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