Scotland – following the retirement of Peter Boyd, John Young has been appointed on a full time contract. John is a skilled administrator with a strong track record in event organisation and has been heavily involved with the management of Gourock Golf Club, where he is a full member with a handicap of 13, John will commence his post on Monday 28th May 2012.



Northern & Midlands – due to the retirement of Peter Larter, Sandra Raper has been appointed on a full time contract. Sandra was previously employed by BIGGA in an administrative role and has good experience in many aspects of Association business. During her time with the Association she developed an excellent rapport with members and suppliers alike. Sandra will commence her post on Monday 18th June 2012.

BIGGA has reached a new stage in its development and with the Business Plan approved the Chief Executive has been tasked with ensuring that the Association has the necessary staff and resources to implement it and achieve its objectives. A staff consultation period has taken place with full professional advice and two positions have been made redundant. As a result, after all redeployment options for the individuals affected were considered, Pauline Thompson and Scott MacCallum have left the Association by mutual agreement. Both were employed by the Association for in excess of 17 years and we wish them well in their future endeavours. 



Over the next few weeks we will be recruiting people to fill the following roles: Learning and Development Executive, Commercial Manager, Communications Executive and Assistant Accountant.

These organisational changes will make the Association more efficient and dynamic, relative to BIGGA’s strategy, sharpening the team’s focus on member support, education and communications, further enabling opportunities for commercial growth and positioning BIGGA to take advantages of the opportunities it sees in the industry.

What is tastecard?

tastecard is the UK’s largest diners club, with over 6000+ participating restaurants offering over 650,000 members huge savings every time they dine out. Each member receives a personalised membership card which they show at the restaurants to receive the discount.

What offers are available to the members?

There are only 2 offers for the restaurants to choose from:
50% off the total food bill: This applies to everyone dining in the group, although the restaurant may place a maximum number of people per booking (see website for each individual offer). The vast majority of restaurants are on this offer.
2 for 1: This is an offer for couples and applies to all courses ordered (starters, mains and desserts). The cheaper item from each course is deducted from the bill.

What are the average savings each time I use the card?

It depends where you go and how many people are in the group, but average savings are around £25-£30 each time the card is used.

What menu does the offer apply to?

Importantly, and unlike other dining schemes, the offer applies to the full a la carte menu. It cannot be used in conjunction with other special offers (which may include special set menu offers).

Can the restaurants exclude any days or times?

The only exclusions that the restaurants can place, if they wish, are Friday and/or Saturday nights.

Why do some restaurants ask members to advance book?

If the restaurant has a telephone icon illustrated on its page then advance bookings must be made, and taste must be mentioned. This is because if the discount has not been mentioned and the bill is produced, the manager would then have to recalculate the bill; which can be time consuming. If the restaurant is already aware that you are a taste member, they can calculate the bill including the discount from the outset.

Are the cards transferable?

No, the cards are strictly non-transferable. They are printed with your name on, so cannot be loaned to friends or family members.

Why do restaurants participate and provide such a big discount to taste members?

As taste is a closed community, the restaurants are able to offer a large discount without publicising that offer to the general public. As tastecard members pay for membership they tend to be good quality covers – the type of customers that the restaurants like to get through their doors. The whole ethos of taste is to make eating out more affordable, thus encouraging people to eat out more regularly. By doing this, tastecard are helping both their members and their partner restaurants; and as such are highly valued by both.

How do I keep informed of new restaurants joining?

The tastecard website, www.tastecard.co.uk is fully up-to-date with all of the offers currently available. The number of restaurants is growing all of the time, and you can keep informed by visiting the website and signing up for the taste newsletter, which will be emailed to you detailing new restaurants that have joined the scheme.

How do I buy a tastecard at the special BIGGA Member rate?

From May 9th BIGGA Members will be able to purchase a tastecard via the BIGGA Website, visit the Events Section for each day from May 9th to May 23rd and pay online or telephone BIGGA HQ directly and pay over the telephone. This exclusive deal is not available directly from the tastecard website.

Click hereto go to the Events Page to buy your tastecard

Sandy (35), who is married to Catherine and has a 1 year old daughter Harriet, hails originally from Blair Atholl.

