Why not drop us an email with any news, press releases or new product updates you have – Send them to Melissa ([email protected]) Welcome Miranda – The Truth Seeking Missile

What do, “The state of the planet”; “Boys with status dogs”; “Roadkill” and “Reality TV” have in common? Not an easy one, not for people who don’t read the CELTIC MANOR RESORT UNVEILS Saturday Guardian magazine at any rate. TWENTY TEN COURSE Well, they are four out of the five items which depress actress, Miranda Richardson – she of “Queenie” in Blackadder fame - as quoted in the The only golf course in regular Q&A feature. The other thing that gets Miranda depressed? “Golf history to be purpose built Courses”! for The Ryder Cup was officially opened on the Yes. Miranda has lumped golf courses in with four other items, which, if eve of its first professional a little obscure, could easily be on the short list for Room 101. tournament recently. The new Twenty Ten Given that she has already expressed her concerns about the state of the course and clubhouse planet I think we can safely assume that Miranda thinks golf courses are were launched by the Rt a haven for chemical abuse. Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales, on Wednesday May 28 in the company of Sir Terry What we do learn is that her opinion must be formed from some sound Matthews, Chairman of The Celtic Manor Resort, and George O’Grady, Chief investigation on her part because under the question “What is your most Executive of The European Tour. unappealing habit?” she told us that, “I am a truth-seeking missile. A lot The Twenty Ten course, clubhouse and surrounding infrastructure have of people find that unappealing.” been built at a total cost of £16 million to meet commitments made by The Celtic Manor Resort as part of its successful bid to stage The Ryder So I don’t know which courses Miranda must have visited to come to the Cup in 2010. conclusion that golf courses make her depressed but I’m fairly sure they At a press conference prior to the plaque unveiling, Sir Terry Matthews said: wouldn’t have included many of our top ones. For example had she popped “This is a very significant day in the history of The Celtic Manor Resort as we into Hollinwell, current holder of the BIGGA Golf Environment Competition, officially open this new golf course and clubhouse. sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen, Scotts, Syngenta and Golf Monthly, “We pledged to make the developments necessary to ensure we have the she would have been elated, not depressed, to see some of the wonderful very best facilities for hosting The Ryder Cup in 2010 and we’re proud of environmental work that has been, and is being, carried out. what we have achieved with the Twenty Ten.” The course has also been built with spectators in mind and the steep hillside The vision of golf courses as chemical dumps is one still accepted by a which rises above the three closing holes offers unparalleled viewing of not great many people, perhaps seduced by an ill informed and biased green only the decisive action at the end of the round, but also over many more lobby, without actually looking at the facts. holes in the valley below.

The truth is that the vast majority of golf courses are maintained by highly skilled professionals who genuinely care for the land in their custodianship. GOLDEN AND SILVER KEY SPONSORS Also, who could possibly deny that some of the most beautiful spots in this country are found on golf courses? In itself that’s great, but the added bonus is that often the green belt created by golf courses is keeping A recent meeting at BIGGA HOUSE gave BIGGA the opportunity to inform developers away from building more flats and factory outlets. members of the Golden and Silver Key Supporters Programme what the Fund has enabled the Association to produce, on behalf of its membership. I don’t doubt that, along with The Stage, Miranda is an avid reader of Chief Executive, John Pemberton was also able to thank all the companies Greenkeeper International, so I would encourage her, as a genuine “truth and present them with their annual badges for their Golden and Silver Key seeking missile” to pop into her local golf club, with an open mind, take plaques and, in the case of newest Golden Key company, Syngenta, the time to learn what goes on and witness the high level of responsible plaque itself which John presented to Simon Elsworth, Head of Professional stewardship first hand. She was born in Southport so she could do worse Products for UK and Ireland. than visit Royal Birkdale, which Chris Whittle and his team have in stunning condition for this month’s Open, Seeing how the golf course meanders though the dunes, and the flora and fauna it sustains, would gladden the heart of any blue thespian.

