When the going gets tough then the South West and South Wales region get going! Paul Jenkins, Course Manager at Lilley Brook Golf Club, looks back at the origins of Westurf, and forward at the second visit to Westpoint Welcome to, Westurf

Question: What has been known to be baking hot, freezing cold, soaking wet, windy, dry, outside and now inside?

Clue: It is always efficacious, enjoyable, educational, easy to get to, excellent, encourageable, enlightening and entertaining.

Answer: WESTURF!

I know, it's not the hardest ques- 12. Westpoint is a purpose built, bring the trade closer to the green- tion to ever grace these pages, but, indoor exhibition centre, equipped keeper at Regional level was there, could it be that some people strug- with lighting, heating, bar, restaurant but where, when and who? gled with the answer? Could it be and toilets, together with an outdoor * Enter stage left: Ivor Scoones and that some of us greenkeepers, with demonstration area. A very different Long Ashton Golf Club. The practice our busy schedules have forgotten vision used to greet us all as we pulled ground at Long Ashton was offered that when we attend Westurf, we do up and parked on Ivor's practice area as the venue by Ivor and the Club experience all of the above positive at Long Ashton Golf Club, . Committee. At that time the idea of points. Greenkeepers from other Not knowing whether one would a further nine successful visits to Regions will have got the answer need sun tan lotion or eight layers of Ivor's practice ground was just a straight away as the little green eyed Cortex, was all part of the charisma future dream. monster sat on their shoulders will be that helped form the character of the * Enter stage right: Gordon and whispering "That's the great event show. Marion Child. An event such as put on by the South West and South The first Westurf show was held in Westurf does not just happen. It Wiles Region. What a jewel in their 1989. The success of the show that needs careful planning, organisation crown." So it is! We should all be first year was very important as each and one or two sleepless nights, proud of its continued success. Region had been given the remit of Gordon, then the Regional This year, as with last, Westurf will becoming self-sufficient. The catalyst Administrator and his stalwart wife, be hela at Westpoint, Exeter on April for an event was there, the desire to Marion, took the challenge by the

March 2000 Greenkeeper International 71 msü

horns. The result being ten very well Browns decided to fully support New for 2000 organised and very successful Westurf and cancel their Open Day, Why not make an evening of it? Westurf shows held at Long Ashton. and so a show was born. A night's entertainment has been * Enter centre stage: Rod Felton. Following ten good years at Long organised for the evening prior to the Rod at that time was running Browns Ashton, the time was right to move. show. This is to be held at a hotel of Bristol, a main supplier in the The decision was taken to move near by and will include overnight South West. Browns had the dealer- Westurf to an indoor purpose built accommodation. The package will ship for many of the major products building. No more frostbite, wind- consist of dinner, jazz band, at that time and held an Open Day chill factor, sun stroke, soaked to the overnight accommodation with each year. For Westurf to be success- skin! Have you ever seen 500 green- breakfast at a cost of £40 per person. ful, the larger companies needed to keepers huddled in one tent? The idea, for all you greenkeepers and Westpoint at Exeter was chosen as members of the trade, is to bring your the new venue. Westurf at Westpoint partners, treat them to what will be is an excellent event that every green- a great night's entertainment. keeper from student to Course The following day, the day of the Manager should visit and bring your exhibition, you can lend your part- Greens Chairman too. You will have ner your credit card as shopping and a very pleasant and informative day, sightseeing in Exeter is the order of networking with the trade from your the day. area and of course, your peers. Numbers are limited, so ring Paula Westurf 2000 promises to be even Humphries today on 01288 352194. more informative and entertaining I hope you can all make time to vis- with: it Westurf 2000. We have a region to be proud of with Paula at the helm Free seminars from top speakers and Robin Greaves, our new Regional throughout the day Chairman, taking us into the new Central display/entertainment arena - Millennium. Your support is always try your skills out! welcomed. All leading distributors will be exhibiting Paul Jenkins A strong emphasis on water management Machinery demonstration area Golf simulator back by public demand i m ® Welcome tor Licensed bar and full catering Westurf

