Groveley Detection: relocation due to expansion

Expanding hazard detection company Groveley Detection has relocated to larger premises in Dorset.

   It now occupies a 5,000 square feet factory in Christchurch, which is more than double the size of its previous premises.

   Currently with 20 staff, the company is currently looking to recruit up to five additional staff, spread among most disciplines.

   Managing director Robert Bennet said: “We needed to expand our production area and capability, particularly for our new ultrasonic gas leak detector (UGLD), the GDU Incus (pictured), which we manufacture entirely in-house.”

   Groveley’s Incus has the ability to ‘hear’ potentially deadly gas leaks even in the harshest of weather – its -55°C to +85°C operating temperature ensures functionality in the most extreme environments.

   Robert added: “After years in research and development the Incus is now in the market and selling well in the oil and gas industry. It has allowed us to extend our reach globally and we have distributors around the world now well-established in their markets. With years of experience and understanding of our customer needs, Groveley knows its markets well.”

   Groveley Detection recently announced record growth with an 82 per cent growth in annual turnover – and expects to increase its turnover this year by 25 per cent to £5 million.

   It previously shared premises with sister company Groveley Precision Engineering, which also needed increased manufacturing space due to its own expansion.

www.groveley.co.uk   Photography by Phil Dowding

Former West End performer joins new musical for Poole premiere

Former West End show performer Darren Bartlett has joined new nativity musical ‘The Birth of a King’ for its premiere at Poole Lighthouse on December 4.

   Darren, who lives in Wimborne, will play the angel Gabriel. He has played romantic lead Marius in Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre and has sung in Christian concerts and musical theatre at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley, the Hollywood Bowl, Las Vegas.

   He said: “I love the show and think it has enormous potential, the music is modern and very appealing – and of course it’s a story everyone knows.”

   He is joined by professional opera singer Elizabeth Ferrie, who plays Mary’s mother.

   Collaratura soprano Elizabeth lives in Upton and has performed professionally in most operas, including the challenging role of The Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

   Another Upton resident who will sing as part of the chorus, Lisa Francis, sang as a child in the West End show Evita.

   New producer Chris Burton said: “It’s such a great festive show and tickets are selling fast. It is due to première this December in three US venues and in Singapore.”

   The Birth of a King will have a full symphony orchestra, 120-strong chorus and 32 soloists.

   All tickets cost £15 and are now on sale at Poole Lighthouse.

www.the-birth-of-a-king.org      Picture by Phil Dowding

Christmas special events at Golden Acres and John Browns garden centres

Local bell-ringers and local cheese, jam and chutney tastings will feature when Golden Acres garden centre at West Parley hosts its annual pre-Christmas open evening on Tuesday November 29.

   Meanwhile a children’s puppet show and the Three legged Cross First School choir will join the bell-ringers at John Browns garden centre, at its event on Tuesday Dec 6.

   During the evenings staff will give away mulled wine and mince pies and there will be double customer bonus points, free prize draws to win garden centre vouchers, and special meal deals served in the cafe.

   Simon Edwards, director of the Golden Acres group which owns both centres, said: “It’s so easy to do your Christmas shopping at our centres, with free parking, no crowds, no pressure – and always something a little bit different for you to find for your friends and family.”

   The events will take place from 5.30pm to 8pm. There will also be displays of Christmas trees, decorations and gifts, with free delivery of Christmas trees bought on the night.

www.goldenacresgroup.co.uk   Picture by Phil Dowding

Gardening experts field questions from WI

Local gardening experts formed a question time panel to answer queries from members of the Ferndown branch of Women’s Institute, during their visit to John Browns garden centre at Three Legged Cross.

   Bob Holister from Country Garden Plant Sales in Corfe Castle joined Emma Green (Golden Acres‘ group plant area co-ordinator) and Pete Wood, plant manager at Golden Acres garden centre in West Parley.

   Bob specialises in vines, ferns and unusual shrubs. Both he and Pete have previously work at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

   A spokesperson for Absolutely WI (Ferndown) said: "More than 20 of our members attended – it was great fun; ladies came with questions about problem plants in their gardens and how to get the best from them and went home well informed.”

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk    Picture by Phil Dowding

Second Redditch garden centre acquisition in September, as Golden Acres makes it five

Redditch may be the next ‘in’ place to invest in garden centres – the area's second centre acquisition in September has been announced.

   Badger Nurseries has been acquired by the Golden Acres group of garden centres and nurseries for an undisclosed sum and will be re-named Badger Garden Centre.

   Golden Acres expects to spend £1 million on redeveloping the centre within the next 18 months.

   This follows news that nearby Hillier Redditch – in the same village of Studley, Warwickshire – has been sold to become the first outlet in the new Hillview garden centre chain.

   Golden Acres’ group operations director Simon Edwards said: “Is Redditch the new place to be? We are delighted with the sudden interest in the area and looking forward to raising the quality of garden centre offering in the area.

   “Badger is a great, family-run centre that is very gardening-focussed, which fits our way of business well. Staff there have looked after customers well and there is excellent loyalty to the centre in the area.

   “We aim to use all of our 30 years experience to build on all its strengths and improve the customer environment still further.”

