BULLDOG found in turf depot:
Avonmouth based Craig West Turf recently carried out a customer survey to find out, amongst other things, what additional products or services might be useful. A number of people suggested that certain hand tools were regularly purchased and it would be helpful if they could be made available at the depot.
As a result, a range of quality Bulldog tools, specific to the needs of landscapers, is now available at very competitive prices.
During the past three years, CWT has expanded its product range to include bagged topsoil and aggregates, timber decking, fencing and paving. Artificial turf, recycled rubber and a range of Melcourt products have also been added, all to satisfy the growing demand by landscapers for the depot to become a convenient ‘One Stop Shop’. During the same period, the company has also moved premises twice in order to accommodate the increased stockholding.
CWT is always looking for ways to improve the product range and service available to their customers and all suggestions are carefully considered.
Christmas Customer Survey - Prize Draw winner
Congratulations to Carl from Gardenesque, whose survey form was picked out of the hat to win stock to the value of £250.
Thanks also to all those that took the trouble to return their forms. Your comments were both interesting and helpful. As a direct result we are looking at the possibility of selling a selection of quality hand tools at the depot. We have also arranged for a number of free copies of The Landscaper magazine to be delivered to the depot so that we can make them available to those of you who wish to keep up to date with the latest market news. If you can’t get to the depot, but would still like to receive a copy, please let us know and we can arrange for you to go on their circulation list.
It’s worth noting that we are always interested in your opinions and suggestions for improving our service to you and increasing our range of products. So please don’t wait for the next survey to take place, if you have a good idea, share it with us.
St Chad’s in Birmingham gets a quarter acre of ShowlawnThe Gavin Jones Group recently ordered just over a quarter acre of our Showlawn Turf to complete works at St Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham. The turf was specified by the architects Macfarlane Wilder. Steve Fisher at Gavin Jones said that they were delighted with the quality of the turf as well as the service from CWT. |
NEW STOCK LINE6 x 6 Trellis panels - straight or bow top. Call for details. |
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BACK IN STOCK20Kg bags of slate - plum, green and blue. |
CREDIT CONTROL NEWS
The Credit Protection Agency, CPA will be employed by us to perform full credit control services with effect from the 1st March 2008. They will perform credit checks, monitor our accounts and ensure compliance with our credit terms. The outsourcing of this important role is intended to free valuable time for us to concentrate on business development and customer satisfaction. Also, by improving the efficiency of this operation, it will enable us to ensure that we remain competitive in an increasingly challenging market. This will directly benefit you the customer.
CRAIG WEST TURF GROWS
Craig West Turf has moved to larger premises at Avonmouth for the second time in three years. Since expanding their range three years ago to now include timber products, topsoil and aggregates, the business has grown substantially. The resulting need for additional storage and office space has meant a second move to larger premises, this time to a warehouse with internal floor space of a quarter acre and secure external space of half as much again. The rebranded company (CWTLS) Craig West Turf Landscape Supplies, also trades online through their website www.cwtls.co.uk
“We can now unload artics inside this warehouse and load up to four customer lorries simultaneously, all under cover” said MD Craig West. “We have just had the most successful trading year to date simply because we no longer rely solely on turf sales. Decking, paving and topsoil are among the top sellers along with sleepers and fencing, which has been more difficult to source this year. However, when you are able to order a container load at a time, it does help.”
The additional storage space means that CWTLS can normally supply large quantities e.g. 100 ‘Dumpy’ bags of topsoil or 700 sleepers, directly from stock. Turf still accounts for the majority of sales, but their customers appreciate the ability to collect, or have delivered, a range of products all from the same location, saving them time and money.
NEW PRODUCT BROCHURE
Our new product brochure has been printed and is now available from the office.
RANGE ADDS NINE HOLES FROM CRAIG WEST TURF
Stuart Sawyer took control of Tiverton Parkway Driving Range in 2002 and immediately started a programme of improvements that will soon see the opening of a 9 hole, par 3 starters’ course.
Currently under construction, it will have holes ranging in length from just over one hundred up to two hundred yards. CWT greens, a traditional fescue / bent turf grown on light sandy soil, is being used to create professional quality, full size greens each averaging 400 - 600 square yards. A friend and local greenkeeper recommended Stuart to Craig West Turf. “I am really impressed,” said Stuart, “it’s brilliant, fantastic turf and the service is first class too.” “With the addition of this facility we shall soon have one of the premier teaching venues in the southwest.”
GIN JEOPARDISES BRISTOL IN BLOOM
Queen Square in the centre of Bristol is the largest Georgian square in Britain according to Jerry Baker, City Centre Spaces Manager and has just been the subject of a £4.6m restoration project involving English Heritage.
Unfortunately, a recently staged exhibition by a leading gin producer caused damage to one of the eight lawns at the centre of the square. A glasshouse containing exhibits of botanical plants used in the production of gin was on site for three weeks resulting in a large area of dead grass.
