Aldwark Manor invest in TextronAldwark Manor Hotel and

Country Club, home of BIGGA'snew... and old headquarters, hastaken delivery of a new stableful ofRansornes/Textron machinery.

The investment was made by thenew owner of Aldwark Manor,Newcastle-based businessman BradHolbrook, who is keen to forge closerelationships with his sitting ten-ants, BIGGA and the Greenkeep-er's Training Committee.

"Initially I didn't know whoBIGGA were but when I learned oftheir importance in the industry Iwanted them to be here as long as Iam, which is for the long run,"explained Brad.

"Now that BIGGA have builttheir own headquarters we'll bepromoting ourselves as AldwarkManor Hotel Golf and CountryClub - the home of BIGGA."

Head Greenkeeper RichardGamble was at the heart of thedecision to purchase the Ransomesmachinery.

"Ransornes put a lot in so whenBrad asked for my input regardingmachinery there was no question inmy mind it had to be Ransomes,"explained Richard.

"I explained what I wanted andthe reasons why and got everythingI wanted," said Richard.

The new Ransomes-Textronmachinery was supplied by Henton

& Chattell of Nottingham andincludes one Ransomes CT 325compact tractor; one Ransomes CT445 compact tractor; oneRansomes CT 333 dedicatedhydrostatic tractor with cruise con-trol; one Cushman three wheeltruckster; one Ransomes Fairway305 mower; one RansomesGreensplex 160 Diesel,' twoRansomes T-Plex 185; one threetrailed Ransomes Magga gangmower and a GA30 top dresser.

Right: Brad Holbrook, owner ofAldwark Manor tries out the

new Ransomes kit

Below: Head Greenkeeper,Richard Gamble and his team

A new name over the doorThe Ransomes factory at Ipswich

now has a new name over it.Ransomes was acquired in Januaryby Textron, and joined withJacobsen, Textron's' American pro-ducer of golf course machinery toform Textron Turf Care andSpecialty Products. The Mayor ofIpswich, Mr Hamil Clarke,unveiled a plaque to mark thelaunching of the new name on thefactory.

The Ransomes and Jacobsen busi-ness, which also includes theCushman and Ryan brands, has acombined world-wide turnover of$650 million, will have its headoffice at Ipswich.

Ipswich will also be the manufac-turing and central distributionpoint for the whole of Europe.Significant investment has alreadybeen made at the Europark site togear up the company to meet thenew needs of the Group.

This has involved new Cardexparts dispensing systems beinginstalled and a large mezzaninefloor being built for product storageto cope with the enlarged distribu-tion aspect of the business. Themain factory area has been reorgan-ised to create additional space sothat some of the Jacobsen productfor the European market can bebuilt at Ipswich.

"Ransomes and Jacobsen bothhave a proud history and an excel-

Above: Peter Wilson shows the Mayor, Mr Hamil Clarke, a Textron-Jacobsen ride-on mower outside the Ipswich headquarters.

lent refutation in the market, andwe wil continue to sell our prod-ucts under these brands. Althoughwe are now part of a large multi-industry company we will continueto stay very close to our customersand be a company that is easy to dobusiness with.," said Peter Wilson,President of Textron Turf Care andSpecialty Products.

Ransomes and Jacobsen are now

the world's largest supplier of turfcare equipment for the localauthority and golf course marketsectors and also supply people andburden carriers for a wide range ofindustrial applications.

The company is also responsiblefor the distribution of golf carsthroughout Europe, which areproduced by their sister companyE-Z-GO.

Robin makesthe grade

The benefit of the greenkeeperassessment programme has beenhighlighted again with the successof Robin Evans, an assistant atWhitby GC, who has passed hisNVQ Level 2 after working closelywith his assessor, Andrew Boyd,Head Greenkeeper at BridlingtonGc.

After a two year period whichinvolved between 30 and 40 meet-ings between 32 year-old Robinand Andrew he received notifica-tion from the controlling body thathe had attained level 2.

"Everyone is delighted includingmy,self,' explained Andrew.

'Robin is like a dog with threetails while his own HeadGreenkeeper, Ian Lavelle's com-ment was that 'Robin is now a manwe never knew we had' such hasbeen the motivation and enthusi-asm with which Robin now works."