   He added he was pleased that all the staff have been retained and that they were all extremely enthusiastic to see change.

   The three-acre site acquisition does not include Badger’s original wholesale nursery division, which will continue to supply the garden centre with locally-grown plants, run by owners John and Ann Alldrick.

   Golden Acres has stepped up its own production of bedding plants to supply the additional centre.

   The group already owns four garden centres, a trade wholesale business and nurseries in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and aims to continue its expansion in the southern half of the UK.

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk

www.badgernurseries.co.uk

Picture by Phil Dowding

Professional Horticulture Group views growing and production at Golden Acres

Golden Acres group operations director Simon Edwards addressed the Professional Horticulture Group–South West during a visit to Golden Acres’ nursery and wholesale division.

   The group is built up of horticulturists from various backgrounds, some retired and others still in employment.

   Many had been attendees at the GAN trade show, run by Golden Acres until February this year, and had expressed interest in seeing the group’s advanced growing and production facility. 

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk      
Picture by Phil Dowding

Golden Acres: trade cash & carry turnover up by 44%

Cash and Carry supervisor Nathalie Phillips

Southern nursery group Golden Acres has reported a 44 per cent year-on-year turnover increase in its trade cash and carry business near Christchurch in Dorset. 

   The cash and carry division – where trade customers such as landscapers choose and collect plants onsite – has been gradually expanded since being separated in 2007 from its previously joint wholesale nursery business.

   Golden Acres’ group operations manager Simon Edwards said there were several reasons for the high sales figures: “There is generally more confidence out there, and with people putting things off last year, landscapers are now getting consistent bigger jobs.

   “After two cold winters, some plants need replacing – often with a hardier species. And supervisor Nathalie Phillips returned after a period in one of our garden centres, she is very respected for her plant knowledge. The property market has helped too.”

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding

Women business owners brighten Boscombe’s business environment, thanks to plants grant

Women business owners in the Boscombe community group Friends of Roumelia Lane joined forces to win a grant to brighten up the exterior of their workplaces with plants.

   Headed by Helene Bowman-Brown of Gazelle Design & Marketing and Rishi Ludgate of Gallery La Boheme, the six ladies were awarded £1,000 by the local Green Goals Community Fund.

   They approached Golden Acres garden centre at West Parley for advice on the best plants to buy because the section of lane is north-facing, and the most suitable plant food and compost.

   Rishi said: “We wanted some black bamboo to add height and really stand out against the cream background wall. Staff at Golden Acres helped us a lot and the plants look fabulous. We had a lot of fun putting the project together.”

   The plants occupy two groups of planters and 12 hanging baskets in a 100-metre stretch.

   Helene said: “There is an extraordinary community spirit in the lane and it’s a pleasure to work here; there’s a lot of support for each other.”

   The plants have caused such a stir in the lane that the local councillor convinced the ladies to enter Bournemouth in Bloom as a last-minute entry.

   Other business owners involved in producing the displays were Nancy Beardall from 19th Century Tailoring, Bunty and Howard Gray of Bunty’s Beads and Rosanna Bavoso of Rosie’s Cafe.

--------------------------------

Picture by Phil Dowding:  Left to right: Howard and Bunty Gray, Nancy Beardall (back), Rishi Ludgate and Helene Bowman-Brown

www.bournemouth.gov.uk/StreetsTransport/StreetCareCleaning/EnvironmentalProjects/GreenGoals.aspx

www.gazelledesign.co.uk

http://gallerylaboheme.com

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk

Marion’s surprise reunion

Marion Knight had the surprise of her life at work on her 70th birthday – when her daughter Fiona and granddaughter Siân turned up from Australia!
   Due to arrive three days later, Fiona and Siân had conspired with the manager of the coffee shop – at Golden Acres garden centre at Landford – to make Marion’s birthday on Sept 1 really special by coming early and surprising her.
   They have lived in The Sunshine Coast in Queensland for the last six years and obviously cannot see Marion as often as they would like, although Marion managed to fly out and visit them last year.
   Fiona said: “I told mum we were coming a week later to add the surprise element. It took a few phone calls to her bosses at Golden Acres, but they were great and let me arrange an early holiday for mum.”
   Marion said: “What a surprise! I saw them come through the coffee shop entrance, recognised them immediately and just ran over to hug them.”
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding

Golden Acres to exhibit at Glee for the first time

Dorset nursery group Golden Acres is to exhibit at the Glee 2011 trade show during September 19-21 – its first time at the show.
   On display will be selections from its planted containers and sand/plant arrangements ‘Simply Sand’.
   And at the exhibition’s new product stand, Golden Acres will launch its new ‘Airwaves’ range of beach-themed, air plant arrangements - ideal for the bathroom.
   UK sales manager John Robinson said: “We will also show indoor arrangements with weaved baskets, zinc and ceramics, and outdoor ranges with baskets, hanging baskets, zinc containers and a budget range.”
   Parley-based Golden Acres is also a grower and supplier of pack bedding, patio and basket plants and also provides a full Cash & Carry facility to the trade.
   Visit Golden Acres at Glee on stand P38 or at website www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk.
   Glee is the UK's most comprehensive trade show for the garden, landscaping, leisure and pet industries.
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     www.gleebirmingham.com/glee11 
Picture by Phil Dowding