Following the recommendation of a colleague, Mr Baker contacted Craig West Turf of Avonmouth, Bristol. The work involving the removal of ten tons of soil, ground preparation and laying of 200 square metres of Showlawn turf, had to be carried out ready for the judging of Bristol in Bloom only seven days later. Craig West commented, “Apart from the time constraints, the repairs had to be carried out carefully in a very sensitive area surrounded by gravel paths with timber edging. The weather was also very hot and dry, so following the laying of the turf a thousand litres of water were applied from a bowser each day to ensure perfect establishment.”
Mr Baker said, “I was on holiday during the period the work was being done so Craig had to organize everything and I am very pleased with the result. The turf quality was excellent, the work was carried out on time and with no damage to the surrounding areas.”
TURFING A WALK IN THE “LITTLE PARK”
Avonmouth based Craig West Turf has just completed the supply and installation of 450 square metres of CWT Ryesport turf at Shirehampton Park Golf Club near Bristol.
The work returfing the 1st and 9th tees was carried out in one day using Jumbo 20 square metre rolls of turf and the patented TurfporterTM machine by Talbot Sportsturf Installations.
Club Secretary Karen Rix said “We have been using Craig West Turf for the past seven years because of the quality of the products and service provided. I am also pleased that their increased range now includes timber products and aggregates because it is most convenient to order everything from one supplier”.
The 18 hole, undulating parkland course with stunning views across the River Avon and Gordano valley, was founded in 1904 and is the subject of a book entitled Golf in the Little Park. During the Second World War the course was reduced to nine holes, the remainder being used as a camp for the US Army. It was only in June 1952 that the full 18 holes were once again in play.
PRODUCT LOCATOR SERVICE
YOU CAN NOW SOURCE ALL YOUR LANDSCAPING PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS BY MAKING ONE FREE CALL TO CRAIG WEST TURF. The Product Locator Service is designed to eliminate the hassle in Sourcing and Arranging Delivery to site, of all the different products you need:
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SLEEPERS AGGREGATES TOPSOIL MULCH WATER FEATURES SHEDS TREES FENCING PLANTS PAVING DECKING TOOLS GARDEN FURNITURE & MUCH MORE... Save time & money by using the PRODUCT LOCATOR SERVICE |
TWO HECTARE LAWN FROM CRAIG WEST TURF
Avonmouth based Craig West Turf has just supplied 20,000 square metres of their Playlawn turf (that’s five acres in old money), for the prestigious new Hayley Conference Centre at Swindon.
Alexandra House is the latest venture by Hayley Conference Centres, the company that created the concept of ‘Legendary Learning Environments’. They claim that it will “Immediately put Swindon firmly on the map as one of the UK’s top conference locations”.
The impressive 118 bedroom centre with 26 meeting rooms, leisure club and banquet facilities is surrounded by 20,000 square metres of Playlawn turf that has been laid by Shepton Mallet Landscapes. According to MD Chris Brown, his men managed to lay 1,800 square metres of turf per day in standard size rolls despite atrocious weather conditions, allowing the contract to be completed on time.
CONGRATULATIONS HANNAH!
Sponsored by Craig West Turf, Hannah Chalmers was runner up in her first attempt at the prestigious Institute of Horticulture’s Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. Having won the South West Regional final, she managed a creditable second place in the National Final held on the 24th April at Birmingham’s botanic gardens.
CRAIG WEST TURF AT THE MANOR HOUSE
The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club at Castle Combe in Wiltshire is one of the most prestigious venues in the South. On the course, the signature 17th hole is rated as one of the top ten par 3’s in the world. No surprise therefore, that Craig West is proud to be official supplier of turf for the entire complex.
Course Manager Paul Bishop is a regular customer for the sports turf used on course, as well as amenity turf for the grounds of the hotel which include a unique Italian Garden.
As well as 8 greens staff, Paul employs 3 gardeners to ensure that the hotel grounds and clubhouse gardens are always presented at their best.
The most recent project was renovating the roundabout in front of the clubhouse, for which Showlawn was chosen.
HANNAH TO REPRESENT SOUTH WEST
The South West Regional Final of the Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition, sponsored by Craig West Turf, was recently held at Wiltshire College Lackham. The winner, Hannah Chalmers, is pictured being presented with the trophy by Craig West.
24 year old Hannah represented Kingston Mauward college Dorset where she is studying for the National Diploma in Horticulture. She has gained work experience at Oxford Botanics and is also studying for the Royal Forestry Society Certificate in Arboriculture. Her main interest is botanical, in particular plants for a purpose e.g. sensory gardens. Her ambition is to become a lecturer in horticulture.
Hannah will now go forward to represent the South West Region of the Institute of Horticulture in the National Final at Birmingham Botanic Gardens on Sunday 24th April where 8 finalists will compete for the Percy Thrower Travel Bursary worth £1,500.
CRAIG’S TURF REACHES THE LEADERBOARD
Bristol based Craig West Turf Limited has recently supplied over 6,000 square metres of turf to one of the Leaderboard Group golf clubs, Sandford Springs in Hampshire.
