It probably seems a case of "time flies", but remarkably Harrogate Week has been established now for 20 years and during that time has grown to become a must-see groundscare event for many satisfied visitors.
For many there is a feeling that the year gets going when we arrive at Harrogate. Christmas and New Year are consigned to the history books - we've had a couple of weeks to break our New Year's resolutions and we're ready to go. Harrogate Week always sets me up for the year in a positive manner and I'm sure it's the same for the thousands of turf professionals and those involved within the groundscare industry, from all sides of the industry who, flock to the historic North Yorkshire spa town.
Harrogate Week 2008 with its regular elements of BTME, incorporating ClubHouse; the world-renowned Continue to Learn programme; a Careers' Clinic and Job Shop, sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen, Internet Café, sponsored by Pitchcare, banquets, lunches and fringe events ensures that a well planned visit sets you up for the year ahead. And it's not just of benefit to turf professionals and BIGGA members. Many other golfing and sporting bodies are involved in the week with seminars by the R&A, EGU and GCMA and many other workshops that are particularly pertinent for turf professionals from other sporting arenas.
From a training and development standpoint there isn't a workshop or seminar that doesn't include a nugget of information which might help some aspect of your professional life. Continue to Learn 2008, supported by the GTC, boasts five new workshops including subjects such as Stress Awareness and the Disturbance Theory. 
Also taking place at Harrogate are the following courses designed to provide you with the perfect opportunity to get your questions answered and to share your problems, as the seasons alter, our climate changes and you face an uphill struggle, dealing with drought one minute and flooding the next: Environmental Management; Current Environmental Legislation; Drought, Drainage & Conservation; Moving Toward Greater Sustainability; The Practical Guide to Growth Regulators; Golf & Turfgrass Management in the Future; Water Management - An American Perspective and Golf Green Fertilisation in our Changing Climate.
The programme also sees the return of several old favourites including An Introduction to Golf Course Design and Moving into Management.
BIGGA's discount scheme offers savings of up to 52% and is available to all delegates who pre-book Continue to Learn seminars.
Continue to Learn Seminar Discounts
|
No. of Seminars |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
Full Price |
£25.00 |
£50.00 |
£75.00 |
£100.00 |
£125.00 |
£150.00 |
|
You Pay |
£25.00 |
£40.00 |
£55.00 |
£60.00 |
£65.00 |
£72.00 |
|
Discount % |
0% |
20% |
27% |
40% |
48% |
52% |
|
Discount £ |
£0 |
£10 |
£20 |
£40 |
£60 |
£78 |
This year's keynote speech will be given by an experienced fighter pilot and a former member of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and aims to provide an exciting insight in to what high performance teamwork means when put in to practice. Flying a Hawk at high speed, in formation with eight other aircraft, needs a special kind of skill but the methods used to build team spirit, trust and cooperation are relevant to all teams, big or small. This Keynote Speech will give you a unique perspective and approach to achieving excellence in subjects such as performance under pressure, teamwork and leadership that you can use to enhance the management of your team.
New to Harrogate Week 2008 is "Have We Got Views for You!" an unmissable event taking place in the Majestic Hotel on Monday 21 January. A panel, comprising Walter Woods BEM, former Links Supervisor at St Andrews; Jack McMillan MBE, former Head Greenkeeper at Sunningdale GC and now Course Consultant to the PGA European Tour; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS and Course Manager at The Dukes' Course in St Andrews; Ken Siems MG, CGCS, Director of Agronomy for Loch Lomond and Stan Zontek, of the USGA, a certified Professional Agronomist; will be ably compèred by Television Producer and Presenter, Roger Greenwood. The panel will answer your questions and regale you with stories from the world of greenkeeping and beyond.
During the week John Deere will be announcing the relaunching of the BIGGA Training Manual.
There is also the new Underground Food Court, sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen, below the main halls which will provide a wide range of food and beverage options in a spacious friendly environment
After the overwhelming success of last year's Park & Ride scheme, Harrogate Week will once again provide the FREE service from the Great Yorkshire Showground to Harrogate International Centre, on all three days of the Exhibition.
The Park & Ride scheme is a great way of reducing congestion around Harrogate. It also enables you to make the most of the Exhibition by allowing you to park for free all day long.
The journey in from the Great Yorkshire Showground to the HIC, normally takes around 10 minutes stopping at the train station and some of the more popular hotels on route.
From the A1 (M) take the A59 towards Knaresborough. Follow the ring road to Harrogate. The 'Park and Ride' will be fully signposted.
The shuttle service will run at the following times:
· Tuesday 22 January 2008 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
· Wednesday 23 January 2008 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
· Thursday 24 January 2008 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
Inside the exhibition halls will be hundreds of eager industry professionals keen to explain their latest innovative product, whether it be chemical, mineral or manufactured from the finest steel.
All are designed to help make your life that little bit easier. Your job is to prioritise and rationalise so you only buy what is going to make a significant difference to you at a price that doesn't take up a disproportionate amount of your available funds. But the point is it's exciting. You can see what's out there and what is possible if not this year, in the not too distant future.
If your Harrogate Week is similar to that of many of your colleagues what happens next is that you head out into the town to discuss the day's events with friends over a meal and a few drinks. You then discover if anyone has the product you're thinking of investing in and whether they feel it is worth it or not. So in the space of one full day you have been educated; you've investigated new products and done some market research. Oh and you've enjoyed the company of colleagues and friends in the convivial environs of Harrogate's restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels.
What could be a better use of 24 hours in the middle of winter?
The BIGGA staff will be on hand throughout the exhibition to give advice and information on all Association matters. Visit the BIGGA Stand to renew your membership, purchase some BIGGA merchandise and the chance to meet the people you only ever talk to on the telephone.
Harrogate Week: Exhibition 22-24 Education 20-24 January 2008