“Amazing response” to auditions for UK première of new Nativity musical in Poole

Perhaps it’s X-Factor fever, but producers of the UK première of a new Nativity musical in Poole – The Birth of a King – have reported an “amazing response’ to an appeal for local singers to audition.
    Chris Burton said: “We would normally expect around 60-70 responses, but to date we’ve had nearly 200 and have aded an extra two days of auditions to cope with the demand.
   “It’s a brand-new show and a UK launch, so that’s probably contributed to the high level of interest from singers wanting to get involved.”
   The singers arrived at the free auditions from amateur groups and choirs, churches and simply individuals – some of whom hadn’t performed before – most were local but some were from London and one from Scotland.
   Successful finalists will get the chance to sing alongside professionals from major West End and Broadway musicals such as Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera - who are also performing on a voluntary basis.
   The Birth of a King takes place at Lighthouse Poole on December 4. It will have a full symphony orchestra, 120-strong chorus and 37 soloists. If you are interested in joining the cast, chorus or orchestra, simply apply at www.the-birth-of-a-king.org.
   The additional audition dates are August 30 and September 3, with rehearsals starting on September 15.
   The show will also première this December in three US venues and in Singapore.
Picture by Phil Dowding

Groveley Detection: ISO14001 environmental management system success

Hazard detection company Groveley Detection has been awarded ISO14001 status, incorporating it into its existing ISO9001 certified quality system.
  Managing director Robert Bennet said: “We have been introducing environmental initiatives for a number of years and the decision to seek formal certification was taken in line with Groveley's commitment to continual improvement and environmental impact awareness.”
  ISO14001 gives customers the assurance that internal systems have been audited, authorised and certified by an independent external body. Customer requirements will continue to be met while Groveley maintains environmental best practice in the process.
  All employees have been given training on the quality system by partners in this process, RDA Consultancy.
  ISO14001 is an internationally-recognised environmental management system which works alongside the ISO9001 quality management system.
www.groveley.co.uk

Andrew Ellis appointed centre manager at Cadnam Garden Centre

Golden Acres group has appointed former Woolworths store manager Andrew Ellis centre manager at its Cadnam, Hampshire, garden centre.
   Andrew (48) started his retail career in Woolworths stores in Cornwall and Devon, before moving to Hampshire in 1999. He managed several outlets during his 28 years for the high-street retail chain until it closed its stores at the end of 2008.
   Although his first garden centre appointment, he says he is passionate about plants: “I wouldn’t say I’m a gardener – I’m my wife’s handyman – but I love plants and get very excited about them.”
   Andrew said his appointment is geared more to the people side of the business: “I’m building and training a team of colleagues that are passionate about what we do, who want to deliver great products and will interact with our customers to give them a great service.”
   His Woolworths background provided great experience in supplying customers’ seasonal requirements, and at each store he has become involved in the local community and chambers of trade.
   He said: “I’ve always wanted to work in an expanding garden centre group and jumped at the chance to work with Golden Acres. The closest I got was building a mini garden centre in the back yard of Woolworths in Tavistock a few years ago!”
   Andrew lives in Portsmouth and is married with two children.
   And his favourite plant? “Clematis – the first plant I bought was a President with dark blue and purple flowers - absolutely breathtaking.”
www.www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk       Picture by Phil Dowding

Singers and musicians wanted for UK première of new Nativity musical

Lighthouse Poole will host the UK première of a new, epic Nativity musical on December 4 – The Birth of a King – and local singers and musicians are invited to join professionals in the performance.
   The event is produced by professionals who have worked on major West End and Broadway musicals such as Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera. It will also be premièred this year in three US venues and in Singapore.
   The Birth of a King will have a full symphony orchestra, a 120-strong chorus and 37 soloists. If you are interested in joining the cast, chorus or orchestra, simply apply at www.the-birth-of-a-king.org.
   Its professional production staff have experience of working with singers who are complete beginners and everybody is welcome to apply for an audition – and of course, professional-standard singers can apply too! All kinds of singers are needed – opera, rock, classical and musical.
   Local musicians are also invited to play in the orchestra alongside the professionals and semi-professionals already booked.
   Open auditions start on July 30 and continue on various dates in August. Its team is keen to hear from anyone who is interested, even without singing or stage experience, as full training will be given.
   A spokesperson said: “We are not asking people to audition for a particular role - all we want you to do is come along and sing us a song! If you are a grand opera singer, we would love to hear it.
   “If you have no experience, then feel free to bring any song you like - simply bring music or a backing track for whichever song you choose – or come and just sing "Happy Birthday" (we already have the music for that)!
   “The audition for chorus only will be very low key and is really just to give us an idea of which part to place your voice in, so please don't panic about it if you've never done this before. We're friendly and we don't bite!”
www.the-birth-of-a-king.org

