CHRIS BIDDLE RETIRES (FINALLY!)

Chris Biddle, the founder of Service Dealer writes:

“Last December I announced a pause in my Inside Agri-Turf podcast as Trish and I were about to move from our home of 30 years in Salisbury to Southbourne on the Dorset coast. My intention was to re-start production after a couple of months

However, with the move successfully completed, I have decided to put Inside Agri-Turf ‘to bed’ permanently after an exhilarating and satisfying five years producing more than 130 episodes for the land-based engineering community.

It brings to an end my direct involvement with this wonderful industry. More than 60 years that have been, always challenging, never dull, constantly evolving, endlessly fascinating - with a cast of the most talented and innovative folk you will find in any industry. 

It all started for me in 1962 as a demonstrator for Ford Tractors, and progressed through management for an ag and grass machinery dealership. Then a change of gear, founding Service Dealer and TurfPro magazines in 1988, before passing the baton to Duncan Murray-Clarke who has taken the publication and events to new heights, supported by the ever-present editor Steve Gibbs, who joined me in 2001 fresh out of uni - with a degree in film studies!

I've been extremely fortunate to have enjoyed excellent relationships with the industry bodies. BAGMA where I was President-elect ‘back in the day’ (but couldn’t take up the post because my dealership had just acquired another company); with the AEA to whom I extend heartiest congratulations on its remarkable 150th Anniversary this year, and as a Fellow of IAgrE, for whom I produced its house journal, Landwards, for 12 years.

There are so many memories, experiences, highs and lows, all underpinned by enduring friendships. Hardly any of it was planned. Careers in this industry evolve. Doors are constantly opening as technology drives new opportunities. 
But now is the time to totally switch off. 

Today, my ‘local’ is Sobo Beach, just 100 yards from our new home, a laid-back bar and eatery on Southbourne beach, recently voted one of the best in the UK.

And guess what?  One of the first dealer profiles I wrote for Service Dealer in the 1980s featured Christchurch Power Tools. I was back in that very same showroom recently, buying a ride-on. Not a grass cutter, but a mobility scooter to help with my pesky spinal issues. The premises is now occupied by a specialist in these aids – whilst Christchurch Garden Machinery, opened by Chad Hayes of Longham Mowers, occupies a smart showroom on the same site.

So, what goes round  . . .  Many thanks to everyone who listened to, guested or collaborated with my Inside Agri-Turf podcast - and best wishes to everyone involved in an industry which has dominated my life for so many years.

Judging by the pictures and stories in the media, online, and across social media of smiling, enthusiastic young people who have ‘got the message’ about the opportunities offered in land-based engineering, the industry is well equipped to meet the challenges of the future”

Ciao 

Chris

All the episodes of Inside Agri-Turf will be live until the end of July this year.