28 Jun 07

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Welcome to the June Newsletter

It's difficult to find positive things to say after viewing those horrific scenes around the country caused by the heavy rainfalls.

We have had some flooding problems in the Midlands but nothing compared to our colleagues in the South Yorkshire/Humberside and Shropshire/Worcestershire areas. My heart went out to them.

Not unexpectedly, it rekindled a lively debate on our Message Board (Global warming....are you sure?), which is still ongoing with no agreed conclusion. I have to admit with all the contradictory comments being made by scientists and so-called 'experts' it is difficult to know what to believe. Are we destroying our planet, or is it part of mother nature's normal cycle? Even in these days of satellite surveillance and, supposedly, advanced technology, I fear it is something that will not be answered satisfactorily in my lifetime.

Good luck to you all.

ALS Open Day

A warm welcome is extended to turfcare and groundcare professionals to call and meet us and our suppliers in relaxed surroundings at Wrekin College, Wellington, Telford on Wednesday July 25th, following a successful event in 2005 that was attended by visitors from as far afield as East Yorkshire and Kew Gardens.

There will be a wide range of new products and equipment on show and in use.

There are trials of turf products from Scotts and Novozymes with results to view. New green technology turf and planting products will be well featured from Novozymes and the ALS Natural Solutions range. Contract services for sports turf renovation and weed control will be in action and on display. Some interesting new labour efficient concepts in spraying from Mantis Systems are also well worth seeing.

Basis Continuing Professional Development Points available to attendees. Food and refreshments are provided.

Come and join us free of charge: Book your place now by clicking here.

Hot Items

What a State to get into... - the experiences of a trainee working on the Robert Trent Jones golf course and the White House lawns!
Nitrogen in Sportsturf Management - the function of nitrogen in sportsturf and how to manage the inputs.
Ecology, the environment and grounds maintenance - the options to increasing pesticide legislation.
Tough and Testing Times at Tividale - the season's trials and tribulations of this local Midlands league club.
It'll stunt your growth! - growth retardant use in Calderdale.
Manana Menorca - Jason O'Keefe explains his work on a Spanish golf course.

British Seed Houses Giveaway - 3 lucky winners will each take away a 20kg bag of A22 seed (ideal to create the perfect home lawn) in the easy to enter competition. A further seven runners up will receive a 1kg box of BSH Family Lawn Seed.

Don't forget your Pitchcare Magazine. Issue 13 is out now, but we can still get one to you if you Subscribe Now. Ł30 for a year's subscription - the best value read in the industry.

Essential Management Skills for Groundsmen and Greenkeepers

We are repeating our successful 2-day course at various locations this winter.

Delivered by trainer and careers counsellor, Frank Newberry, who has trained Groundsmen and Greenkeepers for more than 15 years. This course is aimed at helping those in a supervisory or management position to acquire a range of vital management skills and learn how to put them into practice successfully in the workplace.

The first dates to be announced are Thursday 15th November 2007 and Thursday 21st February 2008. Three months separate the two days so delegates have the opportunity to implement new techniques and then feed their experiences back to the group. The total cost for the two days, including all training materials, refreshments and lunch, is just Ł295.00 + VAT.

For a full course itinerary and to register your interest, please contact Pitchcare’s Training Coordinator, Christine Johnson, at chris@pitchcare.com .

Job Opportunities

New Zealand - Turf Manager.
New Zealand - Tractor Driver/Machine Operator.
Lancashire and Scotland - Sales Professionals.
London, The Roehampton Club - Greenkeeper.
Barnet Football Club - Groundsman.

20 further Business opportunities, Lawn Franchises, Sales, Grounds and Greenkeeping positions available in the complete online listing. To view the complete list, click here.

Advertise your vacancy with Pitchcare for just Ł100 plus VAT, no time limit and on view to 27,000 plus members. Give us a call on 01902 824392 for more details.

Confused by the Weather?

Well, you're not alone. It looks as if we will have to keep ourselves prepared for flood or drought. Fortunately, we have some products and equipment in stock which will help in either eventuality. Click on each one to see what can we offer:-

Flood

Water Removal Pump Kit - complete, ready to use, just Ł279.
Bowdry - collects 50 litres of water per minute, available for Ł475.00.
Roller Squeegee - 1 metre wide roller, Ł121.00.
Pitch Covers - a selection of quality protectors.
Sandbags - stitched, sealed woven polypropylene, Ł2.65 each(bulk buys).
Electronic Rain Gauge - Rain-o-matic advanced rain gauge, Ł49.00.

Drought

Sprinklers - a wide range starting at Ł112.00.
Hoses - from 1/2 inch to 2 inch bore.
Growth Regulator - new Primo MAXX, Ł55.25 per 1/2 litre.
Water Absorbent Polymer - Zeba reduces watering by 20% plus.

Used Machinery

Kioti Tractor CK20 - Ł7000.
SISIS Supaturfman - Ł800.
Tycrop 450 Quick Pass Top Dresser - Ł5950.
Atco B30 Royal Pedestrian Mower - Ł650.
Roller - Ł1400.
Supreme Cylinder Grinder - Ł500.
John Deere3235B 5 Gang Fairway Mower - Ł6995.
Clubcar DS Petrol Golf Car Buggy - Ł1000.

More than 100 used machines currently available. Click here to view the complete list.

Surplus kit for sale? We have members looking for various items of used equipment and machinery. Browse the list.