THE ARCHIVE TO MARK 80th EDITION

SALTEX will celebrate its 80th edition when it returns to the NEC Birmingham this November 11-12.

Organisers, the GMA, say that part of the celebrations will be the launch of The Archive, a brand-new feature designed to take visitors on a journey through the history of grounds management.

They say the Archive will guide visitors through five defining eras of the industry's evolution. Starting in the years before SALTEX and before modern mechanisation, The Archive will map the development of grounds care through the Hurlingham era, the rise of post-war machinery and the emergence of specialist equipment tailored to different sports surfaces.

The GMA said in an statement, "Visitors will follow the transformation of grounds management into the highly skilled profession it is today, driven by advances in technology, before arriving at the modern era where sustainability and automation are shaping the future of the sector.

"The eras will tell a powerful story of continuous progress, showing how generations of grounds professionals have adapted to changing demands while maintaining the highest standards of playing surfaces across the UK and beyond."

One of the standout attractions within The Archive will be a rare pre-1938 collection of machinery, made possible through the support of The Hall & Duck Trust.

Among the exhibits will be an 1858 Improved Budding lawn mower, manufactured by Ferrabees of Stroud and widely recognised as one of the foundations of modern mowing technology. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see a 1905 Ransomes Patent Motor Mower, believed to be the earliest known Ransomes pedestrian mower, alongside a 1919 Simar rotavator, thought to be the oldest surviving example of its kind in the UK.

The collection will also include a 1928 water-cooled JP lawn mower and one of the earliest known Dennis mowers, dating back to 1923.

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said, "As we celebrate 80 editions of SALTEX, we're proud to honour our heritage whilst still showcasing the latest innovations that will define the next generation of grounds management. This year's event will be one of the most memorable in our history."