Barrelfield Construction installed the turf during a complete bunker refurbishment programme to The Park Course, one of three loops of nine holes at the prestigious club. The work involving 22 bunkers was completed within the six-week contract period despite four weeks of inclement weather. At the same time, a natural pond near the clubhouse was lined, shaped and turfed. According to Course Manager Andrew Crowley, the original clay lining of the pond was leaking so badly that at certain times of the year it required refilling every two weeks. A geotextile lining is now in place.
Originally a Hawtree designed course, the first eighteen holes were opened by Nick Faldo in the summer of 1989 with the final nine holes being added in 1991. The redesign of The Park Course, which was one year in the planning, was by David Williams.
“It is intended that the other two loops, The Wood and The Lakes, will be refurbished over the next two years” said Andrew Crowley, adding that he was “Very pleased with the work of Barrelfield and the excellent turf quality. In four weeks Craig’s Ryesport turf has ‘matched in’ and rooted down to 2cm.”
Barrelfield Construction may be contacted on 020 8390 6566
Craig West on FREEPHONE 0800 915 9846 or www.craigwestturf.co.uk
SHOWLAWN FOR CLIFTON’S CAMPUS
The imposing architecture of prestigious Clifton College in Bristol has recently been enhanced by the installation of 850 square metres of Showlawn Turf supplied by Avonmouth based Craig West Turf Ltd.
Centrepiece of the splendid gardens of School House, which dates back to the founding of the school in 1862 and from where U.S. General Omar Bradley planned the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the old lawn had been completely worn out according to Head Gardener "Oz", by successive generations of pupils.
Seen by all visitors to the Upper School, and entered through the Memorial Arch, it was essential that the area reflect the high standards maintained by the college. Showlawn was the obvious choice, medium textured, but hard wearing with good year round colour.
Craig West can be contacted on FREEPHONE 0800 915 9846
July 2004
TURFING THE DREAM
Avonmouth Based Craig West Turf Limited recently supplied over 300 square metres of their Showlawn grade of turf for ITV’s “Building The Dream” project.
During the popular reality TV series, the competing couples were involved in all aspects of the construction of their “Dream Home” in Witham Friary in Somerset. However, professional landscaper Chris Brown of Shepton Mallet Landscapes, was tasked with creating the beautiful garden that was to be the backdrop for the luxury home.
After three weeks on site the final job was to lay the lawn. Chris said “We needed top quality turf and as live filming took place to a deadline, it had to arrive at the right place and at the right time - on time.” He ordered 340 square metres of Showlawn from Craig West Turf. This grade was chosen for its durability, disease resistance and good year round colour.
The project was completed on cue for the final day’s filming and the winning couple took possession of their prize. An individual, architect designed new home displayed to perfection against the backdrop of a beautiful lawn.
January 2004
BAGCC & BALI WELCOME CRAIG WEST TURF
Craig West Turf Ltd. is proud to have received recognition of its professionalism and quality of service by being accepted as an Associate Member of the British Association of Golf Course Constructors.
Associate Members are only admitted to the BAGCC following a stringent vetting procedure. They are selected for their ability to consistently supply Constructor Members with products and/or services to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. According to BAGCC Secretary David White “This organisation is skilled at its job, it is highly professional and is recognised by its peers”. “I shall be pleased and delighted to welcome them on board at our annual meeting at Harrogate in January 2004”.
Of interest to Landscapers will be the fact that Craig West Turf Ltd is now a member of the British Association of Landscape Industries. BALI members are also vetted and membership of the organisation means potential customers can be confident in the quality of service and products available from the company.
October 2003
BASINGSTOKE REBUNKERED IN RECORD TIME
Avonmouth based Craig West Turf Ltd has supplied over three acres of turf to Basingstoke Golf Club in Hampshire for a project that completely changed the course. This is because every bunker was removed, redesigned, relocated or renovated during a project that started and finished within the competition season.
According to architect David Williams, who redesigned the bunkering and oversaw the project, excellent weather and close co-operation between client and contractor was vital in ensuring minimal disruption to play. The result was a job planned to take twelve weeks, successfully completed in six by Barrelfield Construction Ltd.
Disruption was minimal with only two holes closed at any one time and regular communication between management, members and visitors meant that there were no surprises and few dissenting voices. When asked what advice he would give to other clubs contemplating a major project, Secretary Allan Jefford replied “Start in Spring or mid August. The damage and disruption to the course is kept to a minimum and so is the repair time. Our biggest problem was irrigating, but that was not unexpected.
August 2003
CRAIG’S TURF FIT FOR A KING
A castle built for Henry VIII has recently been enhanced with turf supplied by Bristol based Craig West Turf Ltd.
The construction of a new contemporary heritage garden at Portland Castle on the Dorset coast, has just been completed by Wyevale Landscapes on behalf of English Heritage who manage the castle.
“The turf chosen was particularly important” according to Craig West, “as the salt atmosphere is better tolerated by the finer grasses.
Since its establishment in 1998, Craig West Turf Ltd has become the largest independent dealer of purpose grown turf in Europe.
Turf in standard 1m2 or Jumbo 20m2 rolls, as well as top quality grass seed, is supplied to Landscapers, Developers, Greenkeepers and Golf Course Constructors Nationwide via a number of carefully selected hauliers chosen for their commitment to prompt, reliable service and customer care.