Before I finish I’ll tell you what depresses me. It’s all that bright light and neon in London’s theatre land, which leaves a much larger carbon footprint than you’ll find on any golf course.

But were it removed how would Miranda Richardson’s name stay up in lights?

Scott MacCallum Editor

4 Greenkeeper International Why not drop us an email with any news, press releases or new product updates you have – Send them to Melissa ([email protected]) News

SUSTAINABLE GOLF SPRING TOURNAMENT NEW WEATHER STATION COURSE MANAGEMENT On May 14, the North Wales Section played their Notts (Hollinwell) Golf Club, winners of last year’s Spring Tournament and National Qualifiers at BIGGA Environment Competition – which provides High Post Golf Club near Salisbury in Wiltshire, Llanymynech Golf Club. During a glorious day at the opportunity for the golfing community to show,

has made a long-term commitment to sustainable NEWS the Welsh/English border course, the eventual and indeed be recognised for, its commitment to golf course management and consequently the qualifiers where Paul Roberts of Baron Hill GC promoting a sustainable environment - have had Environment Agency has put the club forward for with 70 gross, and Andy Peel of Bull Bay GC with their prize of a Scotts weather station installed. a water conservation award. 39 points net, also a level par 70. Both players are “It’s proving very useful, we have identified that The main objectives of the club’s project are to pictured receiving congratulations from Section around 3am the wind usually dies down, we now make the golf course sustainable by reducing Secretary, Jeremy Hughes. set our auto irrigation for around this time. We can water consumption and spray irrigation, to reduce then check the next day, the actual wind speed the use of non-environmentally friendly pesticides Paul Roberts (left) Jeremy Hughes centre and Andy to find out how effective our watering would have and fertilisers, to increase the use of the more Peel (right) been. We have also used the soil temperatures drought resistant grasses on the golf course, and recorded as evidence to support why the greens to save money. were slow to start growing this spring. I’m sure, The club is increasing the use of fine bents and as we get used to it, it will prove invaluable,” said fescue grasses on the greens, at present these cover Course Manager, Phil Stain. 30 percent - it hopes to achieve 75 % coverage Notts (Hollinwell) Golf Club, also received £2000 in the next five to 10 years. Such grasses are prize money. significantly more drought resistant, needing less For more information on BIGGA’s Environment water to keep them in good condition. In addition Competition, please email Sami Collins, Head of the club has introduced a £7,000 closed loop Learning & Development, on: [email protected] washdown system to clean machinery. BACK TO THE FUTURE STUDENT BEGINS

After some time away, Karen GROUNDSCARE Coombs has returned to SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME work at Tower Sport Europe as Scotland Sales Manager. During her absence the Rory Ferguson, 19, is the second student to take range of Tower’s surfactant advantage of Ransomes Jacobsen’s scholarship and specialist products has almost quadrupled programme to help promote careers in the with many golf courses already seeing the benefit. groundscare industry. Karen starts work immediately and is looking He is on a year’s placement at the Ipswich-based forward to re-newing old aquatinships as well as turf equipment manufacturer and, under the meeting many of the new customers Tower enjoy watchful eye of Norman Fenwick, Course Manager a professional relationship with. at Ipswich Golf Club, he will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the company’s DEBT INITIATIVE BRITISH MASTERS 2008 three-hole golf course, which is nearing the end TOURNAMENT SUPPORT of its grow-in period. In September he begins a day release programme An increase in the number of enquiries from studying at Writtle College near Chelmsford for his horticulturists who are facing debt-related problems The Belfry requires volunteers for the Quinn NVQ Level 3 qualification in Sportsturf Management. has prompted Perennial, the horticulturists’ Insurance British Masters, 21 – 28 September Together with his greenkeeping duties he will also charity, to launch a new telephone Debt Advice 2008. be responsible for product demonstrations during Service. The charity provides help and support for Applicants should be qualified greenkeepers. customer visits at the company’s European head all who work or have worked in the horticultural Accommodation and food during your shift will office and manufacturing facility. industry, and that includes grounds care staff be provided. Applicants must provide their own The previous beneficiary of the scholarship was and greenkeepers. transport, boots and wet weather clothing. Applicants Marcus Fuller, 18, who recently completed a year Staffed by the charity’s Senior Debt Advisor, Sandra should possess a good knowledge of machinery at Ipswich Town Football Club, under the tutelage Owens, the telephone advice service is available and be willing to work long hours. of Grounds Manager Alan Ferguson as well as on: 0800 2 944 244, or email: Please apply to: Kelly Dunkley, email: kelly.dunkley@ attending Otley College, where he studied for a [email protected] at any time. The thebelfry.com or tel: 01675 470301. diploma in Horticulture. service is available to anyone who is working or has worked in horticulture.