Groveley Detection: GDU-Incus granted safety integrity rating SIL 2

The GDU-Incus ultrasonic gas leak detector has been granted SIL 2 certification.
   The unit is already IECEx-approved for use in hazardous areas and ATEX-certified to Ex d ib IIB+H2 T4.
   Manufacturer Groveley Detection has over 19 years experience supplying fire and gas detection equipment for hazardous areas and the GDU-Incus represents its latest development in ultrasonic gas leak detection technology.
   Utilising extremely stable piezoelectric technology, the GDU-Incus offers a large coverage area of up to 40m (pressure, leak size and background noise level dependant) with a detection range between 25kHz to 100kHz and an instantaneous speed of response.
   The IP66/67 rated detector provides unrivalled protection from the harshest of weather – its -55°C to +85°C operating temperature ensures functionality in even extreme environments.
   The GDU-Incus is factory set and requires no field calibration. It needs minimal maintenance and reliable operation is ensured using a continuous electronic self test.
   Safety Integrity Level is the measure of functional safety of electrical and electronic safety related systems.
www.groveley.co.uk          Photography by Phil Dowding

Groveley Detection: record year with 82% turnover boost

Hazard detection specialist Groveley Detection has announced another record year with an 82 per cent increase in turnover to £3.9 million for its latest financial year, which ended in May.
   Managing director Robert Bennet said the increase was due to focusing on high-end products and quality service.
   “We are well established in the industry after 19 years, we know our markets well and what our customers are looking for”, he said. “We have concentrated on niche areas and providing excellent customer service, and over the years built up a very good in-house team.”
   A new product - the GDU-Incus ultrasonic gas leak detector - will allow the company to continue to expand into world markets. This airborne leak detector offers a vast area of coverage, high sensitivity and an extreme temperature range, plus features such as self-testing and cleaning.
    Mr Bennet said: “Importantly, our products have an extremely long life in the field whilst requiring very little calibration or testing, so offer long-term life-cycle savings that outstrip lower quality competitor products. Initial capital costs may be slightly higher, but hugely lower maintenance bills and long service life produce an overall lower cost”.
   He added the long-term benefit message has taken time to get across in the industry but is now gaining momentum and has contributed to the increased turnover
www.groveley.co.uk         Picture by Phil Dowding:  Groveley Detection’s GDU-Incus ultrasonic gas leak detector

Future nano-scientist Sam loves his work at Cadnam Garden Centre

A young future scientist from Totton – who is fast becoming an expert on nano-scale circuitry for future computers – still loves his part-time job at a local garden centre!
    Sam Hillman (18) so impressed the UK’s National Physical Laboratory* during a four-week experience placement that in May he was sent to a science fair in Texas – where he won a silver medal for his project.
   His interest lies in tiny nano-scale computer circuitry – which will be much faster than conventional technology – and is set to replace microprocessor technology in laboratory microscopes within ten years.
   Importantly, they allow faster and more complex functions using less power.
   Sam is studying A-level Physics, Further Maths and Chemistry at Brockenhurst College, and will attend Warwick University in October. Then he wants to work in research for nano technology for sustainable energy.
   He has worked as a part-time sales assistant at Cadnam Garden Centre for 18 months and said: “I really enjoy working there, it’s a great place. I’m not really an expert on plants but I find them interesting and it’s great to learn about them.”
   Sam won his silver medal at the International Sustainable World Energy Engineering Environment Project Olympiad**. He was awarded $600 financial support for study and a fully-funded scholarship invitation for four years of study in a US university.
   He won his place at the exhibition by presenting at the Exscitec Science Fair at Imperial College London last year.
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding
www.isweeep.org

Classic cars at Golden Acres Landford on July 10

The annual judging event of classic cars owned by the Test Valley Motor Enthusiasts takes place on July 10 at Golden Acres Garden Centre, Landford – and visitors are invited to take part in the judging.
   Organisors expect around 60 vehicles which will be judged by club members in four categories – saloons, sports cars, motorcycles and miscellaneous (including stationary engines, tractors and commercial vehicles).
   Visitors to the centre can vote for another category – the car or motorcycle they would most like to take home – and results will be announced during the event.
   The cars will arrive from 1.30pm and judging starts at 3pm.
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk
www.romseynet.org.uk/motorgroup/index.html

Groveley Detection: solution for large HVAC ducts at Morecambe Bay

Specialist engineers at Groveley Detection have provided a solution for monitoring flammable gas ingress into some larger-than-average HVAC ducts for Centrica Plc.
   A survey was commissioned for the Central Platform on the South Morecambe Bay Field to ascertain the best way to monitor HVAC ducts in line with the HSE Directive Offshore Information Sheet No. 5/2008. The solution was a combination of six Simtronics GD10PE infrared extended point gas detectors and GDA-aspirators.
   GD10PEs are specifically designed to monitor critical applications involving large volumes of high velocity air and can reach alarm levels as low as 3% LEL.
   For the wider ducts, two GDA-aspirators were fitted with GD10P infrared gas detectors connecting to self-compensating duct probes. In total six SCDPs were utilised for their ability to monitor the whole cross section of the ducts, in 1.6m and 3.05m lengths. Groveley can custom-build them to a maximum length of 4m.
   Groveley has worked with Centrica since 2003 to protect personnel and plant and has also provided training courses to Centrica staff on F&G detection equipment awareness.
www.groveley.co.uk       Picture courtesy of Centrica

