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January 2021 Starting 2021 with new products & services
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Grounds Management Association announces the first ever #GroundsWeek March (1 -7 March 2021) and will celebrate and highlight the vital role of professional grounds staff, volunteers, and the turf sector play in making sport possible.
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced the launch of #GroundsWeek. The inaugural celebration week will take place
Following a difficult year for the sector, due to the impact of Covid-19, the GMA aims to showcase grounds staff and the amazing work that they do – and have continued to do – despite sport coming to a grinding halt. It also comes after a year where
parks and green spaces have been valuable to the public’s health – with increased use for ‘daily exercise’ and physical activity. Grounds management continues to be challenging beyond 2020 due to limited resources and budgets, coupled with more varied and unpredictable weather conditions that makes planning tasks more difficult. Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “We know that the skill involved is often misunderstood. We want to inspire sports fans and the general public to celebrate alongside us and get even more people to enter the profession and lend a helping hand at
pitches across the country. Without the vital work that grounds staff do, many sports would face cancellations and potentially closure. This is a chance to recognise all the hard work that goes into making sport possible and keeping green spaces accessible. The GMA’s campaign will encourage individuals and organisations across the industry, whether they have a career in grounds management or volunteer for an hour a week, to get involved both on the pitch and on social media. Further details about the campaign will follow in February, alongside #GroundsWeek graphics
and content for wider use. This will include top tips and a social media pack for organisations wanting to get involved. Businesses can also get involved by pledging to be a #GroundsWeek partner. Geoff continued: “Grounds staff are vital and the work they do is essential to getting the nation active – from professional athletes to local communities. After a really tough year, we’re launching this celebration week to raise awareness and give our members the opportunity to get the recognition they deserve.”
Product News The latest industry news & case studies Page 8
Grounds Management Association
Update regarding golf course maintenance in lockdown The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has sought clarification regarding the level of course maintenance work that is able to take place on golf courses and other facilities. BIGGA has reviewed the UK Government guidance and liaised with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf and The R&A and can confirm there will be no limitations placed on maintenance activities able to be undertaken by the greenkeeping teams at golf facilities, driving ranges and other venues where golf and shorter forms of the game take place.
While golf courses in Scotland are able to remain open, golf courses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are closed. Taking place primarily outdoors with limited opportunities for crosscontamination, greenkeeping teams have adapted well to ensure staff stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff at all facilities should continue to be aware of social distancing requirements and ensure any activities are undertaken in a manner that minimises interaction with others.
BIGGA is also appealing to the operators of golf clubs to use common sense when assigning tasks to the greenkeeping team and reminds club managers of their responsibility to provide a COVIDsafe working environment for all members of the team. BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “With widespread vaccinations taking place across the country, our hope is that this is the final hurdle and golf courses will take the opportunity presented by reduced playing levels to prepare their courses for what we hope will be a busy and prosperous summer season out on the fairways.
Battery Power Spotlight on new technology Pages 9-12
BIGGA
‘Turned’ out nice again Only a Profihopper has two augers to maximise work rates
Scarify Collect
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Mulch Roll
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7 Groundkeeper
HorseHopper
Profihopper 1250
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Mow
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