Weber BBQ Experience Roadshow rolls into John Browns Garden Centre

Barbecue manufacturer Weber will take its BBQ Experience Roadshow to John Browns garden centre in Three Legged Cross on Easter Saturday.

   Chef Dan Cooper – who has cooked up feasts for celebrities including Lily Allen and Alex James – will demonstrate delicious barbecued dishes and show visitors how to perfect Weber’s ‘roast’, ‘grill’ and ‘bake’ techniques.  

   The roadshow features a specially-equipped 1970s chrome Airstream Land Yacht, recently found in the USA and shipped to Somerset to be refurbished and re-fitted.

   Centre manager Jeremy Green said: “As well as demonstrations there will be plenty of opportunities to sample the delicious, freshly-barbecued food – and take away some recipe cards to try some exciting new creations at home. And it’s all free!”

   The latest gas and charcoal Weber barbecues will be on show, along with cookware accessories, and there will be offers on all Weber products throughout the bank holiday weekend.

   The roadshow will fire up from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday April 7.

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     www.weberexperience.co.uk

Howard is new plant area manager at Cadnam Garden Centre

Howard Ley has been appointed plant area manager at Cadnam Garden Centre, part of the Golden Acres group.

   His career began after qualifying with City & Guilds 1, 2 & 3 in Horticulture at Dartington Horticultural College, when he joined a local garden centre.

   More recently he was horticultural manager with a large garden centre group in the south west.

   His favourite plants are bedding and herbaceous because of their vibrant colours - he has a fairly small courtyard garden where he grows them in containers.

   Howard said: “Even though I’ve previously always lived in Devon, I’ve known Cadnam Garden Centre for years because my wife’s parents live in nearby Totton. It’s a great centre to move to because customer service is high on its priorities.”

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

Golden Acres: nursery expands online

Dorset nursery group Golden Acres has launched a specific trade website to enable its commercial customers to quickly choose plants for delivery around the south.

   For the first time, the nursery’s entire range of plants can viewed individually and an availability list downloaded for faster telephone ordering.

   The free online service will suit customers such as shops, garden centres, gardeners, landscapers, farm shops, pubs and local authorities.

   The site – www.goldenacrestrade.co.uk – will also shortly publish the nursery’s offers and promotions.

Picture by Phil Dowding

Groveley Detection: Ultrasonic detectors supplied to Perenco’s Trent platform

Perenco has included 12 Groveley Detection ultrasonic gas leak detectors in its refit of the Trent gas production platform in the southern North Sea.

   Groveley supplied its UK-built GDU-Incus ultrasonic pressurised gas leak detectors, which it commissioned and tested to Perenco’s performance specification. 

   The hemispherical airborne leak detector has the ability to ‘hear’ deadly gas leaks even in the harshest of weather and a -55°C to +85°C operating temperature range ensures functionality in the most extreme environments. It has extended area coverage and features such as self-testing and cleaning. 

   Groveley Detection’s managing director Robert Bennet said: “Beforehand we provided a full ultrasonic mapping survey to verify the location and quantity of detectors and worked with Perenco to optimise the system layout in the event of a leak.”

www.groveley.co.uk

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.

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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