Groveley Precision Engineering: awarded environmental management system ISO14001

Groveley Precision Engineering has achieved the environmental management system ISO14001 status, adding it to its ISO9001 certified quality system.
   Environmental initiatives have been introduced at the Christchurch-based company for a number of years and the decision to seek formal certification was taken in line with Groveley's commitment to the SC21 supplier improvement programme.
   This gives customers added assurance that the systems have been audited, authorized and certified by an independent external body.
   ISO14001 status confirms customer needs will always be met while continually maintaining environmental considerations.
   All employees were given ISO14001 training by RDA Consultancy, and Business Link Wessex assisted in part-funding the project.
   Managing director Peter Bennet said: “Our staff have relished the opportunity to make improvements to benefit both their own working environment and the company as a whole.”
   ISO14001 is an internationally-recognised environmental management system which works alongside the ISO9001 quality management system.
www.groveley.co.uk    Photography by Phil Dowding

Groveley Detection: GDA-aspirators supplied to Statfjord B platform

Hazard detection experts Groveley Detection has supplied three custom-made gas detection aspirators to SEC AS based in Norway.
   The single and dual channel aspirators were fitted with H2S detectors and will be used on Statoil's Statfjord B platform. Statfjord is one of the oldest producing fields on the Norwegian continental shelf, and the largest oil discovery in the North Sea.
   GDA-aspirators use minimal compression fittings which help reduce maintenance costs by reducing leak paths. These compression fittings should never need altering - no other aspirator manufacturer offers such a system. The GDA-aspirators will be utilized to monitor gas turbine exhaust ducts.
   Statoil have a number of GDA-aspirators on other platforms in the North Sea including Statfjord C, Kvitebjorn and Troll A.

   www.groveley.co.uk    Phtography by Harald Pettersen

John Browns garden centre: 3X school receives £200 cheque from Unwins Seeds

Delighted schoolchildren from Three Legged Cross First School received a £200 cheque for gardening equipment during a visit to John Browns garden centre in Three Legged Cross.
  The centre had nominated the 3X school for the ‘Gro-Sure Challenge for Schools’ from seed company Unwin, which aims to inspire children to try growing from seed and enjoy achieving great results, while supporting local schools.
  The children attend the school’s gardening club and were presented with free Unwin t-shirts.
  Alongside its £200 cheque, Unwins will also provide the school with information and online support for Key Stage 1 and 2 requirements on gardening.
  Emma Green from John Browns said: “The benefits for children of gardening and growing from seed are endless, from enjoying practical activities outside and the excitement of watching seedlings grow, to enjoying the taste of fresh and healthy homegrown vegetables.”
  The school could now win an additional £1,000 by entering pupils’ drawings or paintings of ‘how their dream garden will look in 2050’ into a regional competition.
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk
www.threeleggedcross.dorset.sch.uk
Photography by Phil Dowding

MyoFit publicity photography

New exercise studio MyoFit approached us to handle publicity cut-out photography for exciting window graphics in Poole, Dorset.

The studio, headed by Josh Pocock, is dedicated to injury prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and performance enhancement - transforming clients' bodies into everything they can become.

www.myofit.co.uk

Dorset churches connect with J.John

International Christian evangelist J.John addressed church leaders from around south Dorset in Wareham on Thursday, March 31.
   The event was part of the build up to ‘Connect’, the second annual week of worship, teaching and ministry, to be held at Holton Lee between July 13–17 this year.
   Connect 2011 will build on the success of its launch event in July 2010 when nearly 2,000 people attended, representing around 30 churches and fellowships.
   Around double the number of attendees are expected this year.
   Speakers will include Russ Parker, Brian Draper and Angela Seaton-Mills, plus Labid Madanat, head of the Bible Society’s three branches in the Bible Lands, and Victor Kalisher, Bible Society director in Israel.
   The Connect 2011 programme will include seminars, interest groups, activities, evening celebrations, and a family-focussed weekend with camping, a youth and children’s programme.
   Worship bands from local churches will lead worship in the afternoon and evening main tent sessions.
   Organiser Rob Richards said: “Last year’s event exceeded our expectations in every way and feedback from church leaders ever since has been extremely positive. We know around double the number of churches are getting involved."
www.connect2011.org.uk   Photography by Phil Dowding

Guide show: Guides perform show songs at Cadnam Garden Centre

Local Guides descended on Cadnam Garden Centre to perform songs from their upcoming production ‘Memories of Showtime’.
   Members of the New Forest North and Southampton West divisions promoted the show, which takes place at Southampton Guildhall in seven performances between April 12-16.
   Brownies and Guides from eight divisions across Hampshire West will perform a song and dance extravaganza which includes around 80 songs, put together by a new production team which developed the show from snippits of previous Showtime performances.
   Assistant branch manager at Cadnam Garden Centre, Michelle Savage – who as a teenager performed in the 2000 show – said: “We love supporting our local community and it’s great to see young people actively involved in such a great production – and I encourage people to buy the tickets to go and see the show!”
   One of the show's co-ordinators Julie Broomfield said: “The girls have been rehearsing every Sunday since September and it’s a brilliant show. It’s our seventh production, with a cast of 175 from all over Hampshire West.”
   Tickets cost £10 for children and concessions; £15 for adults and are available online or from the Southampton Guildhall Box Office.
Photography by Phil Dowding

John Browns garden centre: You cook WHAT on a BBQ?