Amenity Techon the move

Amenity Technology has relocat-ed to larger premises which offerbetter meeting facilities and a farlarger warehousing capacity. Themove coincides with the appoint-ment of Amenity Technology as theexclusive European distributor ofthe Sustane fertiliser range and willallow better stocking capabilities ofboth the Sustane and theAndersons. The new address andcontact numbers are AmenityTechnology Products Ltd, 5Arkwright Rd, Reading, Berks, RG2OLU, Tel: 0118 931 1111.

Melvyn joinsGreen Pride

Melvyn Guy has joined GreenPride, the Lincoln-based companyspecialising in grass related prod-ucts to the sportsturf and landscap-ing industries.

Melvyn is well known in the golfcourse industry and brings toGreen Pride a wealth of experiencein sands, rootzones and top dress-ings to add to their existing rangesof seeds, fertilisers and chemicals.

He will be covering the Yorkshireand North Lincolnshire area.

October 1998 Greenkeeper International 7

• Profile

Usually the spotlight falls onthe Course Manager or Head

Greenkeeper at a Club.Now it is the turn of those

whose work often goesunheralded to star.

Name: Colin Noble

Club: Cathcart Castle GC

Position: Assistant

Age: 20

1. How long have you beena greenkeeper?3 years

2. What education are youcunently undertaking?SVQ III at Elmwood College

3. Which one task do youmost enjoy doing?Cutting greens on competi-tion days. (No golfers to holdus up!)

4. Which one task do youmost dislike doing?Emptying bins on a warmday

5. What job other thangreenkeeping might youhave ended up doing?Greenkeeping is what Idecided I wanted to do fromhigh school but I would prob-ably have become a studentor tried to get an assistantpro's job at a golf course.

6. Who has been the biggestinfluence on your career?Robert Hogarth andElmwood College

7. What would you do toimprove the life of a green-keeper?Educate members on how torecognise when a course isunplayable

8. What are your hobbies?Golf. football

9. What do you get out ofBIGGA?Education. helplines. outingsand magazine

10.What do you hope to bedoing in 10years time?In charge of a team of green-keepers on a good qualitycourse and working with avery good committee

8 Greenkeeper International October 1998

Norrie Whytock Trophy goes West) The Scottish Inter Section

Tournament for the Norrie WhytockMemorial Trophy was played atLeven Links GC on one of the fivebest days of the summer.

The five Sections had their topplayers out for the challenge of win-ning the Trophy, which was beingplayed for the third time, and theNorth Section were hoping to main-tain their monopoly of it.

The tournament is run with teamsof four playing Stableford with thethree best scores counting. Howeverat the end of the day two teams werelocked together on 93 points andcould not be separated despite vari-ous attempts so for the first time thetwo scores not used were taken intoaccount.

This resulted in the West Sectiontaking the Trophy by two pointsfrom the East Section. The differ-ence may have been accounted forby the fact that the fourth memberof the West team played all 18 holeswhile the fourth of the East packedin after 16 because he said he wasplaying badly

Many thanks to tournament spon-sors, Rhone Poulenc; organisers,McKenzie Munro, Rhone Poulenc'sScottish Area Sales Manager, PeterBoyd, and Andy O'Hara and hisstaff.

The victorious West Section receive their trophies

Building Fund: Contributing ClubsAddington Palace Coventry Hearsall Knole Park Gol f Club Stand WakefieldAlton Coxmoor Knowle Ranfurly Castle Stanmore WalmleyAlwoodley Croham Hurst Knutsford Ravelston Stanton-on-the- WalsallArcot Hall Crompton & Letchworth Ravensworth Wolds Walton HeathArmy Royton Lincoln Reigate Heath Stocksfield WentworthAshton-In- Doncaster Little Aston Ringway Limited West ByfleetMakerfield Dore & Totley Littlestone Roehampton Club Sundridge Park West End HalifaxBaildon Dunfermline Loch Lomond Royal Ashdown Sunningdale West EssexBanchory Dyke Long Ashton Forest Sutton Coldfield West SussexBeaconsfield Eastwood Longniddry Royal Birkdale Swinley Forest WhitchurchBedale Edenmore Macclesfield Royal Burgess Tain (Cardiff)Beeston Fields Enfield Malone Golf Society Tandridge Whitley BayBerkhamsted Epsom Manchester Royal Cinque Taunton & Whittington HeathBingley St Ives Erewash Valley Mapperley Ports Pickeridge WillingdonBirchwood Fairhaven Masham Royal Guernsey Temple WoburnBishops Stortford Fereneze Maxstoke Park Royal Jersey Tenby Golf WokingBlackmoor Fishwick Hall Meltham Royal Liverpool Tenterden WoodbridgeBlackwood Flamborough Mendip Royal Mid-Surrey The Wisley WorcestershireBrancepeth Castle Head Merrist Wood Royal Thorpeness WorksopBristol & Clifton Gerrards Cross Moor Hall Musselburgh Tidworth Garrison WortleyBrokenhurst Glenbervie Moffat Royal Porthcawl Tulliallan YorkManor Goodwood Moortown Royal Portrush TurnberryBromborough Goring & Streatley Moray Royal St Georges TynemouthBungay & Habberley Mullion Royal West Tyrrells WoodWaveney Valley Haggs Castle Murrayfield