Amazone Groundcare Avoncrop Amenity Products release means no extra feeding is LINKS Amazone Groundcare extends a welcome Come and talk to the Avoncrop Amenity necessary during a season. EnVigro LINKS are introducing 24 new products to all visitors to view their complete range Products Technical team regarding all the provides a general feed for turf on tees at the Show along with their Agent Mr of Groundcare and Amenity Management latest trends, from Slow Release and fairways: a fine grade is available for Keith Tozer. New for 2000 are a range of Machinery on their stand - Stand S. Fertilisers, Organic products and Microbial greens. Stone, Wood and Course Signs along Visitors will also be able to see a number inoculates through to Liquids and Soil The organic matter content at 95% is of with additions to their traditional cast of machines working in the Demonstration Conditioners. With the ever-changing particular value for good root and information signs. Area - the Groundkeeper and Profi Hopper trends in Golf Course Management it is development on new construction and The life-like Stones come in three mower collectors being only two of the important to keep in touch with new poorly structured soils. Good moisture difference shapes and a choice of line. Also come and hear about the products and services that are available. retention reduces watering in summer. The natural colours. Made from Glass exciting new "WEST COUNTRY We are happy to arrange Soil Analysis and nutrients, held in stable organic Reinforced Concrete (GRC) they are DEVELOPMENTS" - SEE YOU THERE! advise on Fertiliser programmes and compounds, are released by microbial strong, maintenance free, light and general maintenance based on the results. activity with minimal loss from leaching. easily movable. Our new comprehensive catalogue will be The attached signs can be made from Aventis available for you to pick up from the stand resin, etched zinc or stainless steel and The newly formed Aventis' is exhibiting at demonstrating our unrivalled product Golf Car UK natural oak. Course hole information and WestTurf 2000. The exciting new company portfolio. Golf Car UK shows wider club car utility layouts can also be incorporated on the Aventis was formed from a merger of range at Westurf. stones. Rhone-Poulenc Amenity and Agrevo. This At Westurf 2000, Abingdon-based Golf Pro-Tee, the exclusive ranges of All merger means many exciting new Bernhard and Company Ltd Car UK will be showing an expanded Weather Mats and Platforms is now developments in the Amenity Sector and Bilton Road, Rugby CV22 7DT range of CARRYALL vehicles from Club available in three sizes along with four we look forward to speaking to you about Tel: 01788 811600 Fax: 01788 812640 Car for construction, greenkeeping and new Driving Range Mats. how we can help you in the future as e-mail [email protected] general turf and maintenance applications The unique Pro-Tee system is proving Aventis. Bernhard and Company Ltd are leading on golf courses, parks and sports grounds. very popular with golf courses and the Come and talk to us about your problems manufacturers of professional grinding In conjunction with Fleet (Line- guaranteed GRC Platform protects the with your weed, disease or pest control in equipment, design to match the needs of Markers)Ltd, the stand will be displaying tee areas and also allows the grass to turf. There is a new tank mix discerning greenkeepers and golf course the Turf II XRT. breathe and grow. recommendation for Mildothane Turf managers. The CARRYALL line of utility and THE MATS THAT LAST have been Liquid® and Crossfire 480®, giving On Stand W, Bernhard will be transportation vehicles from Club Car is outstanding this year due to their quality increased control of leatherjackets and frit demonstrating the NEW Anglemaster the industry's only line of rustproof and price. fly as well as earthworm suppression and 30000. Grinding is quick and efficient and aluminium frame, chassis and cargo bed Demonstration models are available, so disease control. the system finely tailors bottom blades to vehicles offering many advantages please call. To the Litter Bin and Divot We now have a new 3-way turf selective within one thousandth of an inch. for turf work. Boxes are now added an attractive called Sirocco®, bringing a new active into Developed to match the accuracy of For example, as surface-based nitrate and selection of Clubhouse Planters in a the Amenity market and offering a wide Express Dual, Anglemaster 3000 makes a phosphate fertilisers are an important part variety of colours, all of which can be spectrum of wood control and a very fast vital addition to an efficient workshop. of modern top dressing techniques, the custom made and logoed in a Club's mode of action. Bernhard's outstanding range of grinding aluminium construction of CARRYALL livery. Our 'number one' fungicide Rovral Green® equipment includes Blade Rite, Gear Rite, vehicles provides the necessary protection Again, made out of GRC they are hard has been found to be harmless to Rota Rite, Rapid Relief and Rapid Facer, against the corrosive effects of surface wearing and maintenance free. beneficial turf fungi (mycorrhiza) whilst helping you to maintain the leading edge spray from the turf. The majority of Links Signs, Bins and still being as effective against pathogenic with a cleaner cut. Competitive vehicles with non-aluminium Divot Boxes can include hole information species, which leads to added benefits in undercarriages are much more susceptible and layouts which are provided by turf, such as increased resistance to to corrosion in these conditions. Premier Plan Golf Designs. drought, pests and diseases. There is also Envigro (TEG Environmental) In addition, these vehicles offer Links have installed a new logistics a Rovral promotional offer running for 2-6 Sandy Lane, Leyland, Preston PR5 1EB impressive ground clearances, ranging programme which will ensure a quick Reversible Fleece Work wear jackets Tel: 01772 422220 Fax: 01722 422210 from 11.3 to 16.8 cm (4.5 to 6.6 inches). and efficient delivery service by the (details on the stand). email: [email protected] The all aluminium construction offers UK's No. 1 Golf Course Equipment You will have the chance to take away the Stand 66 another advantage - a low overall weight Company. CD-Rom version of our new technical EnVigro, TEG's organic fertiliser and soil spread evenly across the 'A' Frame manual from the stand. improver, is now being used on over 70 aluminium chassis, a key feature for turf For further information call Graham There will also be information on our new golf courses. EnVigro's balanced analysis, work. Visit Golf Car UK and Fleet (Line- Jackson on 01948 663002 or Keith Tozer web site. N-3.5% P - 2.1% K - 3.4%, and slow Markers) on Stand J'. on 01726 813318 72 Greenkeeper International March 2000 Main exhibitors at Westurf 2000