Staff from John Browns garden centre are cooking cheesecake and chocolate brownies on their BBQs following a special training course with BBQ manufacturer Weber!
   Jeremy Green, manager at the at Three Legged Cross centre, said: “You can use many modern BBQs just like a normal oven, albeit with a little less heat control.
   “You can cook some gorgeous food like pizza, curries, garlic bread, various puddings – even pavlova – outdoors on charcoal, gas and electric BBQs.”
   If you’d like advice on cooking more adventurous food, Jeremy and his staff are available to offer suggestions.
   Their training also covered new outdoor smoker cookers which are now on display at John Browns.
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk   
Photography by Phil Dowding

Airflow: new business expands plastics moulding division

New business gained at Airflow Ventilators has led to the Hampshire manufacturer opening a second contract plastics moulding manufacturing site in Verwood, Dorset, to make large builders buckets, domestic caddies and mop buckets for its Plumbuild range.
   And within months of opening, the new plant has moved to 24/5 production to cope with volumes of work, and aims to shortly add extra injection moulding machines and take on five new staff.
   Airflow PMD (Plastics Mould Division) also operates from a second site close to Airflow’s headquarters in New Milton, Hampshire. At that site, production and assembly has also just increased to double shifts. Across the two sites, the moulding division operates 14 machines ranging from 25 to 485 tons.
   Airflow managing director Lionel Huish said: “We have manufactured plastics in-house since internalising the moulding process for our plumbers and builders products in 2001 and it has grown steadily.
   “Now PMD handles contract plastics moulding for high street products that are sold around the world - products as varied as Christmas tree stands and the container of a world-famous lip balm.
   “Our team works closely with its moulding clients and gets involved at an early stage, including product concept, modeling, CAD design, liaison with toolmakers, moulding to a maximum machine size of 485 tons, assembly, testing and packaging.” 
   The company’s original ventilation business – Airflow (Nicoll Ventilators) Ltd – now operates 24/7 at New Milton producing its ever-expanding, own-brand product range for builders and plumbers merchants, which includes buckets and tools. During 2011 it will develop its manufacturing process and increase its marketing to the plumbing/building sector.
   Since employing 20 new staff during 2010, Airflow now employs 50 staff across its three manufacturing sites.
www.airflow-vent.co.uk    Photography by Phil Dowding

New school suffers pupil burns attacks

Bex Okotel with burns victim Alice in hospital in Uganda

When Poole-based Christian charity Child of Hope opened a new school in a Ugandan slum last week, it was expecting to celebrate - but was rocked when two of its pupils – one aged four – were set alight in two separate incidents.
  The school, run by Bex Okotel – who lived in Poole – and her husband Moses, opened on February 7 with funds raised from the UK, including many individuals and churches in Dorset.
  The two girls had burning paraffin thrown on them and the eldest, Alice (10), has suffered horrific burns from the neck down. The youngest, Maria, is just four years old.
  Fortunately Maria is not as badly burnt as Alice but is having to stay in hospital for a few days. Her right arm, shoulder blade and back of her head have significant burns.
  The woman who threw the deadly paraffin/petrol mix on Maria (and possibly Alice too) is now in police custody and Child of Hope is working with the police.
  It appears her husband works at a petrol depot and may have been stealing petrol to sell in the slum, to 'water down' paraffin that is commonly used to light homes at night.
  As soon as Bex and Moses heard about the latest incident with Maria, Bex rushed to find her and took her to hospital, while Moses went straight to the police with the burnt clothes.
  The Child of Hope school was built to provide free education, healthcare, food and clothing for nearly 200 of the poorest children living in Namatala slum, in Mbale, eastern Uganda.
  Its premises are currently just one floor and and will be extended to another floor during 2011, and a third in 2012. By then it will educate around 600 children.
  Phil Dowding, chairman of Child of Hope UK, said: “What these two children have suffered is terrible and our Ugandan team is working with the police to bring the individuals to justice.
 “But in the meantime, nearly 200 children are exploring their new school building with an enormous smile on their faces. Most would not have gone to school, possibly ever, so their long-term hope is infinitely more secure with a good education behind them.”
www.childofhopeuganda.org

Kittens born in the roof of Golden Acres garden centre

A stray cat was looking for a warm place to have her kittens and found the ideal spot – a tiny space in the roof above a computer room in Golden Acres garden centre at West Parley, where she gave birth to five kittens.
   The cat had been spotted a few times beforehand and cries were eventually heard coming from the roof space.
   Staff member Chris Woods and a colleague removed the kittens, with some resistance from the mother until she realised she was not being separated from them.
   They called the Bournemouth & District branch of rescue organisation Cats Protection, which came and took the mum, along with her two black and three tabby kittens, into its care.
   Chris said: “The mother is in very good condition and affectionate; she is certainly not a wild cat. She found a very good spot to have her babies.”
   Cats Protection started in 1927 and now helps more than 215,000 cats and kittens every year through its network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 29 adoption centres. Branches take in cats and ensure that they receive all the veterinary care and attention that they need to help them get back on their paws.
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk  
www.bournemouthcats.org.uk
Photography by Phil Dowding