After graduating from Elmwood College in Fife he worked at Letham Grange for 3 years before making the move to Carnoustie where he has spent the last 7 years as Championship Course Head Greenkeeper. A keen golfer and curler, last year his curling team were beaten finalist in the Scottish Championships, Sandy said that

“It is an honour to be following on from John and I will do my best to ensure that the high standards set at Carnoustie continue.

“I’m looking forward to working with a fantastic team and meeting all future challenges.”

If you are unsure or have any doubts please contact us on 01347 833800.

Indeed, the team trial was the first opportunity for many players to experience the renowned links after the completion of the course improvements. “It was a wonderful weekend with all the players showing off their formidable skills,” said Andy Burgess, the club’s marketing convenor. “We started preparing for the Curtis Cup over three years ago. Since then a lot of work has been done on the course including the revetting of 60% of the bunkers. This was the first time a lot of the players had seen the course with these improvements, and without exception the feedback has been very positive.”

As it turned out, the weekend proved to be the perfect testing-ground for both golfers and the eight-man greenkeeping team, led by BIGGA Member and Course Manager Iain Carson. “The feedback we received has been tremendous which is a great accolade for our greenkeeping team which worked tirelessly to get the work done in time,” noted Burgess. “Not only that, but the greenkeeping team was able to prepare the course as closely as possible to the tournament conditions we will have in June. Of course this is weather dependant, but hopefully without too much rain we will have a testing links course to decide the Curtis Cup.”

Famed for its smooth-running greens, The Nairn Golf Club has drawn praise from the world’s best players. For instance, former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie described it as “one of the best links courses in our great country”, while World Number One Luke Donald said: “I have always considered it a great test of links golf and one of Scotland’s best courses”.

Shortly after the trial, the GB & I team was announced with praise coming from both the LGU and the players about the course. “The course was in magnificent order over the weekend and all the players appreciated the chance to familiarise themselves with the famously testing greens, tight fairways and punishing hazards,” said the LGU’s CEO Shona Malcolm. “The match itself can’t come soon enough now.”

As well as hosting the Curtis Cup, the famed Highland links will also be celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with a series of events planned for the summer. As part of the festivities, it has been announced that a limited edition whisky has been distilled and will go on sale to both club members and the general public.

The 16-year-old Balblair single cask, which is being bottled by local malt whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail, will be offered in a special presentation pack. Designed to embody the tradition of links golf, the limited edition whisky will be a fitting way to celebrate the 125 years of The Nairn Golf Club Golf.

The formal agreement sees the two largest associations in the industry working in collaboration to continue to raise standards in course management, demonstrate a global commitment to sustainability and to enhance the professional image and status of golf course managers and superintendents.

Signed in Las Vegas during The Golf Industry Show, the agreement will see the two bodies promoting and supporting each other’s services and programmes; sharing information and knowledge and providing opportunities for both associations to learn from each other.

The collaboration will cover education conferences and trade shows; support from industry sponsors and partners; professional development and education and membership products, services and information. All will be carried out with a genuine commitment to sustainability in all areas.

“BIGGA is delighted to have formalised its already excellent relationship with the GCSAA. We firmly believe that course managers around the world face similar challenges so sharing good practice, recognising each others skills and working together jointly to promote sustainability and the fine work done by all of our members will undoubtedly lead to better playing conditions on golf courses around the world. We are grateful to the Board of Directors of the GCSAA for their progressive approach to this collaboration and I personally look forward to working closely with them in the years to come,” said BIGGA Chairman, Andrew Mellon.

GCSAA President, Sandy Queen, CGCS said. “We are excited about deepening our relationship with BIGGA. We have always worked well together, but this action represents an intent to explore how we can work to benefit both memberships, both associations and golf course management as a profession. We could not ask for a better partner than BIGGA.”

Photograph:
Back Row – from left: Rafael Barajas, Bill Maynard, Pete Grass, John O'Keefe, Sandy Queen, Pat Finlen, Keith Ihms (Note: all are certified golf course superintendents).
Front Row – from left: Jim Croxton, Andrew Mellon, Robert Randquist CGCS, Rhett Evans.