Greenkeeper International 5 disabled people to enable them to aspire to their to aspire to them enable to people disabled chosen their potential. release goals and Pine Ridge Golf Club, is near home Camberley, to one of eight Crown Golf Academies, the UK’s largest network of golf coaching centres. The club’s the of part is Adapta-Clubs the of purchase commitment first-rateproviding to practiceand as well as golfers disabled for facilities teaching players. able-bodied more disabled about more out find to wanting Anyone golf tuition should contact Greg Brodie at Pine 675444. 01276 on Ridge Golf Club Camberley-basedfrom golfer and Martin,client John a with Adapta-Club an tries Initiative, Disability charity assistance from Pine Ridge Golf Club Professional Greg Brodie. UK FIRST FOR DISABLED DISABLED FOR FIRST UK GOLFERS Pine Ridge Golf Club has become the first in the UK to offer disabled golfers the opportunity to experience the sport using specially-adapted America. from clubs The leading Surrey complex has purchased two which Country, Golf company US from Adapta-Clubs particularlyare wheelchair users. effective for Adapta-Clubs feature a unique hinged hosel design which means can liethey be to adjusted flatter than golfconventional clubs. This helps disabled golfers to strike the ball effectively parallel lies always club the of sole the because the ground. to Professional, teaching main club’s the Brodie, Greg clients 20 than more for tuition regular provides from Camberley-based Disability Initiative, a to support and offersopportunitieswhich charity and and sales knowledge to generate many new of the Association.” the benefit for contacts at BIGGA HOUSE, taking on the role of Sales Executive. Manager Marketing a as worked previously Having some spent Sharon Beauty, Professional Sudo for Middlethe in employment their in years four her of East and Europe, promoting and testing beauty the company. for products a attending isn’t Sharon when fanatic, fitness A found be generally can she class pilates or yoga tasty creating or book, good a with up snuggled the kitchen. in treats is daughters, two has and married is who Sharon, within role sales her enhance and develop to keen marketing my use to keen am “I Association: the Sharon Sharon Price has joined the Sales Department BIGGA NEW RECRUIT 6 Greenkeeper International 6 Greenkeeper Teesside University in Teesside May 2006 and hopes to Institute the of Membership Technician his complete 2008. May in (TMICE) Engineers Civil of Stephen is the son of son the is Stephen Managing Director, engineer site a as Cleveland joined and Miller John last He year. qualified as a Civil Engineer from for Cleveland for Land Cleveland Ltd. Services Stephen Stephen Miller has been appointed Projects Manager A FAMILY A FAMILY AFFAIR member member of the Fereneze Golf Club, Gordon has of industry wealth a knowledge. individual needs of each needs individual golf course. golf the in worked has Gordon Tacit joining Before and aligned industries for more than 30 years. a long-standing off 2 and playing golfer, A keen in in Scotland and the provision of a range of quality products on a bespoke level, while tailoring the service to the Scotland. In his new position, Gordon will be responsible for the development and of execution Tacit’s business strategy Tacit has announcedTacit the appointment of theiras Peebles Gordon for Manager Area new NEW AREA MANAGER Stuart Greenwood, Course Manager at North Berwick GC Tel: 01620 893765. 01620 CourseStuart North at Manager Greenwood, BerwickGC Tel: between 1966 and 1973, easily making him the longest serving him the longest making easily history. the Club’s in greenkeeper 1973, 1966 and between It is the intention of the Club to raise money for Graham and his family through Pro- a Testimonial 19. September Celebrity-Am Friday, on Auction an and Event contact please lot auction an up put or donation a make to wishing anyone for and information more For to to return to work. Hopefully he will be moving to a suitable house in the near future to cater for his look after can him. his family, and Helen his wife, where disability, Dunbar at apprenticeship his served already having 1975, in Musselburgh from GC Dunbar joined Graham Graham Wood, Dunbar’s Head Greenkeeper for over 30 years, suffered a stroke over a year ago. year a over suffered 30 years, stroke a over for Greenkeeper Head Dunbar’s Wood, Graham unable be will he and disabled, severely hospital in remains still Graham months, long 15 after Sadly, GRAHAM WOOD TESTIMONIAL: TESTIMONIAL: WOOD GRAHAM AMCELEBRITY PRO

