Sunny Saltex
Sunny Saltex
By Laurence Gale MSc
There was plenty to see with well over 400 exhibitors. Official attendance figures have not yet been issued but my feeling was that the the opening day (Tuesday) was comparatively quiet with the Wednesday and Thursday being busier.
There were a number of new products and services launched which included:
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The Ransomes Jacobsen Spider, a remote controlled rotary mower for steep banks. Winner of "Best New Landscape Product". |
A range of soil relievers and rollers from DJ Turfcare. |
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SISIS Aer-Aid system which won the "Best New Sportsground Product". |
Lloyds of Letchworth promoting a new hover mower. |
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Cleveland Sitesafes won a silver award for their stand. |
Complete Weed Control launched their redeveloped Weed-IT machine. |
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Two new variable width turf cutters by Groundsman Industries |
Sherriff Amenity Services launched a covered boom spray system which can be used in windy conditions. |
More detailed articles on new products can be found in the Saltex section on the site.
Educational bodies were in attendance promoting their courses, includ
Three colleges - Askham Bryan, Plumpton and Reaseheath were battling it out in the National Finals of the Landscape Skills Competition. The competition involved the colleges having to build and construct a landscape feature in threes days. All three colleges had the same design to complete. The eventual winners were Plumpton College.
The daily seminars were popular with a number of key issues discussed. Of particular interest were Funding for medium and small clubs by Kieran Humphrey of Sport England and Managing and maintaining natural turf in a stadium environment by Mike Harbridge and John Hacker of PSD.
According to reports, a debate on Natural grass v Artificial surfaces was particularly lively and resulted in a few heated exchanges.
One of the highlights was the FA's Groundsman of the Year Awards on the Wednesday. The awards, in particular, recognised the work of the Groundsmen who keep the grass roots football pitches in prime condition. Adrian Smith of Tiptree United, Ron sturgess of Barnet FC and Colin James of Belvedere FC were the main category winners, with Mark Soper and Lynne Hallum receiving an award on behalf of Harrogate Council. A full report on the awards is on the Pitchcare site in the Football section.
Other awards at the show were:
Best Marketing Initiative, sponsored by Horiculture Week - R & R Rainbow
Best New Sportsground Product, sponsored by The Landscape and Amenity Buyer - SISIS Aer-Aid
Best New Landscape Product, sponsored by The Landscape and Amenity Buyer - Ransomes Jacobsen Spider
Britain's Best Parks, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton - Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen. The park, managed and maintained by Aberdeen City Council, combines excellence in garden design and maintenance with facilities for every generation including a maze, pet's corner, crazy golf and a safe play area.
Many of the exhibitors I spoke to during the show were pleased with the attendance figures. Let's hope that all who took part reap the benefits of their hard work in promoting their products and services.
Members views on the show would be welcomed.
This year's Exhibitor stand awards:
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Category A Stands less than 50 Square metres |
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Gold |
F51 |
Cannons Turf |
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Silver |
H41
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S Grundon (Ewelme) Ltd
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Bronze |
H39
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Eden Park
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Category B Stands between 50 -99 Square metres |
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Gold |
I05 |
Town & Country |
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Silver |
P12 |
Hypro EU Ltd |
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Bronze |
T48
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Prime irrigation
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Category C Stands 100 Square metres |
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Gold |
P36 |
Bernhard & Co |
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Silver |
V2 |
Streetcare |
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Bronze |
S17
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Joseph Rochford
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Category D Stands 101-199 Square metres |
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Gold |
B16 |
Lloyds of Letchworth |
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Silver |
D21
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Cleveland Sitesafes
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Bronze |
S25
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Bourne Amenity
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Category E Stands 200 and 300 Square metres |
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Gold |
E01 |
Scotts |
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Silver |
R02
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Vauxhall
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Bronze |
Q12
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SCH Supplies
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Category F Stands over 300 Square metres |
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Gold |
A01
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Wicksteed Leisure Ltd
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Silver |
A26
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Hags Play Ltd
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Bronze |
R18
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JCB Groundcare
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Category G Exhibition Hall |
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Gold |
EH19 |
Miocrotech Productions |
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Silver |
EH21a |
PA Weathercentre |
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Bronze |
EH04 |
Myerscough College |