Norfolk UttoxeterBurford Halifax Limited Royal Wimbledon VerulamBury St Edmunds Hallamshire Nairn Sandy LodgeBush Hill Park Haltwhistle Newbury & Scarcroft ~,,\GCanterbury Ham Manor Crookham SeacroftCardigan Hampstead Newcastle-Under- Seaton CarewCawder Handsworth Lyme SedberghChestfield Hankley Common Normanby Hall Sherwood ForestChigwell Harpenden North Hants ShipleyChildwall Hawkstone Park North Oxford Sitwell Park

~

Chipping Norton Haywards Heath North Wilts SkiptonCheriton-Cum- Henley Northenden SleafordHardy Hickleton Penrith SonningChurston Ltd Hindhead Peterborough Southport &Clitheroe Huddersfield Milton AinsdaleConwy Ipswich Plassey SpaldingCooden Beach John O'Gaunt Pollok St AndrewsCoombe Hill Kilmarnock Potters Bar Links Trust

Coombe Wood (Barassie) Purley Downs St Austell

~~

Copt Heath Kirby Muxloe Pyle and Kenfig St BeesSt Enodoc ~

~OIN<?J

A tribute to Jimmy NeilsonA retirement dinner was held

recently at Kingsknowe Golf Clubto celebrate the greenkeeping careerof Jimmy Neilson, the ScottishRegional Chairman.

To us in the East of ScotlandJimmy has and always will be a leg-end.

Jimmy is by nature, and youmight find this hard to believe, ashy person but give him a fewbrandies and American and he isgreat company.

He began his affliction withgreenkeeping at Swanston GolfClub after serving many years asan agricultural mechanic withAlexander's, local the Ford Dealer.

He then made his move toMurrayfield Golf Club and spentthe rest of his career there.

To mention all of the thingswhich have made Jimmy a legendwould be impossible. Jimmy was astalwart in the old SIGGA Brigadeand has been a front line soldier forgreenkeepers rights and better con-ditions of employment. Educationhas always been top of Jimmy'sagenda - the most important thingin making the greenkeeping profes-sion a highly recognised andrespected trade.

Jimmy has made a lot of friendson both .sides of the Atlantic and inEurope in all aspects and corners ofour trade.

I would like to apologise to any-one who did not get an invite to thedinner but we could have filled ahall ten times the size. But finallyto Jimmy. Have a long and happyretirement. You are, and you havebeen, a credit and inspiration to usall.Steve Dixon, East SectionSecretary

Above: Just a few of themany guests at the party

Right: Jimmy in fine form

Kubota Golf Club Challenge FinalistsThe 15 golf clubs which will com-

pete in the final of the revampedKubota Golf Club Challenge whichwill be played at The National GolfCentre at Woodhall Spa has beenconfirmed.

A total of 480 golf clubs fromthroughout the UK set out of thecourse to the final, teams of theClub Secretary and the HeadGreenkeeper playing head to headmatches, with five rounds requiredto set up the final which is due to beplayed at the beginning of thismonth.

