, for their brought on through alcoholic poison- of organising these courses we seem tremendous support ana encourage- ing. Is it me or do we all go from one to have added an abrasive wheel ment we received during our forma- stand to the next convinced that we course to the usual spraying, first aid tion last year. They really are a credit have just received free information on and chainsaw and can now offer to the Association. See you all next month! FAVOURITISM What's behind the smile? Sheer favouritism! After all, a little bias is Favouritism, understandable, Understandable especially when it's in preference for a favour of a TIS irrigation better kind of turf irrigation and and maintenance system maintenance for your pitch or green. system. To put a smile on your face, call TIS on 01477 500255 today.

• TORO.

Turf Irrigation Services (Sandbach) Limited. Brookvale, Love Lane, Betchton, Sandbach, CW11 0TS.

38 Greenkeeper International March 1998