Magazine - Trade Associations team up at Harrogate

By Ellie Parry in Industry on 1st Feb 2007 12:00

Five of the industry's trade associations showed strength in unity by hosting a reception for their members and guests at the Swallow St. George Hotel during Harrogate Week.

Representatives from the Land Drainage Contractors Association, Turfgrass Growers Association, National Turfgrass Foundation, British Turf & Landscape Irrigation Association and British Association of Golf Course Constructors had already met prior to the event and extended invitations to eachother and the many companies who support them to pool their knowledge, experience and resources for mutual benefit.

Following a welcome and introduction from the associations' representatives, Former Ryder Cup player and Volvo Masters winner Ronan Rafferty engaged the audience in a 'Question & Answer' session, sharing tales of his favourite courses around the World along with an insight into his personal passion for fine wines.

Simon Taylor from British Seed Houses, who supported the event, said there was much to be gained from working together: "British Seed Houses are delighted to have supported the first Associations' Reception. The combined efforts of these associations provide a fantastic platform on which to promote education, embrace common goals and to discuss current industry issues.

Each brings a particular skill set to the table but quite often it's a combination of these skills which produce the end-result. The representatives are motivated, experienced professionals who are passionate about what they provide to our industry. All are committed to providing a better service to their members and we've been proud to support that."

The next meeting will be held at the end of March. Interested parties can contact the Associations direct:

NTF - Louise Clegg - Tel: 01995 670675 or email ntfoundation@btconnect.com

LDCA - Bruce Brockway - Tel: 01327 263264 or visit www.ldca.org

TGA - Tim Mudge - Tel: 01507 607722 or visit www.turfgrass.co.uk

BTLIA - Martyn Jones - Tel: 01995 670675 or visit www.btlia.org.uk

BAGCC - Brian Pierson - Tel: 07768 170033 or visit www.bagcc.org.uk

Photo caption: (L to R) Tim Mudge (TGA), Simon Taylor (BSH), Richard Owen (BTLIA), guest speaker Ronan Rafferty, Brian Pierson (BAGCC), Bruce Brockway (LDCA), Nigel Wyatt (LDCA) and Martyn Jones (NTF).

Read more articles in Industry, by Ellie Parry or from February 2007.