"It was decided that a new formatwas needed which would directlyinvolve golf club secretaries and

Head Greenkeepers playing togetheras a team, furthering Kubota's longand close relationship with theirrespective Association's,'" said TomBarnes, Kubota's MarketingManager.FinalistsBonar Bridge & Ardgay GC - H.Sutherland & J. EvansCarluke GC - M.D. Black and A.ColquhounChippenham GC - D. Maddison &C. SealeyClayton GC - D. Smith & R. SmithDainton Park GC - A. Ryland & c.BlandFynn Valley GC - T Tyrrell & N.Hickford

Haverfordwest GC - J. Solly & A.RoachLiphook GC - B. Morgan & D.MurdochLullingstone Park PC - B.M.Seymour-Vallance & P. BennettMoor Park GC - 1. Broome & S.BertrumNew North Manchester GC - D.Parkinson & J. CummiskeyPines Golf Centre - B. Gray & D.GrayRamsdale Park Golf Centre - B.Jenkinson & M. SmithRawdon GC - S. Clark &A.ArmitageWelshpool GC - D. Lewis & THorsan

Royal Inverdivot Ge... by Tony Husband

COJ) \ Y)(i\'1L Q worcA but:. t\]~t. 'f)~w \t'S '()ot. <1U1te. wnC\c-.. look (Kf)oW ,/oor b~() "Q.(' W~ C\ske.d we, 'r)Qd \l) N)\ C)C\

()~W ~() thtl. ..Job.. '/O\) fO bod c\

Turfmech'sTornado

In the August edition GreenkeeperInternational the feature of leaf blow-ers and clearers omitted several typesof machinery, some of which are pro-duced by Turfmech Machinery.

Among these are the TornadoBlowers, the TM5 High-lift vacuumcollector and the TurfVAC TMIIvacuum collector.

The Tornado Blower is available inversions suitable for mounting ontractors or on ride-on front mowersin place of the cutter deck. It pro-duces a 150mph blast of air to blowleaves and debris rapidly and effec-tively into rows.

The TM5 High-lift vacuum is ahigh capacity;high-tip vacuum collec-tor for use behind smaller tractors -35hp-plus. It has a fully floating 1.5metre wide suction head with a full-width powered agitation brush and a2.2 m high unloading capability. TheTurNAC TMII requires a tractor of45hp plus and has a load volume of11,000 litres. Trailed and pto pow-ered it offers a choice of 2m, 2.2mand 2.5 m wide suction heads.

For further information Tel: 01889271503.

Celtic Manorhosts newWelsh event

The first of playing of a newcompetition for the South WalesSection took place at Celtic Manor onAugust 27.

Club teams, comprising CourseManager/Head Greenkeeper, ClubCaptain, Club Secretaryand Chairmanof Green, played for prizes, donated byScotts, with the vvinningclub enjoyingthe sweet smell of success thanks to atonne of fertiliser!

Played out in tremendous weatherthe 20 teams faced up the dauntingtask of the magnificently conditionedRoman Road Course which had beenbrought to a peak by Course ManagerJim McKenzie, RussellAnderson andthe rest of the staff.

Celtic Manor, who granted courtesyof the course, have agreed to host theevent next year on August 25 whenthere willbe a maximum of 30 teams

Results: l. L1anwem, 127, 2. CelticManor, 129,3. Dewstone 137.

Longest Drive, Russell Anderson,Celtic Manor. Nearest the Pin, JamieProbert, Pontardawe.

G.I. ApologyGreenkeeper International would

like to apologise to Woodbury ParkGC for the appearance of a bogusphotograph in the article on the dubin September'S edition. The photo-graph, and accompanying captiongave the impression that WoodburyPark used Ransomes equipmentwhile in fact it is another Textronbrand, Jacobsen, which Woodburyuses. Greenkeeper International ishappy to put the record straight.

October 1998 Greenkeeper International 9

'Brand' newrole for David

Rigby Taylor has expanded its spe-cialist technical sales team inScotland with the appointment ofDavid Morrison as Brand Managerfor the company's Mascot range ofturf care products in Scotland.

Having worked for over 30 years inthe amenity sector in Scotland,David is well known and hisappointment will utilise his wealth ofknowledge and experience.

Based at Newbridge, Mr Morrisonwill also have responsibility for directsales in the central, Tayside,Grampian and the Highlands regionto provide greater support for RigbyTaylor'S existing customers. He willdeal directly with local authorities,landscapers and contractors.

David worked for 10 years as AreaSales Manager with ICI/Zeneca andmore recently with Scotts Miracle. Inhis new role, he will be responsiblefor new product launches through-out Scotland.

Turner sketches out winning roundSunningdale Course Manager,

Brian Turner, put his local knowl-edge to good use during TheGerald Micklem Cup at thefamous Berkshire course.