That remarkable figure represents a threefold increase in the number of attendees from Continental Europe; an increase of 108% in those who attended from the South West; an 86% increase of those from Scotland and a 57% increase from the South East.

“We are delighted with the attendance figures, which vindicate the huge amount of work that was carried out in advance of the Show to encourage visitors to attend. The week has evolved over the years and now encompasses a fantastic, well supported education programme, various networking and hospitality events and this year we also saw other bodies taking the chance to hold meetings and gatherings in Harrogate whilst taking in a trip to the Exhibition.

The education offering is first class and improves year on year in terms of quality and uptake. The unique venue also ensures that networking takes place from breakfast to bedtime and good practice in greenkeeping is discussed and refined as a result.” said BIGGA’s CEO Jim Croxton.

That sentiment was endorsed by exhibitors who saw quality as well as quantity.

Curtis Allen, from Charterhouse Turf Machinery, said the numbers had restored his confidence in shows. “Numbers may be up but we are seeing the decision makers, and quite a bit internationally; which is good for us as a global company.”

“We were pleased with the level of attendance at this year’s show, and the quality of both visitors and enquiries was encouraging,” said Joedy Ibbotson, John Deere’s UK & Ireland turf division sales manager. “There was a refreshingly upbeat mood throughout the event, and people seemed to be more optimistic about the prospects for the golf industry and business generally in 2012.”

Michael Sievwright, of Trimax Mowing Systems, commented: “After a break of seven years we decided to bring our new Merlin to BTME. With the Merlin we have something very applicable to the Golf sector and felt we had to be here. We received lots of interest so the decision was correct.”
Tim Yates, of Kubota, expressed similar views, “We saw a lot of our dealers so BTME has been a good meeting place. You get so much value out of a face to face contact with an overriding opinion coming through that Golf Courses will have to start to invest in new equipment this year.”

Inturf’s Alex Edwards was upbeat in that he saw a lot of his existing customers, “That’s one of the reasons we exhibit because in three days we can meet with a good cross section of our client base; two customers from Denmark and two from Somerset came along to see us on the first day.”

“It was super,” said Blec Director, Gary Mumby, “the best Show we have attended in six years. We have had plenty of enquires and hopefully they will lead to orders.”
Exhibiting for the first time this year was French company PHM Philippe Morisse. Gaelle Riva, has seen massive interest, “Our product has been available in France for 15 years but we had never exhibited it in the UK. One of our customers recommended BTME to us and, I must say, the amount of interest has made us very pleased.”

Reflecting on BTME 2012, Croxton remarked “One of BIGGA’s most popular events is our Turf Management Exhibition and to have such a successful edition in the year we celebrated 25 years of the Association is really gratifying. When SIGGA, EIGGA and BGGA amalgamated in 1987 to form the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association many of our highest profile members envisaged a time when our activity would be central to the progress of the industry. I hope they’d agree we are on that path now.”

It’s interesting to note that the Mission Statement from 1987 is still relevant today:

“BIGGA is dedicated to the continuing professional development of its members and in serving their needs will strive through education and training for standards of excellence in golf course management throughout the greenkeeping profession.”

It is also a strong part of BIGGA’s remit to raise the profile and appreciation of the profession. Currently member numbers stand at 5,750, of whom 220 are based overseas, and split into Sectional and Regional branches. The association is governed by committees of members; willing volunteers providing direction for the team of staff at HQ to ensure they remain focused on providing a service to the members.

The overall aim of BTME is to provide a catalyst for improving practice in turf management, the upbeat mood amongst the many exhibitors and visitors would suggest that in that respect the 2012 event was a roaring success.

The imminent water usage restrictions have prompted much concern within golf clubs. After consulting with both England Golf and the GCMA we can offer the following advice:

All potentially affected Golf Clubs should contact their water supplier individually and seek permission for dispensation or at least a restricted supply agreement.

There is little doubt that the welfare of each golf club, their staff and their families could be seriously affected by any lengthy ban or restrictions of water supply. However, one has to be realistic as to the priorities of the water companies, and therefore requests and negotiations with them in the early stages may help to put off more serious consequences as the summer months approach.