Spaldings UK Bowcom Rigby Taylor DGM Better Methods Europe Ltd Logic Irrigation LBS Horticulture Pipewis e British Seed Houses Phoenix Irrigation Aventis Tonick Watering Whitemoss Amenities Links Leisure Vitax Bioseed Envigro Hartpury College Tractors UK South Wales Golfer Golf Cars UK Ltd Course Care Sheltons Sportsturf Drainage Garden Innovation Products Amazone Ltd Headland Amenity Major Equipment Cannington College Bernhard & Co PJ Flegg Ocmis Irrigation Fleet Line Markers Lloyds of Letchworth Rochford Garden Machinery Eric Hunter Grinders Synergie Products MST Avoncrop Amenity Products Riko Barenbmg Ryetec Scotts UK Network Golf Weedfree Symbio Andrew MacWilliam CR Wilcox

Ocmis Irrigation (UK) Limited company is expanding into Glos. Wilts. Higher Burrow, Kingsbury, Martock, Dorset, , Devon and . Confused about Somerset TA12 6BU Adam, who comes from one of the Tel: 01469 241939 Fax 01460 242198 Clubhaus group of golf clubs, Dukes Bio-Organics? OCMIS are irrigation specialists with a Dene, where he was Course Manager, referral driven reputation in system will be furnished with a brand new design, manufacture, supply, installation Spraying Mantis, ready to fulfil all and SERVICE for all sports turf, spraying contracts in this area. Meet him It's like a puzzle... landscape and amenity areas. on the stand where he will be happy to We are also specialists in the discuss your requirements and view the refurbishment and upgrading of existing Spraying Mantis in action on the ALS have the experience and proven knowledge systems. demonstration area. OCMIS are distributors for Rainbird, Weed Free Professional Services Ltd., to really make Bio-Organics work for you. Buckner and Hunter and can supply and Unit 14, Roundshead Drive, Warfield, service any other make of equipment. Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 3RZ. Tel: Throughout the OCMIS 07000 481011 Fax: 0700 481022 E-mail Benefits include... stock MDPE and UPVC pressure pipe, [email protected] Website associated fittings, pumping units, www.weedfree.co.uk FREE PHONE 0800 Huge reduction of Greatly improved electric cable and mobile irrigators. 068 0787. Contact: Mike Seaton disease incidence seed germination and OCMIS unique in house design Contact Carol Dutton (editorial enquiries capabilities ensure that the requirements only) Tel: 01904 644449 Fax 01904 including fusarium. establishment, better 677878 shoot density and root of each client are individually met and Dramatic improvement that each project is given independent mass. attention. in root development For more information, or a no obligation and drought resistance. A natural solution survey and design contact OCMIS to "Dry Patch" and Prevention and IRRIGATION (UK) LIMITED on: Head associated problems. Office 01460 241939 reduction of thatch Breakdown of Black Rigby Taylor Rigby Taylor, a BIGGA Golden Key Layer and Iron Pans. Member, will be displaying a broad range of products from their MASCOT portfolio. This includes conventional, ALS... an end to slow release and liquid fertilisers, Grass Seed mixtures and their chemical range the confusion! that includes the fungicide 'Rimidin' and the selective herbicide 'Bastion' T. Also featured will be the Speciality products including 'Integrate', a soil conditioner, For our new brochure call +44 (0)1952 641949 'Amino-Sorb' for the treatment of turf stress and 'Profile' a granular soil or Freephone 0800 426236 amendment. Rigby Taylor staff will be on hand to answer your queries.

Weed Free Weed Free, the specialist spraying Natural solutions from Amenity Land Services Limited contractors who have pioneered the use Welcome tor of shrouded booms have chosen Westurf Long Lane Wellington Telford Shropshire TF6 6HA to launch a new branch of the company. Westurf Introducing Adam Carter as Director of Fax: 01952 247369 www.amenity.co.uk Weed Free South West Ltd., the March 2000 Greenkeeper International 73