While former Amateur Champ-ion and Walker Cup player, GaryWolstenholme, was winning themain prize with two rounds of 68,Brian won the Over 50s prize.

Brian has been at the club since1996 and is a member ofSunningdale Artisans Golf Club:

Royal appointment at Askham Bryan

Right: Brian is picturedreceiving his prize from

Sunningdale Captain,Christopher Needham.

Tickets are still availablefor the Golfand the Environment Conference tobe held at Askham Bryan College,Yorkon October 21 - 23.

The Conference, which is to beopened officiallyby HRH The DukeofYorkhas assembled a top quality listof speakers for the three days and willcover a wide range of environmentalrelated issues.Programme highlights.

Wednesday. Session One• Official Opening by HRH The Duke ofYork• Golf Courses - Their Amenity and

[[Jr.ir.ir.~J]-------

ELECTRONIC TAGGING SYSTEMS - THE COMMON SENSE SOlUTION

Environmental Impact - Dr RogerBennett.• Securing Planning Permission -Avoiding the Bunkers - Mr D.M Rolison• Wildlife of the Golf Course - IsManagement Necessary - Dr. GordonMcKillop.

Initiative - Jonathan Smith• Golf Environmental Management.Gain of Pain - Rod Baker• Golf and Landscape - Jeremy Pern

Thursday· Session 2• Is Golf Committed to Green - DavidStubbs• Golf Course Management - AnEcological Perspective - Bob Taylor• The Use of Pesticides on GolfCourses - David Garthwaite

Friday - Session 4• Keynote - Dr Keith DuffThe Latest Developments in cultivatingturf production and turfgrass systems -Derek Edwards• The Rudding Experience - MarkMackaness• Plenary Session led by Dr RogerBennett

Session 3• The Scottish Golf Course Wildlife

Ticket Information can be obtained fromKate Eckett, at Askham Bryan CollegeTel: 01904 772277.

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10 Greenkeeper International October 1998

Going StatGCSAA Conference and Show,Orlando, February 8-14, 1999

ItinerarySunday, February 7

All members will assemble atGatwickAirport and willtake the12.30 pm VirginAtlantic flight toOrlando with onward transfer tothe Omni Rosen Hotel for an eight-night stay on a room only basisinclusiveof private facilities.

GCSAA's 70th International GolfCourse Conference and Show will beheld in the Orange CountyConvention Centre, Orlando from8th - 14th February 1999.

As in previous years BIGGA isoffering you the opportunity to trav-el on the trip to Orlando.

The BIGGA party will meet atGatwick Airport on Sunday 7thFebruary for departure to Orlando at12.30 pm.

BIGGA will be able to arrangeaccommodation for any memberwishing to stay overnight before theflight at competitive rates.

The Omni Rosen Hotel, chosen byBIGGA to accommodate our party,offers excellent facilities and is locat-ed on International Drive next to theConvention Centre.

The GCSM Conference and Showtakes place from February 8 - 14with the trade show on February 12- 14. You will be able to attend theconference seminars and educationprogrammes as well as take in the lat-est golf course equipment, productsand services at the trade show.

Monday, February 15Youwill be transferred to the airport

for your return overnight flight toLondon, departing Orlando at 19.10pm arriving at London Gatwick at8.15 am, on February 16.

run from February 8 - 11,the Education Programmes whichrun from II - 14 February and theTrade Show are not included in thepackage and bookings will need tobe made directly with the GolfCourse SuperintendentsAssociation of America. Details areavailable from BIGGA uponrequest.

Please forward full payment of£805 or £1218 (unless travelinsurance is not required) toBIGGA, Aldwark Manor, Aldwark,Alne, York, Y061 IUF to arrive nolater than Friday 13th November;

Prices£775 per person based on a twin

share. £1188 per person based on sin-gle occupancy

Plus comprehensive travel insurancefor the duration at £30.Included are:

Return Economy class flightsLondon Garwick/Orlando: UK and UStaxes;Transfer to and from the airportto the Omni Rosen Hotel; Eight nightsaccommodation on a room only basisand US accommodation taxes.

Please note: Registration costs forthe Pre-Conference seminars which

togetherwith name, addressand contact telephonenumber. If accommodationis required for the night of 6thFebruary please advise in order forthe hotel rooms to be booked.Payment will be made on checldngout of the hotel.

N.B. Places are limited on thistrip and demand will be high -book early!

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October 1998 Greenkeeper International 11