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DIGGERS DONATED TO AID CHINESE QUAKE REGION

JCB has donated a fleet of diggers worth $600,000 and sent a team of drivers to help

with relief efforts in the south west region of China devastated by an earthquake. NEWS The gift of six 3CX backhoe loader diggers was offered by JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford as the full horror of the earthquake unfolded. JCB China also sent six operators, including British JCB employee Joe Cook, aged 30, who works for the company in Shanghai as Product Promotions Manager.

Employees at JCB China gather outside JCB’s factory in Shanghai as the donated machines prepare to leave for the earthquake zone.

BIGGA HQ TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS

As you should already be aware, BIGGA HQ recently had a new telephone system fitted and went open plan. When you phone the usual number: 01347 833800, it will ask if you know the extension of the person you would like to speak to. For reference, the extensions of BIGGA staff are printed below (you can also find these on our website – www.bigga.org.uk):

Scott MacCallum, Communications Manager/Editor...... 510 Melissa Jones, Assistant Editor...... 516 Tom Campbell, Design & Production Editor...... 513 Rosie Hancher, Sales Manager...... 518 Kirstin Smith, Advertising Executive...... 517 Sharon Price, Sales Executive...... 519 Sue Mcdonough, Exhibition Sales...... 504 Tracey Madison, Membership Manager...... 507 Brad Anderson, Membership Services Assistant...... 512 Justine De Taure, Membership Services Officer...... 511 Pauline Thompson, Exhibition Officer...... 514 Sami Collins, Head of Learning and Development...... 506 Rachael Duffy, Learning & Development Administrator...... 522 Sandra Raper, Secretary/Administrative Assistant...... 509 Stephen Coates, Accountant...... 508 Tracey Tyerman, Assistant Accountant...... 503