Below is some important information on the situation and useful links for individual clubs:

What is the Golf Industry doing?

As it did in 2006, England Golf has made representation for golf to DEFRA and the Environment Agency (EA), the agencies managing the National Water Framework. Theirs and the water companies main requirement is to keep water coming out of domestic taps for as long as possible.

Whilst it has been made clear to DEFRA/EA that golf clubs are businesses, employing people from the local community, with revenue often dependent on the playing quality of the golf course, sports ‘arenas’ are still classed as amenity turf.

As this year’s drought order consultations have been applied for, England Golf have made initial representation to all companies, asking for consideration of a concessionary allowance in the case of commercial restrictions being considered.

For information an allowance of 50 cubic metres per day was achieved in 2006 when the last drought caused a similar issue.

The hosepipe ban: useful guidance

Due to an unusually dry 18 months, the south east of England and East Anglia are now in drought, and as a result some water companies will introduce a hosepipe ban in the very near future that will significantly restrict water usage.

When will the ban start?
All bans are due to commence on 5th April 2012 and will last indefinitely until the situation improves enough for restrictions to be lifted.

Who does it affect?

The ban will apply only in the south east of England and East Anglia. Seven water companies have indicated that they will impose hosepipe bans; Anglian Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Veolia Water South East and Veolia Water Central.

During the hosepipe ban water cannot be used for the following:


• watering a garden using a hosepipe (this includes areas of grass used for sport and recreation)

• cleaning a private motor vehicle using a hosepipe

• watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe

• cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe

• filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool

• drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use

• filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe

• filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain

• cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe

• cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe

• cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

Grass areas used for sport and recreation
'An area of grass used for sport and recreation' is included in the definition of a 'garden' for the purposes of the ban, so many golf clubs will be directly affected. Some golf clubs will not be able to water greens and other areas.

Are there any exemptions for sport?
Some but not all water companies have introduced exemptions which are relevant to sport. Click on the links below to see the exemptions being made by your water supplier:

Anglian Water

Southern Water

South East Water

Sutton and East Surrey Water

Thames Water

Veolia Water South East

Veolia Water Central

For further clarification on exactly what will and won’t be prohibited you should contact the water supplier for your area.

Most commercial operations and businesses will be allowed to continue using hosepipes if they are integral to their requirements

It is worth noting that watering cans and buckets can be used during the ban. The ban extends to hosepipes, sprinklers or anything else attached to a mains water supply or tap.

What are the implications if the hosepipe ban is breached?

It is an offence to contravene the provisions of the ban and the maximum penalty for each offence is £1,000.

What can you do?

People are being encouraged to contact their water company before the bans come into force for further information or to put forward their case if they believe they ought to be exempt.

National Governing Bodies and sports clubs will find plenty of hints and tips on the Waterwise website, as well as on the websites of your local water suppliers.

For further information

• In the first instance, you are best advised to contact your local water provider for additional information on how the ban will operate in your area.

• The full text of the legislation in its entirety can be found here.

By courtesy of the Captain and Committee of Ratho Park, the BIGGA Scottish National Tournament will be held on Wednesday 20 June, 2012.

Entry fee £25/Apprentice fee £12 which includes coffee/tea, filled roll on arrival, plus evening meal, sweep and prizes.

All entries with remittance to Rachael Duffy, Learning & Development Dept., BIGGA House, BIGGA, Aldwark Manor, Alne, York YO61 1UF by 7 June 2012. Cheques made payable to BIGGA HQ.

John had been with Bailey’s for 15 years in which time he had taken a great deal of interest and worked unceasingly to help and impart sound advice to his friends and customers within the turf care industry.

“His input into the success of our business and the friendship he bestowed on us is so special. We are determined to build on to the memory of our John Farrell,” said Alan Bailey

Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East are to enforce restrictions.

The drought-affected areas are the south-east of England and East Anglia.

But the Environment Agency warns in a new report that the drought could spread as far north as East Yorkshire and as far west as the Hampshire-Wiltshire border, if the dry weather continues this spring.