GAN 2011 new product awards

Awards were announced at the horticultural trade show GAN 2011 on February 9 for the best new products and services that will make an impact on the UK market this year.
   Best New Plant was won by Kernock Park Plants with its newly-bred hardy perennial Iberis in pink, ‘Absolutely Amethyst’. This new variety starts to produce breathtaking amethyst, pink puffs of flower in late March through mid May on neat mounds of green foliage.
   Then Scotts Miracle Gro took Best New Retail Product with its Rose Clear Ultra, its new-generation systemic insecticide and fungicide for combined control of pests and diseases on ornamental plants.
   Best Technical Product or Service was Electronic & Technical Services for its Evaposensor and interface for mist and irrigation control - which also won the Best Overall New Product category. The unit enables accurate matching of water use to plant requirements, automatically adjusting mist, fog and irrigation applications according to the plant environment and weather.
   And Country Garden Plant Sales won the award for Best Stand.
   Simon Edwards, group operations director, said: “This show was a great event, with more visitors than last year.”
   However the success has made it increasingly difficult for organisor Golden Acres to release space in its nursery each year – and has announced this February’s show was the last one.
   Simon added: “Feedback from exhibitors and visitors was excellent and although we’re sad that GAN won’t now appear in the UK’s horticultural diary each year, we’re glad it’s gone out on a high.”
   GAN has evolved from a nursery open day in 1994 to become the largest horticultural trade show in the south as well as being the first of the year.
   In 1998, 77 exhibitors occupied 150 stands and by 2010 figures had grown to 174 exhibitors’ occupying 235 stands.
www.ganshow.com    Photography by Phil Dowding


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Pictures from top:
• Electronic & Technical Services’ Evaposensor and interface for mist and irrigation Control.
• Scotts Miracle Gro: RoseClear Ultra.
• Kernock Park Plants for its ‘Absolutely Amethyst’

Golden Acres: expansion in bedding production

Golden Acres has expanded its bedding production area at its Bournemouth nursery to accommodate increasing demand in bedding plants.
   Following a 20 per cent increase in production over the last five years, the nursery has reorganised its growing area to allow for further expansion.
   The nursery supplies the group’s own four garden centres in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, along with many other centres and retail outlets across the south.
   However the success has made it increasingly difficult for the nursery to release space for the southern horticultural trade show GAN, which operates every February from the site – and Golden Acres has announced this February’s show was the last one.
   Simon Edwards, group operations director (pictured), said: “Those of us that have worked to make this event what it is are immensely proud of what has been achieved and are extremely grateful for the support that all the exhibitors and visitors have shown us over the years. I know that many friendships have been forged and more importantly a great deal of business has been done.”
   GAN has evolved from a nursery open day in 1994 to become the largest horticultural trade show in the south as well as being the first of the year.
   In 1998, 77 exhibitors occupied 150 stands and by 2010 figures had grown to 174 exhibitors’ occupying 235 stands. 
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk   Photography by Phil Dowding

More exhibitors set sights on GAN’s new product awards

With southern horticultural trade show GAN 2011 just a few days away on Wednesday, February 9, the last entries are in from exhibitors for the New Product awards.

Latecomers for New Plant Variety include:
• Coprosma ‘Tequila Sunrise' from New Place Nurseries. An evergreen shrub with a compact growing habit, with small glossy green leaves that transform through a range of vibrant foliage colours during the year.
• ‘Thymus Worfield Gardens’ from Worfield Gardens Wholesale Nursery – a white variegated thyme recently discovered at a Shropshire alpine nursery. Evergreen, cushion forming with aromatic leaves and easy to grow.
   
Entries for Best Technical Product or Service include:
• The Melcourt Sylvamix range of peat-free growing media.
• Fargro’s MET52 Granular - a CRD-approved microbial pest control, to control black vine weevil in ornamentals and soft fruit.
• Agralan now offers ready-made hives of native British bumblebees (Bombus terrestris audax) for outdoor pollination.
• Jumbo Ellepot from Ellegaard A/S – an environmentally-friendly substrate bio paperpot for the landscape and retail sectors.

And final entries for Best New Retail Product include:
• Growth Technology’s Orchid Myst, which produces a fine spray for orchid care. Ready to use, no mixing, no measurements, just a few squirts a couple of times a week for a great flower display.
• Two entries from FSUK at DRIVALL - a durable shovel with large polypropylene scoop with an aluminium profile for snow/garden amenity use - and a range of fibreglass pots and planters.
• The Granomax 5 from Agralan distributes granular material in controlled and regular patterns. Great for fertilisers to lawns and gardens, salt to de-ice frozen surfaces and sand to absorb spilt oil in the workshop.