Greenkeeper International 7 News The cost of the workshop is just £50 including lunch. Delegates can reserve their place by contacting Paul on Woodham 734197 07880 are places [email protected] email or places. 12 just to limited or: [email protected] or: the on found be can day the for programme The website: BIGGA the of pages Education www.bigga.org.uk IRRIGATION MASTERCLASS WORKSHOP the Following great success of the previous Section Midlands BIGGA days, training irrigation are again joining forces with Evenproducts Ltd to present a one-day workshop focusing on irrigation performance at Gay Hill Golf Club on 18. August Monday, The day will commence at 8.30am and end at (after lunch and tea morning for breaks with 3pm irrigation course a between divided be will lunch material). inside more then and inspection Robin, Peter Evenproducts will deliver expert of topics. range a comprehensive in training the on found be can day the for programme The website: BIGGA the of pages Education www.bigga.org.uk EDUCATION COURSES COURSES EDUCATION UPDATE - PESTICIDES TRAINING Jon with forces joined has Section Midlands BIGGA Pesticides day one a deliver to Associates Allbutt Wednesday, on Club Golf Hill Gay at course Update 10. September The training is essential for all NPTC qualified operators as it will bring users up to date with useful provide and legislation in changes recent techniques. maintenance and spraying refresh to delegates allow will workshop practical The of range a on skills spraying and calibration their will Delegates sprayers. held hand and mounted also be provided with lunch and a free CD copy Code of Practice. of the Pesticides There are only 10 delegate places available at a cost of £90. Delegates can reserve places by contacting Paul on: Woodham 734197 07880 5am and presenting prizes after medals at 9pm at medals after prizes presenting and 5am out, me tire would matches, Club various the plus although I still do a stint on the Driving Range weekend. every other more expect members the think I times are “There it, on working is Captain the as course the from members Committee the helps certainly it although understand staff.” the Greens better to was straight in as Captain! - The first time in the the in time first The - Captain! as in straight was Alan. explained history,” Club’s “Conflict of interest is an issue, but with my integrity from working in Banking holds me in a good stead. The working relationship with the Head Greenkeeper is funny at times, but I simply discuss issues with the Chairman of Green outside of work hours and don’t park my car in the Captains place during the weekdays. matches Club for selection team with helped It’s grab to able been cry offs I’ve late had I’ve if as members the course. on me dropping by great been have staff other “The at up getting as rota mowing weekend the from Alan Pooley, Assistant Alan Greenkeeper Pooley, at Cradoc the for Captain Club made recently was Club, Golf to situation unique pretty a - season 2008-2009 agree. you’ll think I in be Golf Cradoc of Captains past the that tradition is It Club the for Captain Vice new the nominate Club last Captain the see to asked was Alan when and store. in what was idea no he had year “The situation was quite unusual in as much as the Vice Captain was unable to take on the Captaincy as he was to undergo heart surgery, so my nomination as Vice Captain effectively WEARING TWO HATS WEARING TWO golf environment issues. golf environment practitioners; stakeholders in the golfing and environmental sectorsto discuss policy and strategic projects on issues; environmental Centre Centre for Golf, this is a collaboration between academic and research bodies (golf’s Innovation Network) to and collate and Technology disseminate technical information environmental to Further Further contribute to, and environmental communications improve, and information exchange on Continue to administer the European Forum for Golf and Environment, which regularly brings together together brings regularly which Environment, and Golf for Forum European the administer to Continue Undertake the and stage launchlate development of the new web Resource based Environmental 8 Greenkeeper International 8 Greenkeeper • • • Bernhard and Company has become a Technical Supporter of Golf Environment Europe. Supporter of Golf Environment Technical become a has Company and Bernhard The partnership recognises the shared values that exist between the two organisations towards course golf responsible socially and management. environmentally to: Europe supportThe funding Golf Environment will enable  • BERNHARD AND COMPANY PARTNERS WITH GOLF GOLF WITH PARTNERS COMPANY AND BERNHARD EUROPE ENVIRONMENT Managing Managing Director, Stephen Bernhard, The with Queen’s for Award Enterprise in the Innovation category allowing allowing sports providers to create first-class standards. presentation highly-regarded Express Dual and Anglemaster sharpening systems. Used by leading golf clubs equipment this worldwide, facilities turfsports and lawnmowers, on blades sharp surgically produces during the 43 year history of this prestigious Royal Royal prestigious this of history year 43 the during scheme. The success Award was based on the their of development and innovation continuous achievement. Bernhard and Company claim they are the only amenity turf and golf the in type its of business sector to have been granted a Queen’s Award the competition recently when it received The Queen’s for Award Enterprise in the Innovation category. The Queen’s is Award granted to the continuous or outstanding for elite business UK’s Bernhard and Company proved to be a cut above above cut a be to proved Company and Bernhard COVETED QUEEN’S QUEEN’S COVETED AWARD

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