Two of the companies - London Water and Southern Water - said they will impose bans from 5 April.

In its report, the Environment Agency warns that drought conditions are expected to spread across more of England in coming weeks, unless strong rains arrive.

The awards are managed and administered by STRI, and supported by BIGGA. Each entry is independently judged on what the golf course has achieved and how it has benefited the environment.

Comprising 11 prizes, the awards include an Overall Achievement accolade which was won in 2011 by Loch Lomond Golf Club, staff from which have just embarked on a study trip to Portugal as part of their prize.

The Awards are supported by a number of sponsors committed to supporting and promoting proven sustainable projects within golf clubs – County Turf, Ransomes Jacobsen, Everris and Syngenta.

In addition, Justin Rose continues as official ambassador of the awards for the third consecutive year and will host a champagne reception at Wentworth for the 2011 winners.

The awards are split across three categories:

Environmental Improvement – four awards recognising projects involving:

Nature Conservation Management

Turfgrass Management

Waste Management

Water Management

Environmental Achievement

Five regional awards and one overall winner award recognising golf courses that have implemented a successful environmental management strategy, with clear objectives and targets on how this strategy will directly contribute to a better environment

Conservation Greenkeeper Award

To recognise an outstanding individual contribution to the success of environmental and ecological management

Entry to the 2012 awards is now open. Entry is free and details can be found on the website www.golfenvironmentawards.com

There was a net loss of 46,000 registered golfers in 2011, with the UK & Ireland -42,700 (-3.1%), Sweden -21,000 (-4.1%) and Spain -9,700 (-2.9%) recording the most significant reductions in player numbers.

The downturn in golf participation follows a 25-year period of impressive growth – the number of golfers has more than tripled since the 1980s, while the number of golf courses has doubled in the same period.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: “While the growth of golf started to slow down after 2005, last year was the first time there was an actual decrease in registered golfers. The decline can be attributed to two factors: the reduction in the number of golfers in some of Europe’s largest golf markets, especially the UK and Ireland, and the lack of dynamic growth in Europe’s emerging markets, specifically Eastern Europe and the South-East Mediterranean.”

While the number of officially recognised participants in the UK and Ireland fell to 1,326,700, still more than double the size of Europe’s second largest golf market, Germany (610,100), Sartori pointed out that golfers in the UK and Ireland don’t have to be registered, unlike most European countries, so the decline could be attributed in part to players giving up club memberships, while continuing to play on a daily fee basis.

However, feedback from the survey also suggests golf courses across Europe are failing to respond appropriately to the challenging economic conditions, and may belosing customers as a result.

“Golf clubs need to proactively and effectively face up to the challenging economic climate to retain members or attract new golfers,” continued Andrea Sartori. “Based on our survey, rather than introducing youth and family programs, and promotional packages, approximately 30-40% of Europe’s operators and club managers actually increased prices in 2011. More than half of clubs have not invested in enhanced marketing – and many have not yet capitalized on the opportunities provided by online marketing and social media.”

David was a long time supporter of BIGGA serving on the show steering committee for a number of years. His interest and passion for the amenity industry was partly generated through his long and successful rugby career, playing for Coventry, Leicester Tigers and captaining Leicestershire in the 50s.
His many years in the trade as Managing Director and Owner of Supaturf Products LTD saw him build the company through the fledgling years of the amenity industry. Manufacturing fertilisers specifically for use on golf courses and sports facilities at the G.A Palmer Ltd factory in Peterborough through the early 60s and carrying out important development work in turf nutrition.

David built up the business over a 35 year period and Supaturf became known countrywide with five depots across England through the 80s, offering a vast range of supplies to the industry. He further increased Supaturf sales across the world through the 90s selling products across Europe and as far afield as the southern hemisphere, before retiring in 2000.

He was seen as one of the founders of our trade and known by many. David is survived by wife, Jane, sons, Michael and Marcus, and his five grandchildren.
In memory of David the following web site has been set up to help collect vital funds so that modern medicine can get a greater understanding and hopefully a future cure for Alzheimer’s disease, that today effects so many people.
http://www.justgiving.com/remember/2293/David-Palmer