New conference boasts 25 world experts
New Conference to take centre stage
Cranfield University at Silsoe and the National Turfgrass Foundation, a newly formed charitable trust with the aim of funding research projects and raising awareness of turfgrass research, have joined forces to stage a major conference. Entitled 'In Pursuit of Excellence', the conference will be held at the Southport Theatre and Floral Hall Complex, and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Southport, England, from 18th to 21st November 2002 inclusive.
Martyn Jones, originator of the NTF and organiser of the Conference announced that, "The Conference has been designed to augment other education programmes by focusing on the results of recent and current research into a wide range of turfgrass topics. Golf course managers, stadium managers, Green keepers, Groundsmen, researchers and college lecturers who wish to keep abreast of the latest developments will receive up-to-date information from internationally renowned researchers, agronomists and educators from the UK, continental Europe, and the USA. This is the largest programme to date and will feature 25 speakers, sharing their vast knowledge and experience on 36 topics."
The list of speakers and chairpersons reads like a 'Who's Who' of turf management and the programme covers general agronomic topics and, on Wednesday 20th November, a choice of specialisms in either golf course management or sports ground management. Something for everyone and at an affordable price is definitely the theme for the event.
Amongst the impressive line up of speakers are Dr Stephen Baker, Professor Joseph Vargas Jr. Dr Alan Gange, Professor Al Turgeon, Dr Ed McCoy, Professor Karl Danneberger, Dr Kate Entwistle, Stanley Zontek, Dr Frank Rossi, Dr Bob Shearman and Professor Peter Dernoeden.
Presentations cover a diverse range of subjects, including recent research conducted at Newcastle upon Tyne University, England, into enhancing drainage rates by the use of electro kineticgeosynthetics, and details of a UK golf green construction specification. The effectiveness of plant growth regulators (PGR's) and the emergence of new diseases are other highly topical subjects. Environmental management of seaside links courses, and turfgrass stress management will be of particular interest to some Green keepers. Turf managers who wish to undertake a programme of advanced education or who would like to learn how they might contribute to turfgrass research will also benefit enormously.
Martyn went on to say, " Those who have attended similar programmes will be aware of the tremendous knowledge that can be gained, not only directly from the presentations but also from socialising with the speakers and fellow delegates during out-of-conference hours. Green keeperswill also have an opportunity to discuss 'The Vintage Years' with Walter Woods, OBE and Jack McMillan, MBE, much respected senior statesmen of the industry. In addition to the comprehensive learning programme, entertainment has been organised for each evening to help delegates and speakers relax in preparation for the following day. Southport is an ideal venue, being situated in close proximity to Manchester International Airport, numerous wonderful golf courses such as Royal Birkdale G C and Formby G C, and the major soccer stadia of Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester United."
For further details contact Martyn Jones on Tel. 44 1995 670675 or email NTFoundation@aol.com.