A national series of training courses for suppliers, buyers and installers of cultivated turf has been launched by the Turfgrass Growers Association at its Field Days event taking place this week at Teal farm, Wadborough in Worcestershire.
Between 10th July and 21st August there will be five half-day seminars hosted by the independent turf consultant and agronomist, Robert Laycock who is also the appointed technical adviser to the TGA.
The training courses have been drawn up to help promote and maintain consistently high standards in all aspects of turf use and after-care, extending the commitment to excellence being pursued by the TGA in the establishment, growing and harvesting of turf.
Since its formation in 1995 the TGA’s mission has been to improve the standards of its members through unity and the sharing of knowledge for the benefit of all customers. This is being achieved through regular meetings and discussion groups, the staging of events such as the TGA Field Days and the implementation of the TGA quality standards for turf, formulated and published in 1996.
With the launch this week of its first training courses for turf professionals, the TGA is aiming to extend the quality message to all sectors of the industry so that turf retailers, landscapers, garden designers and horticulturists are better equipped to select and care for quality cultivated turf used for amenity, sports and ornamental purposes. Course content will include the importance of the TGA standard for assurance of turf quality, lawn design and establishment and the care of lawns throughout the year.
Priced at £99 (plus VAT) per person, including buffet lunch and refreshments, the half-day seminars commence on 10th July at Peterborough United Football Club, with a second training course planned for 24th July at Brinsbury College of the Country side, Pullborough, West Sussex. The seminars are then scheduled for Bingley, West Yorkshire on 31st July; Clevedon, Somerset on 14th August and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on 21st August.
Although the seminars are expected to be very popular, with a maximum allowable attendance of 20 people per venue, the TGA is offering a special discounted price of £79 (plus VAT) to anyone booking a place by 30th June. Full course details, a programme and booking forms can be obtained from David Clarke Chief Executive Turfgrass Growers Association davidclarke@turfgrass.co.uk Tel 01728 723672