Products will be judged during the one-day show and awards made on the day.The venue will be Dorset’s Golden Acres Nursery near Bournemouth International Airport.

www.ganshow.com

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Pictures (top to bottom):

• Thymus Worfield Gardens from Worfield Gardens Wholesale Nursery.
• An adult Black Vine weevil - controlled by Fargro’s MET52 Granular.
• A selection of of FSUK at DRIVALL’s fibreglass pots and planters.
• Native British bumblebees from Agralan.

More new products aim to win GAN awards

Erica carnea 'Claribelle' from Forest Edge Nurseries

Exhibitors continue to enter their latest products in the various new product award categories at southern horticultural trade show GAN 2011, which takes place near Bournemouth on February 9.

Recent entries for New Plant Variety include:
•  Erica carnea 'Claribelle' from Forest Edge Nurseries – a new heather introduction from the specialist supplier. A low growing, spreading plant displaying clear rich pink flowers set on ascending branches of sea green foliage throughout late winter and spring.
•  Botany Bay Nurseries will show its new Jumbo Plugs – big enough to plant direct into a hanging basket or planted container – giving accelerated establishment, no misses and quicker finishing times.

Osmocote Bloom from Scotts Professional

Botany Bay Nurseries’ Jumbo Plugs

   
Entries for Best Technical Product or Service include:
•  Osmocote Bloom from Scotts Professional – a controlled released fertilizer for bedding production. Its 2-3 month longevity eliminates the need for water soluble fertilizers and it promotes quicker and better rooting.   
•  Electronic & Technical Services will show its Evaposensor and interface for mist and irrigation control, which enables accurate matching of water use to plant requirements.  It automatically adjusts mist, fog or irrigation applications according to the plant environment and weather. 

And latest entries for Best New Retail Product include Vivid Arts’ fun meerkat ornament range – launched last year, it helps garden retailers maximise on the high awareness for meerkats and enables centres to bring some life and amusement into their retail displays.

Products will be judged during the one-day show and awards made on the day.
The venue will be Dorset’s Golden Acres Nursery near Bournemouth International Airport.
www.ganshow.com

Golden Acres appoints first operations manager, David Goble

Expanding horticultural group Golden Acres has appointed retail specialist David Goble to its new role of garden centre operations manager, with oversight of its four centres in Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.
   He said: “I will be working closely with each centre and buyers. One of our objectives is to create an increased ‘high street’ feel to our centres, with great value for money and excellent ranges of garden lifestyle products.
   “Golden Acres is currently looking to acquire more centres so my job is set to expand shortly; I’ve arrived at an exciting time.”
   David is a former Woolworths store manager and area manager. He lives in Fareham with his wife Kirsty and their two children.
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk   
Photography by Phil Dowding.

Groveley Detection: First open path hydrogen sulphide gas detector

Groveley Detection, which specialises in hazardous area fire and gas detection, has received its first order for the new Simtronics GD1 open path hydrogen sulphide gas detector.
   The detector is faster than traditional detectors, needs less routine maintenance and no field recalibration.
   Produced by Simtronics ASA in Norway, the GD1 offers failsafe, reliable and robust H2S detection for areas likely to see gas releases, such as offshore or onshore installations, power plants and waste water treatment plants.
   Groveley Detection’s managing director Robert Bennet said: “This is a major leap for personnel safety – with a response time of five seconds to a H2S leak, the highly sensitive GD1 is ideal for personnel safety monitoring and considerably faster than other toxic detection technologies.
   “It offers real cost savings over traditional point gas detectors. Using a single transmitter/receiver pair, the detector typically covers distances of 30-50 metres, which cuts costs as fewer devices are needed to cover the same risk.”
   The GD1 uses non consumptive sensors which eliminates sensor replacement (as required with alternative electro-chemical point sensor devices), this means further cost reductions for maintenance, cabling and calibration.

www.groveley.co.uk

New products line up for GAN awards

Exhibitors at GAN 2011 on February 9 are revealing their new products and services as they set their sights on winning one of the show’s range of awards.

Entries for New Plant Variety include:
• Ball Colegrave’s Petunia 'Black Velvet' – the world’s first ever black Petunia,
• Kernock Park Plants’ newly-bred hardy perennial Iberis in pink,
• Seiont Nurseries’ Ugni Moliniae ‘Butterball’ with apricot spring growth and edible berries.
   
Entries for Best Technical Product or Service include:
• the Institute of Horticulture’s free mentoring service for horiculturists,
• Martin Lishman’s range of self-propelled pedestrian sprayers.   

Entries for Best New Retail Product include:
• Plantopia’s ‘Easyfit’ Christmas tree stand,
• Vital Earth’s plant food Vitalizer, made from recycled green waste,
• William Sinclair Horticulture’s SuperFyba growing medium.

Products will be judged during the one-day show and awards made on the day.
   The southern horticultural trade show GAN 2011 will place on Wednesday February 9. Its website is now full of exhibitor’s information and online booking.
   The venue will be Dorset’s Golden Acres Nursery near Bournemouth International Airport.
   For information and free online registration, visit www.ganshow.com

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Pictures (top to bottom):
• Kernock Park Plants’ ‘Iberis Absolutely Amethyst’
• Ball Colegrave’s Petunia 'Black Velvet'
• Seiont Nurseries’ Ugni Moliniae ‘Butterball’
• Vital Earth’s plant food Vitalizer